Liz Nistico, AKA Revenge Wife, released one of the most captivating collections of songs and accompanying music videos back in 2020 called Background Songs For Your Boring Life, Vol 1. Apropos, since 2020 and 2021 were both the most stressful and boring years in human history. Six years later, and she’s still adding to the story of those videos with a pop-punk banger of a track called “What If It *Is* Me?!” This is the first single off her upcoming debut full-length, Alien Witch, out September 30th. Sign up for her mailing list here to keep up with preorder details, and follow her on Instagram here.
Author: Dakin Hardwick
HEAVENS TO BETSY’S FIRST RECORDINGS ARE FINALLY COMING OUT!!!
WOO HOO!!! The biggest surprise of 2026 is the groundbreaking riot grrl duo Heavens To Betsy getting back together and playing shows again. I did not expect to also get a new album. And by a new album, actually an album of demos recorded by Bratmobile legend Molly Neuman back in 1992.
baby’s gone is coming to you from legendary punk label Kill Rock Stars on October 16th. Preorders, along with new merch, are available starting now! And, of course, don’t forget the tour! So many shows are already sold out, so don’t delay in locking in. I have waited my entire teenage AND adult life for this to happen.
Single of the Week: “Pretty Face” by Girl Tones
Sometimes you just need some loud guitars that start out anxious and then explode. And by sometimes, I mean all the time. It helps you stay sane. Girl Tones are the right kinda driving rock n roll that I need to keep going, and “Pretty Face” is big enough to really do it.
“Pretty Face” is the first single off Precious, their debut album out November 6th.
Outside Lands 2026 Instant Set Reviews
I’ve been to 16 of the last 18 Outside Lands. Some years have been more fun than others, of course. (I missed 2010 due to work and 2021 due to COVID anxiety) But I will always come back. This party in Golden Gate Park is always a good time — the music, the vibes, the food. I’ve never had a bad time. But this year, 2026, was the absolute BEST Outside Lands I’ve ever been to. It’s been a few days, and I’m still beaming over my OSL experience, and I can’t wait until next year. Which, I might add, Eager Beaver tickets go on sale 8/19 at 10am. Register here for the presale!
On with my recap of the greatest OSL ever:
Continue reading “Outside Lands 2026 Instant Set Reviews”
Show Review: St Vincent & The San Francisco Symphony with Arooj Aftab at Davies Symphony Hall, 7/30/26
St Vincent released Live In London earlier this year, a recording of a live show performed with a symphony orchestra. Normally, I’d do extensive research before a show, including listening to the record numerous times. I opted against that this time, and instead decided I wanted to be surprised. This was the right choice. Continue reading “Show Review: St Vincent & The San Francisco Symphony with Arooj Aftab at Davies Symphony Hall, 7/30/26”
Single of the Week: “Sick Of The Times” by THAO featuring Tune-Yards & The Linda Lindas
Thao Nguyen is back. And this track is a banger. It’s been six long years, and in that time she’s dissolved her long-time band, The Get Down Stay Down, and is simply going by THAO. And with that change, she’s giving us a fierce little number that’s both dancefloor and mosh pit ready. The grooves of Merrill Garbus (Tune-Yards’ leader and producer of this track) and the ferocity of The Linda Lindas are both key players here, but the classic THAO energy is still there, too. GOD, I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!
“Sick Of The Times” comes from THAO’s upcoming record, Show Me, coming your way October 30th from the legendary Kill Rock Stars label. A short Fall Tour is on sale TODAY at 10 am!
Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands 2026 Poster
I love music festivals. They are like a tasting menu for music, and probably my favorite way to discover new acts. Past Outside Lands have made me fall for The Marias (playing early in the day on the smallest stage), Ashe, underscores, Odie Leigh, CMAT, Samia, and even a little artist named Sabrina Carpenter. (Seriously, I had no idea what to expect from her, but was pretty much amazed from beginning to end). I’ve spent the last few weeks listening to acts on the lower half of the original poster, and I’m here to help you navigate the best and brightest of the undercard for Outside Lands this year. The full lineup is here, and tickets are sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.
Die Spitz Continue reading “Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands 2026 Poster”
Single of the Week: “After All” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is having a bit of a career high right now. After celebrating 10 years of her magnum opus, EMOTION, as well as bringing her first child into the world, she managed to find time to create a double album where she reinvents herself once again. “After All” is a sexy, disco soul jam that’s just plain GREAT. It’s the second single off her upcoming Day & Night, which comes out September 18th. Expect it to be all over the best of 2026 lists.
Help L7’s Jennifer Finch Fight Brain Cancer!
We all knew that legendary bassist Jennifer Finch was sitting out the L7’s “The Last Hurrah Tour.” We learned today the reason why… She’s battling an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Being a legend and coming from one of the most important bands of all time doesn’t necessarily mean access to resources, and she’s asking for help to pay for absurdly expensive medical care. (Jesus, America!) Here’s a link to her GoFundMe!
SIngle of the Week: “Closer” by The Linda Lindas featuring Hayley Williams
The Linda Lindas keep getting better. “Closer” pushes their usual punky sound to pure, 00’s, rip your heart out and hand it to anyone willing to hold it emo. Lucia de la Garza’s delicate voice blends so nicely with guest singer Hayley Williams’ soulful croon that I’m getting goosebumps listening to this song. Another work of genius from the teenage rock saviors.
“Closer” is the second single off The Linda Lindas upcoming major label debut, GOTTA GET OUT, in stores and online August 28th!