Reviews of albums, films, concerts, and more from the Bay Area Music and Movie Nerds
Sunflower Beam’s Julia Cumming’s solo debut is out today, and the latest single is a heartbreaker AND heartmender. A beautiful song about finding resolution in an old relationship. We’ve all been there, and she captures it in such a lovely way.
Julia is on your favorite DSP and at your local indie retailer TODAY!
Spacemoth is back! I’m bloody thrilled… She’s returned with a bright and sunny bit of krautrock joy. Does that make sense? NOT AT ALL! Until you listen to the track. Heck, even Willow Smith is on board at this point. Put your brain in a swimming pool in the sun and enjoy.
“Do We Exist?” is the first single off Spacemoth’s sophomore record, Inward Eye, dropping June 26th. See them at their record release show at Rickshaw Stop on July 24th, or at the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard curated Field Of Vision Festival August 14-16! Or on your computer right now courtesy KEXP!
I don’t like to pick covers for Single of the Week, but I’ll make an exception here- Kate Nash has presented a retelling of Sinead O’Connor’s “Famine,” which tells the truth about the Irish potato famine and how it all ties back to English Imperialism. Last night I saw Habibi perform, and their lead singer, Rahill, discussed at length what’s happening in Iran, and it was potent. (Her song about that is dropping soon) But the history of false famines to control a population is as painful as it is deliberate. (See: US destroying Cuba RIGHT THIS FUCKING SECOND)
“Famine” is ready to stream now, and the 7″ can be preordered for release July 17th.
What? An actual piece of modern classical music as your “Single Of The Week”? And it’s out on Stones Throw? Oh, BLARF is actually comedian Eric Andre?!? YES! This piece is a little Copland, a little Gershwin, and a little Reznor and it’s AMAZING.
BLARF’s full album of classical compositions, Film Scores For Films That Don’t Exist is out May 1st. Preorder here! And see him debut these works WITH ORCHESTRA in LA on April 27th!
April lands tomorrow, but Outside Lands decided to avoid fooling up by gifting us the SOMA line-up, which looks like it’s most varied yet. They also have added a special, ultra-exclusive SOMA Social Club package, available here. Full line-up for OSL’s epic dance music grove below: Continue reading “Outside Lands announces SOMA Line Up”
The longest-running music festival in the US has announced its 2026 lineup, and it’s killer. Despite Peaches being on the bill, it’s still a family-friendly affair in Seattle, complete with Seattle legends Death Cab For Cutie headlining alongside “the biggest hardcore band ever” Turnstile. (How the hell did hardcore finally have a mainstream face?!?!) Fellow PNW legends Bikini Kill are playing, too. Plus De La Soul, Die Spitz, W.I.T.C.H., Yves Tumor, and so much more. Tickets start at $90.50 a day, $155.50 for the weekend (fees inclusive!) with payment plans starting at $40 down! Tickets here, full music lineup below!
Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival 2026 Lineup Continue reading “BUMBERSHOOT 2026: BIKINI KILL! TURNSTILE! DEATH CAB! DIE SPITZ! PEACHES!!!!”
The world is really ready for an Electroclash comeback. Peaches is touring on the regular. GRAVY TRAIN!!! and Le Tigre have returned to the live stage. But where are the young electroclash acts here to carry the torch? SLAYYYTER and Charli XCX are definitely bringing the influence into the modern era. Yet, the DIY, artpunk side of it was 100% on display this lovely Thursday night at Brick & Mortar Music Hall. Continue reading “Show Review: Gelli Haha with Big Sis and Molina at Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 3/26/26”
I’ve come to realize that the “Single of the Week” column has accidentally become my own, personal diary. Maybe because when a song clicks with me, it’s generally directly pointed at something I’m going through. This one is “good” but hard- I’ve been “re”diagnosed with OCD recently, and I’m just starting some rather intense and focused OCD treatment. And it’s painful and scary, and learning how to exist without trying to control the utter randomness of life feels pretty impossible. And it’s “weird.” Even my therapist called my symptoms “interesting.” Fuck. But it really sounds like former Deap Vally frontwoman Lindsey Troy gets it, and gets that it’s such a weird and complex ailment that has been overly simplified as someone who likes to keep things clean. (I wish my OCD did this.)
“Six Shads Of Grey” can be enjoyed in all the usual places. Hoping to get to hear more this year from her!
I suspect anyone who reads this column every week is, like me, broken-hearted over the news about Cesar Chavez. And if you don’t know what happened, just remember the key phrase: “Every man will disappoint you.” Likely even me. That being said, the latest La Dona is a fun little cut with an extra cute video that is also very empowering. I love it, and it’s really giving life to a dark week.
“Buscando un Novio” is the third single from La Dona’s upcoming release, Corrientes. Follow her for up-to-date info on this release!
Last year, St Vincent played a “duo” show at Grace Cathedral, and it was a profound and moving experience. How does she one-up herself? By playing with the San Francisco Fucking Symphony?!?! She’s coming to Davies Symphony Hall on July 30th, and tickets are on sale THIS FRIDAY at 10 am!
