Indie Rock - Blog Posts

would y'all fw a female fronted post hardcore/ emo band with anime inspired lyrics???!!!

I band I like, The Rare Occasions new album just dropped, and on top of that it's Friday the 13th!

PS: the "it's all the same" quote comes from a song from the rare occasions called "Black Balloons"

Help a new kid (maybe)? :]

Hello music community!!!!

So, uh, I wanna maybe kind of start doing music/covers of songs as a hobby, but I really don’t know where to start. I play the violin, and I do musical theatre, so I know a lot of theatre songs. But I also do like indie rock music, mainly music by queer artists. I don’t know what kinda song to do first tho, or how to start, along with finding music! I wanna sing, I know that, I just—again—don’t know how.

The artwork for my new EP Days Before MiNiGAMES. Hear it below!

I have a hope and though she’s blind with no name. She shits where she’s supposed to, feeds herself while I’m away. Sometimes I think it would be easier without her, but I know nothing can hurt me when I see her sleepin’ face.

Mitski Miyawaki — Buffalo Replaced, The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are We (2023)

Background & Lockscreen ideas #1

Homescreen. Lock Screen.

Six days late happy new year 2025

congrats you’re old as fuvk now

also 2024 was a not a great year

But ya know what ….

keep calm and listen to sanity falls

Hi any girl and woment here wanna enjoy a meet in 5 star hotel i with big beast in meerut tommorow. All type of age women are accepted with a full body massage and enjoyful time with 7 plus dik

https://pilothaus.bandcamp.com/album/odyssey-2

YouTube Music

Odyssey

Odyssey

Colorado’s 303 day 2024 Pilot Haus live performance at Globe Hall concert venue. It’s a Beautiful Day- original song from an upcoming album Odyssey. 🤘🤘🤘😎😎😎

Open Mic Night at The Music Council - Denver Art Society October Friday the 24th. 🎃

Performing in this event is such a blast 🤘🤘💥💥

Pilot Haus Emerson Sonny Masicampo Abbey Road walk March 6, 2023. 🤘🤘🤘😎😎😎

Watch "Pilot Haus original- On A Friday Night & opening intro live at Lion's Lair Lounge Denver CO Nov 18th" on YouTube

Faceplant Child by Levi Robinheart [lyrics]

It’s over I know God won’t forgive me I don’t want to apologize even though I do I gave I gave and then I gave it up It’s not worth the looks ‘n the dirty grins I’m first And you said “don’t forget who you are, boy” but I’m not gonna save you I don’t even know how it feels I don’t even know how I feel

[PRE-CHORUS: Don’t. say. that you’re proud of me I ain’t about to  come. back. cause this house is already burnin’ drop. that. gun. I am not your broken bone I just don’t want to be there when you pull the trigger

Not. One. more time, even your heaven knows it I’m. done. and you can’t wrap your arms around the Black. Sun. Dear Krypton has left my heart and nothing could be further for now ]

I’m grievin’ hunched along the table I’m sick from the touch of your big hands I’m not your friend I’m cruel there’s no way of givin it to you I know you loved the U.S.A. better than me “Oh, you got some nerve” I know and I’ll take it with me It’s my fault just say it, it’s my fault and I’ve got no love Well I got no, I got no love and I

I half wished I would crash my car on the way back, it woulda just pushed it farther, the pain and the stress in a long dress but you wouldn’t give it a rest on the cryptid in my chest And I been thinkin’ ‘bout the way that you compliment I don’t consent, you never said what you meant but that’s fine ‘cause I’m out the line with the blood on my knuckles goin’ down the pipeline

(It’s been uplifting, to say the least, that our sources have become final We regret to inform you that there is no waking hour, we are alone here I don’t know what I would do if I was dead)

Oh, but [PRE-CHORUS]

Oh, here I am, I’m a Faceplant Child! I’m Grendel crawlin’ for the ghosts in the wild I’m the Adam’s apple who’s fallen from the line of Cain and I’m dermurin’ Burnham and I’m murderin’ time with your signet on the left and the door on the right and I’ll kick up who I am when I’m runnin’ as fast as I can

(You said “don’t forget who you are” You said “don’t forget who you are”) But I’m not who you are (You said “don’t forget who you are”) But I’m not who, I’m not who you are (You said “don’t forget who you are”) I’m not who you are I’m not who you are

(I half wished I would crash my car on the way back, it woulda just pushed it farther, the pain and the stress in a long dress but you wouldn’t give it a rest on the cryptid in my chest And I been thinkin’ ‘bout the way that you compliment I don’t consent, you never said what you meant but that’s fine ‘cause I’m out the line with the blood on my knuckles goin’ down the pipeline I half wished I would crash my car on the way back, it woulda just pushed it farther, the pain and the stress in a long dress but you wouldn’t give it a rest on the cryptid in my chest And I been thinkin’ ‘bout the way that you compliment I don’t consent, you never said what you meant but that’s fine ‘cause I’m out the line with the blood on my knuckles goin’ down the pipeline)

I’ll Be With You Soon by Levi Robinheart [lyrics]

Well I been wastin’ here for weeks just simply thinkin bout the calories I know I’ve had it all before so what’s one more While you been sleepin’ on your car and dreamin’ bout the touch that broke your heart Your diner’s flickerin’ with light I hope you haven’t changed your mind about missin’ me

[CHORUS: And I’ll be with you soon Do you think it’s true then the kids come pourin’ in to the sink It’s my fault Kick it along and share the pain with me and I’ll be runnin’ along the fence Do your thing I know I missed the night so pois’nously with the tea It’s their fault K-keep it cold for me and I know I’ll be with you soon ]

Well you been floodin’ all the tubs and losin’ money on your reccin’ clubs I’m wearin’ sunscreen for the fun I ate a gun We can talk about your dad I missed the way your music makes me sad We’ll string our LEDs around a movie with no sound This building sounds like love

[CHORUS]

Another harbinger to go I swear your slapstick never let me go I’ll take your em’nate vertigo I want to go go go go go! You’ve got a cycle on your phone An’ your Manga Carta’s gonna take you home You feel the pavement on the lawn but you’ve brought the drinks in on and on and they disintegrate my bones

We’re tossin’ boulders on the shore Your clothes are kickin’ down the door And I love your belly button more Don’t tell me what your friends are for We’ll lose the bats in the sky You’ve met the perfect guy Don’t mind the way that you lie in the car with your head pointed out to the wind We’re drivin’ out into the wind

[CHORUS] x 2

I’ll be with you soon Yeah, keep it cold for me and I know I’ll be with you soon

Gala To-Night/Give Me Your Brains by Levi Robinheart [lyrics]

Sorry to the back room If it feels like a joke I might’ve kissed your eyes If the fireworks weren’t on my mind But solar fields are passing And it smells like carbon dead So I’ll shove away the traffic Cause it’s a gala tonight Yes it’s a superrage inside

/

Habilitation can make me nervous I met your eyes and you met my purple friend I’m not a hero, but I got no plans ‘cause I’m in the red Could you potentially Kill my sober? oh Tell me when tell me when it’s over You make me feel so useful Do you think it feels like just that type of night?

Give me your brains tonight And let me show you how I can be useful Give me your face tonight just if you want to I can be useful! Bet it’d be nice To drown in you Just say the word and kiss me while I’m blind With a break With a heart to die-ie-ie-ie-ie-ie-ie

You make me shiver You make me sweat I’ll let you drink my blood Why don’t we give these people a show? It’s not a dance if nobody’s desperate To leave To go I can’t sit still, I could swear that you made me There’s so much hate to be had To be made with you Or anyone else who wants to I just need anyone else to want to

Give me your brains tonight And let me show you how I can be useful Give me your face tonight just if you want to I can be useful! Bet it’d be nice To drown in you Just say the word and kiss me while I’m blind With a break With a heart to die Cause let’s face it My dreams already flie-ie-ie-ie-ied And all that’s left is you

(Give me honey, baby give me fame I got a batch full o’ patches from out o’ state I don’t care whatcha feel I just care watcha make and you’re makin me feel like the spots in your face, I’m a ghost, facedown, facin drugs all around All the colors get noisy some nights but I’m tryin, yeah I’m tryin, yeah I’m tryin real hard to fly)

Break, Give me a break I’ve never owned a reason to chew so hard this way And take, God please just take Cause I’m a worm who wants to keep this dream awake Break, Cut me a break And let me know how it feels to blush where tears have stained Take, Please just take Well, it’s alright if you don’t want me anyway

Do you think it feels like just that type of night?

(come on, one more time!)

(Give me honey, baby give me fame I got a batch full o’ patches from out o’ state I don’t care whatcha feel I just care watcha make and you’re makin me feel like the spots in your face, I’m a ghost, facedown, facin drugs all around All the colors get noisy some nights but I’m tryin, yeah I’m tryin, yeah I’m tryin real hard to fly)

Give me your brains tonight And let me show you how I can be useful Give me your face tonight just if you want to I can be useful! Bet it’d be nice To drown in you Just say the word I’ll give you everything I have Everything I have! Just let me give you my brains! I’ll give you my brains! Give you my brains! Give you my brains!

It’ll never feel the same At least not fully But pull you through me And gently hold my Brains

Microwave (What Else(Poor Yorick)?)  by Levi Robinheart [lyrics]

The only time I lie at peace is when I’m swimmin’ in my lay You kiss me gentle and my heart feels nice she’s got nothing to say I must remiss myself for what the world has given me today Romantic Hamlet for my skull’s become a Microwave

[CHORUS: What else am I supposed to think? Show me what else I can think What else am I supposed to think? Show me what else I can think ]

Hope I don’t lose myself because of how these fists pound on my head We woke up coughin took a walk around the morgue and paid the rent Study-compose and theorize but shoot ‘em out? I don’t see why ‘cause she’ll condole and you’ll say “fine” but you’re still stuck with this guy

[CHORUS]

You keep my quietus my bones are fine my bod-can take a few I know you care-an all but no one needs so I’ll carry-on with you A cigarette without the taste If I can’t digest I just chew A radon test A flashing light Don’t tell me we’re just like you?

[CHORUS]

I kick it over all the time Well I can train it if I try An early bed but still no sign of progressing past the web-foot line Department expiration lights They see me staring at the tide And Paris baby wants a ride I know she can’t be far behind

Worth It by Levi Robinheart (lyrics)

I’m up ‘cause you’re in my room I’ll keep-a myself from sleepin’ There’s nobody else in you Is it worth it to keep on dreamin’? Is it worth it to close my hair or brush my teeth in the mornin’? Is it worth it to go upstairs? I dunno, but I sure am thirsty

You woke me up inside your mind and said there’s nothin’ here to see I felt your ankles when they sprained but all I understood was grief I came to you in search of Hobbit holes, some earlobes, and a dream But all you said was “here’s a mess, go stuff it up and fix me!”

My sparrows told me there would come a day you’d paint yourself in blue Don’t disrespect the way you talk to me the way I talk to you I hear MacBeth within your eyes I read MacDuff around my feet I guess we all prefer our lies so I say damn the whole thing!

I don’t wanna sleep with you I’m not gonna take your reasons I wish I could keep my cool I guess we could call it even

[CHORUS:

I’m gonna be big someday I don’t know what’s so important I cry ‘cause I want my way I jump ‘cause I can’t ignore it I wanna be everything I’m not gonna live forever I can’t hope to live with me If I’m just gonna give you everything ]

I stopped sweating through my pores because the Sun just doesn’t give The man I use to start a war is not the man I use to live Twenty miles an hour and silent as the kingdoms in the Alps We’re just the corpses of the future kin we used to care about

The nights I stare myself to death The hours spent murdering my nose The mi’r exposes me yet it’s the mi’r of that I hate the most Oh, how we’re stranded in the Mississippi kickin’ at a can I may be toothless but I just don’t see the gun in your hand

I just came to walk away It don’t matter if you want me Go on then and stuff your face I’d rather be dry and starving

[CHORUS]

I want to tear my face apart I want to squeeze you into space I want to step on all the stars and make this medicine my grave I want to set this house on fire and swallow dollar bills and change But most of all I want to kill your thoughts and prove I’m not a waste

I want to sail across the sea and drown in paper cuts and lime I want to scrub out all my teeth and make ‘em sharper than the sky I want to knock out all my friends I want my friends to poison me But I’m still yellin’ in my room so I say fuck this whole thing

I’m gonna be big someday I don’t know what’s so important I cry ‘cause I want my way I jump ‘cause I can’t ignore it I wanna be everything I’m not gonna let me fear you I can’t hope to live with me Please repeat yourself, I can’t hear you!

[CHORUS]

[miscellaneous cheering and whooping]

Is it worth it to save a life? Is it worth it if it’s my own? Is it worth it to feel alright if it means I can find my home? I just wanna leave something and everything hurts like hell If nothing is anything then anything could be anything

So Cial - Official Lyrics

by Levi Robinheart

[VS1]: If I were you I'd think my face is a pie Maybe it's the makeup Or the way that you die When I dance on the ceiling It makes me alive But if I were in focus I think you would fly Fly, fly, fly, bye

I've metal-bonded my tent To the clothes that I wear I don't think that it matters I don't think that you care I came to the circus 'Cause the people are here And they don't want my tears

[CH]: So cial, so So see-ah the show So cial So come see-ah the show I'm so cial, so So see-ah the show I'm so cial So come see-ah the show

(yeh)

[VS2]: I poked your eyes in the summer You can burn me today Think that I see it comin' I'll hand you the flame "There's plenty o' room here" You gave me a smile But I'm afraid if I sit My bones'll turn to a pile A high and mighty pile

I'm so scared if I miss you That I'll miss you some more Think if I'm bein' honest That I'm bein' a bore You said you want Good vibes only today So I'll throw me away

[CH]

[VS3]: A banquet in the evenin' I'll be there tonight Lately I'm your puppet And you're my pride Think if I share my soul I'll get a laugh outta you So I'll lie and say That's what I intended to do

'Cause no one believes me Don't think that I'm real Where do the jokes end And where is the peel The gag in my mouth, dear It sings me a song But it can't hold for long

[CH x2]

Come see-ah the show  [x4]

So.. We only have it 5. This is our Handmade Cassette and Booklet!! Got get it here!! https://fenetre.bandcamp.com/

Printing test!! Listen to the album and get the full artwork here: https://fenetre.bandcamp.com/

Music Shoutout: Unique Sounds Worth Checking Out Vol. 1

There are good bands, and there are bands that makes you go, "Whoa, this is something that I've never heard before."

In no particular order and with no particular reason, these are somewhat unique sounds worth checking out. A few of these bands are actually already quite well-known in the indie world, but as with any alternative genre, fame is always relative.

1. Alt-J ( @altjband on tumblr ) In the sea of indie rock, Alt-J is really something else. I won't even try to describe their sound because I'll just fail miserably, but the mix of their nasally voice, weird lyrics, and layered arrangements really pulled everything together in the most distinct way. Their debut album "An Awesome Wave" reached quite the critical and commercial success. Their follow-up album, "This Is All Yours" has a more introspective approach, but is every bit as unique as the single-friendly Wave.

Honorable mention: Glass Animals. I heard Glass Animals being compared to Alt-J a lot by fans, for some reason. I tend to disagree because they don't sound remotely alike and I'm not even sure they belong to the same subgenre, but they do have similar spirit--at the very least, in their refusal to be ordinary. At any rate, they're worth checking out too. Click here to listen to Glass Animal’s “Black Mambo”.

2. Twenty One Pilots ( @twentyonepilots on tumblr ) Rap + indie rock. Their debut album, "Vessel", was cute enough. It was new, it was different, and basically it was a proof-of-concept that such odd pairing can work. "Blurryface" album though, was a piece of art.

3. The Cat Empire Okay, maybe I'm biased because they have "Cat" in their name. I'll also admit that I don't know much of their discography besides of their self-titled album which was released in 2003 (I also heard their newer albums aren't as good, at least a bit different). But with its fusion of ska, jazz, and Latin, damn if "The Cat Empire" isn't one of the most fun albums I've heard in a long time.

4. Wild Belle ( @wildbellemusic on tumblr ) If reggae is your jam, Wild Belle might be for you. Wild Belle is composed of siblings Natalie and Elliot Bergman. Natalie's beautiful thinly voice, along with reggae influences is the focus of their debut album, "Isles". But based on their newest single, it seems like their to-be-released sophomore album will be much different--I guess we'll just see. Recently they also had a collaboration with Major Lazer in "Be Together".

5. Milky Chance 'Stoner song' might be the best way to describe Milky Chance's sound. But don't let that description fool you, Milky Chance's songs aren't stupid nor simple--they're just damn delectable.

I hope you’ll like these bands! If you have any suggestions, I’m open to it. Meanwhile, visit a few of my curated music collection, and follow me for Unique Sounds Worth Checking Out Vol. 2!

Disclaimer: All videos embed and linked above are for promotional purposes only. Please support the artist legally!

Review: Frank (2014)

Rating: 9.2 of 10

What do you do when you cast Michael Fassbender in your film? Not cover his face for the entirety of the film, unless your film is Frank.

Frank follows the story of an amateur keyboardist, Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), as he becomes the newest member of experimental rock band The Soronprfbs, lead by titular character Frank (Michael Fassbender) who wears a fake big head and never takes it off.

It's a bizzare concept to begin with (which was actually inspired by a true “big head” musician), but the movie, somehow, felt normal. Despite its heavily unusual premise, Frank isn't avant garde at all--it's just a drama about a few weird people intermixed with a few weird songs, and basically that's about it. And it's not a bad thing at all. Frank is honest, a little disarming, but an ultimately charming film. In a weird way, Frank is about what it feels like to be a mediocre artist--and in another way, about how it’s like to be with the mentally ill.

The most important thing to be discussed about Frank, for me, is the acting and/or casting. Domhnall Gleeson is cast quite often as an "everyman" type of character, and for good reason. He's not only got the range, he also is able to infuse unexpected shades of personality into his characters. Jon is wide-eyed as he is misguided, a visionaire as he is a cynic, and hopeful as he is selfish.

But Michael Fassbender as Frank, is definitely something special. We can't see his face, but we emote to him instantly. With every way he stands, sits, talks, and twitch his hands, you'd never once at lost as to how he is feeling. It's a beautiful performance that we almost never think twice about, which is a hard feat considering he wears a literal fake giant head. But my favorite part of him is (mild spoiler alert) actually how his demeanor changes when he doesn't wear the head. It's subtle acting that definitely makes a movie. Even Maggie Gyllenhaal is kind of restrained in her role as the troublemaking band member, Clara.

But acting isn't the only thing that works in this film. Its score was a delight, especially in the early part of the film which sounds so whimsical and airy--almost kid adventure-like--sending Jon off into his journey. In general, the movie Frank is filled with restrained but effective directorial choices, without trying too hard or being too muted (which for me, is the case with a lot of indie films). It’s a wonderful film to watch.

"Road to fame" band films are a dime in a dozen, but TL;DR Frank, with the help of few amazing performances from its actors, brings a new twist worth seeing.

Music Shoutout: The Libertines - Anthems For Doomed Youth

First, Let Me Tell You About The Libertines...

(TL;DR If you only want to read about their new album, scroll way, way down below until the next section, below the horizontal line.)

Generally, Music Shoutout is a place where I talk about relatively unknown or (in my humble opinion) underrated bands, and while The Libertines isn’t exactly unknown–even downright legendary, depending on who you ask–they aren’t as famous as one diehard indie rock-fan would like to think. Their names weren’t as recognizable outside the UK, and in my home country Indonesia, you’d be better off talking about These New Puritans or something (meaning: nobody’s really heard of them both, but you’d be hard-pressed to explain how big The Libs’ influence was). So I’m writing this Shoutout as a primer (sort of) for those who aren’t familiar with them, because their heyday was 11 years ago anyway so you were maybe like, 4 years old at the time. 

In honesty I feel a bit unequipped to be talking about The Libertines, because there are already so many articles about them written by actual music journalists who, of course, could form words far more eloquently than I do. But now, obviously, is the perfect time to talk about them since they had just released their third album (!), Anthems For Doomed Youth, after a decade-long hiatus. 

The Libertines is a British indie-rock band, composed of lead frontmen/songwriters/vocalists/guitarists/best friends Carl Barat and Pete Doherty (middle-left and middle-right, respectively, in the first group picture above), bassist John Hassall (far-right), and drummer Gary Powell (far-left). They were formed in 1997 and released their first studio album “Up The Bracket” in 2002, reached critical praise and commercial success, released sophomore album self-titled “The Libertines” as a candid account on the mostly-love-but-also-hate relationship between the two frontmen Pete and Carl, and the band dissolved soon afterwards. Their time was short but eventful–with enough history to fill up tabloids full of gossip and several documentaries–but to summarize, it included drugs and betrayal:

“The Libertines legend is action-packed. The full story involves inter-band burglary, toe-curling TV documentaries, Thai monasteries and EastEnders’ Dot Cotton, but the basic facts are thus: group form in 1997, around the fraternal friendship of Doherty and Barât (along with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell); write songs indebted to both the Clash and Chas and Dave; break down the barriers between artists and fans like no British group since punk; then fall apart when Doherty’s drug intake becomes too much to handle; Barât boots his best friend out of the band until he cleans up his act; the ensuing drama (involving burglary, jail and more drugs) captivates fans until they begin to realise that the Libertines story was all over before it had even begun.” The Guardian.

They were somewhat notorious-and/or-famous in the UK--and while they weren’t quite as much a phenomenon outside of UK, for those initiated, The Libertines made a lasting impression. With startlingly new(-ish, because they certainly had influences from way back) and shocking sound at the time, the band captivated critics and fans alike. They quickly earned massive and extremely dedicated fanbase, while both of their albums routinely listed in Best Albums Of 2000s lists, if not Of All Time, in various publications. Think Oasis, if only a notch below. They had lasting legacy too, with bands like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand would not reach the charts without The Libertines (in a similar way, US’ The Strokes paved the way for The Libertines itself).

To the untrained ear, their music might sound like a mess. They are a mess, so to speak, because of their deliberately rough-edged sound, but if one really listens they’d find great lyrical poetry and beautiful melodies beneath the band’s veil of chaos. (watch: Can’t Stand Me Now, and France). And when fans dubbed Pete as true poet, they aren’t joking. He is actually a published poet, and according to one trivia, at age 16 won a poetry competition and went on a tour to Russia for it. Carl is also a literary fan and frequently cited authors as his influences. (the band’s name is taken from Marquis de Sade’s Lust of the Libertines. The song Narcissist is also inspired by Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray). Along with British-style wit, self-deprecating charm, and blue-collar worker spirit, that juxtaposition connected with and enlightened sparks of life inside a whole generation of music listeners; most especially the hardened British middle-class worker ones. (watch: Time For Heroes, based on London May Day Riot of 2000)

“It’s like they say: Oasis is the sound of a council estate singing its heart out, and the Libertines is the sound of someone just put in the rubbish chute at the back of the estate, trying to work out what day it was.” Pete Doherty trying to explain their sound.

But judging The Libertines from their published recordings alone is only ill-advised. The band was defined by their adventures almost as well as their music, if not more. They are one of the bands that pioneered using the internet (in the pre-Twitter world) for directly communicating with fans and built a community around it--and they are also the kind of band that used to brand loyal fans with tattoos, played gigs in their own house that once resulted in police interference and sang through it with The Clash cover like it was just another day (watch that old gig), and also gladly sang through a stage-breaking fan like it was, also, another day (watch The Boy Looked At Johnny live performance with one overenthusiastic fan). In true Libertines spirit, of course, they haven’t stopped. They still do, to this day, play “guerilla” gigs--small, intimate, and mostly impromptu gigs--in teeny-tiny clubs, and most recently deviced a pop-up store and a week-long shenanigans with the band (including pub quiz!) for fans to welcome their newest album. From the start, it was clear The Libertines had their own special presence in the music industry, and they had always brought fans-slash-friends along for the ride.

It’s easy to see why fans felt exceptionally strong bond with the band, but it’s also quite hard to explain exactly the allure of The Libertines to the people who’ve never heard or seen them, and especially hard to explain to those who don’t really understand the appeal of the dirty side of rock n’ roll. Not that I imply that The Libertines is the pinnacle of dirty rock ‘n roll–they clearly aren’t–but they don’t try to be “hardcore” or anything like that, and therefore in my eyes, makes them really, really are. My point is, The Libertines’ charm isn’t quantifiable or even explainable, they’re just something that you believe in. To this day, fans would do pilgrimage to staple places of the band’s history (such as Albion Rooms–Pete and Carl’s old flat in which they sometimes held said gig–or a London alley from Up The Bracket’s music video (watch) in which fans would still inscribe drawings or quotes on the wall). The band’s live performances, of course, are always pure, frantic, and kind of unhinged that the fans will always know that their watching the bands’ true self.

“Other groups sold out bigger venues, had more hits and made better albums – but no other band gave music fans something to believe in quite like the Libertines.” The Guardian. 

In their own way, The Libertines would frequently remind you of a fiendishly fierce whirlwind romance, because maybe they are one. Pete and Carl’s relationship is hard to explain except maybe in one word: soulmates. In an interview talking about how they met, Pete said about Carl, “I was fascinated by ideas he had about himself and the country. I’d never met anyone like him. It was - what’s the word when you can’t take your eyes off someone? …Yes, it was riveting. Despite everything, you knew there was goodness there. Something to believe in. Something which is good, pure and untainted by anything.” And Carl said, “I think I felt a bit trapped before I met Pete. Have you seen The Lavender Hill Mob? Alec Guinness plays this wonderful, colourful person who locks it all up and goes through the motions. I always felt a bit like that. But then I met the Pigman (ed: nickname for Pete) and he said, ‘You can actually knock that on the head and get out.’ So we threw ourselves into eternity. And it worked.” While they most assuredly aren’t couples or lovers (because love comes in more than one kind, we aren’t five year-olds), their relationship was indeed like “first love, and all the jealousy and obsessiveness that comes with that”. Their mutual love and respect continued, even when they were apart and hated each other, and it is that fuel that burns the band. They’re one of the greatest pairing in modern musical world–always bouncing off to one another on stage and have a habit of singing on a single microphone. They’re the ultimate bros, on stage and off stage, and it’s that bond that captivated listeners too.  

An Anthem For Doomed Youth...

A third The Libertines album might sound so far-fetched not even a year ago, but here we are, rejoicing its release and finally listening to their newest album Anthems For Doomed Youth. More than a decade have passed by and no one stayed the same after 11 years, and so didn’t The Libertines. I didn’t really follow Pete’s music during the hiatus (he did have a really good solo album, though), but through Carl’s wildly different stuff throughout the years (Dirty Pretty Things, solo album, Carl Barat and The Jackals) it was clear that no one could stay the same. So The Libertines have evolved, and considering how much of their spirit relied on the chaos of youth--and they aren’t exactly young anymore, that’s good.

The album might sound uncharacteristically clean at first, but every bit of The Libertines is still there--if a little bit more mature, for lack of better word. The album might lack a sense of urgent charm that their albums used to have, but they make it up with a more competent, sympathetic, and introspective touch around their usual themes: intermittent self-aggrandizing and self-pity, lament of lost innocence, and full-on romanticism. Maybe the most stark difference can be felt through You’re My Waterloo, an old track (an ode from Pete to Carl) from the band’s back catalogue. Never been officially released but frequently played, this piano-heavy version have a sweeter, gentler vibe throughout the song that we maybe would not get from the old Libertines. 

Treading the line between glories past and present, Anthems of Doomed Youth is definitely an older, wiser version of The Libertines, but they’re still the likely lads that we knew.. And for new listeners: just sit back and enjoy, it’ll be a good ride.

Hikes appreciation post One of my favorite bands of all time. Austin, Texas natives Hikes make beautifully exquisite and technical indie math rock with a dash of folk. Lyrically, their themes center mostly on nature and how it effects our every day life. Their newest EP 'Lilt' offers four new cuts that were recorded in Japan and engineered and mixed by founding guitarist of Toe Takaaki Mino. You can purchase their music from Bandcamp and iTunes respectively, and also purchase 'Lilt' on clear or random mix vinyl. You can also stream their entire discography on Spotify. These photos were screenshotted from a live performance from Alaska

Frankie and Mac 

Daily Routine (9/16/17) - A collision with fate

It is odd the way life works out. I didn’t forget about DR yesterday, the post I had got deleted. Well actually, I was in a rush and didn’t have a chance to be at my computer so I had to type it out on my phone. Right when I was about to post it, the app crashed on me, deleting the entire post. I was so irritated by it that I just decided I wasn’t going to post it. I now see that this was a good thing though. 

The subject matter of the post was very ranty as I was annoyed at a lot of people and I just wanted to vent. Looking back, I now know that that is definitely something I don’t want on my blog and it was very in the moment, as the problems I was complaining about were solved about an later after it was deleted. But I find it funny how fate works out like that. How you think a problem will be solved by something only to have it set you back further. Patience is key in situations like this, as simply just waiting can make things make a lot more sense than they would if you try to attack them head on. I’m glad I was reminded of this lesson yesterday. 

Yesterday was also full of other surprises. I went to a house show for a few local bands - some from Richmond and others from Williamsburg. House shows are my favorite concerts to go to. You’re within spitting distance of the band playing and you can see each and every detail of their set; Their reactions, their stage presence, and not to mention, the full brunt of their sound (it’s loud as hell). It’s an experience you don’t get by seeing a band at a stadium or even a club. It’s personal and real - especially if you’re friends with the people playing. 

The reason I found this show to be a surprise though, is because I was able to have a great time without worrying about any of my past relationships. I was able to meet many new people and just be myself without any worry. It’s taken me awhile to get to this point and I’m proud of myself for being who I am now. Aside from personal surprises, I also saw a lot of people that I met at a music festival I went to this summer. They’re the kind of interactions where you don’t think you’ll ever see them again, but then they show up again in a place where you least expect it. So that was a pleasant surprise. 

The only thing that did suck about the show was that the cops shut it down, so the last band didn’t get to play their set. They had to wait through over 2 hours of live music only to not get to play. A pity that our society values being able to sleep at night without any loud noises over the creative arts. That is a rant for another day though. 

I have now decided that this was my favorite local show I’ve ever been to. Not only because of what I talked about above, but the actual musical content. The first band (who I didn’t know beforehand) had an irresistible groove to it that was still able to bring the punchiness of indie rock. They had great stage presence and people were able to dance to it quickly - which is always a good sign considering how hit or miss local bands can be. The next band, Talk to Plants, were the band I went to the show for. This was my third and favorite time seeing them, as they played a good mix of their old cuts and new ones from their upcoming LP. Their unique psychedelic-folk-rock sound translates well in an intimate setting, especially when you’re able to see that they’re having just as good of a time as you are. This is evident in the photo I chose for this post. 

Kind of a long post today I know, but I felt it was necessary since I didn’t have one yesterday. Send me your local music. Any genre or style - just as long as it’s local to where you live. I would love to hear all of it.