Summer is coming. But before the real nice weather gets here and outdoor day drinking benders take irrepressible hold, catch up on these fruitful Milwaukee selections from the spring. Here’s the second installment in Music Notes’ quarterly mixtape:
“Blue Glue” – Piles
This spirited and catchy lead track from Piles’ great new record Planet Skin sounds like a long-lost indie-rock gem from the ‘90s.
Next show: Walkers Point Anodyne, 224 W. Bruce St., on August 7 with Red Stuff, Liar’s Trial and Wolfgang Schaefer
“Getaway” – Jaill
Even with a label switch (from Sub Pop to Burger Records) Jaill hasn’t abandoned its trademark jangly pop sound on this glistening, summery track off upcoming album Brain Cream (out June 30).
Next show: Album release party Just Art’s Saloon, 181 S. 2nd St., on June 28 with Group of the Altos, Sugar Stems and Head on Electric
“Lavender Chunk (feat. Hemlock Ernst)” – Scallops Hotel
This ethereal track from Plain Speaking comes courtesy of milo and Future Island’s Samuel T. Herring (Scallops Hotel and Hemlock Ernst, respectively).
Next show: No Milwaukee dates scheduled
“Milwaukee” – Maritime
A workingman’s anthem for a workingman’s city.
Next show: Summerfest’s KNE New Music Stage, 200 N. Harbor Dr., on June 27
“Burn It Down” – Hello Death
Brooding and cerebral folk tune from Hello Death’s sophomore LP Remnants off brand spanking new local label Gloss Records.
Next show: Alverno Presents: Prince Uncovered at Pitman Theater, 3131 S. 39th St., on October 17
“The Memoir” – Vonny Del Fresco
“There’s more to life than liquor sipping and weed smoking,” Vonny Del Fresco raps on this refreshing opening track off his confessional new album Memoirs, which immediately shows the maturity of the 21-year-old, something that’s felt throughout the entire release.
Next show: No Milwaukee dates scheduled
“OMG STD” – Soul Low
Soul Low may have gotten laid on Prom night, but as recounted on this track from Sweat Pea EP, they didn’t get lucky.
Next show: Burnhearts’ Pabst Street Party, 2599 S. Logan Ave., on June 27 with De La Buena, Platinum Boys, Light Music, Nightgown and Klassik
“Eyes on the Sunset” – Midnight Reruns
While Midnight Reruns have been sitting on sophomore album, the Tommy Stinson-produced Force of Nature, for some time, the four-song EP Get Me Out, which includes this weightless, slacker rock tune, came out of a quick recording session with Sat. Nite Duets guitarist Stephen Strupp.
Next show: Summerfest’s KNE New Music Stage, 200 N. Harbor Dr., on June 24
“Drag” – Tigernite
Tigernite leaves inhibition (and shameful verbal abuse) in the dust on this empowering glam-rock track, the second single from its forthcoming debut full-length.
Next show: Summerfest’s U.S. Cellular Connection Stage, 200 N. Harbor Dr., on July 3
“My Finger” – The Rashita Joneses
Searing, scuzzy garage rock that’s soaked with cheap beer and caked in cigarette ash.
Next show: Quarters Rock ‘n Roll Palace, 900 E. Center St., with Filter Free Rodeo, Blind Tarzan and The Blue Ease
“Hi Klass” – Klassik
On this track off Autumn – the last of four seasonal EPs this year – prolific rapper/producer Klassik flirts with infectious auto-tune vocal melodies atop whirling, jazzy production. Like most of Klassik’s earlier material, “HI Klass” feels timeless.
Next show: Burnhearts’ Pabst Street Party, 2599 S. Logan Ave., on June 27 with De La Buena, Platinum Boys, Light Music, Nightgown and Soul Low
“Baby You’re Mine” – Surgeons in Heat
After Surgeons in Heat initially finished recording this song (which eventually found its way on April’s Disaster), singer Johnathan Mayer changed his mind about the pace, ultimately deciding to slow things down. Instead of driving 80 miles west to re-do the track with Madison drummer Shawn Pierce, however, Mayer got everyone in his house together and re-worked the song with this makeshift band. If the drums sound a bit sloppy, that’s because he took up those duties himself. It helps to give the song its loose feel.
Next show: Zillman Park, 2168 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., for the Bay View Classic
“Sympathy 4 the Soundguy” – Dogs in Ecstasy
Lead singers and sound guys, just get along, okay? Look out for Dogs in Ecstasy’s full-length debut out later this year on Juiceboxxx’s Thunder Zone record label.
Next show: Quarters Rock ‘n Roll Palace, 900 E. Center St., on July 1 with Obnox and Drugs Dragons
“Crimes” – Indonesian Junk
Indonesian Junk unleash the nefarious criminal lurking inside on this blistering rocker from the band’s debut 7-inch.
Next show: Bremen Cafe, 901 E. Clarke, on August 21 with Absolutely Not, Fox Face and Rat Hammer
