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The Big Takeover Issue #94
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The New Professionals - Come Here Creature (self-released)

8 October 2024

The New Professionals is an indie rock band based out of New York City. The members include Jerry Hart, Richard Evans, Isaac Pincus, and Oliver Divone.

The Silent Era - Oscillations (M&O Music)

8 October 2024

London-based four-piece blending industrial, goth rock, shoegaze, and post-punk to create heavy, dreamy soundscapes woven through with introspective lyrics that explore the darker side of human nature. Each member comes from a different country with their own background and musical projects – they found their common playground in The Silent Era by drenching instruments in distortion and reverb and exploring various aspects of alt rock.

Cellarscape - Live at Siren FM: The 2011 Acoustic Session (self-released)

7 October 2024

Cellarscape is a music project from Independent Music Award-nominated composer/songwriter Paul Terry. Live at Siren FM is Cellarscape’s first new release since 2017’s acclaimed album Exo Echo. (Including Live at Siren FM, to date, Cellarscape has released 4 albums and 3 EPs). The master recordings of this 2011 live radio session were thought to be lost. A few months ago, Paul found the original, two-microphone recordings on an old laptop. The timing turned out to be perfect… because 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Paul’s indie label SkyBabyRecords through which he releases all his music projects and soundtracks.

Stray Owls - Hey Now Now (Potluck Foundation / 5bc)

7 October 2024

North Carolina’s Stray Owls have a sort of broken sound but, wait… I mean that as a compliment. There is a certain reticence in their rock, a raw imperfect perfection, street smarts and a tendency to like things that feel a bit off. Just listen to Words that have a kind of crashing sound of Pixies and Miracle Legion blended together. A heavy but sort of tender 90’s College rock tone. Folk rock chords played punk style with jagged lead lines that stray so far from anything Jimmy Page could even imagine.

Mortal Prophets - The American Junkie Show (Lux Astralis Music)

7 October 2024

Mortal Prophets, acclaimed for their poignant and provocative sound, released their latest EP, American Junkie, on September 27. The standout feature of this release is “The American Junkie Show,” a seamless 7-minute composition that interweaves two powerful tracks to deliver a comprehensive critique of American society at a pivotal moment in American Politics.

Black Note Graffiti - The Source (Robot Distro)

7 October 2024

All hail, Black Note Graffiti out of Michigan, and their massive new single, “The Source,” out now. It’s got this old meets new school, hard-hitting Deftones vibe while conjuring some of that Bad Brains’ “Soul Craft” energy. It was produced by Josh Schroder (Lorna Shore, King 810, Butcher Babies)

Weird of Mouth - s/t (Otherly Love)

7 October 2024

Consisting of saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, pianist Craig Taborn, and drummer Ches Smith, Weird of Mouth can’t be anything but a free improvisational jazz trio.

Kid Bowery - Devolver (Virtu Signlz)

6 October 2024

Kid Bowery makes sleaze-folk. Sleaze-folk has dirty layers and a messy personality and algorithms despise it, but rats around the East Village find it familiar enough for a good time. His songs nod to psych and writer-centered album rock of the 1970’s. You should also know that Kid Bowery is a sucker for narrative in song. And that he tends toward lushly arranged vocals but sneaks in the sawtooth wave wherever he can because “harmony is a tyrant sometimes, and a bulwark of harnessed electricity keeps all that in check.” Kid Bowery is pleased to have violated very few of these closely held tenets on his latest self-produced release, Devolver.

Mark Vennis & Different Place - In These Times... (Laundry Records)

6 October 2024

Featuring blistering guitars by Mark Vennis and Sean Quinn and a reggae influenced bass rumble by Dave Sweetenham, “In These Times…” draws and expands on the band’s eclectic rock n roll influences. It was recorded and produced by Mark at Laundry Studios and is released on Laundry Records. The band’s previous releases, include the well-reviewed Small Town Vampire (2024) and -Fighting On All Fronts_ (2020), have cemented their status as one of the premier post-punk outfits around.

Talk in Code - Harder To Breath (Regent Street Records Ltd)

6 October 2024

2024 marks the ten-year-anniversary of Talk In Code’s self-titled debut album. Since that time the band has maintained a staggering work rate of a new music release every 6 months! This is a record many full-time artists can only dream of. In addition the band has been ever present with gigs, always playing shows, honing their craft and reaping the rewards with a reputation as an absolute force to be reckoned with live.

The Search - Indulgence (Aenaos Records)

6 October 2024

Formed in 1999 in Uppsala, Sweden as The Silverslut. The Search recorded six EP’s under that name before changing to The Search in connection with the release of their 2004 eponymous album. The band is fronted by the singer and songwriter Razmig Tekeyan.

Eric Alexandrakis - Home (Minoan Music)

4 October 2024

On August 28th, 2024, Eric Alexandrakis released his original single “Home,” a soul-stirring track that delves into themes of leaving behind pain and embracing happiness. Recorded across various locations including Colorado and Greece, “Home” features drummer Ryan Hoyle and is mixed by Paul David Hager. With a track record that includes collaborations with the likes of John Malkovich and members of iconic bands, Alexandrakis’ latest release is set to leave a lasting impact on listeners.

Tornado Sky - Riding the Wave (Blue Melody Records)

4 October 2024

Jerry Careaga and Stephanie Gladhart have been songwriting together for 20 years and recently formed Tornado Sky to begin releasing their songs. Both L.A natives they each began songwriting and performing early in life. Stephanie at age 8 and Jerry at 14.

David Harland - The Escapist (self-released)

4 October 2024

David Harland is a fingerstyle guitarist and singer/songwriter in the tradition of great innovators like Michael Hedges, Nick Drake, David Wilcox and Billy McLaughlin. His music has been described as innovative, introspective, lyrical, and expressive.

The Silence Industry - The Lamest Cyberpunk Dystopia You Could Imagine (Aenaos Records)

4 October 2024

With this release, The Silence Industry continues to solidify their place as a unique voice in the alternative music scene. Their ability to seamlessly blend genres and experiment with different sonic landscapes has earned them a dedicated following, and The Lamest Cyberpunk Dystopia You Could Imagine promises to be a defining moment in their discography, cementing their place as a unique force in the alternative music scene.

Darius Jones - Legend of e’Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye) (AUM Fidelity)

4 October 2024

The seventh in a nine album series entitled Man’ish Boy that’s dedicated to exploring mental health in the Black community, Legend of e’Boy (The Hypervigilant Eye) vibrates with an emotional intensity not often found on jazz records.

The Fuzzy Nerds - The Fuzzy Nerds Are Dead - The Final Live Show (Psycho Puppie Records & NoisyLand Recordings)

4 October 2024

The final live show for The Fuzzy Nerds closing their 20-year career was given on September 27th, 2014 at the “D. Hatzis” Cultural Center Auditorium in their city, Ioannina. However, it took them 9 whole years to finally decide releasing this live. 20 years of music, 8 bands on stage, 34 musicians, 8 drummers, 9 bass players, 12 guitarists, 9 singers, 6 keyboard players, 30 songs, one last 3 hour + long concert and 9 whole years later… The Fuzzy Nerds Are Dead

David Cloyd - Ocean of Hours (ECR Music Group)

3 October 2024

David Cloyd returns to the national spotlight with his first record in more than a decade, Red Sky Warning (out in early 2025 on ECR Music Group), and its lead single, “Ocean Of Hours,” out September 24th. “Where did the time go?” asks Cloyd in this anthemic new song co-produced and mixed by Blake Morgan (Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, Janita). Answering that question lies in understanding why his initial and striking ascent to indie-music cult-figure status was so remarkable and unique.

The Ultimate Dreamers - Digging (Spleen+)

3 October 2024

On the 13th of September 2024, The Ultimate Dreamers unveiled their original single “Digging,” a haunting track that delves into a sinister sonic realm. Produced in Ghent by Len Lemeire, the single captures the band’s signature sound, combining sombre vocals with jagged guitar riffs to create an oppressive, doom-laden atmosphere. Accompanied by a visually captivating video directed by Amanita Noir, “Digging” offers a chilling glimpse into the band’s upcoming album, Paradoxical Sleep, slated for release in early 2025.

We Are The Darts - Who Are You Again? (self-released)

3 October 2024

Four Irish boys, based in London, playing high tempo, energetic, original music with inspiration taken from half a century of rock ‘n’ roll

Elea Calvet - Trigger (acoustic) - (Hyssop & Victoria)

3 October 2024

Born in Canada to French parents, Elea lived in Hemmingford until age 5 when her family moved to Dharamsala, India for her father to pursue Tibetan medicine studies. She subsequently spent a few years in the south of France before moving to Bristol, UK at 16 to study music. Releasing a string of singles, “Lust”, “Trigger” and “Sacrifice”, to critical acclaim in her idiosyncratically “towering sound reminiscent of PJ Harvey and Feist”, she was touted as “a millennial Patti Smith”. Albeit being Gen Z, she decided not to correct the journalist for the (hopefully only partly) erroneous compliment.

Jeff Lederer - Guilty!!! (little [i] music)

3 October 2024

For the forthright Guilty!!! the subject matter is obvious: the 2024 election, and the madness that’s infused the path to get there.

Man With A Corduroy Heart - I'm a Little Bit Short (self-released)

2 October 2024

Blending the poetic and the playful, Man With A Corduroy Heart is a British Americana artist whose music captures the beauty of mundane life. In 2024, he released his debut album, Things Are A Little Bit…” a record quietly created in his basement while his newborn slept. The album captures life’s gentle humour and tender moments from trying to get the baby to sleep with the music of Bob Marley to why having dreams is just too much effort, or how you can find love through watching Escape To The Country. The album has been praised for its authentic charm and storytelling

Mama Tjutju - Stockholm (Lærke Svennevig Kersten)

2 October 2024

Stockholm is a lyrically powerful EP where the three songs “Advice,” “Doubt,” and “Try” tell the story of a personal expansion and a “shedding of the skin” moment, in particular as a woman, but as a being in general. I hope these songs, with their clarity, focus, power, and emotion, can put words to this experience of transformation that we all go through in life, and that is particularly important for those who are burdened heavily with certain expectations that hold back the soul: women.

The Pulltops - Ain't Home Anymore (self-released)

2 October 2024

The Pulltops continue their dynamic musical journey with the release of their new song, “Ain’t Home Anymore.” Blending the heartfelt introspection of Americana with a pop/rock sensibility, the tracks timeless sound is filled with nostalgic imagery and rich storytelling. Set against a backdrop of melodic guitars and soaring harmonies, the song captures the bittersweet reflection of changing times and the feeling of no longer belonging to a place that once felt like home. It’s a song for anyone who has ever felt like they were chasing memories, only to realize that what once was, can never fully be reclaimed.

Kyra Gordon - F U Cancer (Starita Records)

2 October 2024

Singer/songwriter Kyra Gordon draws from a diverse set of life experiences, including her early pursuit of acting as a career. Music is now her vehicle, but the voice of the actor still echoes in her work. “I see songs as little movies that I create,” exclaims Gordon. “I get to act, sing, play piano, and write. But it’s all in this tasty three-minute experience called a song.”

W.C. Beck - A Letter From a Friend (self-released)

2 October 2024

W.C. Beck is an itinerant singer/songwriter from Kansas who now calls New York home after long stints in Portland, OR and Paris, France. Beck’s songs span from indie folk to classic country and tell of the American heartland and a forgotten epoch. With catchy melodies and sophisticated compositions, most songs find their depth in the personal, moving narrative.

Eric Person - Rhythm Edge (Distinction)

2 October 2024

Though he has a raft of recordings under his own name, saxophonist Eric Person made his bones as a steadfast member of drummer/talent scout Chico Hamilton’s band, as well as a stalwart presence in NYC’s “free funk” scene by way of Ronald Shannon Jackson & the Decoding Society.

Jacob Johnson - Surviving the Dream (self-released)

2 October 2024

Part virtuoso and part storyteller, you might say that Jacob Johnson does with a guitar what Gene Kelly did with dance. Although his songwriting has won awards and his guitar-playing has put him on stage with Tommy Emmanuel and Phil Keaggy, his ability as an entertainer is what has won fans throughout the southeast. He refers to himself as “a ham that just wants to be on stage” but he’s much more than that. Jacob is an amazingly talented guitarist and songwriter which, combined with a bit of a personality, makes for a wildly impressive stage performance.

Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (Mercury Studios)

1 October 2024

Viewers get a sense of Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett’s peculiar genius and the tragedy of seeing his bright spark extinguished.

Motown Series (Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Supremes) - reissues (Elemental Music/Motown)

1 October 2024

Elemental Music continues its Motown Sound series of vinyl LP reissues, offering an education in essential ‘60s and ‘70s pop.

Brian Mathew - Waiting Around To Live (self-released)

1 October 2024

Brian Mathew is a seasoned indie folk artist known for his introspective songwriting and nuanced guitar work. With a lifelong passion for music, his unique style blends traditional folk elements with modern influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. His latest album, LDL, represents the culmination of his artistic journey, featuring fully realized compositions that explore the profound themes of love, death, and life.

Harold Payne - The Song That Saved The World (self-released)

1 October 2024

Harold Payne’s remarkable career spans decades, with numerous accolades and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Bobby Womack, Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle, among others. From chart-topping hits to soul-stirring ballads, Payne transcends traditional genres while captivating audiences across the globe. “The Song That Saved the World”, Payne’s latest single release, showcases his signature blend of positivity that inspires audiences worldwide with its hopeful message and infectious melodies.

Kodaclips - Gone Is The Day (Sister 9 Recordings)

1 October 2024

Kodaclips is a powerful and intense live band, absolutely worth discovering! Fresh from a contract signing with Sister 9 from Manchester (Kill Your Boyfriend, JuJu…) for the release of their new album Gone Is the Day on September 6, 2024, mixed and mastered by James Aparicio, they are mature and eager to bring their shoegaze tinged with stoner and post-rock to as many stages as possible.

Ready, Steady, Die! - Access To Pollution (self-released)

1 October 2024

Ready Steady Die! is a British-American electronic duo consisting of Morgan Visconti and Sam K, and return with bold new single, ‘Access to Pollution’. Following the success of their 2022 album ‘Accidents’, which featured the critically acclaimed single ‘Settle’, the duo continues to explore the complexities of human emotion and relationships through their unique brand of electronic rock.

SALt - I Hate You All (Sunnyleith)

1 October 2024

SALT is an alternative post punk pop band. Extremely independent, they record, produce, and release all their work. They are extremely prolific with no genre left untouched. Anything goes if it sounds good. Having recently supported Goodbye Mr Mackenzie and had their debut on BBC6 Radio on Craig Charles’s show. SALT have an emotional intensity using a wide variety of influences. Powerful, broody, eclectic and dark. Daring to be vulnerable and confident enough to crush your soul.

Rockers Galore - Vamos a La Playa (Blayer Pointdujour)

30 September 2024

Philadelphia reggae-hip hop collective Rockers Galore presents their debut album Vamos a la Playa. Truly a labor of love, this record is the product of four years of songwriting, rehearsals, pre-production and arrangements. From initial sketches through to full realization, these tracks eventually crystallized in a professional studio, where the final recordings were completed and ultimately mixed and mastered.

Darling Black - Jackie (Ilegalia Records)

30 September 2024

On September 20th, 2024, Darling Black released their cover single, “Jackie,” a rendition of the first track from Sinead O’Connor’s iconic album, The Lion and The Cobra. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Dylan in her studio, “Jackie” is a heartfelt tribute to Sinead O’Connor, inspired by the deep admiration for her artistry and resilience. This cover not only pays homage to a beloved song but also serves as a cathartic expression of emotion, reflecting the dark and joyous realms of electronic sound that define Darling Black’s musical ethos.

Tom Tikka and the Missing Hubcaps ft. The Star Prairie Project - Sweet Surrender (One Media iP Ltd)

30 September 2024

Sometimes when two artists collaborate, magic happens. And that’s exactly what transpired when Tom Tikka and Nolen Chew Jr. of The Star Prairie Project joined forces. The plan was to write two songs, one for each artist to put on their upcoming albums. That plan failed. Instead of two songs, Nolen and Tom ended up writing an entire album together.

fxrrvst - Hate Has No Home Here (self-released)

30 September 2024

Despite being written well over a year ago, fxrrvst’s latest single “Hate Has No Home Here” is more relevant now than ever. An anthemic message of unity, “Hate Has No Home Here” deviates from the band’s usual motif of mental health, and transitions to a call to action, imploring the audience to take a stand and ‘lets get loud’. Given the status of the world currently, whether war, human rights, or politics, fxrrvst summarize the stance all should take both in the song name and heard in the chanting throughout the bridge and last chorus.

Simon Moullier - Elements of Light (Candid)

30 September 2024

For Element of Light, his fifth album and first for the legendary label Candid, he brings it all together into one direction.

Brendan Forrest - Daydreaming Music Fiend (self-released)

30 September 2024

Brendan Forrest, the Chicago-born musician formerly known as B Forrest8, who now calls the *Colorado Rockies home, released his debut bluegrass EP, Daydreaming Music Fiend, at the end of September. While rooted in traditional bluegrass, this record subtly weaves in Forrest’s diverse musical background, from his Chicago blues roots to his journeys across continents. The EP marks a significant shift for Forrest, showcasing his embrace of acoustic string band music while retaining traces of his self-described “grit soul” style.

Paul Kelly - Still Longing Fever (Cooking Vinyl Limited)

29 September 2024

First making his name with the folk-oriented, semi-acoustic sound of 1985’s Post, Paul Kelly enjoyed a major breakthrough with 1987’s Gossip, which was centered around his smart, full-bodied pop melodies and literate but unpretentious storytelling. 1994’s Wanted Man found Kelly digging deeper into more personal themes as his music gained more bite while still remaining tuneful

Crash Harmony - Orange Background (Magic Door Records)

27 September 2024

NYC indie rock outfit Crash Harmony presents ‘Orange Background’, the second taste of the band’s debut record No One Asked For This’. Slated for release via Magic Door Record Label after a 30+ year hiatus, the quartet are back with a full-length album of 10 songs, for which they worked with celebrated producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ. Earlier, the band released the lead track ‘Velour Goddess’.

In a Warmer Way - December Friend (Mifflin Street Music)

27 September 2024

December Friend was born out of the pandemic when Joel Leviton reached out to friends Jeff Victor (Minneapolis musician, composer, and producer) and John Wlaysewski (of Brooklyn-based band Late Cambrian) asking if they wanted to collaborate on a new project. Thankfully, they said yes. All songs for December Friend’s initial album, Splendor Never Dies, were recorded remotely in home studios in Minneapolis and Brooklyn during the pandemic. They followed the same formula for December Friend’s latest release, In a Warmer Way, recording songs written by Joel Leviton at home studios in Minneapolis and Brooklyn.

The Kris Davis Trio - Run the Gauntlet (Pyroclastic)

27 September 2024
Davis uses the opportunity to pay tribute to six pianists who showed her the way.

The Sound of Mountains - The Sound of Mountains (self-released)

26 September 2024

The Sound of Mountains album is a testament to Christopher Morin’s musical prowess and creative vision. Recorded between his home studio and Black n Gold studios in Whittier, CA, the album aims to create a space for reflection, introspection, and emotional resonance. With standout tracks like “Stretch Out Your Hand” and “Familiar Locations,” the album strikes a balance between serene, cinematic sounds and electrifying post-rock compositions, offering listeners a sonic journey that transcends boundaries and genres.

Avalon Stone - Cliffhanger (TuneMage Media)

26 September 2024

“Cliffhanger” by Avalon Stone hits with the intensity of a freefall, capturing the raw, vulnerable moment where you’re teetering on the emotional edge. A killer riff, powerful vocals, and haunting lyrics like “Can’t see the water below but I hear the waves crash,” the song delivers intensity. Produced by Juno-winner Kevin Dietz, it’s a follow-up to her breakout debut “Forget You,” over 200K streams worldwide.