In these economically fraught times, it’s always nice when a band elects to share its music for free. It’s even nicer when the music is local and great. If you have a free release that you would like to share, please email me about it at [email protected][email protected]. Here’s some new free local music that has found its way to my iTunes, and also, my heart.
Fat Stupids — Self Titled EP (fatstupids.bandcamp.com)
This is a band that you should trust: they are makers of wicked-fast power-punk. For a band called the Fat Stupids, their music actually has very little fat to it — it’s all tendons and gristle. Hot tip: if you are feeling groggy in the morning, put this on and it feels like the actual Fat Stupids are in your kitchen, throwing coffee in your face and smashing you into dutiful wakefulness. A must-have.
Cursed Arrows — Skin Behind the Shroud (cursedarrows.bandcamp.com/album/skin-behind-the-shroud)
Toronto transplants Cursed Arrows continue their thoughtful grunganaut explorations with this five-song cassette. The marriage of sounds sometimes recalls Nirvana, sometimes the Breeders, with pleasing and surprising departure on the jangly “Carefree Chemicals,” which sounds a bit like a hippie anthem if it were penned by the Who.
Each Other — Taking Trips (eachotherssongs.bandcamp.com)
This is technically a pay-what-you can release, in case you are feeling generous. This group of former Long Long Long-ers has regrouped to Montreal and created this tiny six-song album laden with irresistible twangs and oddities. The edges are smoothed with a haunting quality that you will love. Grip it!
