Speed the Plough is a New Jersey-based chamber pop band that has been playing since 1984. The band rose out of the ashes of The Trypes, a mainstay of the early ’80s Hoboken scene, which included most members of The Feelies, many of whom played with Speed the Plough through the band’s first decade.
“The Mommyheads are a true indie rock national treasure.“
-Fun Fun Fun
The Mommyheads (Adam Elk, Dan Fisherman, Jason McNair, Michael Holt, and Jackie Simons) are an indie-pop band formed in Brooklyn in 1987 by Adam Cohen (now Adam Elk). They developed a cult following across North America through extensive touring in the 1990’s. They broke up in 1998 after being signed and later dropped by Geffen Records. They reformed in 2008. They’ve released ten albums.
Discography
Striking a wild balance between embracing the spirit of inspiration and abandoning the strictures of inhibition, Night Court is set loose to draw new/glue repurposed maps over the post/pop/punk/lo-fi rock landscape. Wanting to travel light, the band decided to write only good songs with no unnecessary weight, leaving concentrated grooves of distorted/indelible catchiness in their wake. Where’d they find that sound? It gets me so excited.
Vancouver indie punk/garage pop band Night Court was born during the great lockdown of 2020 from lifelong friends Jiffy and Dave-O and quickly grew into 30 songs, 26 of which became their debut duology Nervous Birds! One and Too, and later compiled in a one cassette ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation on Spain’s Discos Peroquébien. Once Emil Taylor completed the power trio on drums in 2021, the band spent the next year playing locally, touring Canada and the US, and recording their third full length album -and first to be pressed on vinyl- HUMANS! – released June 9th on Debt Offensive Records in Canada and Snappy Little Numbers in the US.
Following the release of HUMANS! the band teamed up with New York indie Dromedary Records for the release of the Frater Set EP, a loosely Halloween-themed collection of short and speedy pop songs.
With a lo-if DIY approach to their recordings, Frater Set continues the band’s love affair with loud, messy, beautiful songs that are not likely to overstay their welcome. The album’s 5 songs- coming in under 8 minutes- were recorded at Magic Hour, the converted “studio” that Jiffy and Dave-O built in Jiffy’s garage. With a wide pool of influences and rave reviews- “loose and crazy indie punk-pop with solid drive and inventive style” (The Big Takeover), “kind of indie rock-ish at times, catchy yet dripping, with feedback in all the right places.” (Razorcake)- Night Court’s energetic live performances have earned them gigs supporting everyone from hometown punk progenitors Pointed Sticks to Welsh post-hardcore noise enthusiasts Mclusky. Currently booking dates in Canada and the US, Night Court demands attention, but long attention spans are not required.
“Penguins Kill Polar Bears deservedly follow in the footsteps of groups like Aereogramme, Biffy Clyro and newer friends and contemporaries like The XCerts.” -The Scotsman
One of Scotland’s most exciting young bands of the early 2010s, Penguins Kill Polar Bears teamed up with Dromedary in 2011 to release Vessels & Veins in North America as an intro to this great band. The US version of the EP was released in March of 2011 on CD and digital download.
Discography
Positive No created melodic, unpredictable pop balanced with tension and energy. The songwriting focus isn’t just about producing melodies performed as if it were their last day on earth or pounding out rhythmic twists and turns. Each note, beat, and breath is meticulously spaced so the room between the notes is as important as the ones played all together. It might be tempting to assume these musicians were heavily influenced by the heavy guitar indie rock of The Breeders or the melodic post-hardcore of Fugazi in the ‚’90s. However, the reality is they were among those artists shaping underground music at the time. This band is not a tribute to the golden age of independent music; they are the same people who helped to created it in the first place. Positive No was a continuation of DIY veterans writing emotionally raw and dynamic songs with lyrics that are as thoughtful as the music. The unique language developed between the band members is like that of a well-established family.
Discography
A self-described “psychedelic cave punk band” based out of Hoboken, NJ.
Few bands have enjoyed the level of anticipation that surrounded the first public performance of the Hoboken, NJ-based indie quintet, Psych-O-Positive. The buzz was palpable nearing their March 2017 debut gig at Maxwell’s Tavern in Hoboken.
Celebrating convalescence with a benefit concert for beloved writer and internet radio host Jack Silbert, The Hudson Reporter, NJ.com and HMag Lifestyle magazine all reported on the appearance of Hoboken’s supergroup before they ever hit the stage.
Self-described as “psychedelic cave punk,” a term coined by drummer Karyn Kuhl, the band was formed by musician Debby Schwartz, best known as lead singer and guitarist for the band The Aquanettas and bass player for the P.G. Six Band, as well as for her solo career at both Mercury and Twin Lakes Records. Schwartz is the driving creative force behind the band, and was able to bring a powerful group of accomplished musicians together to create a new subgenera of punk, blending political and psychedelic music.
Drummer Karyn Kuhl is also the critically acclaimed guitarist, singer and songwriter of the eponymous Karyn Kuhl Band. She formerly fronted NJ bank bands Gut Bank and Sexpod. Her drumming style is powerfully primitive, owing largely to her punk roots. Journalists and music scene regulars are consistently thrilled to see Karyn behind the drums.
Guitarist Andy Gilchrist lives across the river in NYC. In his youth he was a founding member of AndyPanda, The Troals and The Milky Substance. Later, he would go on to form the legendary New York City antilock band The Sprinkle Genies, playing regularly at Sidewalk Cafe and CBGB. He provides vocals as well as lead guitar, and has often been described as part cephalopod and part 70s Nauga Monster.
Judy Ann Nock, also from New York City, plays the electric sitar, bringing a decidedly distinct psychedelic vibe to the band. Before joining Psych-O-Positive, Judy was the lead singer and guitarist for the 1990s East Village rock band tranceSenders, best known for their extended hedonistic residencies at Hilly Kristal’s art club adjacent to CBGB, CB’s Gallery 313, where they played regularly every Friday night. Judy Ann is also an author of the Modern Witchcraft series of books published by Simon & Schuster. As one of the lyricsts for the band, listeners can sometimes uncover occult references and witchy vibes in her contributions to the band.
Louie Zhelesnik began his career in the band Seven Goat Day and went on to participate in The Postman Opera. He plays guitar in Psych-O-Positive, creating layered sonic soundscapes that cement the psychedelia. Louie is also the band manager, bringing a wealth of creative acumen to the band’s gitigal presence. Best known for large-scale multimedia art events, Louie has also been the driving force behind events such as Exhibit October and has been known to produce popup speakeasies, as he is a master at making a scene.
