Sam Potrykus plays/ has played in lots of bands. He co-founded the Boston Hassle and it’s mother non-profit BRAIN Arts Org. He’s fighting the good fight for independent and free creative, artistic expression in the Boston area.
Rakta – III (Iron Lung Records)
https://www.facebook.com/raktaraktarakta/
This group from Sao Paulo, Brazil destroyed the democracy center this year and dropped this incredible new record showing their evolution as a band from raw punks to heady heavies..
Lithics – Borrowed Floors (Water Wing Records)
https://lithics.bandcamp.com/
Discovered via local record distro Surveillance Investments, hearing this record had me writing the band immediately asking them to come to Boston. Turns out one of the dudes is a Boston ex-pat! They’re in Portland, OR but we’ll get em here eventually…herky, jerky, hooky, look and see!
Angela Sawyer – On The Pedestrian Side (Weird Ear/Feeding Tube Records)
www.iluvkarlrahner.com
Only local on the list. Only one making shit worth hurling around really. The sugary tunes herein will give you at least one cavity that you wont be able to forget. Angela is known for popping up all over the sound spectrum and here she is on the song end of things, fucking shit up like she oughta. Demented pop and voices like the ones in your head.
The Hecks – The Hecks (Trouble In Mind Records) https://www.facebook.com/theheckstheband
Hey now! These fellas had two appearances in Boston this past year and both times everyone walked away texting SMH to their best friend who wasnt there. Mesmerizing tunes, hypnotic rock, “post-punk” sure, these poor fine gents left for their last tour right after we all got trumped.. which musta made for a pretty dismal trip.. so they donated all record sales to local charities in each town, BARCC in Boston. See ya next year boys.
Cloud Becomes Your Hand – Rest In Fleas (Northern Spy Records)
https://www.facebook.com/CloudBecomesYourHand/
This band is quite a handful. Nice lads but xylophone, violin, synths, guitar, bass, drums and performance art?! It’s just too much! Just kidding its just right. Fun yet challenging tunes with (I’m) very high replay value. Enjoy!
Close runner up – Macula Dog – Why Do I Look Like My Dog (Wharf Car Recs)
https://wharfcatrecords.bandcamp.com/track/why-do-i-look-like-my-dog
uhhhhmmm these people are kooky! and I love kooky. lil dark, totally zany and just plain fun. see them live. they dress up and throw down.
