Exclusive: Dream Phases Rouse Psych-Rock Lovers With Special New 7-Inch

Posted in Exclusives, Interviews with tags , on 03/27/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Today ain’t just another Thursday for fans of primo psychedelic rock. It’s extra-special because L.A.’s eminently gifted quintet Dream Phases are gifting fans of equally heady and interstellar music with a special new 7-inch. The Nomad Eel Records release enshrines two of the increasingly prominent and talented band’s best tracks, “Velvet Knife” and “Mrs. Songbyrd.”

Dream Phases is one of the most versatile, rousing and downright fun acts amid a litany of new and newish California bands currently infusing new life and popularity into psych-rock. (They’re also extremely affable and have an endearing sense of humor.) The band consists of Brandon Graham (vocals, guitar), Shane Graham (drums), Keveen Baudouin (guitar, vocals), Jeanna Fournier (bass, vocals) and Phil Cobb (synth, keys).

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Treefort Music Fest Preview: Dummy Discuss Their Smart Approach to Making Art

Posted in Interviews with tags , on 03/26/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Get to know L.A.-based psych-pop luminaries Dummy ahead of their much anticipated set at Neurolux on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. as part of this year’s Treefort Music Fest, courtesy of New Noise.

Interview: Dummy Discuss Their Smart Approach to Making Art and Why Boise Rules

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They/Live Leader on Growing Up Mormon, Teaming With Drab Majesty

Posted in Favorite Films, Features, Interviews with tags , on 03/25/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Delve into my New Noise conversation with polymath Whitney Mower, who fronts Born Losers Records band They/Live and survived the disastrous fires that recently ravaged Los Angeles.

Interview: They/Live Leader Talks John Carpenter Movies, Escaping L.A. Fires

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Pyramid Mass Reveal Influences Behind Their Sick New EP

Posted in Interviews, Lists with tags , , , , , , , , , on 03/25/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Earlier this month, Richmond, Virginia’s Pyramid Mass dipped a ladle into their cauldron of blackened sludge, progressive metal, thrash, black metal, hardcore, avant-garde—Jesus, need we go on?—and poured a heaping helping of their lethal stew into a bowl beautifully named Gargling Rot. The wretched EP, issued by Ossien Records, contains five songs that would make for great house music in Guantánamo Bay. In other words, it’s killer.

Mastered by the legendary James Plotkin of Khanate, Gargling Rot is the chaser to 2023’s Monolith, the debut by the band consisting of Matt Wild (drums/vocals), Nick Crider (guitar/vocals) and Joey Anderson (bass/vocals/synth). The EP commands strict attention from start to finish, even though no matter how hard you concentrate on what Pyramid Mass are doing, you won’t be able to make sense of it. What better way to guarantee repeat spins of a record.

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Bask Reflect on Hurricane Helene: ‘We Were in Survival Mode’

Posted in Interviews with tags on 03/24/2025 by Kurt Orzeck
Interview: Bask Survive Hurricane Helene, Start Tour With Weedeater Today

“The silver lining (with) Helene (was) that people—regardless of race, creed, gender, whatever—came together and helped each other out,” the North Carolina band tells New Noise.

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xWeaponx’s ‘Everybody Breaks’ Single: Two Cent Review

Posted in Reviews with tags , , on 03/23/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Check out my take on “Everybody Breaks,” a new song by Knocked Loose bassist Bryan Garris’ straightedge side project xWeaponx, on Treble.

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Young Widows’ ‘Power Sucker’: Two Cent Review

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews with tags on 03/22/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Louisville noise-rock trio Young Widows sound catchier than ever on their latest LP, Power Sucker. Read my brief review on Treble.

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Spiritworld’s ‘Helldorado’: Two Cent Album Review

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews with tags on 03/22/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

“Reverend Horton Heat one moment, the next second Slayer.” Read my short-and-sweet review of Helldorado, the new album by Las Vegas outlaws Spiritworld, via Treble.

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On Tyranny: Punk Legends UK Subs Denied Entry Into US Due to Alleged Trump Criticism

Posted in Essays, Features, News, On Tyranny with tags , , on 03/21/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

A new chapter in Trump’s war on free speech has apparently begun, with members of punk legends UK Subs denied entry into the U.S. and detained after traveling to play a concert Stateside, according to The Guardian. The U.K. news outlet cites accounts purportedly posted on the band’s Facebook page. (The Bad Penny does not utilize or endorse social media.)

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Venamoris’ ‘To Cross or to Burn’: Two Cent Review

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews with tags , , on 03/21/2025 by Kurt Orzeck

Venamoris–anchored by revered ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and his wife–formed in 2021 and have released a handful of releases since then. But none hold a candle to their latest, gripping foray, To Cross or to Burn, which drops today on Ipecac. Read my full review on Treble.

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