On a pair of singles issued in 2024, Keep This Up shared a strong blend of melodic post-hardcore with more than a hint of emo. On ‘Blossom’, in particular, the way the band fused speed driven angst with vocals that sounded if they were either on the verge of tears or exploding under the weight of pent up fury owed as much to the mid 00’s as the present.
Tag Archives: alternative
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #131
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the more interesting individual tracks that have landed in our inbox over the previous few weeks. This time around, we welcome back a cult Canadian act and an equally cult Boston based singer-songwriter. We also share a couple of metal oriented tracks pitching at very different influences, and applaud the most inventive single to date from a genre-bending Italian band. Between those, you’ll find other tracks from the underground and, as always, we hope you’ll find something new to enjoy…
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THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #130
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the more interesting individual tracks that have landed in our inbox over the past few weeks. This time around, we bring you a fantastic number from a British alt-folk band, the return of some cosmic, psychy legends, a great piece of synth based material, some well crafted pop punk…and more. As always, we hope you find something new to enjoy!
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TIBERIUS – Troubadour
With influences ranging from indie, alt-country and psychedelia, Boston rock band Tiberius (not to be confused with the Scottish metal band of the same name) have labelled their sound “Farm Emo”. The fusion of styles colours most of their debut album ‘Troubadour’ in such a way that their music feels inherently “90s”, yet at the same time, the record’s finest tracks feel so much grander than mere throwbacks to that plaid dominated era.
DINOSAUR JR – The Black Session: Live In Paris 1993
The early recordings by Dinosaur Jr are among the band’s most critically lauded, but a case could be made for 1993’s ‘Where You Been’ being the band’s finest and most consistent work. The first album to feature bassist Mike Johnson (replacing Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow, following his well publicised falling out with Dinosaur main man J Mascis), its material took on a slightly more commercial edge at times. The word “slightly” is more than apt here, however, since J’s vocal drawl would remain a stumbling block for those not entirely sold on the band’s sound, and a couple of noisier workouts ensured the heart of “older” Dinosaur was never far away. Nevertheless, the album connected with a broader audience than some of the band’s prior works, with ‘Start Choppin’ breaking into the UK top 20, and the album’s promotion including an appearance on the BBC arts programme The Late Show on February 23rd 1993, just two weeks after ‘Where You Been’ hit record shop shelves.