We Can Honestly Say That The Debut Album From The Far Out , “Greetings from The Far Out” , Was Love At First Listen

Artwork by Olivia and Ezra Lowe

We don’t know what we did to be so lucky but, we consider ourselves absolutely blessed to be able to check out the new album, “Greetings from The Far Out”, from rising Boston pop-funk collective, The Far Out. You can listen to “Greetings from The Far Out” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

If you have yet to experience the electrifying next level pop funk from The Far Out , you are clearly only vibing at 50 percent. The epic new album, “Greetings from The Far Out “ is the perfect way to get your vibe to 100 percent.

We triple dog dare you to find a weak link on “Greetings from The Far Out “ … trust us you won’t … not even close . Every single song is more drop dead perfect than last . Eight gems that you can let play on repeat for infinity.

Photo Credit: Jackie Vlahos

Led by a quartet of charismatic singles, including February’sFunkadelic Gas” and May’sLaurel,” the eight-track record from the Boston funk-pop collective welcomes the listener into its blossoming community, where positive vibes and blissful motivation – and an initiation to escape the day’s doom and gloom – are soundtracked by the sextet’s infectious sonic cocktail. 

Hard times make for great music,” says saxophonist and guitarist Colin Senechal. “You gotta put your frustration and pent-up energy somewhere. If it can be upbeat to help people find some hope, even better!

With this debut album, a spectrum of styles and sounds that blends together funk, pop, indie, R&B, soul, Yacht Rock, ‘70s AM gold, Motown, and whatever else filtered through The Far Out’s unique sense of forward-motion retro-cool, the “New Act of the Year” recipient at the 2024 New England Music Awards is ready to take things to the next level. 

If you have been grooving to the singles , ( “Funkadelic Gas”, “Laurel”, “Packed To Go” and “See Red( You’re Dead” ) those are just the tip of the very funky iceberg.

Some of the other tunes that got us grooving, “Need A Win”, which is the absolute perfect song to kick off such a stellar album. “Lazy Lover” and “Putt Strut” If we were to pick our favorite on the record ( which is almost impossible to do ) we would without question choose, “Long Weekend “ ( the bass line is more decadent than any piece of chocolate we have ever had) “Long Weekend “ is straight up spectacular.

While the sound is varied and genre-hops from one beat to the next, a rare throughline across Greetings from The Far Out extends both in plain sight and lurking just below the aural surface. The record’s title and postcard artwork – as well as the stamp-themed art for the four singles, all designed by Olivia Lowe with design assistance from her brother Ezra Lowe – are a throwback to Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. And Lowe admits there are some overarching lyrical elements at play across the eight tracks, though it takes a dedicated listen to delve deep beyond the upbeat music.

The Far Out have some live shows + a late summer tour coming up you can check out dates below .

If you are looking for an unforgettable dose of unbelievable music, look no further than “Greetings from The Far Out” , from The Far Out

The Far Out is:

Ellie Dolan: Trumpet, vocals

Ryan Fremont-Smith: Bass guitar, vocals, saxophone

Olivia Lowe: Guitar, flute, vocals

Drew Phillips: Drums

Colin Senechal: Saxophone, guitar

Henry Zagarella: Keys, vocals

The Far Out upcoming live dates + late summer tour:

July 10: Somerville, MA @ The Burren (album release party!)
August 9: Falmouth, MA @ Lin Whitehead Bandshell / Harbor Light Illumination Concert Series
August 23: Salisbury, MA @ Riverfest Salisbury Beach
August 30: Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall
August 31: Burlington, VT @ Radio Bean
September 6: Tinton Falls, NJ @ Twin Lights Brewery
September 12: Easthampton, MA @ Marigold Theatre
September 13: Bridgeport, CT @ Park City Music Hall
September 26: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs

Cruel Miracle Have Created An Amazing Video For “Stone”

We recently got the amazing opportunity, to check out the new video for “Stone”, from Boston hard rock band , Cruel Miracle, you can watch the epic video for “Stone” below

You can also listen to “Stone “ , which is on their album “Steadfast” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here

On its own, “Stone” from Cruel Miracle, is an epic hard rock groove that is straight up phenomenal. Now we get a blazing video to go along with it…… It’s like we won the freaking lottery!!!

Finally getting the video treatment it deserves, the riff-fueled “Stone” is the lead track to Cruel Miracle’s recent album Steadfast, a piledriver of a record that first dropped last summer. The video for “Stone” was created by the band members themselves, featuring the four dudes rocking out in its rehearsal space as colorful and animated visuals bloom with each hook and spin like a hypnotic pinwheel. 

Photo Courtesy Of The Band

The band shares : ‘Stone’ is a story about perseverance – staying strong while remaining true to yourself,” the band declares, speaking on the new release as a cohesive voice of one. “In typical Cruel Miracle fashion, one of us brought some riffs and then we all worked on the structure and arrangements. This was first created as a post-pandemic tune, so the feel was based on the struggles of the time and the battle against our personal demons.” 

The DIY video for “Stone” was created by the band members themselves, featuring the four dudes rocking out in its rehearsal space as colorful and animated visuals bloom with each hook and spin like a hypnotic pinwheel. It’s the band’s visual follow-up to last year’s “Wicked Ways [1999]” video, which dropped, appropriately, on the Fourth of July. 

But the latest dose of video fireworks from Cruel Miracle is more stripped-down in nature, allowing the song to expand and take hold while showcasing the band doing what it does best – rocking the eff out.  

“We spent time looking at videos from the ‘60s all the way to the mid-’90s – where most of us cut our teeth,” they add. “There was no real theme or direction, we just wanted something kind of random and psychedelic. We also wanted to showcase ourselves playing in our own environment. It all goes back to the visuals and feel of that old-school rock scene – capturing that hard rock essence and delivering an accurate representation of what Cruel Miracle is today

Cruel Miracle, is exactly the high octane rock and roll that is needed in today’s musical landscape. Full throttle and full speed ahead . Music needs to be a loud and thunderous experience and Cruel Miracle, is just the right band to lead the charge .

Cruel Miracle is:

Charlie Black: Main vocals and bass 

Joe Cook: Drums and backing vocals 

Aaron Leonard: Keys and backing vocals 

Doug Hendler: Guitars

Ben Basile Debuts Third Single (“Cacao Knibb”) Off Upcoming Solo LP ‘Benergy’ Out May 2nd

East Coast Shows Announced , See Beliw

We recently had the outstanding opportunity to check out the new single, “CACO KNIBB”, via Sleep Walk Sounds , from Rosendale, NY. based Ben Basile (pronounced  “ba-sill-ee”) Ben, is best known for his work with Big D and the Kids Table. “Cacao Knibb” the third track from his debut solo album, ‘Benergy’, set to drop May 2nd via Sleep Walk Sounds

You can listen to “CACO KNIBB” Here

The vibrant and electrifying sounds of “CACO KNIBB” , from Ben Basile, are like nothing we have ever heard before …. Such sweet , sweet sounds .

Ben says, “”Cacao Knibb” has been in development for a long time and took years to find its final form which appears on the album. The title is a play on words with two of my favorite things: Ska music and Dark Chocolate. Cacao Nib being a piece of a dried cacao bean and Lloyd Knibb was the original drummer with The Skatalites who pretty much created the whole style! I always love when ska is blended with latin rhythms, so that was also a part of the inspiration for this piece. “Cacao Knibb” feature’s the album’s co-producer Jon Degen on saxophone, as well as a piano solo by my longtime friend Sean Morrison.”

‘Benergy’, the album’s title, originated from a lighthearted moment with one of Basile’s bass students. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D and The Kids Table, it’s all about playing on top, playing with momentum and energy. Pushing the music the entire time,” Basile explains. His student’s response? “Benergy?”—a phrase that stuck and ultimately became the album’s name.

We are totally enthralled with the musical stylings, of Ben Basile and we can’t wait to hear what’s next.

Upcoming Shows:

Thursday, June 5th: All Points West – Newark, NJ
Friday, June 6th: Reason & Ruckus – Poughkeepsie, NY
Saturday, June 7th: TBA – Boston, MA
Sunday, June 8th: Hutghi’s – Westfield, MA
Tickets at benbasile.com

Big D and the Kids Table Bassist Ben Basile Keeps The Sweet Grooves Coming With Latest Single, “74 Leonard Street”

Upcoming Solo LP ‘Benergy’ Out May 2nd; East Coast Shows Announced

We recently had the delightful opportunity to check out the second single , “74 Leonard Street” from acclaimed bassist Ben Basile, best known for his work with Big D and the Kids Table, who is thrilled to share the new single, will be on his debut solo album “Benergy”, set to drop May 2nd via Sleep Walk Sounds.

You can listen to “74 Leonard Street” Here

“74 Leonard Street” from Ben Basile, is one of those magical melodic melodies that you can’t help but fall completely in love with the minute you hear it

A heartfelt tribute to the legendary Knitting Factory venue in Manhattan, “74 Leonard Street” reflects on the golden era of ska shows that shaped Basile’s musical journey. “I wrote this as a tribute to the old Knitting Factory when it was still in Manhattan in the early 2000s,”says Basile“It was at this venue that my love and appreciation for the genre grew even deeper. This was where I first saw many artists who would influence my career: The Skatalites, New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, Pilfers, Westbound Train, and Victor Rice. Fast forward ten years, and I would later have the chance to perform with both New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble and the Pilfers!”

The single features standout performances from longtime musical collaborators Matt Garrison (Saxophone) and Vince Tampio (Trumpet), delivering a vibrant sound that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the genre.

Benergy’, the album’s title, originated from a lighthearted moment with one of Basile’s bass students. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D and The Kids Table, it’s all about playing on top, playing with momentum and energy. Pushing the music the entire time,” Basile explains. His student’s response? “Benergy?”—a phrase that stuck and ultimately became the album’s name.

“74 Leonard “ from Ben Basile, is an absolute must listen.

Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All -Stars Brings A Phenomenal Funky Groove With, “Hard Is Hard”

NYC-based alternative-R&B producer, singer and songwriter Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars , are back with the phenomenal new single, “Hard Is Hard”, via   True Groove Records and it is a thing of funk-a-licious beauty.

You can listen to “Hard Is Hard” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here,

Tomás Doncker has long been a prime mover on the New York music, arts and culture scenes. From the early 1980s, as a member of groundbreaking No Wave and Punk Funk bands The Contortions and Defunkt, international touring, recording and songwriting collaborations with luminaries such as Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and Patti Smith, to helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars which include members of The Specials, Tomás has established himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.

Hard Is Hard’ follows February’s WhaGwaan!’ which featured guest drums and vocals from Fun Lovin’ Criminals / UB40’s Frank Benbini, and was celebrated by Wonderland Magazine, Fame Magazine and RTE.

Produced with James Dellatacoma (Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock) and mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (Paul Weller, LL Cool J, Miles Davis)Hard Is Hard fuses epic funk grooves with soulful vocals providing a powerful reminder to keep on keeping on; times are tough, but so are you.

Discussing the single, Doncker says, We are living in a pivotal time in history…Things are tough for everyone, everywhere. Someone once asked me: “What’s the difference between being ‘The Champ’, and being a contender?'” I had no idea…The answer was: “The Champion has the strength of character to get up off the canvas one more time.” Probably the most difficult thing to do. Hard is Hard. Stay strong, keep gettin’ up. One. More. Time!”

“Hard Is Hard” from Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars is layered in authentic truth and soulful goodness that is simply irresistible.

SCUSTIN Brew Up Intoxicating New Single, “The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)”

SCUSTIN Announce Debut Album Confessions Of A Pub Talker Released  September 19th 2025

We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)”, from Dublin post-funk quartet SCUSTIN. You can listen to The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)” Here

We are always on the lookout for killer grooves, and we have definitely found one from SCUSTIN, and their groove filled new single, “The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)”

Photo credit- David Wallis

 SCUSTIN are delighted to announce that their debut album Confessions Of A Pub Talker will be released on  September, 19th 2025.

To celebrate the news, the band will releaselead single ‘The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)’ on  March 5th, 2025, just in time for the St Patrick’s Daycelebrations at their London headline show on March 17th, 2025 at The Dublin Castle, Camden.

Recorded and produced by Richie Kennedy(The Murder Capital, RIDE, Interpol, Shame) at Black Mountain Studios, forthcoming debut album Confessions Of A Pub Talker is a modern Irish concept record that tells the story of Larry, a barman in his mid-to-late 20s struggling to find his way amidst the social and economic uncertainties of modern Irish life.

Bracing lead single ‘The Ick’ is a tongue-in-cheek satire of the post-punk genre, embracing its recent resurgence and drawing on influences from early Viagra Boys, Idles, and Irish bands such as Gurriers and The Scratch.

The frantic energy displayed on the new single is simply electrifying, we were immediately captivated.

Commenting on the single, the band said: Lyrically, the track addresses the sacrilegious attempts to taint Ireland’s most sacred beverage—Guinness—and draws a line between those who attempt such absurdities and those who don’t. The global phenomenon of “The Ick” serves as a fitting metaphor, delivering the message with a sharp edge of satire, and highlighting how trivial annoyances can become outlets for frustration in a world full of more significant issues.”

If you are like us, and are constantly searching for the next great groove, look no further then The Ick (Don’t Put Blackcurrant In That Pint Of Guinness)’, from SCUSTIN

The band have several live dates on sale now, including an appearance at Dublin’s annual Trinity Ball alongside Confidence Man, and an appearance at A Stone’s Throw Music Festival.

Live Dates:

16th March – Milton Keynes – Craufurd Arms
17th March – London, Camden – Dublin Castle
11th April – Dublin – Trinity Ball
25th May – Newcastle – A Stone’s Throw Music Festival

Winyah Deliver A Melodic Work Of Art With Debut Album, “Lot To Learn”

We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the melodic wonderment of alternative/rock band, Winyah, and their debut album, “Lot To Learn“ The band, who originated from a quaint beach town in South Carolina, have an ear catching sound and vibe that is positively divine.

You can listen to “ Lot To Learn” on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here

From the moment we pressed play and heard the opening melody from the opening track, “Thread” ( which felt like a religious experience) We knew that Winyah, was about to take us on an unforgettable musical journey.

Winyah has been working hard as a fully independent band since early 2023. Judging by the well put together songs on “A Lot To Learn”, it is obviously that Winyah, is just getting warmed up.

The band has shared the stage with acts such as Dog Park, Evan Honer, and Stop Light Observations, and secured spots at major festivals like Bonnaroo.

The band takes its name from Winyah Bay , a revered landmark in their hometown where the band is from.

The title track “Lot To Learn” has a very addictive melody that we found ourselves humming while we were going about our day .

“Fool’s Game” is a well written indie rock gem that we found ourselves hitting repeat several times.

What makes, Winyah stand out is that they craft songs that not only sound great but , they also hook you in with their well crafted lyrics. “Mamacita” , “Lay Me Down, and “Feel It All Again “ were a few the tracks that really stood out. However, if we had to pick a favorite, it would be without question, “ XO” We found ourselves absolutely enthralled with the hypnotic and dreamy of “XO”

Every song on “Lot To Learn” , makes you want to get up and groove , Winyah (Luke Gordon, Rob Buffington, Jake Riley and Stephen Russell have given music lovers everywhere an absolute gift with their debut album, “Lot To Learn”