When a band classifies their sound as “Pussy Rock”, one can only assume they’re merely taking the piss out of themselves. But there really is something empathetic about Boat Culture’s sound. That’s not to say the tracks on their EP Half Old lack a backbone. Boat Culture have patented a style of punchy power-pop occasionally tinged with swirling reverb. All this is successfully expressed without an ounce of jangle. So many bands feel the need to get all jangly with their sound when exploring this territory. Not Boat Culture! Each song on the EP holds it’s own so well, it’s hard to pick a standout track. So we’ll let you decide which one is best. With that said, it would be wise to catch them at The Smiling Buddah on August 20. Don’t miss out! -Chris PJ D

These days, it’s common to find fans of indie rock with a nostalgic appreciation for early 2000s mainstream pop punk. While some dismiss it as a sound of yesteryear, others, like Hamilton’s No King For Countrymen instead choose to embrace the sound while incorporating it in their own style. The content on their recent EP A Year In Recovery channels this influence with modern indie rock production, resulting in five powerful tracks full of charging rock tempos and retrospective lyrics. “Alright You Win” a tour de force of heavy guitars, pulsing basslines and the signature passive-aggressiveness found in pop punk lyrics. No King For Countrymen have made a science out of blending introspective content with bursts of indie rock energy, all neatly packaged together with clean production. The Countrymen will be bringing their signature sound to The Cavern in Toronto on August 20. -Chris PJ D

As he shows on the airy Americana track “Let The Blue Skies Go To Your Head” (streaming below) from his sophomore release ‘Empty Seat On A Plane,’ New York/Connecticut singer/songwriter Jesse Terry understands the pure comfort that music could provide. Reassuring a worried lover that “The engine’s warm, he’s waiting for you” with his sweet voice and gentle strums, the Berklee College of Music-trained musician assuages doubts but never disingenuously; his vivid lyrics (including “carnival rides” and “halogen lights”) and surprising instrumentation (a drum-clasped interlude towards the end) make sure the song is movingly true. Jesse Terry will celebrate the release of his latest EP (apparently titled ‘The Calm and the Storm’) at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 on Tuesday August 18th. – Zach Weg

I could write a few sentences comparing The Sun Lions' latest work to Dinosaur Jr., or some other mostly-well-known 90s "indie rock" band, but that'd be too easy. Whatever's On Your Mind does scream 90s "indie rock", but there's way more to it than just that. This record has lo-fi grit with hi-fi choruses--an impressive combo of hard-hitting rock n' roll and pop sensibilities. These tracks are jammed with intricate guitar solos and super-tight band chemistry; the stops and starts these guys are capabale of executing are some real high-caliber stuff. My favorite track is "Sammy", with its slow, drunkenly-plodding guitars that take off into a punk-rockin', arm-flailin' riot. The song seems to end just as it began--powerfully trudging to the finish line, but with the addition of a gang-vocal chorus. Sammy's definitely "got a-hold on me" with this one. 

If listening to Whatever's On Your Mind has you looking for more tunes from The Sun Lions, head over to Zuzu in Cambridge, MA tonight and catch their live set. More info about the show can be found here.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn) 
Photo credit: Jess Hodge

Lips-a 3 piece rock band based out of Toronto, they’re a Self proclaimed "terrorist glam rock" band...and I couldn't agree more. Last year they released a track called "Painkiller" with a crazy music video, which uses clips from a short film called "Girl In the Rubber Mask"; written and directed by Franck Blaess. The song is a straight ahead rocker with serious 90s vibes, steady drums rock along in line with the driving bass line as the guitar sprinkles in some tasty treats throughout the verse. Overall the song captures a great vibe, with good harmonies over the chorus, and a singer who doesn’t lack in keeping things interesting. These guys appear to be new on the scene; however, they headlined Lee's Palace last week, if you missed that, you can see them on 08/03 @ Horseshoe Tavern. - Kris Gies