Radio music making you want to throw up? Tired of all the artists on your iPod? The cure might be just down the street, in the nearest bar # or even next to you in the grocery store checkout line. This playlist contains all-natural, minimally packaged bands and musicians from St. Petersburg, the Bay area or, at the very least, from Florida. For the hole in your soul that “big music” can’t fill.
“Beggar’s Guild” by Roadkill Ghost Choir
Hailing from Deland, Roadkill could be described as Manchester Orchestra meets Fleet Foxes, with a little more twang. They know just when to tone down the distortion and bring in some folk-y guitar picking. True to their name, you’ll find lots of eerie harmonies on their debut EP “Quiet Light.” The Choir is currently touring the country but come home to play WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave on May 9.
“Dog Radio” by Polyenso
Long past their days in the hardcore scene as Oceana, this group of St. Pete locals has evolved into a soulful, smoother blend of indie rock. Impressive percussion arrangements by Denny Agosto and mellow trumpet lines by Alec Prorock set them apart from other bands.
“9th Step” by Gators in the Sawgrass
You can find this bluegrass band from Gulfport playing somewhere (with plenty of beer taps) in St. Petersburg just about every weekend. Their newest addition is USF St. Petersburg student Gordon Burt on mandolin. The line “All we know is crazy,” from this number just about describes their live performance. If that still doesn’t fill your desire for songs picked and plucked, give “Way Down” by Naples band the Wholetones a try. See Gators play Green Bench Brewing Co. on April 11.
“Long Gone” by Archaic Interest
This song plays like a psychedelic surfboard ride with Jimmy Morrison. Enjoy the journey, man. For more St. Pete garage surfing, jamming and tripping, check out Jensen Surf Company and Selectric. See Archaic Interest play Local 662 on April 19.
“Swan Song” by Lovebrrd
If you’d like to leave the confines of traditional musical structure behind all together, the noise-based creations of Patrick McBratney, under the moniker “Lovebrrd,” will take you there. If you like what you hear look up his noise record label Lava Church.
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“Goodness in Us” by Jun
St. Petersburg multi-instrumentalist Jun Bustamante is in tune with the cosmos on this song that features an exotic rhythm and a message of good will. She has a vocal style that you just have to hear for yourself. See her play Hideaway Cafe on May 9.
“Supersoul” by The Happiness Machine
This St. Pete five-piece, led by two adorable brunette sisters, lives up to their name with poppy, bubbly music that will make you experience an array of feelings # but mostly happy. See them play Green Bench Brewing Co. with the Grecian Urns (1 night only!) on May 31.
“The Rainbow Sound” by Gentleman Please
Alastair St. Hill’s grainy falsetto carries this local pop-rock band through frenzied rhythms and bouncy guitar riffs. Their lush, distorted tunes are hard to come by, however, as they rarely play a live show. Please play more live shows, Gentleman Please.
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