Perhaps it’s a harbinger of spring, or just a happy coincidence, but Friday, April 5, is shaping up to be a big day for local music around Hudson County.
Whether your taste runs to art-rock, garage, post-punk, or lush indie-rock, there’s a slew of new singles arriving this week, as well as live events to celebrate those releases. From promising newcomers to artists who have been local fixtures for decades, these talented performers deliver the goods.
KAREN KUHL
Few musicians have become as synonymous with Hoboken as Karyn Kuhl, whose career — beginning in the early days of the old Maxwell’s — spans decades and genres, both as a solo artist and band leader. April 5 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved singer and guitarist with the premier of “No Traces,” Kuhl’s first solo single for esteemed Jersey label Dromedary Records.
Produced by Charlie Nieland (who also plays guitar in Kuhl’s current combo, Karyn Kuhl and the Gang), “No Traces” showcases Kuhl’s vocals in a way that conjures both Patti Smith and Donna Summer. Electric guitars chug, and heavenly synths swirl, as Kuhl details a mysterious encounter in which she’s cautioned “love must leave no traces.”
The single’s “B-side,” the Larry Heinemann-produced, synth-driven “The Tower,” weaves its own unique enchantment, a moonlit reverie that conjures romance and mystery.
“No Traces” / “The Tower” will be available for pre-order at dromedaryrecords.bandcamp.com on April 5. (Note: The entire Dromedary catalog is well worth checking out.) Kuhl will host a listening party featuring Karyn Kuhl and the Gang, Vera Sirota, and emcee Jack Silbert on Saturday, April 13, at Piccolo’s, 92 Clinton St., Hoboken. The event will run from 4-6 p.m.; admission is free.
PAPERMAKER
For something a bit more left of center, Papermaker, fronted by musician and noted visual artist Thomas John Carlson, offers “Alien.” This two-minute blast of musical sci-fi has a quirky vocal ululating over a spooky riff, mixed and mastered by John Messina.
While Carlson’s artwork for the cover is gallery-worthy by itself, together they offer more proof of why TJC ranks as one of Jersey City’s most talented individuals.
Papermaker will celebrate the release of “Alien” at Finnegan’s, 734 Willow Ave., Hoboken, with a free, 8 p.m. show on April 5 that also features Jersey City acts Horsehead Men and Perpetual Stew.
COMMONS 2
John Gallagher – who performs and records under the name Commons 2 – represents another prodigious Jersey City talent. He not only wrote and sang but played all the instruments on “Real Life,” another single slated for release on April 5.
Gallagher’s synthesizers simulate a symphony of strings, woodwinds, and percussion as his Everyman vocal celebrates the prosaic pleasures of everyday life. The hazy beauty recalls Oasis and you might even think of the Beatles thanks to Gallagher’s lush, cinematic production.
“Real Life” will be available to stream and download at listentothecommons.bandcamp.com.
DRACU-LAS
The Dracu-L’s have been one of Jersey City’s brightest new bands over the last few months, featuring a personable mix of New Wave, Garage-Rock, Rockabilly, and Sixties Girl-Group pop. Fronted by Courtney Eddington on vocals and guitar, and featuring local scenester Mitch Cady on drums, the Dracu-Las will be releasing their first physical release, a three-song EP entitled “Fall Asleep When I’m Dead.”
The title track boasts a hypnotic beat and trebly, reverb’d guitars to deliver its narrative about insomnia and sleep paralysis. Damewood’s vocal adds a beguiling air of mystery, followed by a twangy guitar solo that bring the track to a dramatic conclusion.
The other two tracks, “It” and “Nervous,” amp up the tempo, the former a zesty, full-bodied rocker reminiscent of the Go Go’s and the latter with more of a rockabilly beat.
If you’re into vinyl, the EP can be ordered at thedracu-las.bandcamp.com, where it’s also available to download or stream.
MARC DEL GIUDICE
Finally, check out singer-songwriter Marc Del Giudice, whose video for the delightful pop-rock single “Daylight Hours” was filmed by Kris Khunachak on the Hoboken waterfront. The tune’s a perfect warm up for summer, with a bright, upbeat melody, a lighthearted tenor vocal, and a cautionary lyric about letting those sunny “daylight hours” slip by without taking advantage of them.
You might recognize Del Giudice from his time in the emo-punk band Morningside Lane. He’s since launched a solo career, and you can catch him live on, yes, Friday, April 5 at a showcase with a number of other up-and-coming local artists at 97 Newkirk St, Jersey City.
Presented in collaboration with producer and light designer Melida Rodas of Destination Art Space, the event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will include short sets by Rio the Messenger, Sebastian Ortiz, Amaku, David Diange, Lauren Rosato, and others.
Admission is $10 and advance tickets are available from Eventbrite.com.
Jim Testa is on Facebook at facebook.com/Constant-Listener-Jim-Testa-On-Hudson-Music-108591071738628. He can also be reached at jim@jerseybeat.com.
