Punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls will be on tour in Europe and North America. It has been a while since singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Brian Viglione hit the stage, but now that their 2006 album Yes, Virginia… has been re-recorded in full - they named it "tailors version" - the time is right again.
Weston Smith is a DIY dungeon synth artist from Phoenix, Arizona, who conjures up a bunch of people trying to make their way to the Righteous Path in a fantasy world where the rules of physics don't apply. It feels like they are led by a troubadour with a soft spot for the sound a pan flute leading the way, with a rumbling bass as the foundation for a shoestring take for a Hans Zimmer-esque instrumental. The cover art for the single - think MS Paint ca. 1997 - leaves a lot to be desired, but don't judge the book music by its cover.
Phish
2026/07/19
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
Originally envisioned as a duo with his niece Meadows folk singer Myco Stassens is now a one-man band. He kept the name, Najas, and his family features on two of the tracks on his self-titled EP, sharing vocal duties and playing banjo. Stassens never raises his voice, choosing his words carefully. Intimacy is key, but don't sleep on his guitar skills. He names Nick Drake as one of his heroes and some his of tunings are obviously inspired by that English maestro.
As homemade recordings go, this is pretty damn fine one. He might not be the most prolific writer - Gift Horse was released as a single three years ago and its follow-up Highest Place saw the light of day last year - but with the addition of subtle Warn Me and the pleading Praise this EP is gem to be cherished by folk fans who appreciate barebones, heartfelt music.
Phish
2026/07/18
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
