Local rock n’ roll machine Loose Focus have released their debut album, Vintage Furs, to all major streaming services.

This gem was recorded in bassist Drew Mark’s basement studio, better known as Laced Records. 

All the tracks were written and performed by Mark and guitarist Matt Swick while they were in previous bands, but were never recorded. Once they added guitarist Lucy Lichtle to the mix, they decided to record and release the material. 

“We felt Vintage Furs was kind of an apropos title considering we were dusting off some old material to breathe new life into,” Swick said of the album. 

In the end, the album features eight tracks, including “Not Sure,” “Life Is Grand,” and “The Ghost of Emmett Till.” 

In addition, they’ve been performing live with multiple drummers the past two years, but the primary focus has been recording and releasing the album. 

They are working with a collective of musicians to continue to write and record material and will be solidifying a lineup to start actively booking events to support the album. 

All Star releases single

The talented Lisa McDavid has released a new single, “Sista Soul Sister.” 

The song is a methodical mashup of ’70s soul anthems reminiscent of The Staple Singers, Jean Knight, and Betty Wright, which inspires, empowers, and champions the resilience of sisterhood. 

The song features Cliff Barnes on bass and synth horns and Jere B with additional sounds and noises. 

You can take a listen on YouTube or purchase it on soundoctrine.com. 

Don’t forget, you can always catch McDavid performing as a member of The Sweetwater All Stars, who will be at The Club Room at The Clyde on Friday, Sept. 13, and at downtown Huntington’s Music in the City on Saturday, Sept. 14.

To Breathe Again diversify

Nu-metal revivalists To Breathe Again have entered the world of coffee. That’s right, the band recently rolled out their very own coffee line courtesy of Printify and Roastify Coffee. 

There are eight flavors from light to dark roast, available as ground or whole beans. 

To coincide, they even have new 40-ounce travel mugs and 11-ounce color changing mugs. 

If you would like to check these items out, head on over to the web site at tobreatheband.com. 

As for upcoming shows, To Breathe Again have nothing booked until Dec. 13 when they perform their annual To Christmas Again show in Stan’s Room at Piere’s. 

Today’s the day for Mudland

Mudland just dropped a new single, “Maybe Tomorrow,” on streaming services. 

You can hear the three-minute track live when they perform during Arts & Music Night at The Bell Mansion on Friday, Oct. 4, along with Augmentasia, Cameron Davies & The Vandals, Halfcap, Sun.Dyle, Skill Issue, and Missing Olry. 

The band also posted a YouTube video of them performing their entire self-titled 2023 EP. 

On a side note, members Patrick Losiniecki, Bryce Decamp, and Austin Cattrell have started another project called Snakebite Charlie that you will want to be on the lookout for. They were to make their live debut last month, but due to a scheduling conflict, it never transpired. 

EP released by Casket Sharp

Casket Sharp have released a three-song EP, Cops Were Called, the follow-up to their 2002 EP, Harpy on a High Wire. 

The tracks were recorded by Jason Davis of Off the Cuff Studios and mastered by Collin Jordan at The Boiler Room in Chicago. 

In addition to the title track, the EP includes “Fight of Flight” and “The Impasse.” 

Do yourself a favor and check it out on your favorite streaming site. 

As for shows, unfortunately nothing on the books, but hopefully soon as it sure feels like a bit since we’ve seen them out and about. 

GoldTop artist Veo debuts

Country rock artist Veo has released her debut album, Reflections. 

The nine tracks are being released courtesy of GoldTop Records, the music label run by Purdue University Fort Wayne students. 

Veo loves writing music about the ups and downs of life and everything in between. Many have said her ability to combine all of her genre influences into one gritty yet angelic sound is what makes her unique. 

She recently held an album release show on the campus of PFW that included labelmates Loud Division.