Melt has just released their latest album, Sour Fruit, via Halfshell Records. The album is freaky, earnest fun. The band’s burn out aesthetic doesn’t slow down the energy and enthusiasm they put into playing. Songs like “Snow” are jazzy and psychedelic, but they don’t fall into the expected rhythms we usually get from psych songs. The band twists when you think they’ll turn. They introduce a high note when you think a low one is coming, or slow the beat down at moments where it traditionally picks up. The change is very welcome. Other songs are faster, more surf-punk oriented. “Catch Me” is a great example, with laggy vocal distortion and passionate guitar riffs chords. “Catch Me” has the kind of tongue-twisting lyrics that are are a lot of fun to sing along to.

If you want a chance to sing the lyrics along with the band, Melt's tour kickoff will be taking place July 20th at the Ladd taphouse. Scott Yoder, Cry Babe and !mindparade will also be playing sets. You can find out more information on the facebook page here. 

For all the great, DIY happenings in town, Rigsketball is definitely one of the best. Combining friendly competition with one of the more frequented pastimes around, Rigsketball's tournaments are nearing their end, and they've got some good musical acts accompanying them. 

The first day of the music fest, along with the slimming down the finalists through eight rounds, took place last night. Boone Howard, Kulululu, Kyle Craft and the Woolen Men all rang the first night of the fest, with tonight taking it to the next level.

Rigsketball is taking over the Eagles Lodge again tonight for the semifinals, with performances from Bleach Blonde Dudes, Ghost Frog, Lavender Flu and Cat Hoch. 

As always, Rigsketball is entirely free. Games start in just a couple hours at 6pm and music starts at 8pm. Head down to southeast again tomorrow for the tournament finals, Melt's EP release and sets from Malt Lizard, Tribe Mars, Candace, Donte Thomas and Chanti Darling. 

 *photo by Kasey Elliot

As Melt grows as a band, their music expands along with them. Though the band has seen some changes among the years this newest iteration, featuring Jeff Schultz, Adria Ivanitsky, Ted Parker, Dan Bedell and Daniel McIntyre, seems to be their strongest yet. Proof of that can be heard in their latest single "Same Streets."

They've got a knack for writing a catchy tune and "Same Streets" is definitely one of those. Coming off their upcoming Pick A Fight, the track's vibe is chill and mellow, with vocals by Schultz smoothly accenting dulcetly appealing rhythms.

Melt are having a tour kickoff Friday night at Brooklyn House, with sets from new local duo Malt Lizard, Seattle's Critté, Nanami Ozone of Phoenix and a secret special guest. They'll be on the road for a couple weeks, ending their tour back in Portland with the Pick A Fight release show at the Eagles Lodge on 7.29.

Just because we're moving up in year digits doesn't mean we're moving past the things that have transpired this year. Amid the abundant parties consider stopping by Dante's, where all sorts of rock will be rolling for a good cause. 

Rock for Ghost Ship: A Musical Memorial Benefit is the way to go for partaking in turning the calendar page and showing support for those who need it. Dante's is covering the production costs for the show, where guitar gods of hair metal revival BREAKER BREAKER will be headlining a string of sets from Melt, LKN, Lord Becky and the English Language, meaning that 100% of what's made at the door goes to the families of those lost in the Oakland Ghost Ship warehouse fire some weeks ago.

The Dante's New Years Eve is one of the best ways to bang out three things Portlanders love to do best: 1. Drink away crappy year, 2. See a bomb show 3. Do things for a great cause. For a $10 suggested donation, that's really not that bad at all.

Many of us aren't old enough to remember the variety hour TV shows of yesteryear. Back in the 70's, the Bradys and the Partridges ruled the glowing tube with special celebrity guests, comedic fodder and of course, musical performances. For the sake of nostalgia and all out fun, soulfully funky Lola Buzzkill is bringing the variety show back, with a somewhat modern twist.

Lola Buzzkill will be one of two musical acts to take the stage, along with Melt, but the intrigue this show provides surpasses what it offers musically. A performance art rendition of the Nut Cracker is set to occur, with dancing from Amira Sereia and Briley & Matt, comedy from Wendy Weiss and DJ Tasty spinning.

Onstage quips are sure to include commentary on this tragedy of a year and the not-that-much-better holiday season, so be sure to come to the Liquor Store tomorrow and check it out. Proceeds from tickets, which run $8, go to benefiting the efforts of Standing Rock. Be there by 9pm to catch the night's festivities as they start!