Music I Liked in 2020

Certainly there was a lot not to like in 2020…  To avoid making a series of gross understatements, I’ll just leave that there. But along with a very positive development in my family life that should be arriving on The Scene in early 2021, there was a lot of great music that came out in… Continue reading Music I Liked in 2020

Track Premiere: “Seeking My Own Sun” by SVN.SEEKER

It feels good when any band entrusts this humble blog to premiere any track, but to share the FIRST single from the FIRST EP from an up-and-coming band in Alternative Control’s home state… It gives Ye Olde Editor that warm and gushy “heavy metal saved COVID Christmas” feeling. And if one song is going to… Continue reading Track Premiere: “Seeking My Own Sun” by SVN.SEEKER

TRACK PREMIERE: Alpha Boötis Covers “Every Breath You Take”

What we need more of in 2020 is feel-good synth music, and Canadian outfit Alpha Boötis delivers in spades with their cover of The Police’s classic tune “Every Breath You Take.” Their December 11th EP Stowaway Ants will feature two insanely catchy originals, plus this fun cover. Have a listen below! Stowaway Ants EP by… Continue reading TRACK PREMIERE: Alpha Boötis Covers “Every Breath You Take”

#UnoccupyTheMall with Static Era, Vinyl Fantasy, and Heather’s Records & Relics

‘Tis the season to go shopping — and if there was ever a year to support local businesses, 2020 is it!  Thanks to the magic of the World Wide Web, a shop that’s “local” to one person can probably be browsed from thousands of miles away. This year, my #unoccupythemall column will focus on small… Continue reading #UnoccupyTheMall with Static Era, Vinyl Fantasy, and Heather’s Records & Relics

TRACK PREMIERE: When The Deadbolt Breaks Cover “My Wild Love”

It’s not easy to cover a seminal band like The Doors — but Connecticut doom outfit When The Deadbolt Breaks meets this challenge with their unique interpretation of the hypnotic track “My Wild Love.” It will be featured on Until It All Collides: The Nightmare Versions, coming out on November 27th via Desert Records. And… Continue reading TRACK PREMIERE: When The Deadbolt Breaks Cover “My Wild Love”

Alyssa Maucere-Pike of Lord Dying Talks The Pandemic, Portland, and More

Lord Dying, Alyssa at left

Best thing about being an Alternative Control patron? Suggesting interviewees! When one of our folks said they’d love to hear what was going on with musician Alyssa Maucere-Pike, a veteran of many bands and most recently the bassist of Oregon riff-slingers Lord Dying, we hopped on the ol’ email and got to work! Here is… Continue reading Alyssa Maucere-Pike of Lord Dying Talks The Pandemic, Portland, and More

Black North’s The Lost Year: Volume 1

Following their 2019 acoustic single “Time,” Black North is putting some more skin in the game with the two-track EP The Lost Year: Volume 1.  The eastern Connecticut trio (featuring Bill Bates on guitar and vocals, Stephanie Lussier on bass and vocals, and John Tolmie handling drums) has been a staple at local shows since… Continue reading Black North’s The Lost Year: Volume 1