*photo by Heather Hanson

The Toads have been a crowd pleaser since they bursted onto the scene almost three years ago. First, their self-titled full length gave us a taste of their callback to 90s alternative and pop punk back in 2016. The Toads, still unsigned, have got a completely and fully supported DIY method of existing as a band that's contributed to what's made them such a delight so far. With Time having already been released earlier this year, band appreciators are lucky enough to get another one just as it's coming to a close. Today, The Toads dropped "It's for You."

Part of what makes The Toads so great is their reliability in sound. Even in welcoming new drummer Dylan Valentine to the mix The Toads haven't stumbled or faltered, the Weezer-esque "You Don't Deserve Me" and the raw punk feels of "Never a Good Time" for the new EP staying true to the band's capacity.

The Toads are offering up two chances this weekend to see them perform all the songs from "It's for You" live -- at tonight's release show at Clinton Street Theater with Cry Babe and Fire Nuns, and tomorrow night at the Turn Turn Turn for the Sounds Illustrated art opening with Piefight and Dr. Something.

Give "It's for You" a listen below.

 Dim Wit are the type of duo that command attention. The fun wigs, the sometimes immediate jarring of frontman Jeff Tuyay's screeching guitar, drummer Tyler Verigin's rhythmic and interesting time signatures. Many factors play into the particular, drawing effect that Dim Wit has. Recently, the duo (or sometimes trio, with Hadrian Kindt of Fire Nuns occasionally joining in) have released a new video that's just as hypnotizing as their sounds.

The stop-motion animated visuals of "Suburbanal" were created by local visual artist Grayson Bear. Its visuals, much like the song's vocals, start out with the spry innocence connected to the idea of the "American dream." As the song and video progress, the animations increase in their intensity before unleashing a creative hatred upon our unfortunate President. 

It's incredibly entertaining, and well worth a few run-throughs. Watch "Surburbanal" below

 "Hi mom, I'm on drugs." 

This is a sentiment that mothers of yesteryear would've shed a few tears over, but modern ones are probably expecting to hear it at some point or another. We're all on drugs. Drinking, smoking and pill popping are a common modus operandi for the current millenial generation battling with severe depression, anxiety, confusion and a distrust for the world around them. There's also general struggle with self confidence among modern youth. Laid back trio On Drugs have figured out a way to express all of this is an enjoyable, easy-on-the-ears package. That package is their newest song and video called "Chain Smoke."

Basically like a contemporary take on the old Zoloft commercials, the video for "Chain Smoke" displays sadness masked by cute animation. As "You don't really care about me/You're just a pseudo human being" echoes, a lonely introspection rushes over the cartoon character's face. That feeling resonates with the viewer as "I'm gonna chain smoke cigarettes/I'm gonna binge drink my 40/I'm gonna get high with all your pets/They don't ask me questions" goes on to be sang. This is probably one of the most relatable lines of the summertime and we're just getting started.

"Chain Smoke" comes off of On Drugs' upcoming debut full length Stay Yuck on Postmark Records. Catch them next week at Dante's with Malt Lizard and Hands In, or at their record release show later this month with Fire Nuns, Nick Normal and Donkey Lips. 

Val Bauer makes the type of tunes that take us back to the good ol' days.

His style of songwriting is fully expressive and filled with emotion, calling back to a sonic execution like that of alt-Americana Ryan Adams and OG emo kids Saves the Day. His nostaligia rock even includes elements of pop punk, as heard on his most recent EP Malaise. Since Bauer's songs are heavily rife with strong feelings, it's just the kind of sound we need to ease us through this painfully slow change in weather.

See Val Bauer performing songs off Malaise and more tonight at the Firkin Tavern with Fire Nuns and Black Fruit. The show starts at 7pm, for free!

We're not sure what you're sleeping on if you haven't heard of Fire Nuns yet. Their debut album, Dad, Jr., came out back in 2013 and has served as the provenance for what has only so far proven to be an unending stream of successes. Now three studio/house releases and a live recording of their KPSU set deep, the boys are finishing up a slew of performances to record some new material.

It's not exactly definite exactly when or what we'll be seeing from Fire Nuns, but if it's anything like the Ty Segall meets the Orwells styled crop they've droppd so far, it'll definitely be a delight. Their self titled release from March was full of banger cuts that traverse a specturm of distinct punk to a fuzzy blur of addicting garage.

Fire Nuns last played the Woodstock! mini fest at the Convent on the 4th of July and we're not sure when their next show is, but make it a point to see them live. Congrats on being the newest Artists of the Month, boys!

Check out the recording of their live KPSU set below and enjoy your new favorite band.