In early 2014, Expert Alterations self-released a self-titled cassette EP. Now they've teamed up with Slumberland Records for a limited edition vinyl release. It's as solid a collection of contemporary post-punk as you can hope to hear. It's got jangle and drone, energetic guitars and lackadaisical vocals. The low-fi sound and vocal delivery are reminiscent of Sebadoh, but the songs are quick, their structure and the rhythm section, alternately bouncy and insistent, channel punk like Minutemen and Wire. They jam econo, and the EP is over much too fast, prompting repeated listens.  

You can pre-order now for a June 1st release. In the meantime, Expert Alterations are going on a short tour, starting April 18th at Baltimore Soundstage (where they will be opening for The Buzzcocks--Yes!). You can also catch them April 21st at Metro Gallery (w/ Peach Kelli Pop--also Yes!--along with Baltimore's Boy Spit and Moist--mmmmm), before they head to the boroughs of NY for some Fests.  --Natan Press

Record Store Day is on Saturday—the best day of the year to stand in line and fight over rare vinyl releases while supporting local businesses. This year, Portland record stores will stock hundreds of RSD exclusive releases, including some local treats.

In October, Blitzen Trapper recorded Neil Young’s Harvest in full at the Doug Fir. Score the live album Live Harvest on Saturday. Listen to their take on “Heart of Gold” before you buy the record.

Eyelids, Portland’s psych-pop super group, are releasing a split 7” with The Phoenix Foundation, produced by Peter Buck.

Pickathon partnered with Easy Sound Recording Company to release a split 7” of Those Darlins and Diarrhea Planet (both from Nashville) recorded live at the festival last summer. Preview the tracks here.

Jackpot Records is releasing a limited edition record of short-lived Portland band No. 2’s No Memory. Mixed by Elliott Smith, the album is “the missing link between the end of Heatmiser and the beginning of Elliott Smith’s major label debut,” according to Jackpot.

In store performances abound throughout the day. Everyday Music on the Westside will feature DJ sets by members of Typhoon, Modern Kin, Laura Veirs, Summer Cannibals, and more, plus performances by Edna Vasquez, Ryan Sollee (Builders and the Butchers), Sam Coomes (Quasi), The Shivas, The Ghost Ease, The Ganders, and the Dandy Warhols. See the full schedule here.

Tender Loving Empire will host an officially unofficial RSD party at their SE Hawthorne store featuring Genders, Ali Muhareb, and Run On Sentence.

Jackpot will pour you free coffee if you peruse their shop or stop in for their DJ sets.

Across town, Music Millennium will host Portland punk legends, Dead Moon.

Make sure you check out early opening times for your favorite record store, and study the release list ahead of time.

Happy Record Store Day!

-Zibby Pillote

It’s Monday! Isn’t that great?! Regardless of the feelings you may or may not have for this particular day of the week, Boston’s Cherry Mellow have recently released a new song that serves as the perfect distraction from whatever mundane reality you’re currently facing. The swaying arpeggios and steady bass drum of "Oddie & I" create an accurate representation of what it feels like to be alone in your apartment and drunk at 3AM. The plus side of listening to this song is that when it’s over, you aren’t left waking up with a massive headache under your dining room table.

Keep your ears open for more music and updates from the band via their Facebook page.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)

Big Lonely is Burlington, Ontario's up and coming indie rock band. These guys are breaking hearts and moving feet with their infectious array of emotion and sound demonstrated on their most recent release, Close your eyes, Keep Talking. Pairing up the buttery lead vocals with catchy chorus' seems to be the winning combination. Don't be mistaken, there's no shortage of angst or aggression throughout the album. The boys of Big Lonely know how to keep things intriguing and refreshing - in the over-populated indie rock scene. Go take a listen! Better yet, make sure to head out and sing along to their contagious tunes Saturday 4/11 @ the Rivoli.-Courtney Chalapenko

Three piece, all girls, 90s alt-grunge mixed with some modern indie rock, that’s Lonely Parade. They just released a new EP titled “Splenda Thief.” Perhaps coffee sweetener is hard to come by in Peterborough (which is the girl’s hometown). The opening track, "Stephane Dion" has dirty basslines with trippy guitars that continue into the next track. “Mono” has more vocals in and there’s definitely some Kim Deal inspiration going on there. These tunes are noisy and fun! I don’t think the ladies in the Lonely Parade take themselves all that seriously and that’s a good thing! Music needs to be fun. So go have fun with The Lonely Parade @ The Junction Music Hall tonight. Check out their website for all their spring dates.-Kris “Big City” Gies