From Kinski's new album '7 (or 8)'. Available on CD/LP/MP3 on June 2nd, 2015.
Available at www.killrockstars.com/7or8

Sometimes you just want to play FASTER. For a band whose extensive discography has historically been primarily instrumental and prone to modifying adjectives like “post-“ and “space-“, the last couple of years have been a left turn down a twisted alley of fuzz pedals, blown tube amps, and a kind of raw power befitting of the Stooges. There are quiet moments here and there but you get the feeling they’re only there so the drummer can catch his breath. 7 (or 8) finds Kinski sounding heavier, faster, and even more self-assured, picking up where 2013’s Cosy Moments left off but also pushing their sound into even more singular territory.

7 (or 8), the title itself a wry observation echoing the confusion created by their extensive catalog, is in fact their SEVENTH (or eighth depending who you ask) LP and second for new label home Kill Rock Stars, having previously released several LPs on Sub Pop and other discerning independent labels. Recorded and mixed in San Francisco at El Studio with Phil Manley (of Trans Am), 7 (or 8) comes in the midst of a more prolific period for the band. “It always takes us awhile to write a record but this one came quickly. We’ve stopped worrying about it so much and just get on with it, which is easier on the soul,” says guitarist/singer Chris Martin. This mindset, alongside their newfound lyricism, has revealed a band that is slyly self-aware, hinted at through years of tongue-in-cheek song titles but now fully evident. The quicker pace has also instilled a palpable confidence and energy on record.

That being said, 7 (or 8) hits like a ton of bricks. The double helping of riffs in the form of “Detroit Trickle Down” and “Flight Risk” leave the listener nearly out of breath. Martin, Lucy Atkinson (Bass), Matthew Reid-Schwartz (Guitar), and Barrett Wilke (Drums) stretch out a bit over the course of the record, marrying their more expansive sound with proto-punk fury, but they rarely let up until the last song, album highlight “Bulletin of the International String Figure Association”. One of the last songs written for the record, “Bulletin…” eases into a nearly 11 minute crescendo of rock bliss, gently flirts with a string section at the same time, and then floats back down to Earth in a perfect denouement. Like John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands on the cover, Kinski strive to make art that is uncompromising and on their own terms and 7 (or 8) is a refreshing reminder that rock music in 2015 can still be a unique and cathartic experience.

Kinski - Bulletin Of The International String Figure Association

Wimps - Dump

From Wimps' 'Super Me' ep! Out August 7th on Kill Rock Stars

Purchase on cassette: killrockstars.merchtable.com/pre-orders…g-7th-2015

Download at Bandcamp: thesewimps.bandcamp.com

Seattle's punk rock's slackers in chief wimps are a Seattle-based three-piece comprised of scene veterans Rachel Ratner (Butts) on guitar and lead vocals, Matt Nyce (Meth Teeth) on bass and backing vocals, and Dave Ramm (The Intelligence) on drums. 
Wimps serve their own brand of rapid-fire punk with a smattering of lo-fi post punk guitar work to create an angular, slightly off-kilter blast.

Ratner lyrically twists otherwise common day-to-day woes into relatable tales of struggle shout-sung call and response stabs that champion boredom, laziness and social anxieties with wiry riffs and punchy bass lines, propelled by the measured rhythms of drummer David Ramm.

After gaining local momentum from a self released demo, the band signed with End of Time Records and issued their first LP 'Repeat' in 2013. They toured nationwide supporting the album, receiving coverage on This American Life, Pitchfork, SPIN and KEXP. Following their return, they released a 7 inch on micro label Help Yourself Records and a series of self released tapes.

In 2015 they partnered with Kill Rock Stars to release 'Super Me', a 5 song cassette EP available August 7th. A full length LP will be released later in the year.

Wimps tour dates
07/16 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey w/ The Spits
08/08 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon (Pizza Fest!)
08/09 Portland, OR @ SMMR BMMR
08/10 tba (somewhere between PDX & the bay area)
08/11 Sacramento, CA @ The Colony w/ Pony Time, Blahns
08/12 Oakland, CA @ Vinyl Bar w/ Pony Time, Stalls, Pieces
08/13 Los Angeles, CA @ tba w/ Pony Time, Upset, Shark Toys
08/14 San Francisco, CA @ Hemlock Tavern w/ Pony Time, Male Gaze, OVVN
08/15 Eureka, CA @ Shanty Tavern w/ Monster Women	
08/27 Seattle, WA @ Olympic Sculpture Park at Seattle Art Museum w/ Pony Time
08/28 Spokane, WA @ Baby Bar w/ Pony Time, 66 Beat, Phlegm Fatale
08/29 Boise, ID @ Crazy Horse w/ Pony Time, Bear Cubbin'

Wimps - Settling Down

From the album 'Good For Her'
Available November 13th, 2015 from Kill Rock Stars
Pre-order at http://emilyheller.bandcamp.com

Emily Heller - The General Loser Community

from the album '9.2 on Pitchfork'. Available November 13th, 2015 from Kill Rock Stars
http://iankarmel.bandcamp.com

Ian Karmel - Hot Sauce And Napkins

From Free Kitten's 1997 album 'Sentimental Education'

Available on cassette at https://killrockstars.merchtable.com/music/cassette-tapes/free-kitten-sentimental-education-cassette-tape


Free Kitten - Never Gonna Sleep

From Delta 5's 'Singles and Sessions 1979-81'
Available at https://delta5.bandcamp.com/

Delta 5 - Mind Your Own Business

From the album "We Brave Bee Stings and All"
Available at https://killrockstars.merchtable.com/artists/thao

Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - Bag of Hammers

From The Thermals' 2009 album 'Now We Can See'
Available at https://killrockstars.merchtable.com/artists/the-thermals

The Thermals - Now We Can See

Bratmobile's Pottymouth is AVAILABLE AGAIN on LP and audio cassette at  http://killrockstars.merchtable.com/artists/bratmobile

Along with Bikini Kill, Bratmobile spearheaded the riot grrrl revolution of the early 1990s, battling the long-standing dominance of men within the punk rock community to help empower a new generation of female musicians and fans. 

Comprised of singer Allison Wolfe, guitarist Erin Smith, and drummer Molly Neuman, Bratmobile made their debut at 1991’s International Pop Underground convention; after a handful of singles—with members spread out between California, Washington, and Maryland, recording was a logistical nightmare—the trio finally released Pottymouth in 1993.

Bratmobile - Cool Schmool

From The Decemberists' 2005 album 'Picaresque'
Available at http://killrockstars.merchtable.com/artists/the-decemberists


The Decemberists - 16 Military Wives

From Deerhoof's 2007 album 'Friend Opportunity'
Available at http://killrockstars.merchtable.com/artists/deerhoof

Deerhoof - The Perfect Me

From Xiu Xiu's album 'Fabulous Muscles'
Available at http://killrockstars.merchtable.com/artists/xiu-xiu

Xiu Xiu - I Luv the Valley OH!

"Go Home" is from the Summer Cannibals album 'Full Of It', available May 27th, 2016.

Pre-order at www.killrockstars.com/fullofit

Kill Rock Stars is excited to announce the latest addition to their roster: Portland’s own Summer Cannibals. The brilliant rock band is set to release their third full ­length album Full of It on May 2016.
Led by guitarist/vocalist Jessica Boudreaux, the Cannibals initially cut their teeth on the local circuit, sharing the stage and receiving encouragement from peers such as The Thermals. Along the way, they released a pair of fantastic full­lengths ­­ 2013’s No Makeup and 2015’s Show Us Your Mind — on their own label, New Moss Records. Show Us Your Mind was recorded by legendary NW engineer Larry Crane and was recently named one of the best of 2015 by Sound Opinions co­-host Jim DeRogatis. The band has since spent an unhealthy amount of time on the road, earning accolades and adding plenty of fresh converts to their highly­ charged, no frills attack.
It seems only logical that when the band decided to sign to a label, they chose a label like Kill Rock Stars, which has a long history of putting out fearless, female­ fronted bands like Bikini Kill and Sleater­Kinney. “Summer Cannibals take us back to our roots,” says KRS President Portia Sabin. “Jessica is a great songwriter and the band is super exciting live, it’s a perfect fit.”
The new album Full Of It is the band’s defining statement to date. Recorded at the amazing analog recording studio The Dock with producer Chris Woodhouse (Thee Oh Sees, Wild Flag), the LP is one of those massive leaps forward that every band hopes to achieve at least once in their career. Aided by a new powerhouse rhythm section of drummer Devon Shirley and bassist Jenny Logan and guitarist Marc Swart, the 11 songs spark with that perfect mix of snotty attitude, unbounded energy, and window rattling volume.
For their part, the four musicians keep their collective foot on the gas pedal, roaring through tunes like the jagged, screaming title track and the shouting, fist pumping drive of “Just A Little Bit.” But they’re savvy and talented enough to ease up when it counts. Just listen for those sweet melodies carrying “Say My Name” along or the pair of simmering tunes that close out the album: “Fall In” and “Simple Life.” The whole thing is done and dusted in about 35 minutes. Just enough time to catch your breath and drop the needle on side A again

Summer Cannibals - Go Home


Led by guitarist/vocalist Jessica Boudreaux and aided by the rhythm section of drummer Devon Shirley, bassist Jenny Logan, Summer Cannibals have that perfect mix of snotty attitude, unbounded energy, and window rattling volume. The band will bring this energy to stages across North America as they join The Thermals on a national tour. 

Full Of It will be released on May 27th, 2016. Pre-order your copy at www.killrockstars.com/fullofit

Summer Cannibals - Say My Name

"I Figured You Out" is the first single from Elliott Smith's 'Either/Or: Expanded Edition,' out March 10th, 2017 on 2LP, 2CD, and MP3 on Kill Rock Stars. Pre-order 'Either/Or: Expanded Edition' today at http://bit.ly/elliotteitheror

This song was recorded as a demo for Mary Lou Lord, who later recorded a version (produced, performed, recorded, and mixed by Elliott Smith) for
her Martian Saints EP (KRS-264). Neil Gust plays doubled drums. Recorded by Elliott Smith at Heatmiser House in 1995. Mixed by Larry Crane, May 2010, at Jackpot! Recording Studio.

I’ve seen you watching her every time she crosses the floor,
So won’t you just go and talk to the one you really adore.
I’m getting pretty used to being the one that you always ignore When somebody wants you—I’ve seen it before.
You’re every kind of caller—there ain’t nothing that you won’t claim— You’re ambition and promise, you’re addiction to fame.
And everyone has a dollar sign after their name—
And when somebody wants you, you treat ‘em just the same.
So go on and pick up—
You don’t care what poison you choose
And what person you lose—it should have been me, yeah— Shouldn’t it be?
Crushing quiet blows in through your window
To someone who wants you that you’ll never know.
But I’ll pick up around you and clear everything out, Leave you where I found you—I figured you out.
Leave you where I found you—I figured you out.


*************************************************************

'Either/Or is' widely regarded as Elliott’s best album, and remains his best-selling.  To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of this masterpiece, Kill Rock Stars proudly presents 'Either/Or: Expanded Edition.'  This album features the original tracks carefully remastered from original tapes under the supervision of Larry Crane, owner of Jackpot! Studios and archivist of the Estate of Elliott Smith.  The additional content features five live multi-track recordings from the Yo Yo A Go Go Festival in Olympia WA in 1997, as well as three previously unreleased studio recordings and one b-side gem.  The double LP is packaged in a gatefold jacket that includes an insert of the original liner notes, a postcard of the original master tapes, and several never-before seen photos.  This gorgeous collection is an essential listen for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Either/Or: Expanded Edition

Elliott Smith - I Figured You Out

From the Kill Rock Stars album 'Appreciation'
Available on LP, CD, and DIGITAL on May 4th, 2018

Order your copy at https://lnk.to/horsefeathers






Horse Feathers feels like a secret you don’t really want to share.  Over twelve years and five albums, a passionate fan base has experienced this band as a precious commodity that they want to keep close to their hearts.  One reason for this can be found in lead singer Justin Ringle’s distinctive voice, at once vulnerable and piercing, and in the quality of the music: gorgeous, lush string arrangements surrounding stark, visceral lyrics whose bite makes a piquant juxtaposition to the surrounding beauty.

Now, however, Horse Feathers has created an album that differs enough from its predecessors to suggest that the cat might get out of the bag.  On Appreciation, their sixth full-length and the fifth on venerable independent label Kill Rock Stars, the signifiers of the band are there: Ringle’s warm tenor and lyrics that speak of work, love, and other struggles.  But on this album less of the song dynamics are achieved with strings and more with an exciting new rhythm section steeped in Northern Soul.  Longtime violinist Nathan Crockett and keyboardist Dustin Dybvig provide continuity, but much of Appreciation feels like the best of Ringle’s previous musical ideas just took a giant step into a larger arena.

Recorded primarily in Kentucky (at La-La Land Studios in Louisville and Shangri-La Studios in Lexington), the new album features instrumentalists J. Tom Hnatow, Robby Cosenza and R&B vocalist Joslyn Hampton, who helped make Appreciation a mixture of strutting ‘70s-style country-pop (“Without Applause,” “Don’t Mean To Pry”) and supple soul (“Best To Leave,” “Evictions”).  But Horse Feathers hasn’t gained accessibility at the expense of quality, nor at the expense of their signature instrumentation (“The Hex” might be the only R&B/soul song where the rhythmic lead is played on banjo).  For those who crave what NPR called “the densely pretty seethe of Horse Feathers’ earlier ballads”, the album delivers “Born in Love” and “On the Rise”, accentuating the string surge with Hammond organ, piano, tambourine, and finger snaps.

 “It just felt like a fresh take on how my songs can come across,” Ringle says.  “With this incarnation, it’s okay if what I’m doing right now is in fact kind of a pop song.  I can have a chorus and repeat something. I’m more aware of that and enjoy it.”  

This artistic adjustment comes in the wake of a lot of changes in Ringle’s life.  Not too long ago, he left his former hometown of Portland for the coastal city Astoria, Oregon.  He’s also been dipping his toes into the world of record production, helping North Carolina band River Whyless with the recording of their last album We All The Light.  After a while of bouncing between three states, as well as stops in Camas, Washington to finish Appreciation with longtime compatriot Skyler Norwood at Miracle Lake Studios, Ringle is finally settling down just in time to get ready to hit the road with Horse Feathers in support of this new album.  “I wanna get out there and do my job,” he says. 

Diehard fans are going to find plenty to cherish on Appreciation.  But they’re going to have to make room in the club house for a lot more people – with this album, the Horse Feathers secret is officially out.

Horse Feathers - Without Applause

From the Kill Rock Stars album 'Mating Surfaces,' available at http://lithics.bandcamp.com

Mating Surfaces is the second full length from Portland, Oregon's Lithics. Twelve tightly wound fragments of brittle abstract twin guitar, impellent rhythm, and absurd, imagistic lyricism. 

"A stern danceable sound that summons cut up snapshots of Su Tissue and Mark E Smith, an imagined landscape where Captain Beefheart hits that 99 Records “Too Many Creeps” beat."
-Layla Gibbon (Maximum Rocknroll, Skinned Teen).

PRESS/LABEL: ben@killrocksatrs.com
US BOOKING: joe@groundcontroltouring.com
UK/EURO BOOKING: peter@puschen.net

Mating Surfaces

Excuse Generator

Lithics - Excuse Generator

Wimps 'Garbage People' (Kill Rock Stars)
Available on LP/CS/CD/MP3 on July 13th, 2018

Pre-order at http://smarturl.it/garbagepeople

Garbage People

Wimps - Garbage People

 It's a special face. With conviction. / Got to make it great. On a mission. The beginning / New finds. New finds and old dreams. / And everything's starting now. /Adios L.A.. Ornamental. I'm not staying / Each is ours to take. On a mission /The beginning /New finds. New finds and old dreams. / And everything's starting now. /What makes it so great? Destination. I'm not staying. / Couldn't make you wait. With permission. The beginning. / ooh you're playing / It's a special face. With conviction.  / Got to make it great. On a mission. The beginning

Kill Rock Stars

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