In this new version of America we've all woken up to, you don't need a genius to predict a punk resurgence in the upcoming years, in its most nihilistic forms and shapes. Brooklyn's Surfbort, then, don't need to go anywhere sound-wise, since that's exactly what they've been playing since their 2015 debut single 'Trash.' The notes from their following, self titled EP (released in January) prophetically read: "this is a record that laughs in the face of the end of the world." Since their appearance on the scene, the young rebels have been filling up most of the small to medium size venues in NYC, while never missing the opportunity to roll over their filthy stages - an essential trait of any true punk musician. Tomorrow (November 11) they'll have a lot of room for that trick, since they'll playing at the Bowery Ballrom for the second time this year, opening for Thee Oh Sees. For those frustrated by the election results, it may be a good opportunity to let out some steam...

This year’s 4Knots Music Festival will take place on Saturday, July 11th in its new location at Pier 84 in Hudson River Park.  This move away from lower Manhattan’s South Street Seaport reflects the new partnership with Friends of Hudson River Park, also allows a later finishing time (10pm) than the previous four editions. For the first time the Festival will be a ticketed show, with tickets starting at $25 and proceeds benefiting the Park.

Opening the day are two local acts that make it worth to show up early.  Brooklyn punk rockers Surfbort (a band we blogged about earlier this year) kick off the event with their female fronted lyrical nihilism and Ramones inspired roughness.  Song titles like “Trippin' Over Babies” (streaming) “Perversion” and “Junk Estate” keep faith to the band's mission statement to “laugh in the face of the end of the world,” while “getting emotional about the slushie streets.”

More controlled local dream pop veterans Heaven are also scheduled to play early in the day.  It will be interesting to see how core members Matt Sumrow (guitar, vocals, songwriting) and respected drumming powerhouse Mikey Jones have evolved their sound.  Album tracks "Mountains Move" come off moody, dark and dreamy (all rolled into one) as Matt's outstanding guitar work alternates between clean-note arpeggios and wah-wah effected choruses. While other tracks like "Once The Heartache," "Falling Apple" and "Centuries" added majestic keyboard pads to clearly defined chord progressions and atmospheric dream-gaze vocals.  “Telepathic Love” accentuates Matt’s soft yet sandpapery vocals, weaving imagery about having seen “the ugly and the beautiful,” and simply trying to “figure it all out.” As always the drumming of Mikey Jones gives the band a tightness often lacking in this genre and a forceful edge in the live environment.

The big name headliners this year include Super Furry Animals, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Twin Peaks and Mikal Cronin.  Also scheduled to appear are Screaming Females, Happyness (Meatbodies and Heaters. - Dave Cromwell

If you wonder how on earth a band with a name like Surfbort and recordings like these can headline a bill at Brooklyn's venue-of-the-moment Baby's All Right (on Wednesday 02.03), the answer is: a fun live show, songs that resonate beyond their grittiness, and lots of  friends as young as they are. The band describes their music like "a union of anarchy and despair," displaying a remarkable level of self awareness. Channeling the nihilism of the Sex Pistols, the intentional sloppyness of the slacker bands of the 90s, and at times even some noise rock madness, Surfbort's music has the power to transform the negatives of teenage frustration into fun - which is precisely the reason why Greek God Dionysus sent to earth his son Chuck Berry to spread the sound of Rock'n'Roll to the masses. Don't miss out on the catharsis opportunity!