The Liquor Store’s throwing a birthday party for the lovely Heavenli, and they were generous enough to open it to the public. It’s going to have an eclectic group of artists playing, making for one sick lineup. Four great acts will be playing; dynamic power-pop group Ex-Kids, Portland’s dreamiest punks Cry Babe, queer and feminist punk rockers Cockeye, and experimental hip hop group Sumalienz. Plus, all proceeds go to Planned Parenthood so it’s a great night for a good cause.

 The show will be this Thursday, June 20th at the Liquor Store. Tickets are $7, and doors open at 9.

  -By Suzy Harrison

This upcoming Valentines Day, Cry Babe is releasing their EP Be Cool. Until you can hear the full thing, you can listen to the pre-released song “Johnny.” Do you remember the pointless car rides you and your friends would go on when you first started driving? Anxious and impatient, going 10 miles above the speed limit with the wind whipping your face and the setting sun gracing your brow. This is the emotion at the heart of “Johnny.” It’s clever because the song isn’t about being wild for the sake of it. It’s about being impulsive because you’re more afraid of what will happen if you don’t get in that car. Vocalist Anaïs Genevieve combines the anger and ethereality in her voice into something radically new. She sings with a style that I’m tempted to deem operatic punk. Her wild shrieks make Janet from Rocky Horror look tame in comparison. In “Johnny” she becomes both the devil and the angel on your shoulder. If you don’t find yourself thrashing and twirling around while “Johnny” is playing, you’re doing something wrong.

Cry Babe's release show will be on Thursday, February 14th at the High Water Mark Lounge. Mr. Wrong and Sea Moss will also be playing. You can find out more information here. 

-By Avril Carrillo

In many ways, the music of Cry Babe is based on a classic indie rock sound, but there's a poignant melodic element to it that gives it a wrenching quality. Bassist Maddie Putney and drummer Rose Reinholz are in great sync, maintaining the ideal balance between punchy beats and soft melodies. As vocalist Anaïs Genevieve wails out the lyrics to “Picasso” the rich timbre of her voice adds a more romantic flair to the band’s warm instrumentals. Cry Babe also incorporates a generous use of cymbals and an omnichord, subtly adding elements of synth and pushing the band’s work into the dream-pop category. You can catch them next on July 15 at Turn Turn Turn with Mere Mention and Slutty Hearts.

  By Avril Carrillo, Photo By Corbin Corbiin

 *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.