Come February 27th, Dover Brickhouse will be heated up by three premium local New England Psych acts. Gymshorts grabbed the #3 slot in our end of year poll with their scuzzy Surf-Punk. They’re being joined by The Televibes and Randos, from Massachusetts and New Hampshire respectively. The Televibes have a bright punchy sound with absurd amounts of reverb and delay on the vocals. When they all start shouting the chorus of their tune “Washed Up” it makes your head spin in the best way. And if the bands weren’t already trippy enough, there will be a old school liquid light show while the bands play. Check out the Brickhouse’s website for more details. - Paul Jordan Talbot

 “SFIS(A)” by Horse-Eyed Men sounds like some kind of strange country version of a Jimmy Buffet song if it were recorded in outer space--and I intend for that to be as much of a compliment as the band (and any readers) will allow. The first time I heard the song, I thought these guys were a weird bunch, but after listening to the track a few times, it has definitely grown on me. They did a great job with production on this track--the reverb on the guitars, airy backing-vocals--they certainly captured the “sh**-faced in space” idea that the chorus professes. I also liked their decision to record in a large theatre--I think that really helped give a big, open sound to the song.

For more information about Horse-Eyed Men, check out their Facebook page.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)

Having been hard at work on their new LP for the past few months, Alpenglow is getting ready to stretch their wings and debut a full set of new songs in a mini tour of the Northeast. The new album, which is being produced by Sam Cohen (of The Yellowbirds), promises for an even trippier, more insightful continuation of their lonesome-traveler, psych-folk sound, drawing from the essence and experience of perhaps one too many New England winters, and translating their move to Brooklyn into audible incentives by which to live. The psych-soul underlining of Cohen’s vision will introduce only the most effectual tonal brilliance to Alpenglow’s already established soul-searching sound. The tour stops at Rough Trade on February 19, with support from Barsuk Records’ Laura Gibson and Wild Leaves . –JP Basileo

 Richmond is exploding with news of The Trillions impending launch of their new album Superposition. Tracks have been popping up all week on various websites and blogs from Richmond to DC. The Trillions released their debut in 2011 to tons of acclaim and the certainty of critics and fans alike that this would be the next big thing from Richmond. The Trillions could be said to have laid the bedrock for the tons of Richmond garage/psyche/guitar-pop bands that continue to emerge and provides such incredible depth to the scene. Indeed, in the years between releases, members of The Trillions have been directly contributing to other fantastic bands. Not to be outdone by other bands (or even themselves in other bands), The Trillions are finally releasing this new album.

In case you had any doubts, it's fantastic. Balls-to-the-wall fuzz and psychadelia with intricate guitar-work and a relentless energy combining into blissful power-pop.  Check out the track "1984" below, and click on the links to other local blogs and 'zines above. To hear the entire album as soon as you can, head out to Strange Matter, in Richmond, on January 31st for the record release show.  The Trillions will be joined by new-wavey psych-rockers White Laces and mathy indie-rockers Manatree. All for only $5! --Natan Press

Richmond has one of the most exciting local scenes in the country, and this Friday, January 16th, two of Richmond's most entertaining bands will play DC's Black Cat mainstage, complimented brilliantly by DC local M.H. & His Orchestra, for what is sure to be one of the tightest, most energetic, and interesting lineups of the year.  

People's Blues of Richmond (or "PBR") are already well known to many. They're a psychadelic blues power trio, like (early) Led Zeppelin from the Dirty South. Crazy-tight and loud, they deliver the energy live, and their fans are wonderful and almost as entertaining. I saw them on a pirate boat on the Potomac a few months ago, and it was easily the best show of the year.

M.H. & His Orchestra is wild and chill at the same time. Like a lot of the music I love from Richmond, they mix the cheesy, the dirty, and excellent musicianship into weird pop perfection, making them the perfect group to sandwich between two bands from RVA. M.H. is psychadelia and lounge music and soundscapes and fearless arrangements. Every listen puts a smile on my face, and each song is a unique surprise.

Toxic Moxie describe themsevles as "disco punk," and, while apt, that description doesn't express the balls-out freakshow awesomness of this band. Toxic Moxie's super sexyness sneaks up on you, 'cause they come at you super weird. I want to watch this band and dance and do unsavory things until the sun comes up. And they're opening the show. Like booster rockets.

Do it. Friday January 16th, Black Cat. Doors at 9. $12 adv/$15 day of.  --Natan Press