NYC Scene Report – THICK, Mother Feather, & Death By Piano

This week’s NYC Scene Report features THICK getting vulnerable with “Father,” Mother Feather with an acerbic ode to “L.A.,” and Death By Piano attempting to dodge a “Disco Wrecking Ball.”

* Brooklyn-based rockers THICK have been a longtime favorite here (their Happy Now album was one of my must-hear albums of 2022), and their latest release is a heartfelt single titled “Father.”

Father was written by THICK’s singer/bassist Kate Black after the passing of her father. Discussing the song in a statement, she said, “THICK has always been a cathartic outlet for frustration and anger, but ‘Father’ is the first time I tapped into sadness and loss without a snarky comeback. This song is a snapshot in my journey with grief after losing my dad, at a point when it was still a surprise every time I wanted to ask him a question, and remembered that he wasn’t there.”

She continued, adding, “It’s scary sharing something so personal and vulnerable. I could barely get through recording the first voice note that I sent to Nikki of the song. You could hear the tears rolling down my cheeks. It can be tough playing it live, my whole body tightens up against my emotions, but it’s been rewarding having people share their experiences, and relate to the song. It’s a nice reminder that you’re never really alone.”

The reality that we’re never really alone is illustrated in the video, which features people expressing what grief, and loss feels like to them. This shows that no matter how we choose to go through it, we all experience these emotions. Through “Father,” and the accompanying video, we can share in this common bond.

* Mother Feather are back!

The hard rock duo that were all over this column from 2016 through 2018 had been on hiatus for a number of years, but they’ve made their triumphant return with two new singles, one of which is the blistering “L.A.”

A vitriolic ode to the Southern California city, “L.A.” doubles as a celebration of the authenticity of NYC, and it’s a perfect way to announce the reemergence of the band.

The video for “L.A.” was shot throughout NYC, and includes scenes on the Staten Island Ferry (which, for those of you who need this information, is a great way to see that Statue of Liberty for free. You won’t stop there, but you’ll pass by it, and that’s good enough!).

Click play on “L.A.” and enjoy one of NYC’s great hard rock bands.

* Death By Piano just released a new EP titled The VOW, and the lead single came in like a wrecking ball … a “Disco Wrecking Ball.”

The electronic project of Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and keyboardist KALEN, Death By Piano features her working with various top notch producers throughout the city, and “Disco Wrecking Ball,” with its Portishead type of feel, is an immediate attention grabber.

As soon as you click play, and hear the slightly dark, downtempo production, followed by KALEN’s gorgeous vocals, you’re hooked. Once you get to the chorus, which is wonderfully addictive, and is perfect for singing along to, “Disco Wrecking Ball” becomes a song you want to hit repeat on again and again.

Let Death By Piano give you life by clicking play on “Disco Wrecking Ball.” Oh, and just in case you had any concerns, I promise there won’t be a naked pop star swinging from this one.

For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.