NYC Scene Report – The Dream Eaters, Bad Mary, & Scarlet Rae

This week’s NYC Scene Report features The Dream Eaters adding to their “Spank Bank,” Bad Mary having a punk rock “Disaster(er) Party,” and Scarlet Rae with an homage to her sister “Bleu.”

* Brooklyn-based duo The Dream Eaters capped off their 2024 with the release of their latest EP, Deathbed Visions, which includes the ridiculously fun pop song “Spank Bank.”

A hilarious ode to loving someone enough to enjoy some self-love while thinking about them, the first time I listened to “Spank Bank” my initial reaction was – I may have to get married just so I can have The Dream Eaters play this at the wedding (FYI, there’s no word on if the duo of Elizabeth LeBaron and Jake Zavracky actually play weddings).

Discussing “Spank Bank” in a statement, The Dream Eaters said, “We wanted to write a positive song about sexual fantasies. It’s all just fun – we’re all human, and we all have urges. It’s playful, and lighthearted.”

This song is absolutely the way you should start your 2025.

Speaking of 2025, will I be catching up with The Dream Eaters for an interview in the coming weeks? You can BANK on it!

* Long Island based punk rock band Bad Mary closed out their 2024 by having one heck of a party – The Mega Bad Disaster Party.

A four-track split EP with NYC-based ska band Mega Infinity, The Mega Bad Disaster Party was released on Ska Punk International Records with a goal of showing that punk rock and ska can work together perfectly.

One of Bad Mary’s contributions to the project is “Disaster(er) Party,” and in addition to being the first time the band has released music on vinyl, it’s also the first time they’ve had a horn section!

An energetic good time, this is a party you’ll definitely want to addend. Consider this your invite, and click play on the animated video for the song.

* In another fantastic finish to 2024, Brooklyn-based artist Scarlet Rae capped off her year by signing to Bayonet Records.

Her first single with the label is the melancholic indie alt-pop song “Bleu.” An homage to her late sister, Rae discussed the song in a statement, saying, “This is the most vulnerable song I have ever written. A reflection of pain, love, and powerlessness that comes with watching paranoia take over someone you cherish.”

A moving song that warrants repeat listens, check out the video for “Bleu” that was shot in London, and directed by Lucien Parsons.

If this is a taste of what’s to come from Scarlet Rae, I can’t wait to hear more.

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