NYC Scene Report – Talon, QWAM, & Razor Braids

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Talon counting “Bracelets,” QWAM with a song about “Friend$$,” and Razor Braids entering their next chapter by becoming a duo.

* You never know when, or where inspiration may hit, and for Brooklyn-based queer grunge-pop band Talon it recently hit while in a grocery store.

This was where the foursome met someone they describe as a mysterious woman who donned a plethora of bracelets.

Being that Talon were on a writing weekend, the chance encounter became the foundation for their latest single, aptly titled “Bracelets.”

“Bracelets” has a strong ‘90s alt-rock vibe to it, as does the video, which was filmed, where else, but a grocery store parking lot.

After hearing “Bracelets” I can’t wait to hear more from Talon. Click play on the video, and I think you’ll agree, this is a band on the rise that will be packing NYC venues in the very near future.

* From “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” to “What About Your Friends,” countless songs have been written about friendship, but Brooklyn-based rock band QWAM are coming at the topic from a unique angle with their latest single, titled “Friend$$.”

Explaining the song in a statement, frontwoman Felicia Lobo said, “It’s really about watching my friends find success, and feeling left behind. It’s made me wonder if it’s worth it to keep making music and theatre and all the things I love, but the truth is I can’t stop making things, because it’s in my blood. I just have to stay grateful for my internal want to make things, and keep following it.”

“Friend$$” is off QWAM’s upcoming album, Girls Aren’t Afraid of Blood, which is due out August 1st, and you can check out the lyric video for the song right here.

* Longtime column favorite Razor Braids have entered a new era as a band, and it’s an era that will see them as a duo.

The band’s third member, Janie Peacock, announced her departure in April, stating she wants to focus on building her design and illustration career, and that she “wouldn’t trade my time in Razor Braids for anything.”

Calling this their “next chapter,” Jilly Karande and Hollye B are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the band’s sophomore album, Big Wave, with the release of an EP titled bb wave, which consists of three reimagined tracks from Big Wave that were recorded with artist Katie Von Schleicher. The songs reflect the Brooklyn-based band’s current sound, and where they’re looking to go next with their music.

Check out the stripped down, and atmospheric “bbig wave,” and get ready for a whole new vibe from Razor Braids.

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