THE REPORT: 8/22/25

SLOGGING MY WAY THROUGH THE SUMMER

Slimesito “SWAG SURF”

It seems like this summer has gone on forever. Some days feel like an entire week; some weeks, I’ve been so destroyed by both the weather and my simmering psychological issues that I’m amazed I’ve been able to function. Somehow, I always get it together to do the one thing I know how to do semi-competently: write about niche musical interests that I should’ve outgrown at least a decade ago. I’m not exactly sure what I’m trying to say here, but I guess just enjoy Slimesito over the “Swag Surfin’” instrumental.

Big Laugh “Numb”

We’ve had a major Milwaukee hardcore run on the blog: first, there was our interview with the author of a new book about Die Kreuzen, and now there is a song off of the final EP from new-schoolers Big Laugh. It’s a shame they are powering down, because “Numb” shows a band that, at least creatively, has a lot of gas in the tank. It’s dissonant and pit-ready. I’m going to a cannoli eating contest tonight.

CUZZOS “MOESHA”

Not that many rap songs break the four-minute mark these days, but CUZZOS have five women in their group, making it an occasional matter of necessity. Maybe “MOESHA” could even be longer; maybe it’s time to break from the streaming-optimized, sub-two-minute rap reality and start bringing things all the way back to the beginning. I’m talking eight-minute tracks, I’m talking verses that never end and leather pants and disco samples. I don’t know; I listened to “Freedom” and “It’s Nasty (Genius of Love)” recently.

girlypop princess “ill let ur body decide :3 <3”

The most bubbly Baltimore club tune I have heard all year is an R&B flip made by a producer who actually lives in the city where the music was born. Outside of the contemporary sample and the Amen breaks that pepper the track, it sounds pretty timeless. Play it before or after that DJ Technics flip of “Ordinary People.” I kind of miss Uni-Mart.

bar italia “Fundraiser”

Here are some #cloudrock alphas in full NME mode. They maintain the dual vocals, no doubt, but add some landfill indie touches that might give those of a certain age weird flashbacks to the days of funny hats and skinny jeans. And Super Hans from Peep Show is in the music video?

TOUR DOC OF THE WEEK: Sonic Youth, Wolf Eyes, and XBXRX West Coast Noise Tour

Now we are talking: former John’s Music Blog interviewee and underground legend Vice Cooler has unearthed some critical footage from the 2000s freakout highway and put it up on YouTube for safekeeping. Multiple generations of action rock are represented here, with all three units really going for it in a no-compromise style that feels slightly alien within our current cringe-adverse landscape. This is the good shit. For any readers out there looking for inspiration, heed my advice: Take notes and get ahead of the pack.

MISCELLANEOUS LISTENING

Rio Da Yung Og F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I'm Not Through)

The Lack “The 58th”

Daft Punk Human After All

Common (Feat. Bilal) “The 6th Sense”

bbpue bbpue