Loren

In a different world, which we think was shortly before COVID and MAGA and all things bad and in ALL CAPS occurred, Scene Point Blank had the idea to write a comprehensive piece about mailorder experiences from the people who dedicate their free time to sending you records, cds, tapes, zines and the like. Time makes fools of us all, … Read more

The Darts have a busy year ahead. First, they will release the brand new full-length Halloween Love Songs on March 3 (Meow Hiss Music). Then the band hits the road – France in March-April, then much of the US in May-June. They are also booking dates in the EUK, Australia, and New Zealand as we speak. With the band prepping … Read more

Noise Real Records recently released Noise Pollution Volume 1, a limited run 7" that features two new versions of "The Recluse" by Cursive. The new series will continue this revision theme as we move forward. Founded in 2021 by two long-time friends from California's Central Valley, the label is focused on quality over quantity: curating a catalog that's focused on … Read more

For many years now, Scene Point Blank has taken the opportunity as the year ends to formally "pass the mic" to our friends on the other side of the mostly-imaginary divide between listeners and artists. This year is no exception as we ask a bunch of bands, artists and labels to tell us about their 2025. What music did they … Read more

The less I say about 2025 the better. Well, except to say that Scene Point Blank's 2025 Year End coverage is in development so, actually, I'll be talking about the year a lot. Search/Play/Repeat is a sporadic playlist feature that's just about sharing music though, instead of hitting some topical … Read more

It's been a while since I put another playlist up. I actually had this 99% done a couple of months ago, but everything went haywire and the list went on hold. This edition of Search/Play/Repeat is a quick play, running about 30 minutes in total. Enjoy! Read more

Visual Learner, BlackDots, City Mouse, Couch Potato Massacre Cloudland Theater Minneapolis, MN May 7, 2025 I’m embarrassed that I haven’t covered any shows at Cloudland for SPB previously. It’s a relatively new addition to the Minneapolis scene and a welcome addition that feels as much like a community space as … Read more

Sometimes I get all introspective and ask myself why I do this. Not very often, but the answer is always because I like music. It's that simple. I like to discover new stuff and I like to share it. Every year, the staff at Scene Point Blank sink a ton … Read more

Cory Shane, ex-Dead Meadow and The Rondelles, has announced the release of a long-lost solo album, The Inverted Jenny Flies Again, out April 10 via Tekeli-li Records (vinyl) and Ghost Tower Records (digital). The album was recorded on 4-track in 2002-2003 and includes guest appearances from Edan (Beauty & The … Read more

Minus The Bear, who has been touring in support of the 20th anniversary deluxe edition of their Menos El Oso album (Suicide Squeeze), has added more US dates, including in support of Jimmy Eat World. In a prepared statement, David Knudson says, "We had way too much fun playing Menos … Read more

Brooklyn, NY power-pop band Onesie has a new album on the way, leading with a new video called "Meetcha At Minnies (The Captain's Song)." The song is inspired by an act of violence in the mid '90s in upstate New York where a protagonist who takes a bullet to the … Read more

Punk musician Justin Maurer has a turned in a new direction with his J Mau & The Kiss Off project. Maurer, known as a member of Clorox Girls, L.A. Drugz, and Maniac, along with The Kiss Off, explores alt country with the new project, which shared a single this week, … Read more