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

Cleopatra Records, in a partnership with the Dead Boys (who have a new album in development), has kicked off a new The Dead Boys Bootleg Series -- with each release featuring the Stiv, Cheetah, Johnny, Jeff and Jimmy lineup. The series begins with two releases: Down On The Bowery (recorded … Read more

Wire will release the limited Read & Burn 03+ this Record Store Day, April 18, 2026, via their pinkflag label. The record is an expanded reissue of Read and Burn 03, which first came out in 2007. A new video debuted today for "23 Years Too Late," made of archive … Read more

Against all odds, Butthole Surfers broke through with a hit single "Pepper" on their Electric Larryland album. Subsequently, the album's planned 1998 follow-up After The Astronaut was pulled at the last minute by their label, only to collect dust until 2026 with the band releasing the album this year, on … Read more

Leeds, UK based noise-rock band The Shits has announced a new record, Diet of Worms -- their first album since You're A Mess (2023). The album drops via Rocket Recordings. The band also just shared the new single, "Thank You For Being A Friend." Read more Tracklist: 1. In A … Read more