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

Set to release on March 31, also known as Transgender Day of Visibility, She/Her Records will release the label's second comptilation, TDoV Compilation 2. The 17-track collection brings artists from across the world together in a single transfeminine collection, listed in full below. Read more Tracklist: 01. Fashiongore - Home … Read more

Alt-rock band Sun Spots has just announced their second EP, the 4-song Dog Is Calling, out March 13 via Den Tapes. The band features members of Criminal Code, Nudes, and Bricklayer, shifting gears from those punk/hardcore bands to a more melodic but still guitar-driven sound in Sun Spots. Their first … Read more

Modest Mouse just shared "Look How Far" yesterday, the band's first new music in five years. The song preludes a North American tour this summer. 2026 marks the band's thirtieth anniversary and the band teases that more new songs are forthcoming. They last released The Golden Casket in 2021. Read … Read more

Hopeless Records artist/band Sincere Engineer is back, sharing a new song called "Cooler" today. The band, led by Deanna Belos, just completed a tour with Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack. While we're sure the tour was a blast, the song is about slowing down life for a moment and … Read more