Los Angeles-based Gregory Ackerman’s debut album “And Friends” arrives May 25th via V2/Munich, produced by Rilo Kiley’s Pierre de Reeder.

Hear “Don’t Need Nothin’” single at PopMatters, “Ten Little Indians” at American Songwriter. Artist plays The Moroccan in L.A. May 3^rd.

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Gregory Ackerman as photographed by Henry Burge.

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“Bathed in Californian moonlight, reminiscent of folk and soft rock music coming from the West Coast in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Ackerman’s gentle voice is soothing straight out of the gate.” — PopMatters | WATCH the latest Gregory Ackerman lyric video or LISTEN via the links below!

[YOUTUBE]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZMneo4EYc8

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[LISTEN]: https://fanatic.lnk.to/GregoryAckerman-DontNeedNothin

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Gregory Ackerman – In The Press

“That unmistakable laid-back vibe of Southern California.” — For Folk’s Sake

“Oscillates between giving hope to those who are lovestruck and those who just need a breath of fresh air.” — Atwood Magazine

“Full of little glittering things – little notes, small melodies….” — Independent Clauses

“Hard to resist.” — Adobe and Teardrops

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About Gregory Ackerman

Los Angeles area-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gregory Ackerman has made an album that sounds as inviting as its title indicates. And Friends, the artist’s debut full-length arrives May 25^th, 2018 via V2/Munich. The album was produced by Rilo Kiley bassist, Pierre de Reeder.

“Don’t Need Nothin’”  is the latest single by Gregory Ackerman, available now.

Ackerman explains, “This song is about trying to be content in life. We don’t need anything. Our capitalistic society so often pushes unnecessary products and technologies on us that we don’t need. You don’t need anything to be ‘cooler’ or ‘better.’ Sometimes you just want to say, I’m good, I don’t need a thing. And that felt very liberating to acknowledge that.”

Having soaked up the sun and song of the Laurel Canyon air since childhood, Ackerman’s warmth is immediately showcased on And Friends, opening with his own immersive double-tracked vocals, guitar and piano playing, along with the sincere contributions of Ackerman’s actual friends.

Swarthy drumming comes courtesy of high school friend, Keenan McDaniel, plaintive slide guitars from Tom Relling, a friend since middle school, and beautiful vocal touches are provided by singer, Malarie Howard, who Ackerman met in college. The dusty harmonica throughout the album is by Ackerman’s brother Eric, who also performs in Gregory’s live band, and has likely been a friend of his brother’s since birth.

See Gregory Ackerman live at The Moroccan in Los Angeles on Thurs., May 3^rd (w/ Michigan Rattlers) Tickets on sale now.

Everything else that we hear on And Friends comes from Ackerman himself. The album represents a singular point of view that is uncommon on a debut. Where some might be finding their footing, Ackerman is firmly planted.

And Friends by Gregory Ackerman is scheduled for release on May 25^th via V2/Munich. Ackerman is available for interviews. Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic for more information.

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“The current political moment has been a fertile one for many songwriters, providing plenty of fodder for songs that veer into protest and social commentary. Los Angeles native Gregory Ackerman counts himself among such songwriters.” — American Songwriter | WATCH the latest Gregory Ackerman lyric video or LISTEN via the links below!

[LYRIC VIDEO]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFISagagq_Q

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[LISTEN]: https://fanatic.lnk.to/GregoryAckerman-TenLittleIndians

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Gregory Ackerman

And Friends

(V2 / Munich)

May 25^th, 2018

  

Track Listing:

01. Ten Little Indians/And Then There Were None (State of the Union) (LYRIC VIDEO | LISTEN)

02. Speak Honestly

03. Don’t Need Nothin’ (YOUTUBE | LISTEN)

04. Woman
05. Careening

06. Keep Falling (LYRIC VIDEO | LISTEN)

07. Mindless Age

08. Loaded Gun

09. Winter Sun

10. Outro

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Gregory Ackerman Links

ASSETS : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : INSTAGRAM : YOUTUBE : V2

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Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic Promotion

WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE : INSTAGRAM : SNAPCHAT : SOUNDCLOUD : SPOTIFY : BLOG : E-MAIL

Sleepspent, led by 21-year-old songwriter, guitarist Austin North, shares second single from upcoming Slow Start Records debut, arriving May 4th.

Hear “Come Smile With Me” from El Paso-based dreampop trio’s Chris Common (Minus The Bear, Chelsea Wolfe)-produced EP at All Things Go.

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Sleepspent (L-R): Cecilia Otero, Josh Mendoza, Austin North. Photo credit: Jon-Carlo Diaz.

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Check out the premiere of “Come Smile With Me” by Sleepspent at All Things Go or on your platform of choice at the link below!

[LISTEN]: https://fanatic.lnk.to/Sleepspent-ComeSmileWithMe

[MP3]: http://www.fanaticpromotion.com/sleepspent/sleepspent-comesmilewithme.mp3

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About Sleepspent

“‘Come Smile With Me’ started out being written while I was in still in San Diego,” says 21-year-old songwriter and guitarist, Austin North of the song, the latest single from his band Sleepspent’s upcoming debut EP, out May 4^th. “It’s mostly about miscommunication and how people don’t think before they speak, or don’t care about the impact their words have.” North began performing as a UC San Diego student before eventually returning to his hometown of El Paso to form Sleepspent with friend and co-writer, Aaron Quintanilla.

The band, now a trio including Cecilia Otero on bass and Josh Mendoza on drums, will release its Chris Common (Minus The Bear, Chelsea Wolfe, Le Butcherettes)-produced debut “It’s Better If You Don’t Speak Or Think” via Slow Start Records.

North’s knack for creating music that is bathed in atmosphere (think Slowdive mixed with a more reverb-y Radiohead, led by a guitarist with an effects pedal fetish) that doesn’t lean away from authentic lyricism and captivating vocal performances (think Jeff Buckley) is proven on “It’s Better If You Don’t Speak Or Think”.

“We’re also definitely inspired by shoegaze and dreampop,” North says, elaborating on Sleepspent’s sound. “That can be heard in the alternate tunings used throughout our music as well as the melodic chord progressions and melodies.”

And though he’s young, North also takes influence from future hall-of-famers like The Cure and The Smiths – two more acts with definitive “sounds” that have never sacrificed art for artifice.

North’s formative years studying jazz guitar wraps it all up in a solid technical foundation, too, but ultimately, Sleepspent songs exist to make you feel.

“They’re more about whatever emotion and feeling they bring about in people,” North says. “I write them to make people feel and interpret my own musings rather than to have them be relatable.”

Sleepspent has already been nominated as a ‘Best Band in the City’ by The City Magazine in El Paso, who called the trio “completely captivating, live and through your speakers.” As Sleepspent’s local following has grown, the group has become a go-to local act to support nationally touring artists, and has also begun to hit the road itself and will launch a tour following a record release show in El Paso on release day. See below for the most current itinerary.

“It’s Better If You Don’t Speak Or Think,” the debut EP by Sleepspent, arrives on May 4^th, 2018 via Slow Start Records. Austin North is available for interviews. Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic for more information.

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Sleepspent – Live

5/04/2018: El Paso, TX @ Low Brow Palace (Record Release Show)

5/26/2018: El Paso, TX @ Neon Desert Music Festival

5/27/2018: El Paso, TX @ Neon Desert Music Festival

6/08/2018: Ft. Stockton, TX @ The Garage, Music, Coffee & Music

6/09/2018: Wichita Falls, TX @ GypsyUncorked

6/10/2018: Amarillo, TX @ The 806

6/11/2018: Norman, OK @ Red Brick Bar

6/13/2018: Santa Fe, NM @ Second Street Rufina

6/14/2018: Denver, CO @ Lions Lair

6/15/2018: Grand Junction, CO @ Cruisers Bar

6/17/2018: Las Vegas, NV @ Legends Bar

6/20/2018: San Diego, CA @ The Clutch Bar

6/21/2018: Bisbee, AZ @ The Quarry

6/22/2018: Phoenix, AZ @ Lunchbox

6/30/2018: Albuquerque, NM @ Tractor Nob Hill

7/12/2018: Memphis, TN @ Sounds Good Memphis

7/12/2018: Nashville, TN @ Drifters BBQ

7/14/2018: Cincinnati, OH @ The Comet

7/16/2018: Minneapolis, MN @ Char Bar

7/18/2018: Tulsa, OK @ SoundPony

7/19/2018: Wichita, KS @ Kirbys Beer Store

7/20/2018: Norman, OK @ Mom and Dads Place

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Sleepspent

“It’s Better If You Don’t Speak Or Think” EP

(Slow Start Records)

May 4^th, 2018

  

Track Listing:

01. Something (LISTEN | MP3)         

02. Roots

03. Come Smile With Me (LISTEN | MP3)

04. Stars

05. Cracking

06. What's The Rush?

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Sleepspent Links

ASSETS : WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : INSTAGRAM : BANDCAMP : SLOW START RECORDS

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Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic Promotion

WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE : INSTAGRAM : SNAPCHAT : SOUNDCLOUD : SPOTIFY : BLOG : E-MAIL

Songwriter, author, bon vivant John Andrew Fredrick of the black watch has released 25 albums, EPs, books over his long, varied career.

Latest EP “The Paper Boats” out April 27^th. Hear title track about “two beautiful paper boats that sink in a backyard swimming pool,” now.

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John Andrew Fredrick of the black watch as photographed by Steve Keros.

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Hear the title track from the upcoming “The Paper Boats” EP by the black watch at Treble or the links below!

[YOUTUBE]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyIBcDleykg

[STREAM]: https://soundcloud.com/fanaticpro/the-black-watch-the-paper-boats

[MP3]: http://www.fanaticpr.com/theblackwatch/theblackwatch-thepaperboats.mp3

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the black watch – In The Press

“Should’ve become a household name a long time ago.” — USA Today

“Sounds like the holy union of Guided By Voices, The Wedding Present and any number of New Zealand pop heroes.” — Buzzbands.la

“A prime example of Fredrick’s knack for clever and extremely catchy songs.” — Popmatters

 “Salutes the great DIY pop canon and trophy hallways of heroes with an illustrious array of pepped up jangle pop.” — Impose

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Having indeed lost his beloved father this year, John Andrew Fredrick of the black watch, the singer-songwriter of fifteen LPs and five EPs now (who has also published four novels and, last year, a book that analyzes the early films of Wes Anderson), mitigated a bit of the pain of his loss by churning out another dream-fuzz-jangle-pop collection of super catchy, literary guitar-heavy songs. Ones that doubtlessly reflect the expertise that comes from 30-some-odd years of putting out records.

“Every time that we breathe/ brings us nearer/ to when we’ll leave/ & when I’m good/ good and gone/ please remember/ this brief song,” sings Fredrick on the closing track of the black watch’s new EP for 2018, “The Paper Boats”. With characteristic cheekiness, irony, and a serious penchant for ambiguity, Fredrick admits that these lines are as much about being gone from the record industry as they are about the theme of death.

The title track treats of two beautiful paper boats that sink in a backyard swimming pool, symbolizing the demise of a love relationship, something that won’t come again but for all that makes it “all the sweeter then.” Hear “The Paper Boats” now via Treble or YouTube.

The new EP was engineered by ace guitarist Andy Creighton (who fronts his own fine pop band, The World Record, and whose startling, angular leads were featured on last year’s the black watch LP The Gospel According To John. The songs were done quickly at Creighton’s shed in the obscure El Sereno district of Los Angeles, then sent for mixing to Scott Campbell’s (Shelby Lynne, Stevie Nicks, Acetone) state-of-the-art studio in Woodland Hills.

“The Paper Boats” anticipates a much different-sounding LP that the black watch hopes to release later this year.

“The Paper Boats” EP by the black watch is set for release by the eskimo record label on April 27^th, 2018. John Andrew Fredrick is available for interviews.  Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic for more information.

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the black watch

“The Paper Boats” EP

(The Eskimo Record Label)

April 27^th, 2018

Track Listing:

01. The Paper Boats (YOUTUBE | STREAM | MP3)

02. Oh You Little Witch

03. Jingle-Jangle Loop De Loop

04. Your So Dark Sleep/Goodbye

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the black watch – Links

ASSETS : WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE

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Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic Promotion

WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE : INSTAGRAM : SNAPCHAT : SOUNDCLOUD : SPOTIFY : BLOG : E-MAIL

Long Island legends Good Rats receives deluxe treatment for 1974 album “Tasty” with Record Store Day vinyl reissue, out 4/21. CD/DIGI out 4/20.

“World’s most famous unknown band” (Rolling Stone) sees milestone LP, plus bonus tracks, remastered by two-time Grammy®-winner Vlado Meller.

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Good Rats (L-R): Peppi Marchello, John Gatto, Joe Franco, Lenny Kotke, Mickey Marchello

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Hear the newly remastered version of the Good Rats classic “Back To My Music” now! Deluxe vinyl reissue hits Record Store Day on April 21^st.

[YOUTUBE]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n74TQx_NwtA

[STREAM]: https://fanatic.lnk.to/GoodRats-BackToMyMusic

[MP3]: http://www.fanaticpr.com/goodrats/goodrats-backtomymusic.mp3

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Good Rats – Live at Record Store Day

Good Rats will perform a Record Store Day set on Long Island at Record Stop on April 21^st at 12 noon (simulcast live by WEHM) with singer, Stefan Marchello carrying on the legacy of his father, Peppi Marchello. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/553423355028078.

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“The audience loved this band and they loved their fans back equally. A Good Rats show wasn’t a rock concert. It was a gathering of the tribes.” – Paste

Local legends on Long Island, NY the Good Rats seemed poised to break big in the early to mid-1970’s. The band played Madison Square Garden, Nassau Coliseum, the Philadelphia Spectrum, and England’s Hammersmith Odeon on bills with Rush, Journey, Kiss, Meatloaf, Aerosmith and Ozzy Osborne, while FM radio embraced the Good Rats, as well.

Click to hear the remastered version of “Back To My Music” by Good Rats!

The reason for the band’s lack of long-term success is debatable, but the quality of its songs are not. A hard rock band that elegantly mixed in elements of jazz and blues, with strong musical fundamentals, and a powerful vocalist and sophisticated songwriter, Peppi Marchello.

Most Good Rats fans consider the band’s album, Tasty, to its best. Originally released in 1974 by Warner Bros, Tasty was remixed and re-released in 1978 on the band’s own Rat City Records, but has not been available on vinyl since.

Now, forty years later, this beloved gem will hit record store shelves again in a 40^th Anniversary deluxe edition remastered by two-time Grammy®-winner, Vlado Meller. This 180gm, transparent yellow vinyl version of the album includes two unreleased bonus cuts, unearthed as part of the Marchello family’s ongoing preparations for the re-issue the band’s entire catalog.

The limited vinyl run of this latest edition of Tasty will be available at Record Store Day participating locations on April 21^st with the CD and Digital versions available the day before, April 20^th. The Good Rats, with singer Stefan Marchello carrying on the legacy of his father, Peppi Marchello, on vocals, will perform a Record Store Day set at Record Stop on Long Island (30-32 Railroad Avenue, Patchogue) at 12 noon. The set will also be broadcast live on local radio station WEHM. Listen online here.

Peppi Marchello and the Good Rats were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2008. The newly remastered classic Good Rats album Tasty arrives on CD/DIGI on April 20^th. The limited deluxe vinyl version hits Record Store Day on April 21^st. Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic for more information.

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Good Rats

Tasty

(Uncle Rat Music)

April 20^th, 2018

  

Track Listing:

1. Back To My Music (YOUTUBE | LISTEN | MP3)

2. Injun Joe

3. Tasty

4. Papa Poppa

5. Klash-Ka-Bob

6. Fireball Express 

7. Fred Upstairs & Ginger Snappers

8. 300 Boys

9. Phil Fleish

10. Songwriter  

11. Melting Pot Cookbook (Bonus Track)

12. I Won’t Stop (Bonus Track)

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Good Rats Links

WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : INSTAGRAM : YOUTUBE

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Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic Promotion

WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE : INSTAGRAM : SNAPCHAT : SOUNDCLOUD : SPOTIFY : BLOG : E-MAIL

Peelander-Z announces month-long tour in support of “Japanese Action Comic Punk” group’s just-released ninth album, "Go PZ Go."

“Go PZ Go” videos for “You Have Nice Tee Shirts” starring band’s merch, “Bike Bike Bike” starring all of Austin cyclists, out now.

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Peelander-Z (L-R): Peelander-Purple, Peelander-Yellow, Peelander-Pink. Photo credit: Ryota Mori.

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Peelander-Z – On Tour

04/11/2018: Albuquerque, NM @ Winning Coffee

04/12/2018: Flagstaff, AZ @ Green Room

04/15/2018: San Diego, CA @ The Casbah

04/16/2018: Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room

04/17/2018: Morrow Bay, CA @ The Siren

04/18/2018: Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar

04/20/2018: San Francisco, CA @DNA Lounge

04/22/2018: Bend, OR @ Volcanic Theater Pub

04/23/2018: Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar

04/24/2018: Seattle, WA @ The Funhouse

04/26/2018: Bozeman, MT @ Zebra Lounge

04/27/2018: Helena, MT @ Jester’s

04/29/2018: Boise, ID @ Neurolux

05/01/2018: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

05/02/2018: Ft. Collins, CO @ Hodi’s Half Note

05/03/2018: Denver, CO @ Streets Of London

05/05/2018: Sioux Falls, SD @ Bigs Bar

05/06/2018: Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium

05/07/2018: Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club

05/09/2018: Tulsa, OK @ Mercury Lounge

05/10/2018: Norman, OK @ Opolis

05/11/2018: Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silver Leaf

05/12/2018: Austin, TX @ Barracuda

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“To peel away the layers and explain what’s so much fun about the group’s particular and peculiar brand of rock ‘n’ roll is like trying to explain why an ice cream cone or air-conditioned room are refreshing on a hot summer’s day. ” – PopMatters on “You Have Nice Tee Shirts” by Peelander-Z

[VIDEO]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvfdvkjKipU

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Peelander-Z – In The Press

“One of the most visually imaginative punk groups.” — The New York Times

“Delivering an insanely entertaining live show.” — Rolling Stone

“No escape from the grind like the Peelander–Z escape from the grind.” — The Fader

“Peelander–Z put sanity in a headlock.” — Alternative Press

“Standing on the sidelines is not an option.” — Time Out New York

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Glide calls “Bike Bike Bike” a “rock and roll rallying call.” Watch!

[VIDEO]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWwHCLbBd5w

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Yahoo! Entertainment calls “Go PZ Go/Yeah Yeah Yeah” “fun and stunning!” Watch and listen now!

[VIDEO]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl_hMfAE-h8

[LISTEN]: https://fanatic.lnk.to/PeelanderZ-YeahYeahYeah

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Peelander-Z – the Japanese Action Comic Punk Band – will launch a month-long tour on April 11^th in support of its ninth album Go PZ Go, out now on Chicken Ranch Records. See above for full itinerary. To celebrate, the band has released a new music video for the song “You Have Nice Tee Shirts,” directed by Toto Miranda, drummer for fellow Austin-based band (and longtime friends of Peelander-Z), The Octopus Project. The video can be seen now at PopMatters. “You Have Nice Tee Shirts” is taken from the new Peelander-Z album Go PZ Go which follows-up its 2014 full-length hair metal tribute album Metalander-Z.

In addition to the video for “You Have Nice Tee Shirts,” Peelander-Z has also issued videos for “Bike Bike Bike” (also directed by Miranda), and the animated clip for “Go PZ Go / Yeah Yeah Yeah,” directed by comedy writer, director, and animator, Jimbo Matison. The video “done solely with paper and pencils” was recently premiered via Yahoo! Entertainment which also called the clip “fun and stunning.”

Go PZ Go is not only the follow-up to Peelander-Z’s 2014 album; it comes on the heels of a much heralded documentary about the band “Mad Tiger.” The film, directed by Jonathan Yi and Michael Haertlein, was acquired by Film Movement after a successful festival circuit run following its premiere at New York’s IFC Center during DOC NYC. “Mad Tiger” ultimately went on to a nationwide theatrical release and can now be seen via Netflix.

Now, with Go PZ Go, the band also delivers its most listenable album, one that doesn’t merely act as a fun souvenir and reminder of the memorable experiences that Peelander-Z brings in its live performances. In fact, Go PZ Go is an addictive record all on its own that will appeal to any true punk rocker – young (the fans that Peelander-Z regularly calls up on stage to take over their instruments) and old (those who may only have the stamina to put headphones on in the comfort of their living rooms.)

Go PZ Go, the ninth full-length album by Peelander-Z, is out now via Chicken Ranch Records. Members of Peelander-Z are available for interviews. Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic for more information.

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Peelander-Z

Go PZ Go

Chicken Ranch Records

Out Now 

Track Listing:

01. Go PZ Go

02. P.P.P.P.

03. H.I.P.P.O.

04. Bike Bike Bike (WATCH)

05. Rock Paper Scissors

06. Beaver Fever

07. Mix Mix Mix

08. Free Three Bees

09. I’m Not Singer

10. Cookie House

11. UFO

12. You Have Nice Tee Shirts (WATCH)

13. Yeah Yeah Yeah (WATCH | LISTEN)

14. Don’t Comb Over My Hair

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Peelander-Z Links

ASSETS : WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE : INSTAGRAM : SPOTIFY : BANDCAMP : CHICKEN RANCH

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Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic Promotion

WEBSITE : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : YOUTUBE : INSTAGRAM : SNAPCHAT : SOUNDCLOUD : SPOTIFY : BLOG : E-MAIL