Heavy Handed is a band that describes themselves as not being good, even going so far as to telling potential fans to not even buy their records or give any type of monetary support to their endeavor. That joking, endearing modesty has worked in their fandom favor, because they've become a band we want to endlessly support.

With John Palmer on guitar, Jackie McLaughlin on drums and Harvey Buckner on bass, Heavy Handed have already exhibited lasting and infectious talents with their recently released self titled debut, which seamlessly blends garage rock and pop music's best aspects. From the bluesy "Hesistate" to the slow pop of "Oh, Edna" and the fairly psyched out "Still Life," Heavy Handed has a solid handle on what good music is.

Their next show is set for 12/18 at Blackwater as an entirely "H-bandname" bill, with Helmstron (James Helmsworth of Husky Boys), Hex Vision, Horse Movies and Hard Skulls. It's supposed to be a benefit for Standing Rock with a $2-$5 donation, but now that it's successfully been halted (thank goodness!) it's unsure if it'll still serve as a benefit show, but either way it'll be a fun night.

Steady Hands, a.k.a. Sean Huber of Modern Baseball, is getting set to release a compilation of his first four EPs. The Rude Boys Of Bar Rock double LP will be available on December 9 via Lame-O Records, but if you’re already jonesin’ to hear his catalogue of folk-punk tunes, get your fix this evening at Steady Hands’ hometown record release show at Ortlieb’s. They’ll be rockin’ the bar with hard-riffin’ pals and labelmates Thin Lips, as well as Cold Climb It (featuring Matt Brasch of The Wonder Years) and The Lame-O’s (which I am guessing is an amalgamation of artists and friends associated the beloved Philly record label). Huber will also be performing a very special solo set tomorrow night in Brewerytown at Smokey’s Regal Estate, where he’ll be sharing the bill with Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday, Terrible Things), Pray To Keep, and West Virginia’s Mange. (All agers, you were not forgotten.) Ortlieb’s, 847 N. 3^rd St., 8pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Punks in Vegas) - Alexis V.

The Rickaneers have released a brand new single "Modern Love" and no it is not a David Bowie cover. What it is though is a catchy rocker that could have been released in the 60's...or the 90's...or 2016! These Toronto fellas did a really good job of recording this song to re-create some 60's garage sounds but still keep the modern day relevance to the sound. Formerly a 4 piecer looks like Jesse (Guitar/Vocals) and Doug (drums) have taken er back a couple notches and now rock as a 2 piece combo. They will be releasing a record in the new year. The release party is happening January 27th at Junction City Music Hall. - Kris Gies

"Love is Love/Alien and Strange" croons Baltimore-based Natural Velvet on their latest single, and though the band's sound may be a bit alien and strange itself, we're certainly in love. A post-punk act with a serious dash of psych and noise vibes, Natural Velvet invites listeners down a fuzzy, swirling, spacey, rabit-hole freak out with its thick instrumentals and dark vocals. Check them out for yourself, and stream Natural Velvet's "Love is Love" below. - Olivia Sisinni 

Noah Kittinger has made a name for himself by crafting complexly textured music with a minimalist structure, and his lastest release, Bloom, further refines that sonic path. Showcasing his keen sense of depth and darkness, the EP prominently features Kittenger's hazy, haunting vocals, which are contrasted against echo-y beats that almost feel as if they edge toward the void. It's 7-tracks worth of layers to peel, and single N.Y.E. (streaming below) is a good place to start. - Olivia Sisinni