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Music News: Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes debuts new band, Bermuda Triangle

From left, Jesse Lefser, Brittany Howard and Becca Mancari of the new band Bermuda Triangle.
From left, Jesse Lefser, Brittany Howard and Becca Mancari of the new band Bermuda Triangle.Courtesy of Sarah Harvey

by Cecilia Johnson

July 06, 2017

Bermuda Triangle to appear in Nashville

Bermuda Triangle, a new band featuring Americana singer/songwriters Jesse Lafser, Becca Mancari, and Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), will make their live debut on July 12 at Nashville's Basement East. In an interview with NPR's Ann Powers, Mancari promised "drum machines, heavy harmonies and someone on a standup bass"; Howard called their sound "sad dance hall music." No studio recordings have been promised, and tickets for the show, which is presented by rock magazine She Shreds, have already sold out. (NPR)

The 411 on 4:44

Since its Tidal-exclusive release on June 30, JAY-Z's new album has been the talk of the hip-hop world. Named for the early hour at which Jay wrote its title track, 4:44 addresses his thoughts on Prince's estate, his mother's coming out, and his Lemonade-promulgated infidelity. Most of the buzz is positive -- Kendrick's a fan; the album has gone platinum; a forthcoming physical release will include three bonus songs, one of which will feature James Blake. But not all of it: Kanye West (subject of some strong words on "Kill Jay Z") has reportedly severed Tidal ties, and JAY-Z has been criticized for his insinuation that Jews "own all the property in America." For those who haven't yet heard it via Tidal, Jay-Z has started giving the album away for free.

Arcade Fire are everywhere (now)

Two Arcade Fire items today: a new song and a jab at the Jenners. First, the band debuted Everything Now tune "Chemistry" at a show in London's York Hall. Second, they mocked Kendall and Kylie Jenner's recent T-shirt misstep, in which the sisters covered music legends' faces with their own, by releasing shirts that replace the Jenners' faces with the Everything Now cover. After the album's July 28 release date, the Canadian rockers will continue to tour, playing St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center on October 29. (Stereogum; Rolling Stone)

SZA section

Neo-soul/R&B cult favorite SZA has announced a North America tour named after her latest album, Ctrl. The 44 dates (which range from August 16 in Richmond, Va. to Dec. 17 in St. Louis, Mo.) include a Sept. 1 stop at the Cabooze in Minneapolis. Midwest music Twitter freaked out accordingly. (Pitchfork)

Bonus: SZA and Solange exchanged some cute social media entries over the weekend. (Billboard)

Kesha to release new song today

On July 5, Kesha posted a video to Twitter teasing a forthcoming song called "Praying." "Your support and love and kindness has gotten me through, hands down, the hardest time of my entire life," she told her fans, collectively known as Animals. "I couldn't have done this without you." (Billboard)

Liam Gallagher hits the streets of "Chinatown"

Liam Gallagher, who recently announced a Nov. 20 show at First Avenue, dropped a Charlie Lightening-directed video for "Chinatown" on Wednesday. In the video, the one-time Oasis frontman shuffles around the London neighborhood, posing by graffiti and gazing toward the water. His debut solo LP-to-come As You Were comes out Oct. 6. (Rolling Stone)