Blanko Basnet releases self-titled debut at The Pinkhook with Speedy Ortiz & Organos

Photos by Justin Weber

“Album release show” may be slowly becoming more sales pitch than celebration to meet fan demand for unique concert experiences, but on Friday night at The Pinhook Joe Hall beamed with pride as his new band, Blanko Basnet, released physical copies of their debut self-titled LP out into the world for the first time.

The new songs written by Hall have a similar melodic lilt to his music in Hammer No More The Fingers, but the compositions are more thoughtful and intricate. Rhythms dance about on songs like “Fencing with Flies” and create an unpredictable sound that will peak listeners interest. Fans still mourning the loss of Annuals will find some solace in Blanko Basnet’s music.

Stream Organos' new album 'Concha' + plenty of upcoming Triangle gigs

Durham singer-songwriter Maria Albani, better known as Organos, celebrated the release of her fantastic new album Concha last weekend at the Pinhook and will stay pretty busy this spring.

First, if you haven't already checked it out, stream the full album via the widget below which you can purchase on CD or digitally via Bandcamp (the CD is limited edition and hand-painted).

Organos will play the free Local Band Local Beer series at Tir Na Nog in Raleigh on Thursday, March 29 with Old Bricks and Heads on Sticks.

Future Kings of Nowhere & Kingsbury Manx headlining Double Barrel Benefit 9

WKNC's annual Double Barrel Benefit concert is heading back to The Pour House this year after moving to Kings Barcade last year. This festivities will take place on February 3 and 4.

The Future Kings of Nowhere will headline on Friday, February 3 with Birds and Arrows, Organos and MAKE. The Kingsbury Manx will headline of Saturday, February 4 with Gross Ghost, Naked Gods and Heads on Sticks.

Two-night passes are currently on sale HERE for $15. Single day tickets will be $10 at the door.

A new free holiday compilation from Potluck & Grip Tapes

Local record labels Potluck and Grip Tapes have teamed up again to release another free compilation album. This one features holiday themed tunes titled Mistletow Throwdown.

It features local acts including North Elementary, Juan Huevos, Schooner, Old Bricks, Organos and more. A few are classic holiday tunes, while others are originals.

Check out the full track list below, where you can also stream the entire album. Head HERE to download it.

New music video from Organos - "Same Eyes"

Carrboro musician Maria Albani, better known as Organos, will hit the Hopscotch Music Festival on Saturday, September 10, performing at Deep South the Bar at 11:30 p.m.

Looking forward to the future, she's gearing up for the release of a new album titled Concha, due out in the spring of 2012. Artists are in the process of making videos for each song on the album, and the first one is out now.

It's a conceptual, and quite trippy, clip for the song "Same Eyes" created by visual artist Jerstin Crosby. The song is also available to download on the GRPTPS vs PTLCK: Round One compilation we told you about a few days ago (check it out HERE).

Griptapes & PotLuck Records give away local music compilation

Local record labels Griptapes and PotLuck have teamed up to celebrate the Hopscotch Music Festival next week. They're giving away a 13-song compilation titled GRPTPS vs PTLCK: Round One, which features a number of bands playing the festival.

It features songs from Old Bricks, Gross Ghost, North Elementary, Heads on Sticks and Organos who are playing the festival as well as Schooner who is playing a few day parties. The other bands on the comp are Joshua Carpenter, Jphono1, Juan Huevos, Corey Pavilion, Logan Pete, The Grapes and Doctor.

Stream all of the songs below or download it HERE.

April lineup of Local Band Local Beer at Tir Na Nog

April is here and like usual, we're bringing you the lineup for WKNC's free Local Band Local Beer series at Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh.

Things kick off on April 7 with North Elementary and Organos. The following week, on April 14, Goodbye, Titan, Minor Stars and Monsonia will play.

The Rosbuds, Heads on Sticks and DJ SPCL GST will play the April 21 show as part of the Hopscotch announcement launch party series.

The second half of The last show of April hasn't been announced yet, but as always, we'll keep you posted (Twitter is the best way to get updated info).

Minus Sound Research hosting two-nights of music in Carrboro

The artist collective Minus Sound Research, started by local musicians Maria Albani and John Harrison, is celebrating their fifth anniversary this year and will be celebrating with a two-night concert in Carrboro.

The event will be held at the ArtsCenter. The line-up on Friday, Oct. 8 includes The Moaners, The Kingsbury Manx, Free Electric State and Birds & Arrows. The line-up on Saturday, Oct. 9 includes Americans in France, Shark Quest, North Elementary and Organos. Yes, you read correctly. The excellent Shark Quest will be making a rare live appearance.

Tickets for the event are available via etix. A two-night pass is just $13 or a single night ticket is $10.

Dex Romweber, Love Language members playing Trekky's Christmas at the Cradle

It's that time of year again. We're a week out from Thanksgiving and a month away from Trekky Records' annual "Christmas at the Cradle" event. This year's event features two local heavyhitters, Dex Romweber and Stuart McLamb and Missy Thangs of The Love Language. Other performers include the Trekky Yultide Orchestra, Des Ark, Whatever Brains, Organos, Veelee, Birds and Arrows and Mount Weather. The event will be hosted by Billy Sugarfix.

[UPDATE: Lonnie Walker has been added to the show.]

It all goes down on Tuesday, December 15 at the Cat's Cradle. Tickets are on sale now via etix.com for $8. As it does every year, proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.