The overwhelming avalanche of grief resulting from a high frequency and proximity to death shaped Curtis Cooper over the last year. The video for “2016” illustrates Cooper in a somber state as whispering vocals gradually give way to a squaring up of the mental demons these tragic events have aroused. The song, which is dedicated to John Kohlbecker, Richard Drueding, Harrison Ziskind, Mike Giambrone, Bruce Kock, Kayla Peter, Jack Warner Crawford, Joan Bradley and Erik Petersen, haunts with its resounding echo.

Watch the new video for “Arrest,” found on Curtis Cooper's debut album Laughing in Line. The footage captivates with its haunting sense of entrapment. Dylan Pecora captures the face-warping, eye-popping intensity as Cooper conducts the songs movements while those basement walls seem to hold him in. He's also set to perform at Bourbon & Branch on Friday, May 13, as part of Queen of Jeans residency, which also includes Ceramic Animal’s record release.

Curtis Cooper’s full-length debut Laughing In Line could be simply considered folk-oriented singer/songwriter material. However, that label might carry a stigma that fails to take into account the diversity of sounds these songs represent. Cooper steers enthusiastic, soulful-driven narratives that clearly carry personal ramifications, but venture beyond that locality, booming forward in a determined folk-rock framework. It momentously marches, luring with a communal evocation. Abi Reimold (joined by a full band) melds calming catharsis with an agitated aggression that grabs the reins, taking control of emotive energy in explosive rockin' resolutions. Emmett Drueding sings songs steeped in the searching atmosphere of rural Americana, while the ghostly stir of Julia Rainer may send a shiver up your spine. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $10, 21+ - Michael Colavita

Wriggling the new record from Abi Reimold has arrived.  Available via Sad Cactus Records, Reimold orchestrates surges of tormenting candor and turbulent musicality. It strikes a chord between immediacy, with an emotive depth. She is set to perform on bill, which also includes Curtis Cooper, Emmett Drueding, and Julia Rainer at Johnny Brenda’s on March 15^th.