Sean Parrott is, first and foremost, a comedian. Aside from doing actual stand-up on a regular basis, he also helps co-host two podcasts (Which Is Better and Food Court Movie) and occasionally puts out some original music. Hopefully that helps frame your listening experience when diving into The Hag, a synth driven album that mixes John Carpenter style inspiration with absolutely absurd pop songs.

It’d be idiotic not to state right off the bat that these songs are funny. They’re written, recorded and performed with a straightforward seriousness but this isn’t a change of careers for Parrott. These songs are pure entertainment. Calling it a concept album may be going a step too far but the majority of tracks with lyrics are framed around the titular hag and the horror tropes that come with that. “Campfire” serves as the literal camp fire background story. “Fun in the Woods” acts as a warning of the hubris of partying in the woods with the tale of a brutal murderer lingering and “Naked Lakin’” is your standard cautionary tale about the dangers of skinny dipping. That’s giving an all-too-serious take on songs that just ridiculous stories but it’s worth noting that they do work together.

If you’re not in the mood for some 80’s inspired keyboard jams or synth laden ballads, you can always partake in the instrumental breaks throughout the album. “He Would Not Return“, “They Were Hunted“, “He Found the Sword and Took Revenge” and “No One Is Dead In Your Memories” are all excellent additions to the album and fully enjoyable outside of the month of October.

The Hag is a properly entertaining romp and a respectable calling card for Parrott’s musical skills.

Fetching Pails is the solo endeavor of Jill Townsend. You may recall her presence in the band Nightblonde, or Murfreesboro’s Bent Fur, or lighting up the stage during a New Year’s Eve recreation of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at The End. She’s performed in numerous outings but Fetching Pails debut, Telekinesis for Beginners, is all her own. She played every instrument on the record (save a few) and produced and recorded it as well. Oh, and she did all of the artwork as well. It’s safe to say that Fetching Pails is an intensely personal undertaking.

We are happy to premiere the album’s lead track and official video for “Shearer.” The song features a cacophony of exploding drums layered with shoegaze guitar strikes, all wrapped in Townsend’s airy vocals pondering the possibilities of the future. It’s fitting that the single art for this track features a faceless character making their way through the Looking Glass; an appropriate nod to the unknown.

The video features Townsend meandering around a small town enjoying some Fall activities; ostensibly just a pleasant romp through Anywhere, USA. However, there are several nods throughout the video that suggest something otherworldly underneath the surface; a rack of Halloween masks, an empty church, a graveyard exploration, a notecard with a ghoulish message and a masked figure. Maybe this is all part of exploring the dots on the map but it’s possible that Townsend is an apparition that walks among us. Just a theory.

Telekinesis for Beginners is set for released on Nov 2nd, with a release show at the East Room on Nov 8th. The album is available for pre-order now.

Fetching Pails is a yk Records artist, a small indie label run by the same folks that run We Own This Town.