Earshifter

Nomeansno – the underknown Canadian band that smashed punk, prog, jazz and funk into something completely new. Sean and Rene dive into the group’s complex song structures, dark humour, explosive live energy and refusal to play by industry rules. From acapella hardcore experiments and fake band mythology to seeing them live and how that changed everything for Sean.

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Parquet Courts – the Brooklyn band with Texas roots who constantly evolve and do whatever they want. Rene calls them "one of the most overlooked" out of all 20 bands Earshifter's covered, despite Light Up Gold hitting #85 on Rolling Stone's best albums list. Hear about their collab with Karen O (from yeah yeah yeahs), their punk rock ethos, constant evolution from 1-minute punk rawness to polished 7-minute epics, and why 300,000 monthly listeners isn't nearly enough.

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Dinosaur Jr. – the band who brought guitar solos back and nearly broke apart forever. Hear about J Mascis ignoring Kurt Cobain's invite to join Nirvana, the bitter 10-year split, Lou and Murph's forgiveness, and why friendship matters as much as the music after 20+ years reunited. Plus, Sean talks about seeing them three times: 1989 Lee's Palace (J demanding lights off), 2013 Riot Fest, and 2025 Wilco Festival.

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Waxahatchee Part 2 – The alt-country transformation that changed everything. Rene struggled through the rock-heavy Out in the Storm, but Saint Cloud and Tigers Blood brought him back strong. Hear about producer Brad Cook's impact (MJ Lenderman, Snocaps) and the full-circle Snocaps reunion. Plus, why both hosts independently picked Snocaps for Best of 2025, and Rene's 11-year gap between Katie concerts.

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Katie Crutchfield whose first two melancholy lo-fi albums make Rene limit himself to 4 listens, despite loving them. Learn about the connection to her twin sister, her progression from intimate 2014 performer to commanding 2025 presence (Rene's top 25 concerts of all time) and why Ivy Tripp is his first no-skip album. Part 2, Sean explores her continual musical shift and MJ Lenderman collaboration.

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MJ Lenderman – the "musician's musician" who played with what seemed like every band at the Wilco Festival in Mexico. Learn how his Guitar Hero obsession led to real guitar and his links to Wednesday, Waxahatchee and Snocaps. Sean picks Long Black Veil to troll Rene again, and they debate mondegreens and the mysterious Himbo Dome. Plus, Sean's Rock Band existential crisis over "Run to the Hills," and the Massey Hall Toronto show Rene completely forgot he was going to.

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Wet Leg – the Grammy-winning British band who dominated UK and Australia but remain underknown in North America. Rene gives Sean song choices then plays both anyway, prompting Sean to ask "is free will a real thing?" Hear the Chaise Longue pronunciation debate, how Eddie Vedder covered them live and the hairy armpit controversy. Plus, strobes make a comeback.

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Wednesday – the NME Album of the Year band blending Southern Gothic tales with shoegaze country. Sean curates "November," knowing Rene will love it. Rene discovers why Karly Hartzman ranks as a top 50 lyricist for Sean and obsesses over the line "loiter in my heart," and Sean dives into their cathartic screams and a cover of the Smashing Pumpkins done Wednesday-style.

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Courtney Barnett – the Grammy-nominated Australian who deserves more North American recognition. Sean and Rene discover they both love "Elevator Operator," debate her Kurt Vile collaboration, and unpack her critically acclaimed debut. Plus Rene deep-dives into the vulnerable "Anonymous Club" documentary and its haunting ambient soundtrack. UPDATE: New album release (Creature of Habit): Mar 27th. We are excited!

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Best of 2025 – Sean and Rene share their top new albums you need to hear, from Wet Leg's no-skip "Moisturizer" to Cameron Winter & Geese's weird genius. Hear which album both hosts picked independently, and editor Joe's under-the-radar gems. PLAYLIST LINKS BELOW. Plus, best concerts including Grandaddy, Sparks & Sean touching Nick Cave's hand.

Spotify Playlists:

Sean's Best of 2025   Rene's Best of 2025   Joe's Best of 2025

Apple Music Playlists:

Sean's Best of 2025   Rene's Best of 2025   Joe's Best of 2025

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us to learn more about past and upcoming episodes, and the artists we cover. 

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