Upcoming Releases

Philadelphia power-pop powerhouse, The Blackburns, have staked their claim on alternative rock with their aptly-titled upcoming album Alternative Rock. The new albums follows up their 2024 self-titled debut that caught many listeners off-guard with extremely hooky, radio-friendly rock songs that felt like unearthed gems from the 90s. Everything that made their debut album stand out is carried over and even more focused on Alternative Rock. Your first glimpse at what's to come is their new single "A Reunion Show (Rated PG-13)", which is out now. The Blackburns, which includes members of Plow United and The Danger O's, sound like seasoned veterans and remind us to have a little fun with music. 

"This song is about how your favorite band from back in the day is getting back together with all the original members and it's going to be so great and what could possibly go wrong. It's a totally made-up fictional story with no basis whatsoever in the real life experiences of any members of the Blackburns." - Joel Tannenbaum (bass & vocals)

The Blackburns are a Philadelphia guitar pop band who share big hooks from small stages. What started as a songwriting partnership between Joel Tannenbaum (bass, vocals) and Nick Palmer (guitar, vocals) in early 2023 has blossomed into a powerful live act that includes Abraham Koffenberger (guitar), Lynna Stancato (synth, vocals), and Justin Johnson (drums). With ex bands like Plow United, The Danger O’s, Ex Friends, The Rentiers, and WAX WAV, it should come as no surprise that The Blackburns create a mighty sound. 

Their self-titled debut album, co-produced by Todd Mecaughey and released on Sell The Heart records in April 2024, contains sounds reminiscent of early 90s movie soundtracks - Angus, Mallrats, Empire Records - while telling stories inspired by Joel and Nick’s experiences growing up in, and out of, the suburban DIY punk scene. Their characters found teenage community with the other weirdos at the Legion hall punk shows and in the drama club, and now in middle age, struggle to resist the allure of nostalgia, to keep time facing the right direction. The Blackburns approach these themes with humor and with insight, and most importantly, with hooks.

In October 2024, The Blackburns expanded their sound from 90s comedy soundtracks to also include 80s horror soundtracks, with the release of spooky seasonal single “Witch Train,” and then promptly got to work on a second album, again with Todd Mecaughey at Cambridge Sound Studios in South Philadelphia. The resulting LP, “Alternative Rock,” continues exploration of the debut album’s lyrical themes - aging punks who can’t seem to keep their feet planted in the present. The Buzz Bin inspired wall of guitar fuzz remains, as does the focus on memorable hooks. Look for “Alternative Rock” out on Sell The Heart Records in April 2026.