Good pop punk seems to be hard to find nowadays. Our remembrances of the genre call us back to a late 90's, early 2000's period where a particular innocence was captured in the chaos of bouncing about. 

Thankfully, local trio the Toads exist to make sure pop punk isn't dead. Their new EP Always Be Nice, due out tomorrow, showcases that.

From its opening title track to the garage tinged and vengeful "I Don't Get Hungover (I Get Even)" rounding it out, it's solid enough to make us crave more.

Join the Toads tomorrow at the Firkin Tavern for the Always Be Nice EP release show, along with CASTLES and Kings & Vagabonds and then again on the 29th for a pre-Halloween party with the Hugs and Stunning Rayguns at the Kenton Club. There are the last two shows with drummer Mitch Gonzales, so come see him off properly!

 That's right. The four dudes that redefined modern indie with a nostalgic twist are heading out for the next seven days, starting tomorrow with their tour kickoff show at Twilight Cafe. They'll be doing a show a night (including one in a mystery city on the 12th) in support of their Castles EP, which helped them become one last month's Deli poll winners. 

For a sneak peek at what you'll get to experience from them live, check out their performance of "Cooler Coast" on the Dan Cable Presents podcast below and go see the boys off in style tomorrow!

Once you hear the higher pitched croon of Castles' Cody Myers, a nostalgic comfort for the early 2000's will rush over you. A reminiscent mixture of Mae with a bit of older school Dr. Dog and Tame Impala, Castles understand the ins and outs of alternative rock and have shown their capacity to make it easy to love and enjoy, without sounding passé.

Starting in 2014, the Portland 4-piece have released a self titled EP in May comprised of tracks that transport you to a whole other realm sonically. The combination of Myers' colorful vocals with impeccable playing from Eric Wenzel on lead guitar, Adrian Swindells on bass and Tom Wortman on drums make for an overall chill yet stimulating listening experience.

Castles is working on some new tracks and have got a few shows coming up, including one on the July 29 at the Waypost. Congrats on being the new Deli Portland winners, boys!