Sweeping Exits, Dim Desires, Rod, Riled
Recommended
Sweeping Exits have survived several epochs of Portland punkdom. Originally a solo moniker for singer/songwriter Mira Glitterhound, the project's earliest recordings and performances were heavily evocative of neo-folk bards like Conor Oberst and John Darnielle. Sweeping Exits formally transitioned from solo vehicle to band in 2011, and have since released two Weezer-worshipping LPs and a flurry of digital singles. They're currently undergoing another evolution with Glitter & Blood—a vampire-themed concept album that blends the fey erudition of This Is Hardcore-era Pulp with the wardrobe and "shock rock" sensibilities of canonical horror punk. MORGAN TROPER