Band of the Day: Viva City

Have you heard Viva City yet? An UK electronic-rock band that will blow your mind. Currently we only have their 2010 music sampler with six tracks, but those six tracks provide a dance party you can't resist. They played our HIGH VOLTAGE event last night at The Viper Room and if their recorded music wasn't enough, their live show took the band to a whole new level in our eyes. With a high energy stage presence, glam rock style and electronic flare it's possible this band might be music's best kept secret at the moment. However, that won't last long... SPREAD THE WORD - VIVA CITY ROCKS!



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The Hounds Below - 12.10.09

The Hounds Below
Beat Kitchen (Chicago, IL)
photography: Jade Amey

Recognize The Hounds Below lead man? He is also the front man for the Detroit rock outfit, the Von Bondies. Are they just as good? Oh yes, of course. I wouldn't say this band is as energetic and electrifying live as the Von Bondies are, but that's really not a bad thing. I'm sure not a lot of people would know this from listening to the Von Bondies, but if you happen to see a Hounds Below show, I bet the first comparison for Jason Stollsteimer's voice will be Roy Orbison. Not only is there a very clear presence of Orbison in his voice, but there is also a distinct presence of early rock 'n' roll in the music with a tinge of a jumpy blues-folk-soul mix. However you want to describe it, 'it' is good. And they even win without a drummer (which was the case at this Chicago show). Besides this band being so damn great live, it also shows how versatile of a musician Stollsteimer can be. I have a feeling this won't be a short lived project, so keep your eye on this band.







MySpace

The Sights - 12.10.09

The Sights
Beat Kitchen (Chicago, IL)
photography: Jade Amey

Before I get to the photos, I would just like to say that if I had to pick a band for a "Most Exciting Comeback" for 2009, it would definitely be The Sights. After taking a bit of a break from touring and recording, front Sights man Eddie Baranek reformed The Sights into a new band, but they kick just as much ass as before (on stage and on record).

This was the second time I saw The Sights this year; the first was in Grand Rapids, MI in November. After seeing that Michigan show, I jumped at the chance to see them when I found out they were playing in Chicago. Now, I'm all about Michigan music (well known fact) but I honestly didn't get in to this band until late this past summer. I've known of them since 2005 but never listened to them despite all of the recommendations people had given me. It wasn't until this Chicago show that I had started to kick myself for not listening to them almost five years ago . . . seeing them play at Beat Kitchen made me think of all the times I could have seen them when I lived in Michigan and how great they were back then, too (the band has albums dating back to 1999). It was a pretty energetic set despite it being cold and icky outside; concert-goers were still arriving as their set progressed. Though the band that played was in its newest form, with the only original member being Baranek, the rest of the band flew through the old tunes like champs; as if they had been in the band since its conception and then some. The newer songs were in top form, as well. I had bought the band's new 12" Silver and Gold after their set and later that night I was chatting with the band's drummer about it (he goes by the name Skip). He was telling me that he hopes people really like The Sights' new songs because its not quite like the old stuff. He's right. Its not so much the sound of the bands past. The new songs have a bit more to it - definitely a lot of soul and more emphasis on the vocals in the songs - but when one hears the songs, they still have an air of the sound that the band is known for: straight up 'in your face' garage rock.

You will be seeing more and more of The Sights in 2010 with a few shows already set in stone and a new LP, entitled Most of What Follows Is True, to be released within the next year. And now, on to the photos!



MySpace | Official Site

Whetherman - The Great Lull

Whetherman
The Great Lull
(Adorable Records)
By: Naimah Holmes

Nicholas Williams is a one man band; he handles everything from vocals and guitar, to the lute. His sound is soulful and reflective. The opening track "Sundial Sunset" recalls afternoons at the beach with old friends. In "Following To Catch Up" Williams reminds himself ( Don’t let it mark your heart It’s just love catching up to the good parts) and thus allowing himself to feel and not turn away from a situation that will in the end make him a stronger person. "My Window" is a lesson in heartbreak and moving on he sings (This is it But I guess I knew since Everyone told me and later Do what you do So long as it doesn’t hurt you.) "A Writer" is the strongest track on the record, finding Williams at his most vulnerable. His voice strong, lyrics truthful, and guitar playing delicate. "The Army Hymn" is another standout track. This particular track includes a bit of a string arrangement that in no way overshadows, but, compliments the light backing vocals. The Great Lull is gentle yet so strong in its tone.

Williams has crafted great songs, his lyrics build stories. His music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. He’s found a way to make his work relatable and genuine in a world where all you need is a computer and microphone to make music stand out. Whetherman is an unsigned artist and his sophomore release The Great Lull is available via Adorable Records

Adorable Records | Myspace

OUT TODAY: The Hard Lessons - Arms Forest

There are many, many things that I love about my home state (Michigan). For instance, I like sitting on the beloved Swinging Bridge in my hometown or swinging on the swings at the Lexington Harbor with my homies during the wee hours of the morning. I also love that my mom will make me Gołąbki even when it’s the middle of July and 90+ degrees. Though I enjoy these things a lot when I come back to visit, my FAVORITE thing about Michigan is the music that comes out of Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other Southern Michigan cities...

Enter: the Hard Lessons.

Their latest album, Arms Forest, was released today and I honestly couldn’t wait for this day to come. Not because I didn’t have the album – but because I think this album deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. Yes, folks, it’s that good. Most of the songs from the album are already on my “Top 25 Most Played” playlist on iTunes. Obsessed? Oh yes. There’s no shame in admitting it, either.

To celebrate the release of Arms Forest, the Hard Lessons (consisting of Augie and Korin Visocchi on guitar/vox and keyboard/vox, respectively, and Ryan Vee on drums) played three homecoming shows: two in Hamtramck, MI and one in Detroit (Photos soon!). I attended all of them and I dragged my friends with me and these shows converted my friends into Hard Lessons fans. They decided that after much deliberation (in this article, “deliberation” means listening to Arms Forest after the Detroit show for hours, for hours, for hours...), Arms Forest is the best album they have heard this year thus far. I hadn’t thought about that yet, but I have to agree.

Every song on this album has something different about it. “Roma Termini” has a little bit of a techno thing going on, “Wedding Ring” is such a beautifully composed song, “Manoogian Zoo” has the verse “So welcome to the Detroit Zoo...“ in the song, which gives me a warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feeling for some reason. Of course, you will have some typical, Augie–and–Korin–will–kick–your–face–in songs, such as “Sound the Silent Alarm” and the title track, “Arms Forest”. After hearing the latter mentioned songs (or seeing them live), you’ll understand why “kick-your-face-in” songs are a very good thing.

This article is probably getting a little bit too long, but I can go on for days about the album and how incredible it is. Not just the songs, either, but the concept of Arms Forest and what that means, and the album artwork and how pretty the vinyl is... However, I think it’s best if you just go and buy the album right now. However, if you want me to talk your ear off about Arms Forest, you know where to find me. Maybe. ~ Jade Amey

MySpace | Official Site

Agent Ribbons - Your Love Is the Smallest Doll

Agent Ribbons
Your Love Is the Smallest Doll
Acuarela Records
Reviewed By: Jade Amey

I don’t remember exactly how I came across this band. I usually keep tabs on stuff like that, but I can’t think of how the Sacramento based band Agent Ribbons entered my realm for the life of me. I saw them in Chicago back in February at Quencher’s, but I liked them way before that. I guess it’s somewhat of a mystery.

Your Love is the Smallest Doll is the second 7” vinyl release for Agent Ribbons. The band consists of Natalie Gordon on guitar and lead vocals, Lauren Hess on drums/accordion and Naomi Cherie on violin and cello. The band’s first full length release, On Time Travel and Romance, is minimal with mostly only guitar and drums that is much in the style of the White Stripes. Your Love Is the Smallest Doll kind of steps away from the minimalist style into a more instrumentally focused release.

The 7” starts with 'the Artist', that has a haunting and eerie, psychedelic instrumentation and will leave you wondering what material the artist uses as the instrumentation intensifies at the end. This leads right into 'Bird in the Mirror', which is a track much different from the foremost. It’s a lot lighter and wispier, and it almost has a Sgt. Pepper’s-esque vibe that stems from the violins and the beautiful singing of all the ladies of the band. 'Your Love Is the Smallest Doll' is the quirky, circus-esque title track. The song holds a steady beat of military style drumming while being accompanied with an accordion that will give you the sense of 1920s or 1930s tune that really picks up at the end with all the girls in the band, once again, singing all together and declaring that “Your love is the smallest doll/and that will never do/because my doll eats them all”. It’s like a mature Disney song; when Disney was good, that is. You know, Snow White and Alice in Wonderland - that Disney. Overall, I find myself listening to this release quite a bit. Natalie’s voice through out this whole set of songs is so perfect and powerful at times that her voice will make you drop whatever you’re doing and listen to what she has to say.

I definitely recommend you purchase this 7” vinyl when it is released in July.
Your Love Is the Smallest Doll blew me away when I first listened to it. Though it only consists of three songs, you’ll want to keep this one on your record player for a while before you switch it.

MySpace

OUT TODAY: New York Dolls - Cause I Sez So

I couldn't have been more excited for this release with the New York Dolls being part of my trio of all-time favorite artists, so as the doors opened at Amoeba this morning I was there waiting anxiously to pick up this disc. Cause I Sez So is once again produced by Todd Rundgren who produced the Dolls first album in 1973. The album starts off strong, clocks in just under 42 minutes and includes a re-recorded/rearranged version of "Trash". Why they felt the need to redo this track is far beyond me and I definitely could've done without hearing this version, ever. I mean seriously, a Caribbean-inspired Buster Poindexter-esque redo of their classic proto-punk hit? Oy!

However, with "Trash" aside, the album actually rocks and the production is reminiscent of their 70s recordings. Pick it up today or catch them up on the road near you soon!

MySpace | Official Site

Amy Kuney - Birds Eye View

Amy Kuney
Birds Eye View
(Spinmove Records)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

The opening track of Amy Kuney's Birds Eye View, "Simple Things," sets the tone of the record as whimsical, lighthearted, and full of heart, a reminder that "It's the simple things that make us feel at home." At times it sounds as if every song is meant to stand alone. Each is strong lyrically and Kuney’s voice is full and just as lush as her music. The general theme of Birds Eye View is that of love, whether it's being lost in "Would You Miss Me," gained in "Thank You For Last Night," or being dissected in "Love is Trippy." What is lacking in fluidity and alignment Kuney more than makes up for with her skill in arrangements. Kuney's got a knack for blending piano, acoustic guitar, horns, strings, and backing vocals as this album proves.

Birds Eye View is a sparkling debut from a gifted singer whose YouTube videos caught the eye of Damien Rice this past summer. Soon after, Kuney had gotten herself a roundtrip ticket to open for Rice for a string of shows in Iceland.

MySpace | YouTube

Hell on Heels Tour - Philadelphia, PA

Hell On Heels Tour
Semi Precious Weapons / Nico Vega / Von Iva
@ The Khyber
Philadelphia, PA
February 2, 2009
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

"Don't Light Them! Light Me! I'm the one who spent 60 minutes making my face fucking flawless!" spat the Seberg-esque platinum, from the stage of the Khyber, as stagehands frantically scurried to fix the lighting situation. Decked out in lycra and patent leather stilettos, Semi Precious Weapons' front-thang, Justin Tranter clearly knows just how fucking fabulous he really is. With Miss Guy spending more time on the turntables than onstage and Theo Kogan displaying herself in more designer ads than punk rock dives, Mr. Tranter has taken the crown as Brooklyn's #1 blonde bombshell. This February Tranter brought his garage glam outfit to Philly for the most explosive display of glittering grime since the passing of Mr. Thunders. (read more)

SPW MySpace | Nico Vega MySpace | Von Iva MySpace

Psychic TV/PTV3 - Mr. Alien Brain Vs. the Skinwalkers

Psychic TV/PTV3
Mr. Alien Brain Vs. the Skinwalkers
(Sweet Nothing/Cargo Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

The latest release from Psychic TV/PTV3 is an erotically morbid pastiche of Industrial Psychedelica and GlamCore – something along the lines of …Trail of Dead as a tribute to Bowie. The album is a culmination of all the sounds that Genesis Breyer P-Orridge has indulged in in recent years, from the hiply simplistic to the darkly avant-garde. "Papal Breakdance" is a glittering of phat beats, "Pickles and Jam" is the daunting and beautiful sound of Apocalyptic hopelessness, and "I Love You, I Know" is the sweetly mechanical love song of a musical documentarian. Even P-Orridge's irritatingly predictable covers can't produce scoffing: Syd Barrett's "No Good Trying" remains surprisingly traditional and Velvet Underground rarity "Foggy Notion" is even more sonically satisfying than the original. The album's highlight, however, is Michael Gira's mix of "New York Story," a NYC devotional as aesthetically astonishing as those of Mr. Reed himself. On Mr. Alien Brain P-Orridge finds a sound that is both radically listenable and perfectly pretentious – possibly something that only someone with thorough exposure to both Aleister Crowley's The Book of the Law and the Toilet Boys' debut could fully appreciate.

MySpace | Official Site

Coconut Records - Davy

Coconut Records
Davy
(Young Baby Records)
Reviewed By: Jade Amey

If you love Jason Schwartzman as much as I do, then I’m sure you were eager to get your hands on his sophomore album earlier this week. Recording under the alias Coconut Records, Schwartzman’s second solo effort, Davy, is just as good as his first, Nighttiming.

Davy is reminiscent of a Sgt. Pepper’s . . . era album, complete with horns and the sounds of an orchestra warming up, distinctly heard in the track “Drummer.” Little piano numbers such as “Any Fun” can take you back to this Beatles album as well, yet, the song “Courtyard” can remind someone of an Elliott Smith tune with the soft acoustic guitar only the lyrics aren’t as depressing.

Aside from the comparisons, another reason why you should like this album is because it keeps you interested, especially after the first few all-the-way-through listens (not on shuffle, either!). Most songs on this album consist of neat endings, be it Schwartzman yelling and jamming, or little tunes; “I Am Young” and “Is This Sound Okay?” are good examples of this. This system that Schwartzman worked out with his songs is refreshing; you don’t hear many albums that do this anymore.

2009 will be a great year for music. Davy is a prime example of this. Lets keep this trend up, my musically-inclined friends!

MySpace | Official Site

Mariah Carey - The Ballads

Mariah Carey
The Ballads
(Columbia)
Reviewed By: Chelsea Schwartz

Finally a Mariah Carey collection that takes you back to the days when Mariah ruled, especially for those of us who grew up going to Bar & Bat Mitzvah's where all the best slow dance songs came from the lovely and talented songstress. And if you're anything like me, you never bothered to pick up a Mariah Carey album while growing up because you couldn't decide which one to buy first! Well brothers and sisters, the solution has finally appeared with the release of The Ballads. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Von Iva - Girls on Film

Von Iva
Girls On Film
(INgrooves)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Until recently there was thought that there's to be little to be found in the soul of a punk aside from safety pins and dated zines. But with the evolution of bands like the Gossip and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs into acts fit for mainstream consumption, the world of music has found a lush and dance-able electro soulfulness in select punk divas. San Francisco's Von Iva epitomizes this pastiche of sounds with a sincerity and authenticity previously unknown.

The sound of Girls on Film, Von Iva's third release, can only be described as mirror balls shattering under Chuck Taylors. "Livin for It" and "Electricity" are fit to be anthems for rainbow-flavored dance clubs around the world, "Guise" combines the attitude of Max's Kansas City with the musicality of Studio 54, and "Birds of Prey" is the sound of a brassy and sassy brand of feminist eroticism. Von Iva are the perfect example of the kind of girls who are not only elegantly and fashionably out of your league, but who could also beat your ass on and off the dance floor without breaking a sweat or devaluing their designer kicks.

MySpace | Official Site

Darker My Love - Live @ Johnny Brenda's

Darker My Love
@ Johnny Brenda's
Philadelphia, PA
December 4, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Although their latest album, 2, is surprisingly accessible, beards are far from the only fuzziness left of Neo Psychedelic Shoegazers Darker My Love. They may have recently returned from a jaunt with Indie Pop faves the Dandy Warhols, where they appeared as bourgeoning rock stars in the vain of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club circa 2002, but their recent headlining tour returns them to coyly rocking clubs with violent hails of feedback and pleasantly pretentious musicality generally reserved for godlike geniuses of the Lower East Side. Their five-minute looping video of "trippy" footage of deep and mysterious things like fish and teeth was more than a little trite. And many of those who filled the venue were getting a little too into it in an I'm-rocking-out-in-khakis kind of way. And, when you really thought about it, you knew you could never justifiably describe the experience as a modern equivalent to "rockin' with the Velvet's at the Factory in '67." But when the lights went down and you were hit with those screaming waves of hipster psychedelia, you really fuckin' wanted to.

MySpace | Official Site

Paramount Styles - Live at The Khyber

Paramount Styles
@ The Khyber
Philadelphia, PA
October 12, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

When Girls Against Boys' Scott McCloud found himself at Philadelphia's Khyber, promoting his latest project, Paramount Styles, he found himself looking at an audience of a little more than a half-dozen, comprised of music journalists, probable record store owners, and others who realize that Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby is as important as Siamese Dream. Random, roaring waves of sound crashed into the set from those watching the Phillies game in the next room and in-between songs the Hip-Pop being spun upstairs seeped through the floor. Apparently Post-Noise Minimalism isn't exactly in vogue. (read more)

MySpace

Your Best Friend - Your Best Friend

Your Best Friend
Your Best Friend
(Unsigned)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

There are very few bands that can sell over 1000 copies of a self-titled self-released album within the first three months of its release, but Your Best Friend just happens to be one of those bands. With a sound that is both traditionally and progressively rock, YBF will keep you on your toes. Their music is a refreshing new twist on what others have been trying to accomplish for quite some time. The difference being that their aggression and straightforward manner isn't muddled with unnecessary effects or strained vocals. YBF are John Bonham [(guitar, keyboard, vocals) -- no, not that John Bonham], Dale Brown (bass, vocals), Steve Sochanek (guitar, vocals), and Nick Edler (drums, vocals). Their arrangements are controlled, their vocals have a great exchange in style, and lyrics are straightforward, hiding nothing. Their sound is organic and their influences can be heard throughout the album. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

The Ettes - Look At Life Again Soon

The Ettes
Look at Life Again Soon
(Take Root Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

With The Strokes and The Vines out of the spotlight, it's finally safe to go back to the garage. Joining the ranks of the Gore Gore Girls and the Charms, The Ettes' second full-length, Look at Life Again Soon, brings sounds until-recently thought to be relegated to Herschell Gordon Lewis films and only the most pretentious record store clerks. The Ettes manage to blend authentic 60's Garage Rock with a modern audible chicness that could underscore any downtown, underground psychedelic dance party or the edgiest uptown runway show. In under 28 minutes vocalist Lindsay "Coco" Hames spits through 11 tales of teenage lust gone awry. Simplistically pissy chorus-driven tracks like "I Get Mine" and "Pay Up" sound like The Gossip as produced by Phil Spector while "You Can't Do That To Me" and "Girls Are Mad" have them sounding like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on a cocktail of nitrous and amphetamines.

MySpace | Official Site

Civet - Hell Hath No Fury

Civet
Hell Hath No Fury
(Hellcat Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

The sound of Hell Hath No Fury can only be described as bubble-gum-coated kink. Civet's self-branded "Femme Fatale Punk Rock" blends the brash audacity of 1977 with easy-to-swallow (and quite yummy) hooks and choruses. On their second full-length the band produces the most playfully brutal sounds since The Distillers. "Take Me Away" and "Gin and Tonic" are chorus-happy sing-a-longs, while "Alibis" and "1989" are equally suitable for dance-floor brawls or rocking bathroom stalls at any punk club in the world. Even the trite-tastic "All I Want," co-penned by Tim Armstrong (and likely intended for someone along the lines of Avril Lavigne or Kelly Clarkson), comes off as endearingly faux badass – possibly your little sisters' gateway to The Donnas' Lookout! years. In the tradition of Crucified Barbara and Betty Blowtorch, Civet continue to prove that hot chicks with painted lips, an abundance of ink, and a vast knowledge of Motorhead's back catalogue rarely disappoint.

MySpace | Official Site

Alive in Wild Paint - Ceilings

Alive in Wild Paint
Ceilings
(Equal Vision Records)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

A certain environment is being built within the songs that make up Alive in Wild Paint's debut album, Ceilings: that of loss, faith, and maturity. Within the first seconds of the title track a story of two sides of desperation is told through the lyrics of Travis Bryant (vocals, guitar.) He sings of the need to save a lover ("I helped you out of your self and right back in.") Later the object of his affections need to lose not only themselves, but the relationship itself ("You whisper soft if we’re lost. Don’t turn around. We’ll take our time to arrive.") From a love lost to a reminder that fragility is the product of the mind in “Crystal Selves” explaining that boundaries are there for you to break through ("Sometimes some time is all it takes to change your mind. Aching the absence wondering were you’ve been."). Determination can be found in the form of “ God Gave Me a Gun” and “Anxious Disease” tells of an inevitable breakup. “II” is the tale of an empty life hidden behind what the world wants to see as perfect ("When you take a bow the curtains close. They will applaud you for playing the role of a wretched child with a bleeding nose.). “Traffic” is the most haunting of all the tracks, with such delicate piano between Bryant’s elegantly emotive voice. “Sleep With Your Soul In” is where their rock influence can be found. Their musicianship shines bright with Matt Grabe (guitar/piano), David Roat (bass), and pounding away at the drums that give until the very end. In “Forecasting” a love becomes stale and one-sided in the way of affection ("How quickly he forgets that you exist. And he never comes alive quite the way you’d like. It keeps you where you are."). “Everywhere, An Ocean” has Bryant reasoning with a choice to make peace, to settle or make the decision to abandon something he’s built to find some uncharted territory ("And it’s fear of what the sun would see beckoning me into.") Suprisingly, or ironically, “Children of Divorce” is the most upbeat song on the album as the characters try to prove themselves they are reminded ("But they can’t take from you. Something inside you never knew."). “Cold Spell” lingers as it tells of a transformation after the loss of something or someone you thought was all you wanted ("It’s a cold spell casting over everything we’ve felt. When there’s no one left to tell I keep it to myself."). The hurtful remainders of a relationship, where the two who were never meant to make one is what can be heard on “ A Vespertine Haunting” ("I never meant to leave dear I just thought I would arrive. But it seems here I’m never quite alive.")

It may take two listens to get the feel for this album. Lyrically this work is strong. At times the music itself seems to overpower what Bryant has to say. There are great stories told throughout the album and lessons to be learned by its conclusion.



MySpace | Official Site

Maggie Walters - Midwestern Hurricane

Maggie Walters
Midwestern Hurricane

Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

While music journalists have spent the past decade looking for alt-country stars in Sonic Youth's touring partners and anyone collaborating with Emmylou Harris, they somehow seem to have missed Maggie Walters. After more than a year of sitting on the shelf, and many years struggling to break out of the Texas music scene, Maggie has released her second full-length, Midwestern Hurricane, the most somberly beautiful album of the year and the best thing the genre has heard since Tanya Donelly's Beautysleep.

Without the aid of any Stooges covers or six-minute-long audible walls of distortion Ms. Walters still manages to sound edgier and certainly racier than any of her peers. This is likely, at least in part, due to the choice of Butthole Surfer Paul Leary as producer, a man whose never had a problem blending the unpretentiously progressive with the enjoyably accessible. Tracks like "Girls Like Us" and "Captain" are reminiscent of Jewel in lo-fi, but lacking in any kind of put-on grandiosity, leaving their sentiments of sexuality and worship endearingly sincere. "You Got Something" is even reminiscent of Chris Cornell's solo work, yet with a silky personal intimacy not likely to be found in the stars of KROQ.

The flawless musicality of the album manages to never be at odds with itself, allowing each piece, whether it be the lazy strum of a guitar string, the prolonged hum of a cello, or the delicately deviant sensuality found in Walters' throaty voice, to imbue the listener with an ineffably gentle pain. The melancholy and erotic delicacy found in the album's sound make it an equally suitable soundtrack for lonely nights at whiskey bars or rainy Sundays spent between the sheets.

MySpace | Official Site

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

Kings of Leon
Only By The Night
(RCA Records)
Reviewed By: Chelsea Schwartz

And the winner for album of the year, 2008, is...

Kings of Leon for their 4th studio album Only By The Night in-stores today, September 23rd. Holy wow, the Kings of have done it again. Granted I've been a fan for many moons now and I've continued to be increasingly impressed with everything they do, but this time they've really blown the fish out of the water. So imaginative, so scenic, so luscious, so rockin', and just all around incredible. Everything from the subtle piano on "Notion" to the unique bass lines on "Use Somebody" - this is not an album to consider getting... it's one you MUST get. In fact, no words could do this album justice, so do us both a favor and just go grab yourself a copy of Only By The Night now.

MySpace | Official Site

Liz Phair - Philadelphia, PA

Liz Phair
@ Theater of the Living Arts
Philadelphia, PA
August 27th, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Even at 41 Liz Phair sounds just as earnest singing songs about one-night stands, pre-teen fornication, and "cunt(s) in spring" as she did fifteen years ago on Exile in Guyville. On August 27th Rock N Roll's favorite MILF found herself gracing the stage of TLA, performing the album in its entirety in celebration of the anniversary. (read more)

MySpace |Official Site

The Cute Lepers - Philadelphia, PA

The Cute Lepers
@ The M Room
Philadelphia, PA
August 19th, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Can't Stand Modern Music, the title of the debut LP from power-pop outfit The Cute Lepers, couldn't be more suitable to describe their August 19th gig in the heart of Fishtown, Philadelphia's hippest locale and the regular stomping ground of over-hyped, underimpressive Phooklyn acts like Vampire Weekend and the Dirty Projectors. While the New York Dolls-inspired Seattle six-piece, lead by Steve E. Nix of the Briefs, only attracted about two dozen, it was certainly the most badass gathering in the City of Sisterly Affection since David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain hosted the city's most decadent Valentine's Day celebration. The band, crowded onto the not-exactly-spacious stage, proved to be a glamorously sleazy oasis of Rock N Roll in the middle of a neighborhood comprised of Vice magazine's target audience and American Apparel employees. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Rock The Bayou 2008 - Houston, TX

Rock The Bayou has come and gone; and what a fabulously hot time was had by all. Highlights for us included Kix, Sammy Hagar, Jetboy, the sunday night All Star Jam at the official after party held at Meridian, the breeze that picked up on Monday, Dee Snider's stage banter, and so much more. Disappointments included heat stroke, Bret Michaels and The Rock of Love - Season 3, Dangerous Toys, and having the festival come to a close. Check out some photos we got over the weekend:






MySpace | Official Site

Outside Lands 2008 - San Francisco, CA

A Personal Look at Outside Lands
By: Chelsea Schwartz

This past weekend 60,000 music lovers crowded into Golden Gate Park in San Francisco to attend the inaugural Outside Lands Festival. Brought to us by the co-founders of Bonnaroo alongside one of the most successful promoters in San Francisco - Outside Lands provided concert-goers with an all around experience of what San Francisco is about.



Music kicked off on Friday late afternoon with Steel Pulse hitting one of the six festival stages to an audience of anxious Radiohead fans who were already holding spots for the bands end of the night set. Over the course of the weekend we'd see Tom Petty, Rogue Wave, Matt Nathanson, Regina Spektor, The Black Keys, ALO, and many more.



One of my favorite sets of the weekend was Beck's 17 song set performance which included an array of selections from all his albums minus Mutations. 'Hell Yes' was performed entirely by 808s (video clip below) and 'Loser' was introduced by a very cool bluesy slide guitar jam. And I have to say, in all my experience, 'Where Its At' was the best I have ever seen it.



Also stellar, as usual, was Radiohead's killer light and video setup. Just YouTube anything from Radiohead at Outside Lands and you'll see what I mean. Their set list was also impressive as they played more "hits" than any other time I've seen them, including my old personal favorites 'Just' and 'Fake Plastic Trees.'

New favorite Radiohead song (thanks to its live performance): 'Reckoner' off of the new album, In Rainbows.

If you needed a break from the music, the Dell Dome provided tons of options from creating your own digital mix tape to rockin' out your hair! And the food and wine provided by San Francisco's own local favorites was quite a treat. Not to mention the festival proximity to the Haight Street area provided excellent post show opportunities.

While one is never quite prepared for the extensive walking of a music festival (no matter how many you've been to previously), Outside Lands was overall a fantastic vibe and a very well done festival, even with all the Beck fans tearing down the chainlink fence to race over to Radiohead's upcoming set faster.



Official Site

Wednesday 13 - Skeletons

Wednesday 13
Skeletons
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

The closeted skeletons referred to on Wednesday 13's latest album are more likely to come wielding spandex pants and Aqua-Net than butcher knives and chainsaws. Although this isn't the first out of the closet experience for these skeletons, as Wednesday has publicly admitted to his fandom of Tuff, Shotgun Messiah, and Spread Eagle, it's certainly the first time these influences have been so audible. Skeletons is more or less what White Zombie would've sounded like, if only they'd started their career opening for Stryper at Gazzari's. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Cinematic Sunrise - EP

Cinematic Sunrise
A Coloring Storybook and Long-Playing Record
(Equal Vision Records)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

With fans bombarded with 100 new bands a day, bands find it even harder to prove themselves day after day.You'd think things would be easier when you have a built in fanbase. For Craig Owens and Bradley Bell of Chiodos, along with Bryan Beeler (guitar), Marcus VanKirk (bass) and Dave Shapiro (drums) this comes as a welcomed challenge. Owens fronts while Bell takes to the keys in this upbeat, happy go lucky band. It's that light-hearted/good time approach that sets Cinematic Sunrise apart in a landscape of bands that are more into playing up the gloomy side of life. (read more)

MySpace

The Sort - Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements

The Sort
Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements
(Black Bag Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

While "Mean Nouns" is most likely the hippest song title of 2008, The Sort are probably not going to find themselves on the pages of Vice Magazine, sharing bills with Girl Talk, or partaking in any other cliché sponsored by American Apparel. Instead, the sound of the Richmond-based five-piece's debut album, Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements, hearkens back to the mid-90s, a time when girl-fronted bands were allowed to kick ass, a time when something had to be more than ironic to be cool, and a time when teen angst was shouted, not pouted. (read more)

MySpace

Peter Murphy in Philadelphia

Peter Murphy
@ The Trocadero
Philadelphia, PA
June 29, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Well, it seems as though Ziggy and the Spiders are fighting again. After nearly two years back together and their first studio album in 25 years Bauhaus have broken up for the third time. With this, Love and Rockets are now playing some of this year's biggest festivals and Peter Murphy, who's looking more and more like John Waters as Caligari's Cesare every day, is bringing his "Retrospective" tour to half-capacity clubs across America. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

The Arma Mirage & The Current State of Music

The Arma Mirage
When The Quiet Sounds Alarm EP
Reviewed By: Kim Johnson

When I first found I loved music more than anything else this world had to offer, I used to study albums. I’d sit in my room for hours and attempt to teach myself what a work of art sounded like and what a piece of shit sounded like. I’d sit and admire the grace and vulnerability of Circa Survive’s Jurturna, or the melodic metalcore of Underoath’s They’re Only Chasing Safety. (read more)

MySpace

Phantom Planet - Raise The Dead

Phantom Planet
Raise The Dead
By: Mai Huynh

Ten years and a handful of albums later, Phantom Planet, is making a strong comeback. But did they ever leave? Not really. Their new album, Raise the Dead, is definitely resurrecting old Phantom Planet fans. Raise the Dead is far from the Phantom Planet I remember listening to as a teenager. It’s more rock and less clean cut, with heavier guitars and bass lines and more howling from lead singer Alex Greenwald. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Does It Offend You, Yeah? review

Does It Offend You, Yeah?
You Have No Idea...
reviewed by Kim Johnson

I've come to the conclusion that if Daft Punk, Muse, Justice and PlayRadioPlay had a baby at a rave, it would come out sounding exactly like DIOYY! Weird analogy I know, but let me explain. I swear it makes sense. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Select Start - The Rotary

Select Start
The Rotary [EP]
reviewed by Naimah Holmes

Nowadays every band has some kind of synth influence to them. The problem with this is that too many of said bands overuse this element of manipulation. Select Start however has found a way to structure their sound around that tool, not the other way around. (read more)


MySpace | PureVolume

Kiros - A Single Strand

Kiros
A Single Strand
(Torque Records)
reviewed by Kim Johnson

Ticket-less and pretty much stranded, a friend and I strolled around a gas station near the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA where day one of the second annual Bamboozle Left festival would be held. (read more)

MySpace

Dear And The Headlights

Dear And The Headlights
Small Steps, Heavy Hooves
(Equal Vision Records)
reviewed by: Naimah Holmes

There's something so fresh and alluring about Dear And The Headlights. You notice it the first time you listen to Small Steps, Heavy Hooves. The warmth of Ian Metzger's voice accompanied by the melodies from both guitars and bass, and the pulsing of the drums. Every song could be the soundtrack to your life, weaving in and out of memories as if you were flipping through an old photo album. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

New York Dolls - Live At The Fillmore East

New York Dolls
Live At The Fillmore East
(SonyBMG)
reviewed by Izzy Cihak

Recent, and not exactly scientific, evidence has proven that punk's authenticity can be proven not with a specific number of safety pins in one's shirt, but when one has at least three times as many live releases as studio albums. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site