London and Seattle might have an unspoken agreement between the drizzly cities that when natives of the two cities meet, presumptions of shallow and surficial friendliness can be cast aside and everyone will know that they’re all having a good time and enjoying the fact that the other one exists without making any physical or verbal acknowledgment. When London-based outfit Savages played in Seattle at Neumos on Tuesday night, this agreement was fully honored. Savages rock hard. Bassist Ayse Hassan rocks hard. Guitarist Gemma…

"This dynamic duo has relentlessly pursued an uncompromising vision of the subversive power of music that pays no heed to commercial imperatives. Standing outside the industry, two fingers raised in salute, they have nevertheless managed to forge an international career completely on their own, idiosyncratic terms." This was how Vivid Live festival in Sydney described King Khan & BBQ show, when they were handpicked by Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson to perform there in 2010. Of course, the “dynamic duo”…

I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect for my first time seeing Los Angeles avant pop band Fol Chen perform live. I had read that they play instruments that they themselves have invented, and wear disguises. However, with the release of their new album, False Alarms, they seem to have grown more into their own skin as artists, and they put on no facade at their recent show at Glasslands. They weren’t exactly a stripped down version of themselves, as there…

Even in the weeks following SXSW, Austin is continuing to crank out music. Good music, live music, music on 6th street on weekday afternoons to crowds of plenty. New York City's Caveman braces the stage at The Parish on Monday night. The room is dark and it is packed. Front man Matthew Iwanusa sings out, “This is our first time headlining in Austin!” His voice is loud, and the enthusiasm is undeniable. Headlining in the live music capitol of the…