Reviews
Monday, 20 February 2012 22:34
Album Review: Fun. - Some Nights
The boys of fun.--lead singer/songwriter Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff, and Andrew Dost--are back with their second studio album, Some Nights, which drops today. As a long time Nate Ruess fan, from his Format days, I feel qualified and obligated to review this record. People who are just beginning to listen to fun. might be…
Monday, 20 February 2012 18:35
Dot Hacker EP Out Today
Today Dot Hacker drops their new digital EP, with a full debut album on the horizon (“we promise!!!” according to their Twitter). The band is the project of current Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer and friends Clint Walsh, Eric Gardner and Jonathan Hischke, who are all well known musicians, having toured with artists…
Monday, 20 February 2012 14:58
Sharks, Frank Turner and Social Distortion 2/11 Fox Theater, Oakland, CA
Saturday was a day of great excitement in the Bay Area. Dr. Dog was playing at the Regency Ballroom, the Chinese New Year Parade was in full effect and Social Distortion was coming to the Fox Theater in Oakland for the second night in a row. That’s the one that intrigued me most, because of…
Monday, 20 February 2012 13:34
The White Buffalo Stampedes The Great American Music Hall
What can I say about the magnificent White Buffalo that I haven’t said before? Watching him in action for the first time last night was a sight to behold. His massive frame ambled up to the stage around 9:30 pm and with that deep baritone he bellowed to the crowd, Opening for rising star Gary Clark…
Saturday, 18 February 2012 16:17
Mates of State Have Come a Long Way
Friday night’s Mates of State show at Le Poisson Rouge was the first time I'd seen them in six years or so, and the first time I was at a sold out show of theirs. A few things about their set up and sound have changed, but Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel are still cute…
Friday, 17 February 2012 13:54
Album Review: Howlin' Rain - The Russian Wilds
Mountain. Led Zeppelin. AC/DC. These are bands that made us aware that the guitar can be the centerpiece of a band. Sure, the lead singer is vital to a band’s survival, but there’s something special about a band that is equal parts vocal and raging guitar. When Mountain exploded onto the scene with “Mississippi Queen,”…
Monday, 13 February 2012 20:40
Album Review - Amoral - Beneath
Today Amoral releases their fifth album, Beneath, in the U.S. It’s a power rock valentine. This is the one songwriter and guitarist Ben Varon spoke with us about last month. He’s pretty proud of it. And why not - this album shows their sound being honed down to a science, which any songwriter who takes…
Thursday, 09 February 2012 17:01
A Sweaty Heavy Jam with JEFF the Brotherhood at Death by Audio
JEFF the Brotherhood packed the sweaty punkers into Death by Audio to full capacity last night, where hell broke loose in the most reverb- and beer-soaked way. Right when the band played the first note, there was a clear and crisp pop of a beer can being opened in the crowd, and the tone was…
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 17:44
Howlin’ Rain Soaks Mercury Lounge
Is it just me, or does there seem to suddenly be a surge of classic epic rock song revivalists emerging? Not necessarily new bands, but bands that are just now starting to get wider recognition and appreciation; and sure, brand new bands too. Falling more into the former category is Howlin’ Rain, a San Francisco-based…
Sunday, 05 February 2012 22:19
Ideals - Let Your Anger Leave You - Intruder Records
Ideals were originally called It’s a Trap, which is a great name for Star Wars or Family Guy fan boys, but for everyone else leaves them wondering what the band might be referring to. As Ideals they’ve released a brand new seven song EP entitledLet Your Anger Leave You that is guitar centric, much more…
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 19:25
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr Dazzles the Echoplex
Did you know that Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr has played more times in LA than any other city? I didn’t either, but members Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott shared that fun fact with the overwhelmingly large audience at Los Angeles’ Echoplex Tuesday night. Here’s another fun fact: “Simple Girl,” was the first song the duo…
Tuesday, 31 January 2012 16:20
Liam FInn's Last Murmuration Residency Show at The Rock Shop
Monday was the final show of Liam Finn’s Murmuration residency at The Rock Shop. It definitely felt like he had made The Rock Shop his home, full of friends, inside jokes, and freedom to jam and riff and try out some new music. Liam was immediately affable, addressing the packed room as if we were…
Sunday, 29 January 2012 16:19
Fitz and the Tantrums Play Two Sold Out Shows at The Regency
Los Angeles-based Fitz and the Tantrums are a band that has quickly jumped onto the music radar following their 2008 debut. Hearing their sound may have you wondering if you had recently taken a trip Back to the Future with Doc Brown, to a time where Motown was alive and strong. Everything that this sharp-dressed…
Sunday, 29 January 2012 09:44
Joe Pug and Dawes Warm Up A Chicago Winter Night
Walking into the Congress Theater on Saturday night, I couldn’t get over the overwhelming feeling that I was walking into a weird high school dance. The venue, though structurally beautiful, isn’t the most graceful. It’s a place where as you walk, you wouldn’t be surprised if you go to lift your foot and it doesn’t…
Saturday, 28 January 2012 16:31
Airborne Toxic Event, Silversun Pickups, Gaslight Anthem and More Cover Dylan for the Chimes of Freedom Compilation
When I was about 12 years old, I openly mocked my father for his love of Bob Dylan. I used to say things like, “He’s such a horrible singer and sounds like he’s gurgling glass.” One day, presumably tired of my inane, pedantic ramblings he turned to me and said, “You talk about him as…
Saturday, 28 January 2012 11:52
Album Review: Standard Fare - Out of Sight, Out of Town
Growing up’s a bitch, ain’t it? As you ascend into your twenties and thirties and beyond, you take on new sets of responsibilities and your mindset matures, at least you hope. You stop thinking so much about potential sexual partners and begin thinking more about your career or starting a family. The same can be…
Saturday, 21 January 2012 17:00
Caveman Delivers to a Sold Out Crowd at Bowery Ballroom
When Caveman headlines (and sells out) Bowery Ballroom, the stage becomes a cave. Before playing a single note they set the mood with a fog machine, spooky lighting, and a projection screen with the band’s name in Misfits typeface against a skull. It was a bit Halloween-esque, but when they began their set with “Easy…
Friday, 20 January 2012 23:29
Album Review: Fort Frances - The Daytrotter Sessions
I like to think of myself as frugal, but there are those that have referred to me as cheap. I suppose it all depends on the person phrasing it, but one thing I splurge on is music. I can’t seem to get enough of it. It’s in my blood, my soul and is part of…
Friday, 20 January 2012 16:37
Album Review: Cate Le Bon - CYRK
To be quite honest, I am not a huge fan of singer/songwriters. There’s nothing interesting to me about a guy or gal strumming on his/her acoustic guitar and lamenting over failed relationships or the government. When I first caught wind that Cate Le Bon was set to release her sophomore record, I was a bit…
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 11:24
Album Review: Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
The coffee percolates, the birds chirp, the crisp clean air of morning in San Francisco is upon me. I revel in these days, these new music Tuesdays when everything seems new again. It’s days like this that remind me of going on trips as a young boy with my family. On a modest budget my…
