The EP has heavy effects on the majority of the vocals and some incredibly catchy drum beats, thanks to two drummers, an immediate comparison to Yeasayer came to mind.The opening track,“Hold on to the Metal”, has everything you need to get you dancing and bobbing along, maybe even throwing in an occasional clap here or there. Further into the EP a hint of Miike Snow that came through although the band made  it their own.

With fun vocals and ever changing samples weaving throughout the songs, I don’t think it will take this band much longer to sweep through the US and gather up fans left and right. Based on their live show, it’s easy to see why they got so many positive reviews for their SXSW appearances. They have such so much energy it’s contagious and within minutes everyone’s into it. They gave a great show.

They are currently touring through the rest of the month if you are lucky enough to have them come through your city check them out as well as their Extended Play- EP.

Here the band’s upcoming tour dates:

 

Make all the 4:20 drug references you want, but going to see new psychedelic rock band, Sleepy Sun, play on the drug user’s holiday was a great choice. While the crowd gathered at Chicago's Subterranean, it was apparent that many audience members had partook in celebrating the day before the show.

When first entering the venue, the first thing that struck me was the average age of those in attendance. While the range was what I expected to see, think mid 20s – 30s, I was most excited to see that several audience members with the tell tale black X on the back of their hands, which meant they were underage. This demonstrated the youths of Chicago were still hip to music beyond hte mainstream.

These teens appeared just as eager as I was to hear some of the latest tracks off their latest release, Spiny Hits, and was pleased that the majority of the set were new tracks. As the band hit their stride during “Stivey Ponds,” the first single, the stage was illuminated with blue glowing mannequin arms mimicking their latest album cover.

The band flawlessly mixed new and old tracks with very little crowd interaction, it was all about the music. While playing “V.O.G.” I couldn’t help but be overcome by the music and join in with the crowds obvious grooving out.  Part way through the set, lead singer, Bret Constantino, grabbed a stray non-illuminated mannequin arm and raised it above his head encouraging the crowd to join. He also made a cryptic remark as this was their “first show and last show,” which didn’t make any sense.

The best comment of the night was was prior to “Pigs on L,” when the singer announced to the crowd to close our eyes and just listen because this song was about cops on LSD. Throughout the set I couldn’t help but make a Black Mountain comparison, especially to a specific show I had seen them play a couple years back at Lincoln Hall. Both Sub-T and Lincoln Hall have an intimate small venue feel, that lends itself to the encompassing heavy fuzzy feeling this genre of music has on the body and soul.

I don’t have any complaints about the night. There weren’t any obnoxious drunk people to ruin the show, the sound guy did an amazing job and the overall show was easily more enjoyable and pleasing then I had gone into the night thinking it was going to be. If you are in the mood for good psych rock then this is an easy to listen to very enjoyable live band. They are currently touring U.S., Canada and Europe in support of Spiny Hits. You can also check out our review of the album here.

I wish I could simply write, “I don’t have words to describe what I saw and experienced last night at the U.S. Royalty show,” however, that would be a very boring way to sum up everything I saw from this great new band, so I am going to try to do them justice since I am still trying to wrap my head around what I saw. The first time I heard of Washington D.C.-based U.S. Royalty was about 48 hours prior to the show and within 24 hours, I was hooked. Fortunately for me, they were playing at Chicago’s Schubas. I wandered in as one of the opening acts were playing and took that time to survey the crowd, which gave me some idea of what type of people wre fans of the band.

Firstly, there were a group of two girls and two guys taking flash photos of them double fisting beers and giggling, which I assume ended up on Instragram moments later. One of the members of this fan group also performed a concert first for me: he held up his phone mid-set to use “Shazam” to try and figure out who the opening band on stage was, he failed.

After I got over the amusement of that situation, the rest of the crowd showed promise; men in groups totally geeking out about technical aspects of the music being played and really attractive girls. My guess for what was about to be the main act was they would be extremely attractive, lean towards the traditionally rocker appearance and be technically skilled musician. With the opening “HAA” of Hollywood Hollows, I knew my prediction was on-point.

Having originally heard an acoustic version of their newest track “Sleepy Eyes,” I wasn’t prepared for the mix of fuzz guitars and overall badass rock that came out of these four guys. They have a mixture of traditional Southern, Americana rock with some blues and psychedelic guitars, all framed by beautiful vocal harmonies.  While watching their live performance, I couldn’t help but compare their intensity to a Black Keys show I saw a while back mixed with the rawness of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Minutes later the vocal harmonies of the song “Equestrian” would have had any Fleet Foxes fan hooked. There was also this underlying hint of a Fleetwood Mac’s “Dream,” followed by gritty guitars.

 

The guys also played some new songs they have been working on and I am eagerly waiting for their next album. Until then their debut album “Mirrors” will be kept on repeat. Seeing U.S. Royalty was the best impulse decision I have made in a long time and at a venue that was too small for all their talent. Check out their website for limited upcoming tour dates.

Chicago native Rockie Fresh is starting off 2012 right with the release of his brand new mixtape 'Driving 88'. This new project takes listeners on an audible journey as Rockie proves his diversity as a lyricist exposing a more luminous and confident sound with this current release.

"I'm in a different space than I was on my last projects. This past year has been a pretty great year for me, and I have learned a lot, and definitely had some great experiences. I think my progression as not only a person, but also an artist really comes to life in Driving 88," Rockie reveals.

'Driving 88', who's namesake was inspired by the classic "Back to the Future" film, features the likes of Casey Veggies, Good Charlotte, Phil Ade and King Louie. It also includes an impressive assortment of producers such as The Gift, I Peezy, The Kickdrums, Key Wane, The Madden Brothers, Blended Babies, Thelonius Mart and Joel Bauman.

Driving 88 Direct Download Link: http://t.opsp.in/19JEm

Driving 88 Stream: http://www.rockiefresh.com/driving88.html

Cover Art: http://www.apgmusicgroup.com/images/driving88frontfinal.jpg

Tracklist: http://www.apgmusicgroup.com/images/driving88backfinal.jpg

For more information on Rockie Fresh, visit: www.rockiefresh.com.

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 who I am. That’s part of what makes this “job” even more entertaining because of all the bands that routinely send me their music. One of the investments I make in music every year is Daytrotter, a site dedicated to bringing live recording of up-and-coming bands to the masses.

The site typically has three to four sessions up a day available for download for nominal fee of $24 per year. This isn’t an ad for Daytrotter or even really an endorsement, but my point is that the site has invaluably helped me discover bands that I may have been in the dark about for some time before they hit their stride.

That’s where Chicago-based Fort Frances comes in. I was tooling around on last week when I came across them, while doing my due diligence and not wanting to squander my meager investment. I listened intently to the 8-song set they released on the site that was recently posted. I liked what I heard so I harassed them into sending me a copy of their album The Atlas. I know what you’re saying, “It came out last February, Matt, so how come you’re just getting it now?” That’s the power of the web site.

Before listening to their live sessions, I hadn’t heard of this band. But after hearing their sessions, it’s safe to say that they are firmly ensconced on my radar now. I’m not going to wax poetically on the brilliance of their album, because while I thoroughly enjoyed it there were some rough patches including the minute or so of what sounded like ambient noise in the beginning of the first track. It isn’t avant-garde, it isn’t artsy, it is just fucking annoying. There were plenty of highlights like “Falling Down” and “Ghosts of California.” These songs are where the bands emotion and strengths really shine.

Wilco, Theophilus London, Young the Giant and Wye Oak are amongst the artists who have made the Daytrotter rounds. It is a site that is trying to help you discover what’s out there and who is on the cusp. Due to this, Fort Frances is a band that I’m glad to have found and I have Daytrotter to thank.

 

*Stream the album in its entirety right now at http://anthonygreenschildren.com/stream-the-entire-album/

*The deluxe version features a collaboration with Nate Ruess of fun..

I saw several hundred bands in 2011. I had no idea how to narrow it down to the top 5 best live performances (in no particular order until the final one) I saw this year, but here is my attempt. I am going with my gut and my memory, those shows that stick out in my brain as the ones I never wanted to end. Also starting with the farthest back in time and moving through my year of music.

Yeasayer at The Metro

Ringing in midnight by myself is not how I pictured my New Year’s Eve,  but I was on assignment to shoot and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see the band. Just before 12 hit, there was a digital countdown clock displayed on the backdrop of the stage helping to pump up the crowd. When midnight hit, the crowd cheered, white balloons fell from the ceiling and confetti shot out from the stage. The band took the stage and started the best way to start a year.  Smoke machines, pink, blue, and purple lights were a perfect backdrop to the dance party that ensued. For any one that is unfamiliar with their music they have been termed “psych rock” and a rock show is what they put on. Dance beats mixed with tribal influences help create a perfect mixture along with echoing vocals.

According to Yeasayer’s website the band is currently on a break until March of 2012.

Justin Townes Earle at The Metro

On a cold February night, Justin Townes Earle helped warm up the crowd with his folk songs and southern charm that is not expected if you based it off his tattooed Brooklyn hard exterior. Justin is not one to be shy to talk about his history with drugs and willing admits to it being something he struggles with; even taking a moment to acknowledge it mid-show with smile and a cock of the head he was off to the next song. The crowd ate up every note he and the band played, not wanting the show to end only to be greated by the harsh weather waiting outside the doors. I am waiting for my next chance to see him in 2012 along with some new material.

Peter Wolf Crier at Schubas

I am a huge fan of bands on Jagjaguwar Records and by looking at their list of artists, I came across Peter Wolf Crier a couple years ago. I lucked out and saw them open for Dawes last year and then again,however this time they were my “headliner” of the night. These two men are so in sync when they play that I wouldn’t be surprised if they could talk to each other telepathically. They are the two tightest, most intense performers I’ve ever seen. The best song of the night’s intimate setting was “Untitled 101”, not only my favorite song recorded thus far by the band, but hearing it live that night sent shivers down my spine. I don’t for see these guys intensity ever lessening and if that’s the case I will do my best to see them every time they come through Chicago.

Cage the Elephant at The Vic

Prior to arriving at The Vic, I had not been familiar with Cage the Elephant and wasn’t prepared for what was to come. The crowd was rowdy through the opening groups, but it wasn’t until one of my “friends” (a security guard who loves to chat with me at any and every show) informed me that, “These guys are great performers,” that i trusted something was up.  After telling him that I had not seen them before he told me the lead singer (Matt Schultz) had a tendency to walk on the crowd similar to what the Flaming Lips had made famous only without a bubble encasing him. I was able to witness this act within the first three songs. Luckily Schultz’s high energy had him racing across the stage and during the second song straddling the stage with one leg and the security gate with another myself underneath and between his legs. This high energy show was one for the books, and luckily my first of many times being able to see and shoot these guys this year.

Dave Hause at SXSW

Have you ever wished one of favorite musicians would appear at a party you were at and just start playing songs for you and some friends? That’s basically what the last time I saw Dave Hause felt like. It was the late afternoon in a tiny bar, no stage, and in order to walk to the bathroom one needed to walk over cords and through the main playing area. Maybe 20 people there, not including my friends who I dragged with me or the bartender. I had become familiar with Dave as the front man from the punk band, The Loved Ones, but he is now doing his own solo acoustic work. No performance I will ever see will have a more intimate and special feel then what Dave gave us that day. The love and passion in his voice and he sang “C’mon Kid” was something that I’m pretty sure everyone in the crowd new was a special moment.  Not only was it part of my top 5 of the year but also top 3 of the whole SXSW experience.

I have the pleasure of seeing and reviewing Dave Hause this coming week along with my other favorite Cory Branan, with whom he is currently on tour.

Best show of the year: Deervana at Lustre Pearl SXSW

I had to put this show in the list somehow because it was easily the best show of my life to date, but alas Deevana is not a real band, but rather the alter ego of Deer Tick while covering and impersonating Nirvana. I was in the front and waited 6 hours for them to go on stage, almost had a speaker fall on my head and came out so bruised and battered, but in the end it was all worth it. The crowd was beyond amped for this show. Seeing as it closed out the night other bands were there to watch and stage dive throughout the set. In true rock fashion after perfectly executing an entire Nirvana set, they smashed all instruments, totaled the stage, and left the crowd in awe and what we had all just experienced. This performance unlike any other I have been part of is still just as vivid in my mind as when I was experiencing it, luckily I had my camera and was able to capture the night, while my roommate was lucky enough to capture the set list. If Deervana plays another show, do not walk, but run to get a chance to experience it.

All Photos (c) Daniela Montelongo

I always feel that on the day of a big show something, if not everything has a tendency to go wrong. Last night was no exception, seeing as I misplaced my wallet and had to pull pennies together, with help of my roommates, to be able to feed a meter to park my car. Of course, I was running late so and had no alternative, but a lovely overpriced parking garage located in downtown Chicago’s Theater District. I knew it would be worth it to see Jessica Lea Mayfield and Ryan Adams perform at the Cadillac Palace Theater, and I wasn’t wrong.

Jessica Lea Mayfield caught my attention when she opened for Justin Townes Earle this past February and I was eager to have another chance to see her, especially at this venue. It is not very common for artists to be granted the ability to play in a theater setting like the Cadillac Palace.  Walking through the main doors the ticket scanners along with usher greeted us in their uniforms, which are reminiscent of tuxedos, jackets and bow ties included for both men and women. As I ran up the plush padded maroon carpeted spiral stairs it wasn’t until the third set that I heard Jessica’s voice radiating through the gold embellished theater walls.  I was greeted by darkness as I entered the main part of the theater only to see the red glow center stage over Jessica’s blonde hair.

During the first song my roommate turned to me to say, “ She’s really good”, and I agreed wholeheartedly. The amazing sound quality of the theater certainly enhanced her already hauntingly beautiful vocals.  Jessica appeared so tiny as she stood acoustic guitar in hand alone on the immense stage, but she definitely held her own. Each song she sang was followed by another equally as hypnotizing as the one before. While for the most part everyone was silent through each song to really appreciate her vocals, one man located in the balcony felt the need to randomly clap in the middle of every other song for no apparent reason and without any beat. This annoying man set aside I don’t think one could hope for a better live acoustic performance.

Jessica’s performance was suited for sitting in a comfy chair listening, drinking a cup of tea, and watching the snow start to fall as our Midwest winter slowly rolls in. Which was a perfect intro to the amazing soul touching performance Ryan Adams followed with. Overall, I don’t see Jessica, a Kent, Ohio native leaving the music scene anytime soon. If I had the choice to see her again I would prefer her with a band, there is something that is added to her performance when she has her full band that was lost last night, but her vocals are easily the star of any set she plays. The next show is again in the Midwest opening for Ryan.