Oakland – “I want to be a pop idol.” That is Oscar Wilde’s first and only line in the 1998 film Velvet Goldmine, director Todd Haynes’ love letter to the glam rock phenomenon that took London by storm, during the 1970s. In the film, Wilde is found on a doorstep, affixed with a precious jewel that is meant
San Francisco – Usually, crowded shows are not my cup of tea. As someone who likes to hang in the back of the venue, a sold out show does not offer the same sort of space than that of a less populated one, even when hugging the wall along the side or leaning against a pillar towards
Los Angeles - After original lead singer Daniel Blumberg left Yuck in 2013, many speculated that his departure would cause the band to fold. Instead, the remaining members trudged on to release Glow & Behold in 2013. While it was not poorly received, critics found the energy from the band’s self-titled debut did not carry over with the loss
San Fransisco – “Life is beautiful.” This is a sentiment that floods the minds and hearts of bright-eyed optimists all over the world. Everything is relative, obviously, so there isn’t really any objective way to assess the quality of consciousness and existence. There are many who would probably argue that life is, in fact, far from beautiful: the
Chicago – Last Thursday, fans began lining up outside the Vic Theatre, in the Lakeview neighborhood, starting at six in the morning, to see rising pop star Melanie Martinez. By six that evening, the line stretched far down Sheffield Avenue, filled with kids, teenagers, and twenty-somethings, most of whom were dressed to the nines. Pigtails were
Chicago – London based band Daughter brought its indie folk rock to the Metro in Chicago last week, giving fans an emotional and magical evening. On album, Daughter is fantastic! Simply brilliant! However, the trio brings it ten fold live. Audience members at the sold-out show calmly and respectfully packed in. This crowd was the
London – Born out of experiences from an extensive bout of touring on the back of its stellar 2013 debut album, Wildewoman, the 2016 follow-up Good Grief by Brooklyn five-piece Lucius, is as individual as its predecessor. There’s a stylishness to co-founders Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig’s music and aesthetic that defines the essence of Lucius; a gloss
Chicago – Friday night, the Ones To Watch sponsored co-headlining tour with Finish Ticket and Vinyl Theatre blew into the Windy City. Hoards of teenagers and twenty-somethings lined up outside West Loop venue Bottom Lounge, down Lake Street, wrapped in blankets to keep the chill out. The passing Green Line EL train blew snowy gusts as
Chicago – Despite it being a cold and snowy Wednesday night, fans packed Bottom Lounge in Chicago’s West Loop to see Kaleo. After witnessing the Icelandic band live, I completely understood why. The four-piece indie-folk band, comprised of Jökull Júlíusson (vocals and guitar), Davíð Antonsson (percussion and vocals), Daníel Ægir Kristjánsson (bass), and Rubin Pollock
San Francisco – This past Saturday, the 24th annual Noise Pop Festival chugged ahead on its penultimate night with a slew of shows happening across the city at different venues, including a fantastic (though somewhat familiar) set by Texas’ Neon Indian, held at the Mezzanine in SoMa. The Mezzanine splits its time evenly as a nightclub showcasing today’s many