Artist- Envy
Album- Recitation
Label- Temporary Residence Ltd.
Genre- Post-rock
Japanese post-rock. I am at a loss on how to describe this. “Last Hours of Eternity” started off as such a nice, sweet song until it EXPLODED in the speakers with a wall of sound and something being yelled in Japanese. It’s melodic, loud as fuck, and bludgeons your ears with noise. Apparently this band has literally made people cry at their concerts from their music….they’re playing here soon so go to it! Fans of Mogwai (they're actually signed to Mogwai's label) and Explosions in the Sky will LOVE this album.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Young Man
Artist- Young Man
Album- Boy EP
Label- frenchkiss*
Genre- Folk-indie
Colin Caulfield came to the attention of frenchkiss* Records, home to Passion Pit, the Dodos, and other indie favs, by posting covers of Deerhunter, Ariel pink, and more to his YouTube page. It’s like a indie singer-songwriter success story. Anyway, this EP is a really pleasant listen. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it has a nice spacey folk sound and Caulfield’s voice reminds me of Panda Bear. “Five” has lovely tropical chord strumming, and “Hands” features some Beta Band-esque percussion/sampling. “Just a Growin’” has a retro vibe that’s slightly psychedelic with layer guitar riffs and an atypical beat. One of the best 30-minutes I’ve listened to this year.
Album- Boy EP
Label- frenchkiss*
Genre- Folk-indie
Colin Caulfield came to the attention of frenchkiss* Records, home to Passion Pit, the Dodos, and other indie favs, by posting covers of Deerhunter, Ariel pink, and more to his YouTube page. It’s like a indie singer-songwriter success story. Anyway, this EP is a really pleasant listen. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it has a nice spacey folk sound and Caulfield’s voice reminds me of Panda Bear. “Five” has lovely tropical chord strumming, and “Hands” features some Beta Band-esque percussion/sampling. “Just a Growin’” has a retro vibe that’s slightly psychedelic with layer guitar riffs and an atypical beat. One of the best 30-minutes I’ve listened to this year.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Concert Review- Elf Power w/ Ursa Major and a showing of "Major Organ and the Adding Machine"
Elf Power, Ursa Major and a showing of "Major Organ and the Adding Machine"
Friday September 24, 2010
Venue: Brillobox
Once again I'm at Brillobox going to a show for the opener and not the closer. The announcer framed the movie Major Organ and the Adding Machine as a "children’s movie". Bottom line, the movie was, well- to put it nicely- strange and confusing and by no means meant for kids. The whole time I couldn’t help but think at how unhappy a kid would be if he was to see this movie, due to the opening statements. [Ed note- this short film is about the mysterious Elephant 6 musical collective of the same name. it includes members of Neutral Milk Hotel, Elf Power, of Montreal, and Olivia Tremor Control.]
After the movie was over, Ursa Major took the stage. Ursa Major is a local band, several members of which had worked with 92.1 WPTS in the past. Also it is an interesting band to me because I have seen them early in their career and now presently, and the band has evolved in what I see as a positive manner. Back now from a road tour, Ursa was ready to play for the city where it all started and I feel they really delivered. The band has, in my opinion, moved from being a primarily folky band to more of an indie rock band that has folk influences. The music was catchy and fun and still had substance, and in addition to this the band had a good stage presence and energy. I found myself once again dancing with my friend as the music propelled us on.
After a strong set Ursa Major exited stage to make room for the headliner, Elf Power. I have never listened to Elf Power and the show did not really make me want to buy a CD; in fact, I found myself bored and waiting for the show to finish. Now, I should say that this is not normally the music I listen to- I don’t doubt that Elf Power makes good music, but what they played did not excite me or for that matter leave a real memorable mark. I feel guilty even commenting on their set, because I found myself not fully listening. Simply put the music didn’t do anything for me. I should also say though there was a decent sized crowd and there were people moving and an encore was requested and obliged. So, while it might not have been my cup of tea it was working for someone. All in all, I was happy with the night, especially when my bus came on time.
-Matthew James Anderson
Friday September 24, 2010
Venue: Brillobox
Once again I'm at Brillobox going to a show for the opener and not the closer. The announcer framed the movie Major Organ and the Adding Machine as a "children’s movie". Bottom line, the movie was, well- to put it nicely- strange and confusing and by no means meant for kids. The whole time I couldn’t help but think at how unhappy a kid would be if he was to see this movie, due to the opening statements. [Ed note- this short film is about the mysterious Elephant 6 musical collective of the same name. it includes members of Neutral Milk Hotel, Elf Power, of Montreal, and Olivia Tremor Control.]
After the movie was over, Ursa Major took the stage. Ursa Major is a local band, several members of which had worked with 92.1 WPTS in the past. Also it is an interesting band to me because I have seen them early in their career and now presently, and the band has evolved in what I see as a positive manner. Back now from a road tour, Ursa was ready to play for the city where it all started and I feel they really delivered. The band has, in my opinion, moved from being a primarily folky band to more of an indie rock band that has folk influences. The music was catchy and fun and still had substance, and in addition to this the band had a good stage presence and energy. I found myself once again dancing with my friend as the music propelled us on.
After a strong set Ursa Major exited stage to make room for the headliner, Elf Power. I have never listened to Elf Power and the show did not really make me want to buy a CD; in fact, I found myself bored and waiting for the show to finish. Now, I should say that this is not normally the music I listen to- I don’t doubt that Elf Power makes good music, but what they played did not excite me or for that matter leave a real memorable mark. I feel guilty even commenting on their set, because I found myself not fully listening. Simply put the music didn’t do anything for me. I should also say though there was a decent sized crowd and there were people moving and an encore was requested and obliged. So, while it might not have been my cup of tea it was working for someone. All in all, I was happy with the night, especially when my bus came on time.
-Matthew James Anderson
Concert Review Pt 2- Holy Fuck and Indian Jewelry
Holy Fuck featuring Indian Jewelry and South Sea Sneak
Wednesday September 22, 2010
Venue: Brillobox
I am not always the biggest fan of going to a show, or for that matter doing anything in the middle of the week, I was willing to forgo a little sleep for the sake of seeing not Holy Fuck but instead Indian Jewelry. Admittedly it is a little strange to go to a show to see an opener, but for me they were the better known band. The venue began to crowd slightly before the first band, South Sea Sneaks, went on. I'd never heard of this local Pittsburgh band, and I was worried about this particular set due to the unusual appearance of the two band mates. After all, these guys were older, scruffier looking dudes (maybe a bit past their prime, is what came to my mind), but their looks were deceiving and they delivered an impressive opening set. Using a couple of unusual instruments, including one that the bassist said was a magnetic dildo, the band was able to create a really raw and refreshing sound that made one want to band their head a little bit.
By the time Indian Jewelry came on the venue was really beginning to fill up, and for good reason the next two sets were to be good ones. It is stated by some that Indian Jewelry puts on a "seizure inducing set", and they did not let this legend die that night. With a frenzy of strobe lights and human energy Indian Jewelry took stage and did their thing. Indian Jewelry is enjoyable to listen to on CD, but their live show brings a whole new dimension. There is something very raw, even tribal about the music that left me feeling connected to the music and ultimately much energized. To say the least I danced my way into the final set Holy Fuck.
At about 12 midnight the band finally began their set. The set lasted about 45 minutes and really demonstrated the diversity of Holy Fuck; moving the crowd to sway at some points, and at others to really move and dance. Now, I have never listened to much music from Holy Fuck, but this set did make me appreciate them more, as I got the chance to not only hear more of their music, but to also see it preformed. To see a band manipulating such an array of machines to produce such a riveting sound is not only impressive but also enjoyable. I was sad to have to leave a little early to catch my bus, but I definitely did not leave feeling like my money had been poorly spent. Indian Jewelry was everything I could have hoped for and more, Holy Fuck attracted a large crowd and gave them what they wanted and South Seas Sneak was a pleasant surprise.
-Matthew James Anderson
Wednesday September 22, 2010
Venue: Brillobox
I am not always the biggest fan of going to a show, or for that matter doing anything in the middle of the week, I was willing to forgo a little sleep for the sake of seeing not Holy Fuck but instead Indian Jewelry. Admittedly it is a little strange to go to a show to see an opener, but for me they were the better known band. The venue began to crowd slightly before the first band, South Sea Sneaks, went on. I'd never heard of this local Pittsburgh band, and I was worried about this particular set due to the unusual appearance of the two band mates. After all, these guys were older, scruffier looking dudes (maybe a bit past their prime, is what came to my mind), but their looks were deceiving and they delivered an impressive opening set. Using a couple of unusual instruments, including one that the bassist said was a magnetic dildo, the band was able to create a really raw and refreshing sound that made one want to band their head a little bit.
By the time Indian Jewelry came on the venue was really beginning to fill up, and for good reason the next two sets were to be good ones. It is stated by some that Indian Jewelry puts on a "seizure inducing set", and they did not let this legend die that night. With a frenzy of strobe lights and human energy Indian Jewelry took stage and did their thing. Indian Jewelry is enjoyable to listen to on CD, but their live show brings a whole new dimension. There is something very raw, even tribal about the music that left me feeling connected to the music and ultimately much energized. To say the least I danced my way into the final set Holy Fuck.
At about 12 midnight the band finally began their set. The set lasted about 45 minutes and really demonstrated the diversity of Holy Fuck; moving the crowd to sway at some points, and at others to really move and dance. Now, I have never listened to much music from Holy Fuck, but this set did make me appreciate them more, as I got the chance to not only hear more of their music, but to also see it preformed. To see a band manipulating such an array of machines to produce such a riveting sound is not only impressive but also enjoyable. I was sad to have to leave a little early to catch my bus, but I definitely did not leave feeling like my money had been poorly spent. Indian Jewelry was everything I could have hoped for and more, Holy Fuck attracted a large crowd and gave them what they wanted and South Seas Sneak was a pleasant surprise.
-Matthew James Anderson
Crocodiles
Artist- Crocodiles
Album- Sleep Forever
Label- Fat Possum
Genre- Noise pop
Crocodiles is back with album number two and their acclaim has not weakened them but allowed them to grow stronger. For those people that have had the pleasure of listening to the debut album, they will not be disappointed, and for those people that have yet to hear of this band they will be excited. Crocodiles is a genre bending band that really has found a balance in their music, melding together elements of psychadelia, lo-fi, noise pop, and even the elusive shoegaze genre. Crocodiles' sound therefore is very difficult to describe due to its highly original and experimental ways, but one thing can be said for sure and that is that one will not become bored listening to this album. This album is very well made with every song flowing into the next seamlessly, but while still making sure every song is unique. The songs are diverse and intriguing; some being slower while others capitalize on catchier beats. So, while the band is experimental, they are able to utilize their noise to make very catchy and stimulating tracks which makes one lose track of time. The album Sleep Forever can be best described as a refinement and an enhancement for those that know the band and for those that don’t, well, they will not be disappointed if they are looking for something fresh. Crocodiles is back and with this album I think they have affirmed they are not going anywhere but up anytime soon.
Album- Sleep Forever
Label- Fat Possum
Genre- Noise pop
Crocodiles is back with album number two and their acclaim has not weakened them but allowed them to grow stronger. For those people that have had the pleasure of listening to the debut album, they will not be disappointed, and for those people that have yet to hear of this band they will be excited. Crocodiles is a genre bending band that really has found a balance in their music, melding together elements of psychadelia, lo-fi, noise pop, and even the elusive shoegaze genre. Crocodiles' sound therefore is very difficult to describe due to its highly original and experimental ways, but one thing can be said for sure and that is that one will not become bored listening to this album. This album is very well made with every song flowing into the next seamlessly, but while still making sure every song is unique. The songs are diverse and intriguing; some being slower while others capitalize on catchier beats. So, while the band is experimental, they are able to utilize their noise to make very catchy and stimulating tracks which makes one lose track of time. The album Sleep Forever can be best described as a refinement and an enhancement for those that know the band and for those that don’t, well, they will not be disappointed if they are looking for something fresh. Crocodiles is back and with this album I think they have affirmed they are not going anywhere but up anytime soon.
Abe Vigoda
Artist- Abe Vigoda
Album- Crush
Label- PPM
Genre- Rock
Abe Vigoda is a band in constant evolution. This can be both a good and a bad thing. The bad thing with a band that is constantly evolving, is that their music changes, and if you liked where it all started then you might not like what comes later. This is the case with Abe Vigoda; if one listens to Kid City and then this album one will not be able to really recognize the band. For people like me who loved Kid City this isn’t a good thing, yet at the same time this doesn’t mean this album is bad. When I first listened to this album two other artist names came to mind These New Puritans and Los Campesinos (later albums), both of which are good bands to be compared to. On this album Abe utilizes a new set of electronic instruments including the synth and sequencers which creates a much more serious tone, but at the same time Abe is still able to produce very catchy beats even if at times it can be broody. The noise and the chaos of the old days have been cleaned up leaving behind well made polished music with understandable vocals. Abe has over the years traded in its sharp edge for a polished tool, and for people like me it is not a good trade but for many more it is an appreciable trade. One thing for sure though with this album is that it has a real good beat and is very enjoyable to listen to.
-Matthew James Anderson
Album- Crush
Label- PPM
Genre- Rock
Abe Vigoda is a band in constant evolution. This can be both a good and a bad thing. The bad thing with a band that is constantly evolving, is that their music changes, and if you liked where it all started then you might not like what comes later. This is the case with Abe Vigoda; if one listens to Kid City and then this album one will not be able to really recognize the band. For people like me who loved Kid City this isn’t a good thing, yet at the same time this doesn’t mean this album is bad. When I first listened to this album two other artist names came to mind These New Puritans and Los Campesinos (later albums), both of which are good bands to be compared to. On this album Abe utilizes a new set of electronic instruments including the synth and sequencers which creates a much more serious tone, but at the same time Abe is still able to produce very catchy beats even if at times it can be broody. The noise and the chaos of the old days have been cleaned up leaving behind well made polished music with understandable vocals. Abe has over the years traded in its sharp edge for a polished tool, and for people like me it is not a good trade but for many more it is an appreciable trade. One thing for sure though with this album is that it has a real good beat and is very enjoyable to listen to.
-Matthew James Anderson
No Age
Artist- No Age
Album- Everything In Between
Label- Sub Pop
Genre- Noise pop at its finest
No Age is a destructive duo that knows how to do noise rock in an appealing and catchy way, without losing the skull-crushing fun that noise can bring. While many may not know the name No Age, I have faith most have heard their single which debuted in 2008, Eraser. If you know this song, or better yet the band, this album will not disappoint you. No Age still delivers with their well known heavy distortions and catchy beats, but I feel they have added a new element to this album. To me, on this album, No Age finds not only a way to capitalize on fast and catchy noise beats, but also slower, more provocative sounds. One will find many songs that will intensely sweep you up in a blaze of noise and fast beats, while other songs take a more paced approach utilizing on noises ability to make something very intense. In general, the album has a good balance, and for me, I got everything I expected and then more. So, I would say to those with history with the band that will be impressed at their ability to continue providing on their signature sound, while still growing, and for those new to the band I doubt that they will be disappointed if they are looking for something fun and catchy, but that still has a little bite to it.
-Matthew James Anderson
Album- Everything In Between
Label- Sub Pop
Genre- Noise pop at its finest
No Age is a destructive duo that knows how to do noise rock in an appealing and catchy way, without losing the skull-crushing fun that noise can bring. While many may not know the name No Age, I have faith most have heard their single which debuted in 2008, Eraser. If you know this song, or better yet the band, this album will not disappoint you. No Age still delivers with their well known heavy distortions and catchy beats, but I feel they have added a new element to this album. To me, on this album, No Age finds not only a way to capitalize on fast and catchy noise beats, but also slower, more provocative sounds. One will find many songs that will intensely sweep you up in a blaze of noise and fast beats, while other songs take a more paced approach utilizing on noises ability to make something very intense. In general, the album has a good balance, and for me, I got everything I expected and then more. So, I would say to those with history with the band that will be impressed at their ability to continue providing on their signature sound, while still growing, and for those new to the band I doubt that they will be disappointed if they are looking for something fun and catchy, but that still has a little bite to it.
-Matthew James Anderson
Dead Leaf Echo
Artist- Dead Leaf Echo
Album- Truth
Label- 2&1 Records
Genre- Shoegaze
Shoegaze along the lines of Slowdive or Ride. “Half-Truth” is a gorgeous opening track driven by gunfire-quick drumming, dreamy vocals and lovely guitarwork. “Act of Truth” is another stunner driven by female backing vocals. This album is neither revolutionary nor bad- it’s a nice EP for people who wanna hear dreamy shoegaze music.
Album- Truth
Label- 2&1 Records
Genre- Shoegaze
Shoegaze along the lines of Slowdive or Ride. “Half-Truth” is a gorgeous opening track driven by gunfire-quick drumming, dreamy vocals and lovely guitarwork. “Act of Truth” is another stunner driven by female backing vocals. This album is neither revolutionary nor bad- it’s a nice EP for people who wanna hear dreamy shoegaze music.
Carnivores
Artist- Carnivores
Album- If I'm Ancient
Label- Double Phantom
Genre- Tropical punkiness
6 months after cranking out an excellent debut album, this Atlanta-based quartet is back with another homerun of 60’s psychedelic punk. These kids managed to get a stellar write-up in the New York Times yet none of the huge music blogs have caught on yet. Vocals alternate between Caitlin Lang providing either shrieked punk goddess noise (#2) or melodic backing “oooohs” (#3) and Nathaniel Higgins. All the songs are just about 2 minutes long and I never want them to end. The tropical mood of early Abe Vigoda is mixed in quite well too. Carnivores’ unique take on 60’s psychadelia, surf, and punk is what sets them apart from other bands trying to capitalize on the success of lo-fi nowadays. Every track on this album is a winner and is sure to please fans of 60’s revival sound as well as those seeking noisier punkish fare.
Album- If I'm Ancient
Label- Double Phantom
Genre- Tropical punkiness
6 months after cranking out an excellent debut album, this Atlanta-based quartet is back with another homerun of 60’s psychedelic punk. These kids managed to get a stellar write-up in the New York Times yet none of the huge music blogs have caught on yet. Vocals alternate between Caitlin Lang providing either shrieked punk goddess noise (#2) or melodic backing “oooohs” (#3) and Nathaniel Higgins. All the songs are just about 2 minutes long and I never want them to end. The tropical mood of early Abe Vigoda is mixed in quite well too. Carnivores’ unique take on 60’s psychadelia, surf, and punk is what sets them apart from other bands trying to capitalize on the success of lo-fi nowadays. Every track on this album is a winner and is sure to please fans of 60’s revival sound as well as those seeking noisier punkish fare.
Megafaun
Artist- Megafaun
Album- Heretofore EP
Label- Hometapes
Genre- Folk
This indie-folk EP was actually pretty likeable- a tough feat since I despite all things folk. At times it’s a little experimental and there’s always a psychedelic undercurrent throughout. “Carolina Days” is the most upbeat (and shortest) track, carried by acoustic chords (and a cute guitar solo late in the track) and sweet vocal melodies that’s great roadtrip music (lyrically and metaphorically). Great Americana music that should please most folks.
Album- Heretofore EP
Label- Hometapes
Genre- Folk
This indie-folk EP was actually pretty likeable- a tough feat since I despite all things folk. At times it’s a little experimental and there’s always a psychedelic undercurrent throughout. “Carolina Days” is the most upbeat (and shortest) track, carried by acoustic chords (and a cute guitar solo late in the track) and sweet vocal melodies that’s great roadtrip music (lyrically and metaphorically). Great Americana music that should please most folks.
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