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We have yet another addition by our Man About Town, Mike Gutierrez. This was just too good to sit on any longer!
If you’ve ever seen Tony Castles live, you know they are capable of being much louder, noisier, more chaotic than they let on in their new EP No Service. Jake Aron was brought aboard to record and produce the still impressionable trio out of (wait for it….wait for it…) Brooklyn, and his fingerprints are all over this album. Mr. Aron’s producing credits include Yeasayer, Jamie Lidell, and Chairlift, and No Service particularly channels some of the “world indie” vibe of Odd Blood.
Ornate percussion, Caribbean melodies, compositional curlicues that seem at pains to communicate the seductive musicianship of Tony Castles; it’s no mistake that the trio was tabbed for tour dates with Fool’s Gold. These guys can play. For a three-piece the songs are impressively deep and full. “Adequate Sheen” is a shimmering pop odyssey reminiscent of the best of Police; ska and reggae shade the namesake track “No Service”; and “Black Girls in Dresses” takes you back to the nasal hippie jams of the Samples (does anyone remember that band?). Wavves could spit out three albums and not scratch the surface of what Tony Castles does in five songs on the EP. And yet, for all their chops, you can’t help but sense their inner Nathan Williams trying to fight his way into the foreground. The rough-n-tumble choruses on “Dream Job” (and the spacey breakdowns) hint at a grungier version of the band. Tony Castles wears the scream-n-shout lyric well, thank you very much.
With the 20th anniversary of “Nevermind” on the horizon, it would be a lovely time for indie music to re-inject some much needed, post-Chillwave aggro into their applesauce. But it’s futile to pine away about the album you might have had. As it stands, Tony Castles’ No Service is an impressive debut showcasing boatloads of talent, and hinting at much, much more. With some time to mature and find their own voice, the sophomore release (or full album?) could be something to get very excited about.
Tour Dates
September 23th – Rock and Roll Hotel – Washington, DC*
October 3rd – Paradise – Boston, MA*
October 14th – Santos Party House – NYC, NY*
October 20th – Greedhead Party @ Piano’s – NYC, NY
October 22nd – Famous Class Party @ Don Pedros – NYC, NY
Discovered by of Montreal, Casiokids have grown from a group banging out electro melodies on casio keyboards to include guitars and drums that makes electro-pop to make you move. You readers from the UK and Europe might have heard some of these songs already, but for this debut US release, all eight tracks have been re-mastered and are accompanied by a bonus disc of new material (including six remixes and two covers). These sixteen tracks are irresistibly catchy but also are drenched in emotive talent, and even though you won’t understand the lyrics unless you speak Norwegian, it absolutely won’t matter. At times this album is heartbreaking, and a song later you’re swinging your head to the beat, not caring who’s watching. Both moments are right, both are done so well on this record. Their label, Polyvinyl (the source of so many good things) describes their live show as, “ theatrical … incorporating a blend of shadow puppets, video projections and animal costumes… Casiokids generate the kind of unrestrained party mood that inevitably transforms any audience into a joyous, dancing mass.”
Chicago, come witness/participate in this on Wednesday at Schubas!
Sometimes when watching Jonny Rumble play, I think that if Otis Redding were a hipster he’d be singing one of these songs. What Redding brought to Soul, Brian Webb and the boys throw in the face of indie pop today. JR, their latest album is truly dark and tense and as it builds it contrasts wildly with the popular sounds of Arcade Fire’s insipid banality or Edward Sharpe’s insipid positivity. This indie pop has deep hooks. No doubt about it’s pop nature exists. The loungey organ riff with Vegas-style drum line of “Victim of the Times” places this music firmly in a genre that cannot be taken more seriously than pop will ever be. However, that is not an insult to this talented band. Jonny Rumble takes pop back to the 60s and 70s in a way that incorporates all the things they do well: perfectly placed and exact harmonies, simple yet great sounding guitar lines that explode into short solo moments which simply “wow” you, and lyrics that actually say something. The experience of hearing Jonny Rumble can be likened to watching those trailers for action films you get before the real movie comes on. The good ones leave you a little breathless – that’s how JR felt the first through fifth times I’ve heard it. I’ll let you know if it keeps it up from listening session six and onward. Just like their live shows, the energy is consistent, even in the slow songs. Instrumentally, each member brings to the band an integral part that can’t be left out. Patrick and Jeremy on guitar and bass weave in and around each other, as you hear in BRZRKR, producing a memorable backdrop for Brian’s vocals instead of either competing for space or fading into the background. Likewise, their drummer, Seth, knows as much about when not to play as when to drive it home. This is not a band waiting to make it. Jonny Rumble is a band making it. Now. Catch it as it happens. xoxo
This group really reminds me of a modern-day Journey. I can’t help but hear Steve Perry in the vocal style and presentation of this young lead singer, even if she is female. The songs are ballad-y, all of them, dramatically building to big, clashing choruses. Starting with “Heart Song” which bites a big chunk out of your ears with a flurry of classic, girl punk, Benatar style, Truth or Dare is a crowd pleaser. “Story Of My Life” is gorgeous, big beautiful lyrics that could be sung by any country singer but is set to this music so well. Softer, slower songs like “Hush” and “Eyes On You” are nicely done and again, like Perry, Juliet Simms keeps them from being too precious by inflicting them with an emotional performance. Her voice strains, rises and falls and is not just a vehicle for lyrics but an instrument in this band. Much of this album is about love and the instrumentation all stops so she can really belt it out sometimes. I LOVE THAT This is radio GOLD. This is stadium rock. This is no guilty pleasure, people. Love this and don’t feel ashamed.
From the press release: Automatic Loveletter is celebrating release day by launching an internet wide Truth Or Darecontest, asking fans to give them their best shot! The best truths and dares will be filmed by the band and posted on their site. To enter, fans should tweet @autolove their truths and dares along with #truthordare in the message.
The band’s favorites will also receive a prize for their efforts ranging from a signed pick to a set list from Warped Tour to a postcard from the road. So get your thinking caps on and visit here for more info!
AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER ON WARPED TOUR
June 25 – Carson, CA @ Home Depot Center
June 26 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater
June 27 – Ventura, CA @ Seaside Park
June 29 – Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
June 30 – Las Cruces, NM @ N.M.S.U. Practice Field
July 1 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
July 2 – Houston, TX @ The Showgrounds @ Sam Houston Race Park
July 3 – Dallas, TX @ Superpages. com Center
July 5 – St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 6 – Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 7 – Burgettstown,PA @ First Niagara Pavilion
July 8 – Cleveland, OH @ Time Warner Cable Amphitheater
July 9 – Toronto, ON @ Arrow Hall
July 10 – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean Drapeau
July 11 – Hartford, CT @ Comcast Theater
July 13 – Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center
July 14 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake P.A.C.
July 15 – Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion
July 16 – Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
July 17 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
July 18 – Oceanport, NJ @ Monmouth Park Racetrack
July 20 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
July 21 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Virginia Beach Amphitheater
July 22 – Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 23 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Vinoy Park
July 24 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater
July 25 – Orlando, FL @ Firestone Amphitheatre @ The Lot
July 26 – Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheater @ Lakewood
July 28 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
July 29 – Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater
July 30 – Detroit, MI @ Comerica Park
July 31 – Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheater
August 1 – Shakopee, MN @ Canterbury Park
August 2 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Sandstone Amphitheater
August 5 – Edmonton, AB @ Northlands Grounds
August 7 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah State Fairgrounds
August 8 – Denver, CO @ Invesco Field
August 10 – Chula Vista, CA @ Cricket Amphitheater
August 11 – Pomona, CA @ Pomona Fairplex
August 12 – Marysville, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater
August 13 – Nampa, ID @ Idaho Center Amphitheater
August 14 – George, WA @ Gorge Amphitheater
August 15 – Hillsboro, OR @ Washington County Fairgrounds
and just for shits and giggles, I couldn’t be left out of this, now could I?
Struck Dumb mp3The Futureheads The Chaos …. buy it!
Whooowee!!! Omg this show was Out. Of. Control!!! This might be obvious, but if you see a concert schedule and the last show of the tour is in your home town, GO TO IT! The Futureheads finished up the US leg of their incredibly long tour in support The Chaos, their new record. It was the first time they’d been in the US in four years and they were looking at a few days off before hitting a slew of festivals in the UK. So they just let it loose on the enthusiastic crowd at Lincoln Hall that night.
If you’ve not been to a Futurehead show, let me tell you, these guys are more than energetic. And this show was over the top, crowd participation, bad jokes galore, and wild guitar playing too. Their mixture of punk/pop/super-fast music is uniquely Northern English. I saw a bit of Brakes in this mess, the humor, the fury, the ethos of the chaos of it all. European friends, make sure you get a chance to see this in person. I love the new album, as I’ve said. But having it performed, right in front of you is truly the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, xoxo
Jun 15 2010 8:00P BEACH BREAK FESTIVAL CARMARTHENSHIRE, GB
Jun 17 2010 6:30P The Futureheads DJ Set @ Pukka Up Boat & Space Playa d’en Bossa, Sant Jordi
Jun 18 2010 1:00P Perugia – Urban Festival Perugia, Via Aldo M, ITALY
Jun 19 2010 1:00P Monza – Troublezine Festival Milan, Milan, ITALY
Jun 24 2010 8:00P THE FUTUREHEADS DJ SET @ THE LAZY LIZARD DORSET, GB
Jul 3 2010 1:00P Banbridge – Take it to the Bridge Corbet Lough, Banbridge
Jul 4 2010 1:00P Wakestock Gwynedd, Gwynedd
Jul 9 2010 1:00P Pohoda Festival Pohoda, SLOVAKIA (Slovak Republic)
Jul 10 2010 1:00A The Futureheads DJ Set @ Propaganda Northern Quarter, Manchester
Jul 16 2010 1:00P Dour Festival Dour, BELGIUM
Jul 17 2010 1:00P Melt Festival Gräfenhainichen, GERMANY
Jul 19 2010 10:00P iTunes Festival @ The Roundhouse London, London
Jul 23 2010 8:00P WICKERMAN FESTIVAL EAST KIRKCARSWELL, SCOTLAND, GB
Jul 30 2010 1:00P Y-Not Festival Pikehall Nr. Matlock, Derbyshire
Jul 31 2010 1:30P Kendal Calling Hackthorpe, Hackthorpe
Aug 4 2010 1:30P Beach Sessions Newquay, Newquay
Aug 14 2010 1:30P LeeFest Bromley, Bromley
Aug 15 2010 8:00P Summer Sundae Weekender Leicester, GB
Aug 20 2010 8:00P CASTLE CALLING RICHMOND CASTLE, YORKSHIRE, GB
Aug 28 2010 8:00P Leeds Festival Leeds, UK
Aug 29 2010 8:00P Reading Festival Reading, UK
Sep 11 2010 8:00P HARVEST AT JIMMY’S SUFFOLK, GB
Nov 25 2010 7:00P Aberdeen AECC w/Biffy Clyro *SOLD OUT* Aberdeen, UNITED KINGDOM
Nov 26 2010 7:00P Glasgow SECC w/Biffy Clyro *SOLD OUT* UNITED KINGDOM
Nov 27 2010 7:00P Glasgow SECC UNITED KINGDOM
Nov 29 2010 7:30P Hull Arena w/Biffy Clyro UNITED KINGDOM
Nov 30 2010 7:30P Nottingham Arena w/Biffy Clyro UNITED KINGDOM
Dec 1 2010 7:00P Plymouth Pavillions w/Biffy Clyro UNITED KINGDOM
Dec 3 2010 7:00P Manchester Central w/Biffy Clyro UNITED KINGDOM
Dec 4 2010 7:00P London Wembley Arena w/Biffy Clyro UNITED KINGDOM
The Locals never cease to thrill me. I mean really, how many bands do you know like this? They manage to walk the fine line between girl rock and raw, hyper-fueled, power pop and they do it with such finesse. This new EP, Salt, (itunes link) has four tracks and I love each of them. A step up from their most recent album, The Big Picture,The Locals give us sleeker, more filled out, just beautifully produced music. Salt packs a different kind of punch; it sighs in your ear as it slides its hand in your back pocket. The drums are fast, Kirk squeezes a lot in in a short amount of time. Melodies are well-crafted but what is most striking is Yvonne’s vocals, to be honest. Pushed way up front in the mix, her throaty delivery, as it slides up to those high notes is just beautiful. And then on “Amnesia” she shows her whole range from low, gutsy notes to an intimate, soft bit, to a true rock and roll howl. Christy’s harmonies just add the right amount of edge to what is already got you perked up and listening carefully. The Locals are a all that and a bag of chips. This EP more than proves their versatility and potential. Go see them, add these songs to your playlist now, xoxo
Dates
4/30/10 The Elbo Room 2871 n Lincoln 11pm with: Cyclesomething, The Powwows, 8Inch Betsy (CD RELEASE PARTY)
6/5/10 Cake Chicago Red Line Tap 9pm with: The Barrettes (Milwaukee), Ripley Caine (Chicago)
6/24/10 Skylight 116 North Third Street Lafayette, In with: Vicious Guns
6/25/10 Quenchers 2401 North Western Avenue Chicago, IL with: Vicious Guns, Julie Meckler
7/10/10 -7/11/10 Art Fair on the Square TBD Madison, WI TBD
This album titled, Curiouser, is destined to make us just that. The two songs you’ll hear here are catchy, pop, and quirky. Those are qualities that are never dismissed on this blog. Kate Miller-Heidke’s album is out March 16, make sure you catch her showcase at SXSW or one of her parties. I think this will be an interesting addition to your slate, even you die-hard indie enthusiasts. Branch out a bit, eh? And Chicago, did you see all those dates at the Vic??? wow! xoxo
TOUR DATES:
March 15*Joe’s Pub*7PM SXSW – Austin, TX
March 17*Dakota Lounge*Manic Fest Destiny Party (afternoon)
March 18*Antone’s*SIN Sony Music International party
March 18*Hotel Café at The Parish*official SXSW showcase (evening)
March 19*Troubadour Saloon*All Together Now Showcase
March 20*Maggie Mae’s*Aussie BBQ/official SXSW showcase
April – opening for Ben Folds & playing Coachella!
April 6*Boston, MA*House of Blues
April 7*Bridgeport, CT*The Klein
April 9*Montclair, NJ*Wellmont Theatre
April 10*Hershey, PA*Hershey Theatre
April 12*New York, NY*Town Hall
April 13*New York, NY*Town Hall
April 16*Indio, CA*Coachella
April 18*Dayton OH*University of Dayton
April 19*Chicago, IL*Vic Theatre
April 20*Chicago, IL*Vic Theatre
April 21*Chicago, IL*Vic Theatre
Remember back when I mentioned this little band named The Dig? They had a drop dead sexy song out “She’s Gonna Kill.” They’re still at it, in fact they’re working harder than ever and will release their debut LP Electric Toys later this year. I love this power pop thing and this song is, at first listen, catchy. At second listen it grabs you a little bit harder. I’m anticipating the album and of course, you’ll know exactly when I get a copy. xoxo
THE DIG W/ THE EDITORS AND THE ANTLERS
2/08 – Warfield – San Francisco*
2/10 – Spaceland – Los Angeles
2/11 – The Casbah – San Diego
2/13 – Ogden Theater – Denver*
2/15 – Vic Theater – Chicago*
2/18 – House of Blues – Boston*
2/19 – Terminal 5 – New York*
2/20 – Trocadero – Philadelphia*
2/21 – 9:30 Club – DC*
*with The Editors and The Antlers
THE DIG W/ PORTUGAL. THE MAN AND PORT O’BRIEN
2/24 – The Aquarium – Fargo, ND
2/25 – The Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN
2/26 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
2/27 – St Louis, MO – The Gargoyle
3/01 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
3/03 – The Cambridge Room at House of Blues – Dallas, TX
3/04 – Warehouse Live Studio – Houston, TX
3/05 – The Parish – Austin, TX
3/06 The Parish – Austin, TX
3/09 – Common Grounds – Gainesville, FL
3/10 – Crowbar – Ybor City, FL
3/11 – The Social – Orlando, FL
3/12 – Harvest of Hope Fest – St Augustine, FL
3/13 – The Earl – Atlanta, GA
3/18 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
3/19 – Highline Ballroom – New York, NY
3/20 – Mr Small’s Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
3/21 – 20th Century Theater – Cincinnati, OH
3/24 – Mojo’s – Columbia, MO
3/26 – Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO
3/27 – The Sandbar – Vail, CO
3/28 – Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO
It was just one of those nights… too much brisket, not enough coffee, he plays mandolin, she calls herself a “Cubist”, we love them both… and yet, they make us watch this. I’m warning you, it’s not pretty!
El Perro Del Mar’s album, Love Is Not Pop hit the shelves on October 20th here in the US after enjoying success in her home, Sweden, since its release there in April. If you have any doubt as to whether you’ll enjoy this gorgeous chanteuse (yeah, I used that beautiful word to describe this beautiful woman with the beautiful voice!) then hop over to allmusic’s site to get a nice review of the album and a free peek at her songs. Yes, it’s pure pop, full of air and beat, and you can move to it. I miss that sort of thing when I’ve been absorbed in all this indie guitar/folk/heavy, thoughtful music. Time and place, m’dears, there’s a time and place for everything.
El Perro Del Mar, a.k.a. Sarah Assbring is touring with Peter Bjorn and John. And in making this album she chose to work with Rasmus Hägg, the other half of the acclaimed Swedish duo Studio. What I’ve heard of Love is Not Pop only makes me want to hear more. See and hear her cover Lou Reed’s “Heavenly Arms” in the video below. If you’re at the show (or any of them coming up), let me know! xoxo
Tour Dates
11.11.09 – Phoenix Theatre – Toronto, ON*
11.12.09 – Metro – Chicago, IL*
11.13.09 – Gargoyle Club – St. Louis, MO*
11.14.09 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX*
11.15.09 – La Zona Rosa – Austin, TX*
11.17.09 – Rialto Theater – Tuscon, AZ*
11.18.09 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA*
11.19.09 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11.20.09 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11.21.09 – Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA*
11.23.09 – Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, CA***
This is radio GOLD. This is stadium rock. This is no guilty pleasure, people. Love this and don’t feel ashamed.
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