MusicHawk Member Blog

Islands Are Forever (Islands Review, Links, Tour Dates, Concert Photos, Video)

(photo courtesy of islandsareforever.com)

There are a lot of bands in indie music that I like to call 'ashes' bands. Often a critic will say of the new project by some much fabled performer that they have 'risen from the ashes of [x] to create a new sound all their own!' It's simply a term that is thrown around with bland frequency. When describing the relatively new band, Islands, I will not use this term. That may or may not be due to the fact that I more or less missed the boat on the previous incarnation of the two founding members of Islands called the Unicorns. I have heard the Unicorns record a handful of times and I definitely like it, there's no question in that arena. One aspect of the first and only Unicorns record ('Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?') is that it is far from being immediately accessible. The debut effort from the Montreal natives is certainly accessible, but the question stands: who finds their debut record 'Return to the Sea' an immediately enjoyable piece of pop music?

I would argue that most fans of independent rock music could listen to the synthy single 'Rough Gem' and leave the experience pleased, some more than others. It is a pop song for people who enjoy pop music and thus can be understood as immediately accessible by definition. However, there are some major obstacles that must be overcome to fully appreciate Islands' 'Return to the Sea'. The first of those obstacles is the fact that the first track on the record, 'Swans (Life After Death)', exceeds nine minutes in length. The obscure musical exploration ventures into waters barely charted with founding member J'aime Tambeur carefully manipulating the drum kit into less of a means to keep time and more of an instrument contributing as much to the development of the melody as the array of other instruments involved in the song. From 'Swans' into its following tracks, 'Return to the Sea' becomes as interesting as it is fun. The record becomes easier to digest as the listener perseveres through the first two tracks, both of which are wonderful but are initially difficult as they occupy together the first fifteen minutes leaving a half hour for the other eight songs.

Another highlight is the ridiculous 'Where There's a Will, There's a Whalebone'. Driven by a huge beat and bassline to begin, the song evolves into a chaotic mess of sloppy uptempo drums and a few hip-hop verses interlaced with the original melody before it devolves into its drum-heavy structure. There is no shortage of musical stylings present on 'Return to the Sea', very much a something-for-everyone kind of record with its grandeur matched only by the live performance. Fortunately despite the departure of drummer and co-founder J'aime Tambeur, frontman Nick Diamonds and co. will continue to support their debut record before thinking about doing another one sometime next year. Make sure you catch Islands live. If you're not convinced, watch the video and look at the live photos below.

Islands Tour Dates can be found at the ***Islands*** page at MusicHawk shortly.

Islands Links:
'Return to the Sea' Album Review by Pitchfork Media
Islands perform 'Humans' at The Fillmore in SF Video
Islands Interview with HateSomethingBeautiful
Islands Live Photos, Berlin '06

Cursive, Chin Up Chin Up, The Thermals Fall Tour (Concert Dates, Links, Videos, MP3's and more)

Indie rock fans will be treated to an incredible bill of live music in the last couple of weeks in October when Cursive headlines for Chin Up Chin Up and The Thermals. Today, I have decided to tackle each one of these bands and talk about them a little bit since each of them have so much to offer. Cursive is an established band that has been in the game for over a decade while Chin Up Chin Up and The Thermals are out on this tour with something to prove. The talent on the stage will be tremendous, so if you're lucky enough to live in or be near one of the cities listed at the bottom of the post, make sure you're there on that night. Each band has tour dates in their part of the post, but I have left the dates they all play together at the bottom, so beware of the date you're viewing.


PART ONE: CURSIVE



















(image courtesy of Saddle Creek Records)

Cursive has been around forever, or at least seemingly forever. Since 1995, Cursive's Tim Kasher has been releasing toturous records about relationships and life (though most recently about religious hypocrisy) while becoming cripplingly drunk by the end of his band's powerful and engaging live performances. The band made a name for themselves on the outer rims of indie rock for a substantial portion of their career before receiving due attention a few short years ago. Cursive released their fourth album, 'The Ugly Organ', their third for influential Omaha label Saddle Creek Records in 2003 to great critical acclaim and their highest sales propelled by singles 'Art is Hard' and 'The Recluse'. A healthy slice of the appeal that can be attributed to the incredible 'Ugly Organ' record is the addition of cellist Gretta Cohn in time for the recording sessions, making for a completely unique record as dissonant and grating as it is melodic. Following the subsequent tours (including headlining the Plea for Peace Tour in 2004), Cohn left the band in favor of other projects rendering the band back to the longstanding lineup featuring Ted Stevens on guitar, bassist Matt Maginn and Clint Schnase pounding the drums.

The recovery of the prominent lineup led to the most recent recording sessions, the result of which is the brand new record released August 22nd entitled 'Happy Hollow'. Filling out the sound realized on 'The Ugly Organ', Cursive decided to make 'Happy Hollow' a more 'honking' sort of record and added brass sections to many of the new tracks. The first single, 'Dorothy at 40', was released on July 11th and features a more energetic and rough sound that characterized the first couple of records in their catalogue while still blazing a new trail for the music to go. My favorite song on the new record is 'Big Bang' in which Kasher talks about the likelihood of the different possibilities in the creation of earth. The deep groove with crushing dissonance from the horns is vintage Cursive while still doing something they've never done before, as the band is one to try everything once and do it all well for each album.

As a live Cursive veteran, I can personally tell you how foolish it would be to miss them on this tremendous upcoming US tour with Chin Up Chin Up and The Thermals. A great band with a great sound and a great live show is not to be missed, especially when they are playing with two of the up and coming indie rock bands of the moment, each armed with equally interesting live performances. Concert dates are below.

Cursive Tour Dates:
Fri-Sep-22 Fargo, ND Playmakers Pavillion
Sat-Sep-23 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Sun-Sep-24 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theatre
Mon-Sep-25 Chicago, IL Metro
Tue-Sep-26 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre
Wed-Sep-27 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Thu-Sep-28 Buffalo, NY The Icon
Fri-Sep-29 Philadelphia, PA Starlight Ballroom
Sat-Sep-30 Boston, MA Somerville Theatre
Sun-Oct-01 New York, NY Webster Hall
Mon-Oct-02 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
Tue-Oct-03 Washington, DC 9:30
Wed-Oct-04 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo
Thu-Oct-05 Newport, KY Southgate House
Fri-Oct-06 Nashville, TN City Hall
Sat-Oct-07 St. Louis, MO Mississippi Nights
Sun-Oct-08 Lawrence, KS Granada
SEE BELOW
Tue-Oct-24 TBA
Wed-Oct-25 TBA
Thu-Oct-26 Los Angeles, CA Avalon
Fri-Oct-27 San Diego, CA House of Blues
Sat-Oct-28 Pomona, CA Glass House
Sun-Oct-29 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
Tue-Oct-31 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
Wed-Nov-01 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
Fri-Nov-03 CO Springs, CO The Black Sheep
Thu-Nov-09 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
Fri-Nov-10 TBA
Sat-Nov-11 Columbia, MO The Blue Note
Sun-Nov-12 Memphis, TN Young Avenue Deli
Mon-Nov-13 Birmingham, AL Bottletree
Tue-Nov-14 Atlanta, GA Variety Theatre
Wed-Nov-15 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
Thu-Nov-16 Charlottesville, VA Satellite Ballroom
Fri-Nov-17 Charlotte, NC Tremont Music Hall
Sat-Nov-18 Carrboro, NC Cats Cradle
Mon-Nov-20 Tallahassee, FL Florida State University The Moon
Tue-Nov-21 Gainesville, FL University of Florida Reitz Union Ballroom
Wed-Nov-22 Orlando, FL The Club @ Firestone
Fri-Nov-24 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
Sat-Nov-25 Austin, TX Emo's
Sun-Nov-26 Dallas, TX Gypsy Ballroom
Mon-Nov-27 Tulsa, OK Caine's Ballroom
All dates are with some combination of The Cops, Eastern Youth, Chin Up Chin Up, The Detachment Kit, The Thermals, and Ladyfinger. Look at the site for the actual venue to find out who's playing which date in your town.

Cursive Links:
Cursive Label: Saddle Creek
Cursive Interview, Nov. 2005
Cursive Interview, May 2004

PART TWO: CHIN UP CHIN UP















(photo: Chris Strong)

A few years ago, I went to a club to see one of my favorite bands at that time in the Appleseed Cast. The San Francisco club housed a grip of emo-kids like myself complete with dyed jet black hair and shirts featuring graphic design involving the names of other emo bands. Given, the Appleseed Cast's older material boasts an element of suprise and innovation that wasn't really present at that time (we're looking at about 2002 or so), yet the crowd was still comprised of the usual suspects. Fortunately for the audience members such as myself, the opening act presumably selected by the Appleseed Cast to participate in the American tour was absolutely fascinating.

The first band that took the stage was just beginning their career in indie music with only a handful of shirt designs and a self-made EP to their name. Chicago's Chin Up Chin Up puts on an interesting show virtually void of open chords, their visible interest seemingly peaking with some more spirited head-bobs. I have to say that while the other members of my party weren't really into Chin Up Chin Up, I really enjoyed them. They create a certain brand of energetic yet sedated artistic indie pop infused with some truly great melodies that require a little bit of concentration due to the unique characteristics of Jeremy Bolen's vocals. His hushed low tones almost resemble a whisper at times, especially on the group's full-length debut, 'We Should Have Never Lived Like We Were Skyscrapers'.

While Chin Up Chin Up is not changing the way that I think about music, they are writing some really enjoyable songs that are as far from a general formula as one could wish. Even if you don't care for them, one has to admit that they are making music that is unlike anything that is happening in indie art-pop. One must also find respect for the journey they have traveled in order to bring us 'We Should...' and the refined sound of their upcoming 'This Harness Can't Ride Anything' out on Suicide Squeeze October 10th. Following the awful loss of founding bassist Chris Saathoff in a hit-and-run accident during the recording of the band's first record, they chose to keep the first nine tracks with Saathoff's original bass takes and the final song void of bass at all due to the lack of his contribution. After Chris Saathoff's death, bass duties are now filled by Greg Sharp standing as a more than capable replacement. While no one can replace the loss of their friend and bandmate, Chin Up Chin Up has made an upbeat new record that is more confident and full than their last effort, thus creating new possibilities for this exciting band with a bright future.

Chin Up Chin Up Tour Dates:
FRI OCT 6 Pittsburgh PA, Brillobox
SUN OCT 8 New Haven CT, Bar Night Club #
MON OCT 9 New Britain CT, Semesters #
TUE OCT 10 Buffalo NY, Mohawk Place #
WED OCT 11 Cleveland OH, the Spot at Case Western #
FRI OCT 13 Chicago IL, Empty Bottle *
SEE BELOW
TUE OCT 24 Los Angeles CA, Safari Sams
THU OCT 26 Denton TX, Rubbergloves #
SAT OCT 28 Baton Rouge LA, Spanish Moon #
MON OCT 30 Mt. Pleasant SC, the Village Tavern #
WED NOV 1 Washington DC, Black Cat #
# - w/ Oxford Collapse
* - w/ Make Believe, Oxford Collapse

Chin Up Chin Up Links:
New Chin Up Chin Up MP3 - 'This Harness Can't Ride Anything'
Chin Up Chin Up stream - 'We Should Have Never Lived Like We Were Skyscrapers'
Chin Up Chin Up 'Why Is My Sleeping Bag a Ghetto Muppet?' Music Video

PART THREE: THE THERMALS

(photo courtesy of Tom Oliver)

The Thermals are a difficult band to pin down mostly because they have made three records with three different lineups, each of them sounding discernably different while upholding a standard of creating hard-hitting pop rock songs that are vicious within the realm of the music fan's mind when attempting to displace the hooks in order to ensure clear thought. However, the reason they are difficult to pin down has little to do with the medium they have chosen to express themselves musically and more on their progression.

Starting with the pulsing 'More Parts Per Million' record released on their longtime label, Subpop, The Thermals brought in a standard. 'More Parts Per Million', recorded in a kitchen, sounds awful by the standards of today's popular music. But the album is littered with gems that are waiting to be discovered despite the grainy sqeal of the guitars and blaring vocals. The next album, delightfully titled 'Fuckin A' admittedly didn't make a big splash in the Kmart shopping demographic but did in fact solidify the sound The Thermals continue to refine. 'Fuckin A' sounded a little bit better, hit a little bit harder and quite generally raised the question 'Will this band be able to do something truly great?'

The answer comes in the form of the new Thermals album called 'The Body, The Blood, The Machine'. Barely 35 minutes in length, 'The Body, The Blood, The Machine' has arrived to an unsuspecting audience. I loved the first two Thermals albums, but did I need to sprint to my local record store to get their new record on the day of its release? Couldn't it wait until I was done listening to all of the other excellent new music? Couldn't I just get it on their Cursive tour and expect more of the same? It depends on what you want. The new record is lyrically leaps and bounds better than the first two releases and while the sound is not terribly new, it has what the other records can at times lack: replay value. When I received the promo copy of 'The Body, The Blood, The Machine' I listened to it 5 times in a row.

5 times in a row. It is far from boring.

Now, it's been a few years since I last saw the Portland, OR natives. However, I would suspect that their insane live show has been preserved for the spirited hooks of the new album. Do what you can to check out their collosal amount of live performances before their few weeks with Cursive and Chin Up Chin Up and make sure 'The Body, The Blood, The Machine' is given a chance to make your top records of the year list, as it so deserves.

The Thermals Tour Dates:
2006-09-02 Bumbershoot Seattle, WA
2006-09-03 Easy Street Seattle, WA FREE IN-STORE @ 5pm
2006-09-16 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
2006-09-22 Plyamkers Pavillion Fargo, ND #
2006-09-23 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN #
2006-09-24 Pabst Thater Milwaukee, WI #
2006-09-25 Metro Chicago, IL #
2006-09-26 Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI #
2006-09-27 House of Blues - Cleveland Cleveland, OH #
2006-09-28 Icon, The Buffalo, NY #
2006-09-29 Starlight Ballroom Philadelphia, PA #
2006-10-03 930 Club Washington, DC $
2006-10-04 Club Zoo Pittsburgh, PA $
2006-10-05 Southgate House Newport, KY $
2006-10-06 City Hall Nashville, TN $
2006-10-07 Mississippi Nights St. Louis, MO $
2006-10-08 Granada Theater Lawrence, KS $
2006-10-11 Haileys Denton, TX *
2006-10-12 Emos Austin, TX *
SEE BELOW
# - w/ Cursive and Ladyfinger
$ - w/ Cursive and The Detachment Kit
* - w/ Man Man

The Thermals Links:
The Thermals 'How We Know' Music Video
The Thermals 'No Culture Icons' Music Video
The Thermals 'The Body, The Blood, The Machine' Record Review by Pitchfork Media

Cursive / Chin Up Chin Up / The Thermals Tour Dates:
10.15.06 @ Ogden Theater | Denver, CO
10.17.06 @ In The Venue | Salt Lake City, UT
10.18.06 @ The Venue | Boise, ID
10.19.06 @ The Whitman College | Walla Walla, WA
10.20.06 @ Neumo's | Seattle, WA
10.21.06 @ Roseland Theatre | Portland, OR
10.23.06 @ The Fillmore | San Francisco, CA

cheers, baby

Art Brut (Review, Videos, Concert Dates, Links)

(image courtesy of Fierce Panda Records)

London's Art Brut is through and through a rock and roll band. With the release of a few singles before their much-appraised debut full-length entitled 'Bang Bang Rock and Roll', Art Brut has risen to critical acclaim on the strength of their cheeky singles about being part of the music industry, fighting, unrequited love and seeing girls naked ('TWICE!'). 'Bang Bang Rock and Roll' arrived to rave reviews in the UK in May of 2005 with their most recent single, 'Good Weekend', climbing to #56 on the national radio charts. The record also took the third position on Pitchfork Media's influential year-end top 50 records list for last year. Clocking in at a borderline ridiculous 32 minutes, the record is a blistering explosion of 70's punk laced with cynical social commentary on indie snobs, modern art as well as the acquisition of a 'brand new girlfriend'. With an uncompromising thoroughly British delivery, Art Brut has decided that they have too much attitude to even bother with actual singing, though Eddie Argos has insisted in the wonderful single 'Formed a Band' that 'Yes, this is [his] singing voice'. I feel compelled to believe him simply because of his insistence on this being fact, though realistically Argos is basically talking loudly over the blazing riffs of the album which seems to pride itself in being completely void of a track over 4 minutes.

I do wish to make it clear that even though this is the only non-rap album that I own where the artist communicates to the listener almost exclusively in diatribe form, 'Bang Bang Rock and Roll' is intensely enjoyable. Art Brut's commentary is scathingly clever and usually completely hilarious. The record is not going to provide anyone with a shoulder to cry on when the relationship with a significant other turns sour, it provides no insight in world conflict, and it certainly won't provide the aspiring guitar player with some challenging new riffs to tackle during practice. What the album does accomplish is providing some lighthearted criticism into the otherwise snooty indie rock scene while providing us with a collection of songs that are all capable of being successful singles that are as kitschy as they are catchy.

Having just wrapped up a short stint in the UK, Art Brut now plans to tackle the US with We Are Scientists and The Spinto Band over the next couple of months before gearing up to release their as-yet-untitled second record early next year. Make sure you catch them on this tour if you get the chance since the small venue gig probably won't be a reality if the next record even begins to match to absurdity and exposition of talent engulfed in 'Bang Bang Rock and Roll'.

Art Brut Tour Dates:
09-16 Sao Paulo, Brazil - Motormix
09-18 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle *
09-19 Atlanta, GA - Roxy *
09-20 Orlando, FL - The Social *
09-21 Miami, FL - Studio A *
09-22 Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder *
09-23 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jack's *
09-24 Houston, TX - Warehouse Live *
09-25 Austin, TX - Emo's *
09-26 Dallas, TX - Gypsy Tea Room *
09-28 Phoenix, AZ - Brickhouse Theater *
09-29 San Diego, CA - House of Blues *
09-30 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theater *
10-02 San Francisco, CA - Fillmore *
10-05 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre *
10-06 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom *
10-07 Seattle, WA - Neumos *
10-09 Salt Lake City, UT - In the Venue *
10-10 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater *
10-11 Lawrence, KS - Granada *
10-12 Chicago, IL - Metro *
10-13 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick *
10-14 Toronto, Ontario - Opera House *
10-15 Montreal, Quebec - La Tulipe *
10-16 Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs
10-17 Washington, DC - Black Cat
10-18 Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw
10-19 New York, NY - Irving Plaza
10-20 Philadelphia, PA - Starlight Ballroom
* - w/ We Are Scientists and The Spinto Band

Art Brut Links:
Art Brut performing 'Good Weekend' at the Pitchfork Music Festival (Video)
Art Brut performing Live at Tribeca Grand in NYC (Videos)

Band of Horses (Review, Tour Dates, Video, Links)

(photo: Robin Laananen)

In March, we were taken aback by a record that is nothing short of haunting and nothing less than completely wonderful for its entire duration of 36 short minutes. 'Everything All the Time' is one of the those records that bursts onto the scene rather than percolate quietly for several months before that prominent critic happens to find it in a stack of promos and freaks out when he or she figures out that we've all been had. In stark contrast, the debut record from Band of Horses made great waves in its initial weeks of release not due to innovation (which is to be recognized as an interesting reality in and of itself), but simply due to excellent songwriting. It's easy to write passionately about a band like Band of Horses because the way that they have garnered success and recognition is void of gimmick or even image. They just write insanely good songs and it is encouraging to me that there is still hope for great songs in the music industry.

Hailing from rainy Seattle, WA, Band of Horses has toured relentlessly since the release of their record, which will certainly be counted as one of the finest to be released in 2006. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Ben Bridwell and cofounded with guitarist Mat Brooke, Band of Horses rose from the ashes of Carrisa's Weird. Attention for the band came in a few opening spots for indie-folk darlings Iron and Wine eventually leading to the signing of a record deal with everyone's favorite indie-label-that's-pretty-much-a-major-label-due-to-the-incredible-success-of-its-artists, Subpop Records. Reveling in comparisons to the vocal stylings of the Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne and My Morning Jacket's Jim James, I prefer to think of Bridwell as sounding a bit more like the Shins' James Mercer soaked in reverb, an effect that suits the sound of the band exceedingly well. It is hard to pin down the musical tendencies of Band of Horses in the way that we usually do, in the style of an equation: if David Hasselhoff had a love-child with Fran Drescher, it would equal the Moldy Peaches for example. Rather, Band of Horses is quite simply amazing and accessible rock music.

It is not necessary to try and pidgeon-hole the band because frankly, they make some of the most inoffensive and catchy music that I have heard all year. 'Everything All the Time' is short and partially due to its length, we can enjoy the record several times in a day. The record itself is so varied in sound from song to song from the sweeping Sunny Day Real Estate soundscape of 'The First Song' to the bouncy and tongue-in-cheek 'Our Swords' all the way to the acoustic closing ballad, 'St. Augustine', that this record couldn't be boring if it wanted to. The boys are about to embark on US tour, so be sure to catch them in your town and if you feel so inclined, some of the neighboring ones. This is probably the last time we'll see these amazing songwriters in a live setting where we may be able to see the expression on their faces before they start selling out football stadiums.

Band of Horses Tour Dates:
2006-09-04 Fine Line Music Cafe - Minneapolis, MN #
2006-09-05 Metro - Chicago, IL #
2006-09-06 Alchemize Bar - Cincinnati, OH #
2006-09-08 Paradise - Boston, MA #
2006-09-09 Hamilton College Annex - Clinton, NY #
2006-09-10 Webster Hall - New York City, NY #
2006-09-11 Webster Hall - New York City, NY #
2006-09-13 Black Cat - Washington, DC #
2006-09-14 Cats Cradle - Carrbor, NC #
2006-09-15 Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC #
2006-09-16 Village Tavern -  Mt. Pleasant, SC #
2006-09-17 Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA #
2006-09-18 Headliners - Columbia, SC #
2006-09-19 Exit/In - Nashville, TN #
2006-09-20 Bottletree - Birmingham, AL #
2006-09-21 Proud Larrys - Oxford, MS #
2006-09-23 Conservatory, The - Oklahoma City, OK #
2006-09-24 Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS #
2006-09-26 Fox Theater - Boulder, CO #
2006-09-28 Club Sound - Salt Lake City, UT #
2006-09-30 Epicentre - San Diego, CA #
2006-10-02 Avalon, The - Los Angeles, CA #
2006-10-03 Avalon, The - Los Angeles, CA #
2006-10-04 Fillmore, The - San Francisco, CA #
2006-10-06 W.O.W. Hall - Eugene, OR #
2006-10-29 Vegoose Festival - Las Vegas, NV
2006-11-02 Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
2006-11-04 Showbox - Seattle, WA #
2006-11-05 Showbox - Seattle, WA #
# - w/ Chad VanGaalen

Band of Horses Links:
'Everything All the Time' Pitchfork Album Review
Band of Horses Article in Harp Magazine
Band of Horses Subpop Artist Page
'The Funeral' Music Video

cheers, baby

Murder By Death (Review, Live Concert Dates, Links)

(flyer courtesy of murderbydeath.com)

Indiana's Murder By Death is a strange beast. Armed with an electrifying live performance, this formerly 5-piece now 4-piece makes music entirely unlike any other band in popular music. Lifting their name from a Neil Simon movie starring Truman Capote, Murder By Death makes a unique brand of indie rock meets country noir with lyrics that read like old western wanted posters. Vocalist and guitarist Adam Turla sounds like a young Johnny Cash telling of hangings and unlawful behavior over abrasive cello and minor key melodies, especially on the wonderful new track, 'One More Notch'. For one to garner an adequate understanding of band's energy and appeal, look no further than the first single from their new record ('In Bocca Al Lupo') entitled 'Brother' in which Turla sings 'I know there's better brothers but you're the only one that's mine'. The song stands as a fitting introduction to the variety of elements that comprise the sound that the band has carved and demands the attention of serious music fans. Backed by Sarah Balliet on cello and keys, Alex Schrodt keeping time and Matt Armstrong on bass, Murder By Death have filled a niche in indie music that we never knew needed to be filled.

'In Bocca Al Lupo' (which translates 'in the mouth of the wolf') finds the band in the midst of a rich maturation process as the instrumentation stands as more lush and interesting than the previous concept album about the Devil taking over a small Mexican town, 'Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them?' (which must not be understated as it is an immediately appealing and tremendous record in its own right). The new album sounds even farther away than the substantially instrumental first record, accurately titled 'Like the Exorcist, But More Breakdancing'. 'In Bocca Al Lupo' is characterized by loaded soundscapes and wonderfully disturbing lyrics, requiring repeated listenings in order to fully realize the concepts and ideas that are offered. The record comes to us via the band's new label, Tent Show Records, leaving them with complete creative freedom and room to make the record they were truely meant to make as a growing and potential-filled band. Admittedly, the result is excellent. Do whatever you can to catch Murder By Death on tour this next month as they travel the country with (and gracefully steal the show from) The Appleseed Cast, Unwed Sailor and Sam Lowry.

Murder By Death Tour Dates:
9.14.06 Hightone Cafe - Memphis, TN #
9.16.06 Austin City Limits - Austin, TX
9.17.06 The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK #
9.18.06 Outland Ballroom - Springfield, MO #
9.19.06 Sokol Underground - Omaha, NE #
9.20.06 The Maintenance Shop - Ames, IA #
9.21.06 The Canopy Club - Urbana, IL w/ Margot & the Nuclear So & So's, Shipwreck, Low Skies
# - w/ The Appleseed Cast, Unwed Sailor, Sam Lowry

Murder By Death Links:
Murder By Death Music Videos and Streaming Audio
Murder By Death 'In Bocca Al Lupo' Album Reviews

cheers, baby

Wolf Parade (Review, Tour Dates, Videos, and Links)

(image courtesy of Subpop)

I can't say that I enjoyed Wolf Parade at first listen. The first time that I heard them, it was prior to the release of their now modern-classic caliber first album 'Apologies to the Queen Mary' and they were opening for one of my all-time favorite bands, The Arcade Fire, who I was seeing for the first time more than a year after the release of the seminal 'Funeral' record. They were playing a large venue called the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland, Oregon. Now, the risk of the large venue is the shoddy representation with which you may be presented of a band with whom you're not familiar. The sound was boomy and borderline painful. I hated Wolf Parade. Therefore, it's easy to see why a fan of music such as myself would avoid the debut record despite glowing reviews from virtually every major Baby-trusted publication.

I decided that I would listen to a free mp3 on the Subpop website in order to judge for myself if I had been misled by the difficulty I had with Wolf Parade during their live performance. The upbeat number, 'Shine a Light' came off as a standard rock song upon first listen so I listened again to the song from the annoying headphones of my school's computer lab PC. I was starting to warm up to the growling melody of the song as it intensified throughout the entirety of its short length. I found myself singing the song for the rest of my otherwise tedious school day which culminated in my purchase of 'Apologies to the Queen Mary' after my last class. I listened to it the next day on my way to school, stood relatively unaffected by the first couple of songs, but then came the stunning 'Grounds For Divorce'. I extended my walk by taking a route that would allow me to complete the record once which resulted in me enjoying the record in a way that mirrors my first few listenings of the Arcade Fire record. It is an immediately appealing record that flows like water with spots of staggering brilliance scattered throughout. Only through repeated listens can one isolate these instances (and they are legion) and anticipate them in listening to the record in its entirety while still preserving their occurrences as suprising and new each time.

I have not been fortunate enough to see Wolf Parade again since my trying first experience with them, but it is something that I fully intend on doing. For those living in a few select cities, you can still catch them play a few new numbers beside the wonderful songs from their debut album. I believe that we can expect great things from Wolf Parade. It will just take a little time.

Wolf Parade Tour Dates:
2006-08-25 Wiltern Theater Los Angeles, CA #
2006-08-27 In The Venue Salt Lake City, UT #
2006-08-28 Fox Theater Boulder, CO #
2006-08-29 Granada Theater Lawrence, KS #
2006-08-31 Kraftbrau Kalamazoo, MI #
2006-09-03 Osheaga Festival Montreal, PQ
2006-09-15 Austin City Limits Festival Austin, TX
2006-10-20 Airwaves Festival Reykjavik, Iceland
# - w/ Frog Eyes

Wolf Parade Links:
Wolf Parade Videos
Wolf Parade Interview with Cokemachineglow
Wolf Parade Album Lyrics
Wolf Parade Live Concert Review

baby

Jose Gonzalez (Review, Tour Dates, Links)

(photo courtesy of Imperial Recordings)

Jose Gonzalez has only recently burst onto the independent music scene but has made some considerable strides not only in popularity but also in songwriting since his initial work on various EP's. Gonzalez writes songs that are engaging beyond their miniscule length and sports an intimate live performance that could nearly lull one to sleep if one's guard is let down. Compiling tracks from previously released EP's and other songs as well (including but by no means limited to his staggering cover of 'Heartbeats' by The Knife), the Argentinean born Swede Gonzalez released the lovely 'Veneer' in Europe in 2003 before releasing it in the US in September of 2005 on Imperial Recordings/Mute Records.

Jose Gonzalez writes songs flavored almost entirely with nimble classical acoustic guitar backing Nick Drake vocal stylings. Drake stands as one of the most immediate influences apparent in Gonzalez's songwriting as 'Veneer' can be closely traced back to the seminal acoustic classic, 'Red House Painters frontman Mark Kozelek as the vocals on 'Veneer' may seem shallow at first but are deepened considerably by repeated listening. It is a half-hour of music that is to be cherished for years to come.

I was fortunate enough to catch Gonzalez on his recent headlining tour of the US at a bar near my home in Portland, OR. He played a wonderful set following some equally wonderful sets by fellow Argentinean singer-songwriterJuana Molina and European popsters, Psapp. He performed much of 'Veneer' as well as a choice cover of Joy Division's timeless 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' to close the set. If you are able, his live presence is highly recommended.

Jose Gonzalez Tour Dates:
26 aug US San Diego ................. House of Blues #
27 aug US Los Angeles ............... Hollywood Bowl *
29 aug US San Francisco .... The Fillmore Auditorium #
30 aug US San Francisco .... The Fillmore Auditorium #
01 sep US Portland ................. Wonder Ballroom #
02 sep CAN Vancouver ............ Commodore Ballroom #
03 sep US Seattle ...................... Bumbershoot #
06 sep US Englewood ................. Gothic Theatre #
08 sep US Minneapolis ......... Fine Line Music Cafe #
09 sep US Chicago ........................ Park West #
10 sep CAN Toronto .......................... V Fest #
12 sep US Boston ................... Avalon Ballroom #
13 sep US Washington ..................... 9:30 Club #
14 sep US Philadelphia ...... Theatre of Living Arts #
15 sep US New York .................... Webster Hall #
16 sep US New York .................... Webster Hall #
17 sep US Austin ................ Austin City Limits
20 sep US Charlottesville .... Starr Hill Music Hall
21 sep US Carrboro .................... Cat's Cradle
22 sep US Asheville .................... Orange Peel
23 sep US Atlanta ......................... The Earl
24 sep US Knoxville .................. Bijou Theatre
25 sep US Birmingham .................... Bottletree
26 sep US New Orleans ........ House of Blues Parish
29 sep US San Antonio .................... Limelight
30 sep US Dallas .................... Gypsy Tea Room
02 oct US Tucson ............................. Plush
* - solo w/ Gotan Project, Zero 7 and Herbert
# - solo set and performance with Zero 7

Jose Gonzalez Links:
Jose Gonzalez NPR Interview
Advertisement for the Sony Bravia featuring 'Heartbeats'
Jose Gonzalez Live Review

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The Shins (Review, Tour Dates, Music, and Links)

(photo courtesy of Todd Baxter)

The Albuquerque, New Mexico band The Shins, playing music together since 1997, have been an everpresent force in pop music since the time so long ago before Zach Braff's Garden State (which I must say has fallen victim to the law of diminishing returns) and their song 'New Slang' changed Natalie Portman's life. Their lo-fi masterpiece, 'Oh, Inverted World' has made more of an impact on indie rock than many would be comfortable to admit since its release in 2001. 'New Slang', a single from the 2001 release went onto bigger and better things than its younger song siblings from the 2003 sophomore record 'Chutes Too Narrow' mostly due to the success of Garden State and consistent radio airplay. The result was a tragically overlooked second record whose odd melodies and inventive lyrical content showcased a more mature and interesting Shins band. The tour that resulted from 'Chutes Too Narrow' supported by The Fiery Furnaces was exceedingly well-attended and catapulted the band into mainstream popularity admidst tremendous respect from the independent music community, a feat that is not often accomplished by any band. The band continues to bring its quirky brand of pop music to larger venues and their audience grows exponentially with their warm and spirited live performances despite their slim catalogue.

Most recently, The Shins have completed their new record to be entitled 'Wincing The Night Away' and stands to complete the band's contract with Subpop Records in January of 2007. With a few scheduled tour dates before the release of the new album, The Shins will launch a full-scale concert tour following its release.

The Shins Concert Dates:
09-15 Austin, TX - Stubb's (Austin City Limits afterparty)
09-16 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits
09-30 Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater (Download Festival)
11-02 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom (Sub Pop CMJ showcase)

The Shins Music:
Kissing The Lipless from Chutes Too Narrow

The Shins Links:
The Shins Interview with NPR
The Shins Subpop Page
The Shins Videos
The Shins 'Chutes Too Narrow' Album Review
The Shins 'Oh, Inverted World' Album Review

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Hot Chip Will Break Your Legs (Review, Tour Schedule, and Links)

(photo courtesy of Astralwerks)
                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Hot Chip are the wonderful electronic duo of Joe Goddard and Alexis Taylor from London. Thick textures and dancy hip-hop grooves are characteristic in their full-length debut 'Coming On Strong' and their most recent offering, 'The Warning'. The group allegedly spawned from an 'impromptu wrestling match' in their schoolyard and the resulting recordings are relentlessly catchy, hook-filled, and flavored with influences that can be traced back to Prince and Timbaland as well as their labelmates LCD Soundsystem and The Juan MacLean. The live performance is rounded out by synth player Owen Clarke, Felix Martin manning the drum machine and Al Doyle on everything else.

The band is currently on tour toting their grooves across the globe hitting most of Europe in September and October before heading out on their first US headlining tour in November. All US dates are supported by The Wonderful Shy Child and Born Ruffians.

Hot Chip concert photos:

(photos courtesy of The Machine)

European Tour Schedule:
September:
12th, Prime Club, Cologne, Germany
13th, Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
15th, Little Vega, Copenhagen, Denmark
17th, Kagelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
19th, Lido, Berlin, Germany
20th, Uebel Gefaehrlich, Hamburg, Germany
21st, Alter Feuerwach, Mannheim, Germany
22nd, Atomic Cafe, Munich, Germany
23rd, Rainbow, Milan, Italy
26th, Bikini, Barcelona, Spain
27th, Nincasi, Lyon, France
28th, Festival, Tulle, France
29th, Maroquinerie, Paris, France
30th, Osophere Festival, Strasbourg, France
October:
1st, Botanique Festival, Brussels, Belgium
2nd, Ambassador, Dublin, Ireland
8th, The Old Firestation, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
9th, Anson Rooms, Bristol, United Kingdom
10th, Irish Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
11th, Astoria, London, United Kingdom
12th, Waterfront, Norwich, United Kingdom
13th, Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, United Kingdom
14th, Academy 2, Manchester, United Kingdom
16th, Arches, Glasgow, United Kingdom
17th, MOSHULU, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
19th, Metropolitan University, Leeds, United Kingdom
20th, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
21st, Leadmill, Sheffield, United Kingdom

USA Tour Schedule:
November:
1st, Sonar, Baltimore, MD, USA
2nd, Webster Hall, New York, NY, USA
3rd, Pure, Philadelphia, PA, USA
4th, Paradise, Boston, MA, USA
5th, La Sala Rossa, Montreal, PQ, Canada
6th, The Mod Club, Toronto, ON, Canada
7th, Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH, USA
8th, Wexner Centre, Columbus, OH, USA
10th, Metro, Chicago, IL, USA
11th, First Avenue, Minneapolis, MA, USA
14th, Neumos, Seattle, WA, USA
15th, Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR, USA
17th, Mezzanine, San Francisco, CA, USA
18th, Ex_Plh, Los Angeles, CA, USA
19th, Casbah, San Diego, CA, USA

Hot Chip links:
Hot Chip Interview with the Daily Californian
Hot Chip Interview Musichawk Message Board
Hot Chip Label: DFA Records

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