Moshing in the New Year

Incidentally, I rang in the new year moshing at a house show in my hometown (NC).  Not trying to knock on house shows or anything, but I was bummed I couldn't find anything better to do on New Year's Eve. The venues I've spent NYE before were all having DJ's or some type of dance/electronica party--huge let down.  But the house show turned out to be a lot fun after all... THANK GOD.

No Power and Joint Damage played.  I thought for sure it would be packed inside and I'd end up stuck outside listening to bands in the cold.  Living in California makes anything below 60 feel cold.  This time around I managed to be inside.

I haven't seen No Power since their second show, ever... which was probably this time last year at another house.  They were just okay but last night they were great.  Granted they were on a hiatus due to their vocalist moving to New York, but I noticed an immense improvement!  They've definitely grown as a band.

Joint Damage is another hardcore band from Charlotte, NC that I like.  They played last and I was bummed when it was over.  The music had me dancing, or was it the wine I was drinking?  Whatever it was, I found myself in the pit.  I forgot how moshing is fun when there aren't jerks trying to act bigger and stronger than everyone.  But yeah.  Joint Damage finished their set a few seconds before the count down.

Happy New Year.

The Lemonheads

My gears have shifted into reverse.  For months and months now, I've been listening to classic and 90's rock.  I still support today's local music scene but I've begun to listen to a lot of older stuff... The Beatles, Lynrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty, The Beach Boys, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Pink Floyd... and so forth!

It's almost no different to me because remnants of older music generations are audible in today's underground rock culture.

Anyways, I've spent the morning working on my thesis while listening to The Lemonheads.  If you have a Spottify account you should check out, The Best of the Lemonheads album.

Good stuff.

Tigers Jaw: Two Worlds (released 11/23/10)

Now, if you’re a Tigers Jaw fan (like myself) you must know this album is subdued, in comparison to their self-titled album and Balance & Composure split.  Overall, the album is ‘okay.’ I like this album but a vast majority of the songs are very tame and muted… Maybe that’s just what they were going for but no song truly stands among the rest. 

I recommend listening to “Test Pattern” because it sounds similar to their older stuff.  Although “Smile” embraces the tone of Two Worlds, it is one of my favorite songs on this album. In essence, if you’re a Tigers Jaw fan you will enjoy this album.  But if you have never given them a listen, don’t let this album be your first impression of them.  Their previous album remains my favorite.

What 2011 brings

Another new year.


I’m not sure if I’ll ever understand why people get so hyped about the new year. The only thing I sincerely look forward to each year are all the upcoming releases and bands getting back on the road...touring. It’s as if a reset button is pressed and the anticipation of x number album releases and x shows and fests returns.


The number one thing I look forward to in 2011 is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of The Fest in Gainesville, Fl. Remember the anticipation of Christmas as a kid? That’s exactly how I feel about Fest. The other fest I’m looking forward to is Stay Sweet Fest in Richmond, VA (April 15-17). Then of course Treasure Fest in Charlotte, NC (May 20-22)... It’s pretty much a big deal for my hometown.


And now, 2011 releases I’m looking forward to... as should you:
Feb 22-man overboard-absolute worst


March 8- Defeater- empty days and sleepless nights


April 26- Small Brown Bike-fell & found


April 26- Explosions in the Sky- take care, take care, take care


May 3- Title Fight


Spring 2011-Balance & Composure


Early 2011- The Dangerous Summer


Early 2011- Touche Amore


Unknown 2011- Braid


I’m pretty stoked about 2011.

Toe from Japan

Toe is another great instrumental band. The drummer is pretty ridiculous and makes the beats look so easy and incorporates a lot of different 'sounds' (for lack of a better word). I'm way into this band and of course they're an international band... so there's a fat chance I'll ever see them live.

Pelican

I've been listening to them a lot. As well as humming their tunes since that's really all you can do for an instrumental band. Their album, City of Echoes, is great. Really low key and chill but does not drone on. It's perfect for when you aren't 'in the mood' for anything that's on your ipod.

Fest 9 Schedule

Fest finally posted their schedule!  Check it out here.