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.

The Countdown Begins!

Now that we're knees deep into September, there is a lot of chatter about Fest. Buying Tickets. Booking Hotels. Possibility of House Shows. Everyone's all about it. Especially, taking days off work for it... my favorite part.

I have never gone to Fest but what I've heard is that is exhausting, uncomfortably hot and crowded, but the most fun you'll have all year. I'm pretty siked about attending Fest 9 in Gainesville, Fl.

Kite Party

My internet has been down for a week and... I'm still alive. But in all honesty, my ipod is boring the hell out of me.  It's been deprived of good local music for too long.  So, I just downloaded Kite Party's free EP from their bandcamp and you should too.  Kite Party's another indie PA band that'll catch your ears.  I wasn't sure if I liked them the first time I listened... but they're a keeper for sure.  They sound like... a subdued version of Junior Astronomers... but of course no one is like JA!  I'd only be lying to you if I said that... Enjoy.

More Free Downloads

Until this summer, I never noticed the trend of bands promoting free downloads of their EPs and even full length albums. Yeah well, if you enjoyed my last post go to A Great Big Pile of Leaves' myspace. In the left column you will find two links to download both of their EPs... free of charge. This band has replaced Tigers Jaw in my rotation the last two days. Give them a listen and let me know which band you like best.

A Great Pile Of Leaves--Mystery of the Brain by OTMP

Love Affair with Title Fight//Tigers Jaw

It's about that time when I upload a playlist of my current rotation, but there's a problem. The past month or so, my rotation has been almost non-existent.  I've been listening to Tigers Jaw non-stop... and when I get sick of them I listen to Title Fight for the longest... when I need a break from Title Fight I return to Tigers Jaw... and the cycle continues.  

For someone who loves finding new music, you could say I'm stuck on those two bands.  They're so good, though!  Definitely the only two bands who fit my mood(s) the past one or two months.

Tigers Jaw is an indie band from Scranton, PA... home of The Dunder Mifflin paper company (I couldn't resist it, sorry!). If you are fond of Saves The Day, The Get Up Kids, or Lemuria, you will appreciate their music.  You might agree that one of the vocalists sound similar to Chris Conley from Saves The Day.  And Tiger Jaw's other vocalist sounds a lot like Lemuria's drummer/vocalist, Alex Kerns.  I recommend listening to their self-titled album, 'Tigers Jaw.' As well as their latest album... Balance and Composure/Tigers Jaw split.  Their overall sound has a satisfying balance between emo and indie.  And their lyrics are symbolic, relatable and catchy.  They're hitting the road with Man Overboard this summer... I'd love to see them get their name out there!

And Title Fight?  Ohhh, Title Fight... I'm having a love affair with this band!  I've been listening to them since Rad Fest and I can't stop playing them in my car. The majority of their songs on 'The Last Thing You Forget' album are very energetic but not so happy-go-lucky.  "Why not tie a noose around my neck? I'm sure it'd be much more subtle than everything that you said."  Title Fight is also from Pennsylvania--Kingston, to be exact.  I'm almost positive these guys are all younger than me but I give them a lot of props.  They've developed their own unique sound, making them stand apart from bands in their own genre.  Earlier this year they were in Europe with Polar Bear Club and Shook Ones.  And in the fall they are going overseas again, headed to Japan!  Have a safe trip guys.

I only found one decent recording of Tigers Jaw... so I uploaded three from my own computer because I'm awesome like that!  Enjoy.

TIGERS JAW-I Saw Water

TIGERS JAW-The Sun

TIGERS JAW-Plane Vs Tank Vs Submarine

Big Announcement

Earlier this week, The Wonder Years hinted they had a big announcement to make... they kept quiet until today.  If your first assumption is they're going on a hiatus or breaking up... well.  You are very wrong.  Actually it's the opposite: The Wonder Years have signed to Hopeless Records.  The contract is complete, so it's most definitely official!

Growing up, I always had mixed feelings when a band got signed to a big label.  I'm sure it's out of pure selfishness of wanting them to stay obscure... as well as the fear of the band no longer upholding the DIY aspect of punk and indie rock.  But I'm beginning to grow out of that mind set.  Any band that works hard and tours as much as TWY deserves to be signed to a reputable label.  Fortunately for them, Hopeless Records signs a modest number of bands at a time.  This means that the label picks the very best musicians and has plenty of time, resources, and energy to devote to their bands in order to give them the best quality of publicity and promotions--which they deserve.  


The signing of TWY is not surprising since they were recently on tour in Australia.  Any band who has a large fan base in other countries just blows me away.  That's when you truly know you've made it big.  Your paycheck or car may not show it... but once you influence people around the world... Well, that's kinda a big deal.  Don'tcha think?  So, congrats to The Wonder Years.  Sounds like 2010 is going to be a good year for them.

Free Download

Just in... literally, in my email inbox.  Junior Astronomers have finished recording their EP with Kris from Solo Sound Studio at Legitimate Business in Greensboro, NC.  I won't get upset if you haven't heard of them... You could think of them as one of Charlotte's many prized secrets... or at least I do.  Junior Astronomers fit in the "indie" genre but have a raw, upbeat flair.  Their music is a breath of fresh air and their lyrics are metaphorical... they stand apart from any band you've heard, I'm sure!  Today, I'm actually hooking you up with their EP before even listening to it.  This band always receives good remarks so I do not see how this EP could be any different.

Whoa whoa whoaaah. I almost forgot! I almost forgot to distribute the goods! Check out JA recording their EP in this quirky video.  And here's the free download as promised.  JA are awesome guys on stage and as human beings.  Show them love on myspace and of course, facebook!  Jam out.

Rad Fest Recap

Not attending Rad Fest due to money is understandable because travel expenses, tickets, and food will eat away at your wallet.  Not attending Rad Fest because you're unfamiliar with most of the bands is, well... unacceptable. It is illogical to think you need to familiarize yourself with each bands' myspace to have a good time because you naturally walk in and out of venues while waiting for your favorite bands to play.  Doing so, I made new friends and discovered new bands.

Unforgettable Performances

• RVIVR
• Night Birds
• Young Livers

Largest Audience

• Lemuria
• The Measure
• Young Livers

Regrettably Missed

• Landmines
• Battle!
• Fin Fang Foom
• Coke Bust

Favorite Merch

• How Dare You
• Lemuria

Rad Fest 2010

Website: Rad Fest NC

Rad Fest.  Rad-freaking-Fest.  What does it entail?  Over 100 signed and unsigned bands from all over--Canada, Colorado, Florida... you best believe!  Oh, and don't let me forget to mention the Beach.  Sweat.  & Parties.  Get stoked on it.


I'm still looking through the list of bands.  At the moment I am prioritizing Lemuria, Cheap Girls, Battle!, How Dare You, and Junior Battles... I guess you can say in that order.  I'm sure they'll be more bands I come across before or during the Wilmington extravaganza.  If there are any bands I failed to highlight let me know so I can check them out.


I hope everyone has a fun-action-packed weekend... if not, drive down to Wilmington and say what's up!


Rad Fest bands listed below.  
Click on their name to view their myspace page.

• 10-4 Eleanor
• After The Fall
• American Armada
• The Anchor
• Anchor Arms
• Ann Beretta
• Annabel
• Army of Ponch
• Assassinate the Scientist
• Averkiou
• Barnaby Jones
• Battle!
• Beard of Antlers
• Blacklist Royals
• Black Wine
• Captain, We're Sinking!
• The Cardinal Health
• Cheap Girls
• Cloak/Dagger
• Coffee Project
• Colossus
• Constrictor
• Criminal Culture
• Dirty Tactics
• The Dopamines
• Dude Jams
• The Emotron
• Fin Fang Foom
• Fossil Arm
• Freeman
• The Future Now
• GDP
• Gatorface
• Grabass Charlestons
• Greenland is Melting
• The Holy Mess
• Homemade Handgrenade
• How Dare You
• imadethismistake
• Jon Gaunt
• Junior Battles
• Landmines
• Leatherface
• Lemuria
• Lighten Up
• Liquid Limbs
• Little League
• Madison Bloodbath
• The Measure (SA)
• Mockingbird Wish Me Luck
• Mose Giganticus
• Mourning Is For Suckers
• Monikers
• Mouthbreather
• Museum Mouth
• New Bruises
• New Mexican Disaster Squad
• Night Birds
• Ninja Gun
• NoMore
• None More Black
• Nothing In The Dark
• Nothington
• O Pioneers!!!
• Prevenge
• One Win Choice
• Over Stars and Gutters
• P.S. Eliot
• PJ Bond
• Panthro UK United 13
• Photoclub
• Polygon
• Protagonist
• Red City Radio
• Red Clay River
• Red Collar
• Rehasher
• Reverse the Curse
• The Riot Before
• Rob Huddleston and Foundation
• RVIVR
• The Sainte Catherines
• Senders
• Sharks Come Cruisin
• Sleepies
• The Slow Death
• The Shaking Hands
• The Snips
• Something Fierce
• Spanish Gamble
• The Takers
• Tin Armor
• Todd Congelliere
• Too Many Daves
• Two Hand Fools
• Toys That Kill
• Underground Railroad to Candyland
• Vegan Coke
• Very Magic
• Virgins
• We Are The Union
• White Tiger and the Bed of Roses
• Worn In Red
• Young Livers

It happens.

Life definitely caught up with me.  Although I've been absent for over a week now, I have some awesome posts coming up in the near future.  However, today I just want to share my college graduation gift with you.

I've been playing for six months now and it blows my mind how enjoyable the learning process has been.  Drums are annoyingly difficult when it comes to recording but I might throw a few audio tracks of myself playing.  Don't hold me to it though.

Anyways, I suggest you return back to find out which fest I'm attending this summer.  So stoked.

Lemuria 24/7

Photo Credit: My good friend, Angela Owens

I've been listening to Lemuria nonstop the last 24 hours. As you already know, they recently signed to Bridge 9 Records which is awesome. So I made a Lemuria playlist to distract you until my life goes back to normal--Wednesday. Gotta love finals week....

Living With Lions

I love finding new music. I have some friends who are still stuck on the bands we were into during high school. To this day, they refuse to listen to anything else. Since you're reading this blog I'm assuming you're on the opposite end of that spectrum. So check out Living With Lions. They're a pop punk band with rugged vocals--my fave. Let me know what you think.



Living With Lions @ Myspace

In My Headphones

I've been incredibly busy lately. So for now, check out some of the tunes I've been listening to. The past few weeks, I've been really into slow paced, chill, indie sort of music. I rarely like slow songs but perhaps it's because I'm stressed out. Listening to Lydia is soothing during stressful days like these.

Good morning, Soupy!

  

Photo Credit: Dan Bassini

Have you ever woken up with a song in your head?  I suppose you could say an internal alarm clock woke me up this morning.  My eyes opened 10 minutes before my alarm and Dan ("Soupy") Campbell from The Wonder Years sang in my ear,

"I don't think I love anything the way that some people love Morrissey.  
It's just that nothing speaks to me that way..."

It's Never Sunny In South Philadelphia is one of the many songs I love by The Wonder Years but I haven't listened to them in a while... Probably not since their show with Crime In Stereo and Just Die!--which by the way, was an awesome show!  I'll have to write about that another time.

The Wonder Years-"It's Never Sunny In South Philadelphia"