Review: The Black Keys - El Camino (4 Stars)

Alright, so playing catchup here because I ACTUALLY WROTE A FULL REVIEW and then didn't put it up here.

Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are the hard-working rockers that could. With a modest beginning ten years ago and a steady rise to both critical acclaim and, eventually, mainstream popularity (not to mention Grammy awards), you could almost consider the Black Keys the musical manifestation of the American dream. Their determination and consistency make them easy to root for, but more importantly, they're making rock-'n'-roll that people actually listen to. Perhaps that doesn't mean much to everyone, but consider, for a moment, the bands currently occupying space on the Billboard Top 200 Chart that even remotely resemble rock music: Nickleback, Coldplay, and…Florence + the Machine, maybe? While you could argue that Jack White helps the cause by continuing to release records through his various projects, the point that popular rock-'n'-roll is scarce these days is all too easy to make. I give that context not as an excuse to continue my tradition of heaping praise upon the Black Keys, but to offer an estimation that the band's latest record, El Camino, is the perfect rock-'n'-roll album for 2011. (Continue reading @ In Review Online)

Introducing...Stepdad

Formed by roommates ultramark (yes, ultramark) and Ryan McCarthy in Chicago in 2009 and later expanding to a four-person roster for touring purposes, Stepdad is an enormously fun electro-pop band that has released one of the best and most infectious EPs I've heard this year. The band's debut, Ordinaire, was first released in 2010, but this remastered and expanded version (stretched to the LP-appropriate length of 40 minutes) seems to be making the rounds more quickly - and I'm certainly glad it found its way to me.

The EP begins with the thunderous, brooding "Jungles," but from there on out you'll find brighter, more Nintendo-flavored pop tunes full of both gleeful electronic riffs and ultramark's soaring vocals. The album ranges from driving 8-bit anthems ("Wolf Slaying as a Hobby") to disarmingly sweet ballads ("Parrot") and is strong throughout, but the standout here is the oddball pop tune "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails," which best exemplifies the band's way of squeezing constant hooks from their unique electronic palette.

The real appeal of Ordinaire lies the band's ability to make sonic sugariness and geeky sentimentality not just a gimmick but a genuinely effective and enjoyable part of their pop sound. For those with a musical sweet tooth, Stepdad should hit the spot.

Listen to "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails" below and make sure to check out the band's Bandcamp page to stream/purchase the full thing.

Bandcamp

Concert Review: Akron/Family with Delicate Steve

March 28, 2011
Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City

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Delicate Steve

There wasn't a huge crowd at Urban Lounge to see Akron/Family perform, and before the headliners an even smaller crowd was treated to the intricate arrangements of (mostly) instrumental band Delicate Steve, an experimentally-minded but fun-loving rock group. The band bears the name of lead guitarist Steve Marion, but the set was much more than just a showcase for his excellent guitar playing. Each of the five members contributed to successfully recreate the group’s cheerfully varied rock style, with songs ranging from triumphant pop anthems to breezy, melodic jams.

The group opened modestly with a mix of tribal percussion and subtle guitar interplay, but soon broke out into some more anthemic material that encouraged a small yet enthusiastic dance session near the stage. At times Steve would show off with some flashy guitar work and at others he would fade into the mix to help the band create more restrained sonic textures. Each piece was interesting, but the audience was most appreciative of the more up-tempo numbers, especially the penultimate tune, a fiery alt-blues stomp that features some seriously impressive shredding.

For the last song, Steve took his guitar down to the small dance party on the floor while the band pounded away on stage, never missing a beat and offering a solid finale to a strong opening performance. Delicate Steve may be a young band, but the quintet played with the precision and intelligence of seasoned pros. Definitely a band worth experiencing live if you have the chance.

Akron/Family

Right from the beginning of their set, it was clear that Akron/Family was going to take their time that evening. They spent some time chatting with the crowd, extolling the virtues of an all-week weekend (this was a Monday show) before launching into a quiet, nature-sounds-infused introduction that must have lasted for five minutes as the band waited patiently for the crowd to quiet. As the noise of the audience died down, the band launched into a delicate blending of voices that demanded everyone’s attention, but the crowd really got going with beginning of the next song, “River,” which involved a great deal of audience participation in the form of clapping and chanting along.

In fact, the band members nearly demanded such participation throughout the evening. At one point guitarist Seth Olinsky lead the crowd in a group meditation session, for another song everyone was encouraged to sing along for what seemed like a ten-minute chorus. And when they weren’t interacting with the audience, the trio were feverishly playing on stage with energetic riffs, spectacular harmonies and deafening blasts of noise. Bassist Miles Seaton even managed to play the bass with his mouth for while.

But it wasn’t all just gimmicks and insanity, Akron/Family is a talented bunch that provided some great moments that night. “Everyone is Guilty” and “Another Sky” were especially electrifying, showing the band’s ability to write and perform deliriously fun pop hooks. The problem was, by 1 a.m. the band had pretty well worn out the audience, trying our patience with a few too many extended jam sessions and head-exploding bursts of noise. Even the encore was a bit of a chore in its length, but the final moments of the show were beautiful, an a capella sing-a-long that faded softly and smoothly, ending a sometimes thrilling, sometimes trying performance on the perfect note. I think it’s safe to say Akron/Family puts on a truly unique show, but be warned, it certainly requires some stamina.

Three for Tuesday: U.S. Royalty, Snowblink, Young Circles

U.S. Royalty -

Up-and-coming quartet U.S. Royalty (hailing, appropriately, from Washington D.C.) have been making some waves this year with their debut album, Mirrors. Combining classic rock 'n' roll elements with bits of folk and indie rock, frontman John Thornley and company have released a solid first effort with songs ranging from Local Natives-esque anthems ("Equestrian") to fiery blues stomps ("Hollywood Hollows") to beautifully melodic ballads ("Old Flames"). Personally, I think the band is at their best when they hold to the more classic elements of their sound, but Mirrors proves U.S. Royalty has plenty of ability when it comes to crafting a variety of tunes. Definitely a group to keep your eye on.

Download:

The Equestrian (MP3)

Monte Carlo (MP3)



Snowblink -

Knowing several variations over its fairly brief existence, Snowblink currently consists only of Toronto-based Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman, though the duo feature a variety of collaborators on their new record, Long Live, including members of Deerhoof and Dirty Projectors. The album's somewhat experimental folk sound is both refreshingly odd and undeniably beautiful, with some fantastic moments scattered among its brief 34 minutes. Whether patiently unfolding a winding, beguiling ballad or breezing through a triumphantly melodic interlude, Gesundheit demands your rapt attention with her lovely, warm voice and unusual songwriting. There are plenty of musicians reaching for the kind of seemingly effortless brilliance found on Long Love, but few achieve it so completely as Snowblink.

Download:

Ambergris (MP3)

Tired Bees (MP3)


Young Circles -

It's difficult to put any sort of descriptive label on Florida trio Young Circles; the band's debut EP, entitled Bones, blends more disparate elements than it has tracks. But then that's precisely what makes the album such a thrilling 23 minute journey and why this band is one you should know. Utilizing everything from moments of acoustic clarity to washes of disorienting noise to undercurrents of smooth jazz, Young Circles never let you get entirely comfortable, and if you're willing to stick with them through all the sharp twists and turns, you'll likely find this first effort to be a gripping one. Get familiar with these guys, you can bet everyone else will be soon.

Download:

Sharp Teeth (MP3)

Listen to or download the EP (free, I believe)

Review: Cake - Showroom of Compassion (* * * 1/2)

I had pretty much lost track of Cake after their 2001 album, Comfort Eagle. I didn't even hear 2004's Pressure Chief until at least a year (maybe two) afterward, and by that time I guess I just wasn't especially interested in the band anymore. So I can't quite explain my excitement at hearing news about Showroom of Compassion, Cake's sixth album and first in seven years. Maybe I just figured Cake had good reason to return to music after such a lengthy hiatus, or perhaps I was feeling nostalgic. Mostly I was just curious to know if this record would be any good, and as it turns out, Showroom of Compassion is a fine addition to Cake's catalog, despite being a bit uneven.

If your only exposure to this record is the first single "Sick of You," you might be disappointed with how strikingly similar it is to some of the band's other popular songs. But while it's true that Cake often sticks to their established style on Showroom of Compassion, they have much more to offer than a bland rehash of their past material. "Long Time," for instance, uses the group's key ingredients--John McRae's half-sung vocals, lively bass and guitar lines, and trumpet solos--to create a funky rock tune that feels refreshingly relevant, while the admittedly familiar-sounding "Mustache Man" has a sharp combination of menace and melody that make it one of Cake's best songs to date. The eerie, synth-infused rocker "Easy to Crash" and the melancholy ballad "The Winter" are a bit more adventurous, providing some welcome variety and helping to further distance Showroom of Compassion from past albums in the group's catalog. If nothing else, fans should enjoy hearing these alt-rock veterans successfully explore some new avenues without straying uncomfortably far into unfamiliar territory.

Showroom of Compassion has more than enough solid tunes to make it easy to overlook missteps like the aforementioned "Sick of You" and the psychedelia-tinged opener "Federal Funding," though there are certainly some songs that work more convincingly than others. For example, "Got to Move" is decent, but pales in comparison to the record's best tracks and "Teenage Pregnancy" is only a mildly entertaining instrumental piece. As a whole, however, Showroom of Compassion is a fun and surprisingly strong record, a welcome return for a band that will hopefully be more active over the next seven years.

Review: Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart (* * * *)

Stephen McBean has never seemed particularly interested in keeping his two bands as entirely separate entities. Black Mountain and Pink Mountaintops have more in common than just their similar titles; McBean enlists many of the same musicians to play for both projects and it can be difficult to tell at times where he draws the dividing line between the two band’s. But while McBean doesn’t often vary from the basic ingredients, any direct comparison of the previous efforts by each project reveals fundamental differences in trajectory, with Black Mountain’s In the Future working through various forms of guitar-heavy psychedelia and Pink Mountaintops’ Outside Love incorporating a mellower blend of pop and experimental elements. With Wilderness Heart, however, McBean tempers Black Mountain’s more epic tendencies. (Continue reading @ In Review Online)

Concert Review: Neon Trees (SLC, Utah)

My first review for The Deseret News. Read the full story here.

Provo alt-rock quartet Neon Trees has steadily built a reputation as an exhilarating live act, and the band delivered Tuesday at Salt Lake Community College.

Supporting the Rock the Vote campaign, which encourages political activity among young adults, Neon Trees gave a flashy, energetic performance showcasing the high-octane style that has the group in steady rotation on radio stations across the country.

Continue Reading

Concert Review: Jukebox the Ghost w/ Hooray for Earth, A B & The Sea

Kilby Court
Salt Lake City, UT
October 7, 2010

Headliners Jukebox the Ghost were--appropriately--the highlight of the night, but both Hooray for Earth and AB & The Sea added to a thoroughly enjoyable fall evening in Salt Lake City.

San Fransisco's A B & The Sea opened to a tiny crowd, but made the most of it with a high-energy performance that ended up being a great introduction for most of the audience. The band's jangly retro-rock sound (think Dr. Dog with an extra helping of sun and sand) was easy to love, with plenty of bright melodies, smooth harmonies, hand-claps, and insanely catchy riffs putting smiles on the faces of all those in attendance. One song that stood out in particular (I looked up the title afterward) was "Yellow-Haired Girl," which is as catchy a pop-rock tune as I've heard in some time. It was an incredibly fun half-hour set that makes me feel confident in saying you'll be hearing much more about these guys in the coming months. MySpace


I had heard a little from Hooray for Earth, but I was not prepared for their awesomely strange, almost chaotic live act. Utilizing squealing guitars, spacey synth and thunderous drums, the band's songs ranged from dense, noisy rockers to otherworldly dance numbers all of which were both punishingly loud and unusually captivating. This bombastic take by the group on their comparably tamer studio material seemed to catch the crowd by surprise, but despite being the odd band out stylistically, Hooray for Earth was electrifying. The soaring finale was especially awesome, but their entire set was an impressive showcase of talent and creativity that was certainly enjoyed by those who didn't mind traveling well off the beaten path. MySpace

Download: Comfortable, Comparable (via Stereogum)


Though a fairly young band, Jukebox the Ghost were easily the veterans of the evening and it was evident immediately. Right from opener "Good Day," the trio had the crowd's undivided attention, executing each song to perfection while seeming to have a great time in the process. Dual singer/songwriters Ben Thornewill and Tommy Siegel both proved to be excellent showmen, as did drummer Jesse Kristin, whose intricate beats stole the spotlight at times. The crowd was still unfortunately thin, but that didn't stop Jukebox the Ghost from giving a performance fit for a sold-out show in this very modest setting.

Every tune was well received, inspiring awkward dance circles and plenty of clapping and singing along that seemed appropriate for the band's buoyant brand of pop. Highlights from the night included "Popular Thing," "The Stars" and the encore, "Empire," though I guess those are probably my favorites from the band anyway, so I should simply say each song was excellent and added to a hugely entertaining set. If there's any justice in this world, Jukebox the Ghost will play to a packed house next time around, these guys deserve it.

Review: The Thermals - Personal Life (* * * 1/2)

The Thermals have always been more interesting than the majority of their pop-punk peers, mostly because they have so much to say about so many topics. Where their previous effort, 2009'sNow We Can See, focused on the purpose of life through the lens of death, and the two before that—2006's The Body, The Blood, The Machine and 2004's F****n A—were scathing rebukes of conservative American politics, the band’s latest turns inward, as its title might suggest, and takes a look at the complexity of relationships. “I’m gonna change your life/I’m gonna steal your soul” insists Hutch Harris on the first line of opener “I’m Gonna Change Your Life,” and somehow that kinda sums up the nature of the 32 minutes that comprise the remainder of the band’s fifth album. Looking introspectively through his cracked yet ultimately hopeful perspective, Harris proves that though his typically fiery indignation seems somewhat abated (or set aside, at least), his passion and lyricism remain a compelling combination. Less focused and less consistent perhaps than the band’s previous two albums,Personal Life may disappoint fans of Harris’s bigger statements, but the record has too many great moments to be ignored. (Continue at In Review Online. . .)

Daily Dose - 9/30: In Grenada

Artist: In Grenada
Latest Release: Break
Genre: Pop/Rock/Indie

Their latest press release states In Grenada was "born from the ashes of Philadelphia's premier ukulele indie-rock band, Movable Type." I'm assuming here that most everyone who reads this doesn't follow the ukulele rock band scene all that closely, so In Grenada's debut album will likely be your introduction to the songwriting of multi-instrumentalist Jesse Leyh, who makes a great impression with his new band on their first effort, Break. The record channels the tightly wound energy of Arcade Fire and then filters it through warm pop melodies, nimble guitar lines and buoyant synth riffs that combine for an irresistible summer vibe. Intelligently composed and enormously catchy, Break is pop-rock music at its best and will hopefully put In Grenada firmly on the map.

Key Tracks: "Distance and Temptation," "It Doesn't Matter," "Beating Heart"

Download: Distance and Temptation (MP3)
[Right click to download]

MySpace

Daily Dose - 9/29/10: The Migrant

Artist: The Migrant
Latest Release: Travels in Lowland
Genre: Indie/Folk/Pop

It's rare for me to stumble upon Danish artists in my constant search for great indie music, but it seems every time I do it's a fantastic experience. The latest Denmark native to catch my ear is singer/songwriter Bjarke Bendtsen, recording and performing as The Migrant, which is a somehow fitting moniker for the eclectic mix of styles and influences he incorporates into his unique folk sound. Favoring an acoustic guitar but throwing in everything from accordion to flute to violin, Bendtsen subtly shifts between genres--psychedelia and retro pop, to name a couple--while maintaining his signature aesthetic. He's created a truly absorbing record with his debut, Travels in Lowland, and you can hear/download a couple of the best tunes right here!

Key Tracks: "The Organ Grinder," "Nothing But Clues," "Lullabye (Play It On the Radio)"

Download: The Organ Grinder (MP3) In the Sun (MP3)
[Right click to save]

MySpace

Daily Dose - 9/28/10: Jump Back Jake

Artist: Jump Back Jake
Latest Release: Call Me Your Man EP
Genre: Rock/Blues

Jump Back Jake was introduced to me as the side project of Jake Rabinbach, lead guitarist for Francis and the Lights, a group which may be familiar to you but didn't ring a bell with me (I've since given them a listen, however). Fortunately, Jump Back Jake's classic-style rock 'n' roll should get by just fine on its own merits as their debut EP, Call Me Your Man, certainly proves. In 13 minutes the group covers a fair amount of territory, from groovy pop to fiery southern rock, with impressively catchy melodies and a retro vibe that's hard to resist. Hopefully there will be more to come from these guys as this side project has plenty of potential. Take a listen below!

Download: Call Me Your Man (MP3)

Homepage

Daily Dose - 9/24: Elsinore

Artist: Elsinore
Latest Release: Yes Yes Yes
Genre: Pop/Rock/Indie

There's something about the title Yes Yes Yes that carries an almost overeager urgency to it, but that's not really what you get from indie pop artists Elsinore on their excellent third album. Certainly the record has plenty of energetic, even anthematic moments, yet it also bears the mark of a band that is willing to be patient in order to get the most out of their songs. Granted, the explosive hooks and sing-a-long choruses are what might draw you in initially - and for good reason, they're undeniably great. What you'll stay for however, is the consistent evidence of mature, intelligent songwriting that makes this such a beguiling pop-rock album. Yes Yes Yes has too many twists and turns to count, slowing down and speeding up often enough to keep you on your toes, waiting for the next big chorus or guitar riff but loving the gorgeously melodic ballads and unusual instrumental breaks in the meantime. Fortunately, you won't have to exercise much patience to enjoy such a fun record.

Key Tracks: "Lines," "Chemicals," "Yes Yes Yes"

Download: Lines (MP3) Yes Yes Yes (MP3)

MySpace

Daily Dose - 9/23: Lost in the Trees

Funny thing, it turns out the 23rd is today, not yesterday. Now that the dates are squared away, let's get to the music.

Artist: Lost in the Trees
Latest Release: All Alone in an Empty House
Genre: Indie/Orchestral/Folk

The Genre tags you see above - I should admit - were written out of pure laziness on my part, as Chapel Hill band Lost in the Trees already refer to themselves as a "folk orchestra" anyway. But that's pretty much the best term you could think to use to describe the group after seeing them labeled as such. Their sweepingly cinematic full-length debut album veers between film score-esque instrumentals, epic indie rockers and quiet folk ballads, each an absorbing piece featuring a full string selection, horns, accordion, guitars and more. That frontman Ari Picker has a classical music background should come as no surprise as you listen to the beautifully complex arrangements, and fans of literary folksters like The Decemberists will enjoy the depth of the lyrical narratives that make All Alone in an Empty House such a notable record. There's nothing quite like this one, so listen up.

Key Tracks: "All Alone in an Empty House," "Walk Around the Lake," "Love On My Side"

Download: All Alone in an Empty House (MP3)

MySpace

Daily Dose - 9/22: Stornoway

Artist: Stornoway
Latest Release: Beachcomber's Windowsill
Genre: Pop/Folk/Indie

Stornoway's debut album, Beachcomber's Windowsill, is the perfect combination of intelligent pop and emotional folk, and has served as something of a soundtrack to ease my transition from summer to fall this year. It's no wonder the English quartet (at times a sextet) found themselves a home on 4AD as they fit in quite comfortably with indie heavyweights Bon Iver, Camera Obscura and Department of Eagles. That's high but certainly appropriate praise which you're likely to understand if you give their fantastic first effort a listen. The richly detailed instrumentation, arresting vocal harmonies and singer Brian Briggs' soaring melodies are about impossible to resist. Required listening for 2010, trust me.

Key Tracks: "Zorbing," "I Saw You Blink," "Watching Birds"

MySpace

This four-song set from the 4AD Sessions is worth watching in its entirety, but here's one tune:

Daily Dose - 9/15: Frontier Ruckus

Artist: Frontier Ruckus
Latest Release: Deadmalls & Nightfalls
Genre: Folk/Americana/Indie

I've been loving Deadmalls & Nightfalls, the latest album from indie folksters Frontier Ruckus, for a few months now, so I think it's high time I spread the word. The band's intense and intelligent take on folk music is unlike anything else I've heard, an entrancing recipe of lush instrumentation (acoustic guitars, accordions, horns, drums, banjos, etc.) and singer Matthew Milia's delightfully strange and detailed narratives. Packing verses thick with vivid imagery and clever phrasing, the group's songs often take a few spins to comprehend, but exploring the frenzied highs and brooding lows of the record is an enlightening experience. A must-hear for 2010.

Key Tracks: "Nerves of the Nightmind," "Pontiac, the Nightbrink," "I Do Need Saving"

Download: Nerves of the Nightmind (via Radio Free Chicago)

MySpace

Daily Dose - 9/14: Kim Taylor

Artist: Kim Taylor
Latest Release: Little Miracle
Genre: Folk/Singer-songwriter/Americana










This has been a great year for singer-songwriters, especially those of the more traditional folk/Americana variety, and though you may not have heard Kim Taylor's name mentioned in that sort of discussion yet, you should expect to soon. Her new album, Little Miracle, drops next week, and it's a stunner. Taylor's blend of folk, blues, and pop is both emotionally gripping and sonically gorgeous, with world-weary tales delivered in captivating melodies by her rich, smokey voice. The record draws you in from the start and demands your attention right through the very last chord, a rare thing indeed.

Key Tracks: "Lost and Found," "American Child," "Fruits of my Labor"

Download: Lost and Found

Homepage

Daily Dose - 9/13: Dax Riggs

I've decided to try something different for my blog posts. Hopefully this will results in me being more consistent. Less words, more music, sound good?

Artist: Dax Riggs
Latest Release: Say Goodnight to the World
Genre: Rock/Blues/Psychedelia

Dax Riggs may be familiar to those who followed his underground rock and metal projects (Acid Bath being perhaps the most famous) but most of us I imagine haven't been introduced. If that's the case, take the time to check out his latest offering, Say Goodnight to the World, a dark pop-rock record that includes blues, metal, and psychedelic influences combined in a surprisingly catchy and accessible whole. It's an enjoyably sinister and consistently fun ride proves Riggs is quite capable of handling a diverse set of tracks ranging from blazing rockers to eerie ballads.

Key Tracks: "Say Goodnight to the World," "You Were Born to Be My Gallows," "No One Will Be a Stranger"

Download: No One Will Be a Stranger

MySpace

Review: The Drums - The Drums (* * * 1/2)

In the past, any noteworthy Beach Boys emulators seemed to hail from Southern California or somewhere similarly beach-oriented, but with the re-popularization of the surf/pop/rock genre, it’s anybody’s guess as to where new bands of that sort come from these days. Initially, with last year’s Summertime! EP, New York City’s own the Drums seemed a prime example of a young band whose sun-and-surf-obsessed songs put them at odds with their locale, especially on their most notable tune, the '60s-style pop anthem “Let’s Go Surfing.” But with the release of their self-titled full-length debut, the group incorporates a greater range of their other sonic and lyrical influences into the mix, revealing themselves to be a more complex and interesting band than we (or I, at least) might have given them credit for initially. Blending their love of sun-soaked hooks with a darker, '80s indebted vibe à la Joy Division, the boys craft a fine first effort that—while containing a few misfires—manages to build upon the promise of their early releases. (Read the rest @ In Review Online)

Review: Best Coast - Crazy for You (* *)

For young writers and aspiring musicians, some of the most frequently heard advice has got to be “write what you know.” This is obvious counsel, to be sure, but true in many respects, especially in the realm of pop music where people generally respect honesty in songwriting. We like artists who share their stories with us and reveal the more intimate details of their lives, allowing us to connect with them through their experiences. But sometimes, even when a musician is eager to get personal, we find there simply isn’t much about them that we care to hear. Such is the case with the latest lo-fi, beach-pop phenomenon Best Coast, fronted by puzzlingly popular newcomer Bethany Cosentino and featuring former Vivian Girl Ali Koehler along with Bethany’s former babysitter (seriously), mutli-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno. Adrift somewhere between SBhe & Him-style balladry, polka-dotted 50s girl groups, and fuzzy, Vivian Girls-esque pop-punk, Best Coast makes music that is hazy and sun-soaked, and it’s not difficult to hear the appeal in Cosentino’s casually strong voice. But on the band’s debut, Crazy for You, Cosentino’s inane songwriting fails to engage on any level and her vacuous insights into love and loneliness reveal no depth whatsoever to her personality. (Read the rest @ In Review Online)