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)

You Should Know: James Vincent McMorrow

With a softly soulful voice and penchant for heartbroken lyrics, James Vincent McMorrow makes the Bon Iver/Justin Vernon comparisons all too easy. Even the way in which the two artists recorded their debuts is similar, in isolated houses with almost no outside assistance. But McMorrow's first effort, Early in the Morning, carves out a distinct niche for the Irish songwriter, one a little more pop friendly than Vernon's but just as emotionally powerful and beautifully eerie. McMorrow's disarming vocals will certainly draw the most attention, but his songwriting and musicianship are remarkable as well, making Early in the Morning one of 2011's best early debut's.

Recommended Tracks: "If I Had a Boat," "We Don't Eat," "Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree"

Head over to Spinner to grab one of the album's best tracks, opener "If I Had a Boat"

RCRD LBL has another song to download, "This Old Dark Machine," though it's mislabeled as "Early in the Morning"

Check out his Facebook page for more info.

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.

You Should Know: Way Yes

I first heard Way Yes a couple months ago when I stumbled upon their excellent debut EP, Herringbone. Now, five months after that intriguing introduction, they've unveiled perhaps an even better EP entitled Walkability that has made me realize it's high time I get the word out about these guys.

Way Yes is comprised of Ohioans Glenn Davis and Travis Hall, a talented duo who combine nimble afropop guitars, subtle electronica, and smooth vocals into a sound that could be described as a blend of indie favorites Animal Collective and Vampire Weekend. But that's a rough approximation of their style, you really just have to give these guys a listen to understand how compelling their lighthearted, yet thoughtful, approach to experimental pop music can be.

Favorites from the EPs include "Johanna," "Walkability," "Gino," and "Ties"

Hear both of their EPs at their bandcamp/homepage:

http://wayyes.com

And if you need a listen right this second, go ahead and check out this free MP3 from Walkability:

Gino (MP3)

Daily Dose - 10/1: Twin Shadow

Artist: Twin Shadow
Latest Release: Forget
Genre: Electronic/Pop/Dance

George Lewis Jr. is the lone man behind Twin Shadow, a retro pop project that's been turning some heads this year, and for good reason. Blending 80s synths with a generous dose of electro funk, Lewis' debut LP, Forget, is a stunning set of smoldering, low-key dance songs that are, well, unforgettable. Featuring production by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor, Forget definitely favors mind-altering arrangements and unusual electronic soundscapes to straightforward club beats, yet most of these songs are insistently danceable as well. The music of Twin Shadow has a sort of otherworldly sexiness to it that I just can't get enough of, and I highly recommended it to any adventurous electronica/dance fan.

Key Tracks: "Shooting Holes at the Moon," "Yellow Balloon," "Castles in the Snow"

Download: Castles in the Snow (via Pitchfork)

Watch: Video for Castles in the Snow

Twin Shadow - Castles In The Snow Directed by Jamie Harley from Twin Shadow on Vimeo.

MySpace

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 - 9/27/10: Young Man

Artist: Young Man
Recent Release: Boy
Genre: Singer-songwriter/Indie

Last year, Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox posted a song on his blog, a cover of Deerhunter's own "Rainwater Cassette Exchange" which Cox called "fantastically superior to the original." The YouTube poster behind the cover is Colin Caulfield, now recording as Young Man, and once you take a listen to his beautifully haunted music you'll understand why there's been so much buzz surrounding him this year. His debut EP, Boy, was released about a month ago, and I've had it in steady rotation ever since. His enticing harmonies and hypnotic soundscapes (created with guitar, organ and assorted digital loops and such) are reminiscent of several indie mainstays (most notably, perhaps, Animal Collective), but Caulfield is carving out a niche all his own, and you won't want to pass up the chance to discover it.

Key Tracks: "Home Alone," "Just a Growin'"

Download: Up So Fast (via Stereogum)

MySpace

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 - 9/17: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Artist: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
Latest Release: Horse Power EP
Genre: Electronica/Indie

Indie electronica duo Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. have made a great first impression on me with their debut EP, Horse Power, which combines bits of many popular indie genres to create something that feels both appropriately trendy and refreshingly unique. It's not difficult to hear contemporaries like Local Natives and past influences like the Beach Boys (they DO cover one of their songs, so that's easy) in the band's sound, but Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott are more than just imitators. Using an unusual smorgasbord of sounds that ranges from jazzy electric guitars to shimmering synths to subtle percussion, all under a blanket of lovely vocal harmonies, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. prove themselves to be a versatile and genuinely interesting band to watch.

Key Tracks: "Vocal Chords," "Simple Girl"

Download: Vocal Chords (via Stereogum)

Homepage

Daily Dose - 9/16: Clubfeet

Artist: Clubfeet
Latest Release: Gold on Gold
Genre: Electronica/Dance/Indie

Having drawn comparisons to Hot Chip and Junior Boys, it's not difficult to understand why Melbourne-via-Capetown trio Clubfeet are making some serious waves this year. Darkly funky grooves, layered vocals, and soft washes of synth characterize the band's debut, which generally prefers smoldering, low-key dance-rock to explosive, club-ready anthems. Even those less inclined to dig into the indie electronica scene will likely find much to love about the band's appealing mix of alternative dance hooks and smooth pop sensibility. They certainly prove worthy of the aforementioned comparisons, but Club Feet also build a head-turning style all their own on this stellar first effort

Key Tracks: "Edge of Extremes," "Teenage Suicide (Don't Do It)," "D.I.E. Yuppie Scum"

Download: Edge of Extremes - Teenage Suicide (Don't Do It)

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)

You Should Know: The Silver Seas

It would be easy to mistake the Silver Seas as having arrived via time machine from 35 years ago rather than forming this past decade. Though the band has only been releasing music since 2004, they seem to have more in common with the likes of Steely Dan, Jackson Browne or any number of 70s pop-rock icons than with their current peers. The Nashville group navigates the pop music of their chosen decade much like The Clientele do the 60s, seeking not to combine classic influences with modern trends, but rather emulating the past right down to the instrumental flourishes and production details. Yet somehow, though the Silver seas remain firmly entrenched in a slice of musical history, their music comes across as much more than a simple copy of their obvious influences. Their third album, Chateau Revenge, is a lovely classic pop record featuring smooth grooves, fantastic melodies, and fine songwriting that makes this a must-listen in any decade.

The record covers territory from gorgeous lite-rock balladry ("Jane") to disco-tinged night music ("The Best Things in Life"), only occasionally showing signs of its more modern origin. With not even one misstep among the 12 tracks, Chateau Revenge is an album you really can't afford to let pass you by.

Key Tracks: "Another Bad Night's Sleep," "Jane," "What's the Drawback"

Download: Another Bad Night's Sleep (Zipped MP3)

MySpace

Introducing...Gold Motel

Trying to get back into the swing of things with blogging, and to start I have an excellent band to recommend to you:

Gold Motel

Gold Motel is an indie pop project fronted by Greta Salpeter (who currently performs as Greta Morgan), a name some of you may remember as being associated a few years ago with The Hush Sound. I was quite fond of The Hush Sound, especially their earliest material, so news of this new band (which also includes several members of This Is Me Smiling) came as a welcome surprise recently. The music of Gold Motel is--in many ways--similar to Morgan's previous group, but she gets the mic all to herself this time around and she makes the most of the opportunity on Summer House. With infectious guitar and piano riffs, big vocal hooks and a consistently sunny vibe, Gold Motel make a great introduction and Greta Morgan proves that she can handle a leading role just fine.(MySpace)

Review: The Acorn - No Ghost (* * * 1/2)

It’s a risky move releasing a concept album early in your career, but Canada's the Acorn proved quite capable of doing just that with their 2007 sophomore effort, Glory Hope Mountain. That record chronicles the life of singer Rolf Klausener’s mother (whose journey from Honduras included a great deal of drama and adventure) over the course of twelve woodsy folk songs featuring delicate harmonies and intricate guitar signatures, revealing impressive musicianship for such a young group. The songs work both as part of the whole and are engaging individually—no small achievement given the source material—and the record showed the Acorn could be ambitious without overreaching. So while Glory Hope Mountain didn’t make overnight sensations of the band, they gathered enough fans that high expectations were instated for future endeavors. Their third album, No Ghost, appears uninterested in an overarching concept, and in fact feels more modest than their previous release despite its broader stylistic range. It doesn’t quite propel the band forward or equal the considerable quality of what preceded it, but No Ghost is at least an enjoyable entry in the band’s catalog. (Please read the rest of my review @ In Review Online)

You Should Know: Steel Train

Steel Train is a name that isn't completely unknown, I suppose, but I find it is mentioned less often than I would expect, at least now that I'm familiar with the band's music. Though I'd heard of the group before a couple years ago, it wasn't until the recent release of their third and self-titled album that I took the time to listen to an entire record. One time through and I was hooked; Steel Train's brand of pop rock is impossibly catchy, consistently energetic and draws from a variety of influences and styles. I haven't yet made my way through their catalog, but I'm certainly eager to after this fine introduction.

Highlights on the new record range from high-strung rockers ("Turnpike Ghost") to hook-filled drivers ("You Are Dangerous") to quirky pop numbers ("Soldier in the Army"). The album never really settles into a groove, yet somehow it's all the more enjoyable for its unpredictable nature. Smooth harmonies, infectious guitar riffs and prevailing sense of fun all add to the album's considerable appeal; it's accessible enough to engage a mainstream audience yet odd enough to gain fans from the more indie crowd as well. It may take a little time for everyone else to stop sleeping on these guys, but if you're reading this you have no excuse not to give them a listen right away.

Download: Turnpike Ghost (MP3)

MySpace

Review: Jamie Lidell - Compass (* * *)

Ordinarily, an artist doesn't release their breakout album after 30, but then, Jamie Lidell’s story is anything but ordinary. Formerly in experimental electronica (both solo and as half of Super_Collider), Lidell’s seemingly swift transition into soul was both surprising and totally successful—as his 2005 record, Multiply, emphatically proves. He distanced himself even further from his digital roots with 2008’s Jim, which doesn't match the explosive creative energy that defined his debut, but is a fine pop album in its own right, allowing him to flirt a little with mainstream success in the process. But if there were any who figured Lidell would attempt to complete his late-blooming transformation into a radio-ready pop icon on his third go-round, they would most certainly be wrong. Instead, we find the artist in a highly experimental mode on Compass, still churning out danceable, soulful tunes but with decidedly more exploratory edge that sometimes enhances and sometimes distracts from the quality of the songs themselves. Enlisting the help of Beck and Chris Taylor (of Grizzly Bear) as producers, along with a slew of other collaborators, Lidell’s latest is a fascinating though unfortunately not very successful effort. (Read my full review @ In Review Online)