San Francisco

Album Review – Jascha Vs. Jascha: Songs of Dreams for a Wakeful Mind

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Folk-pop, down-tempo philosophical musing, romantic longing and infectious harmonies all find their place on A Cure for Sleep, by San Francisco musician Jascha Vs. Jascha. Lead singer-songwriter Jascha Hoffman has a sweet voice that he uses to pronounce each syllable with great accuracy, and this debut album will satisfy listeners with its impressive variety of styles. His music brings to mind that of little-known Saddle Creek Records band Son, Ambulance His tender voice and story-telling sensibility, with its sad slant but still driving music, is similar to that of the Nebraska band.

With topics like the greed of God in “Some Hungry Guy”, one’s shifting idea of family as one grows up in “Too Young”, and the attachment one keeps to past lovers on “Phonograph” and “Curse”, Hoffman certainly has a lot on his wakeful mind. Hoffman’s focus on vocals puts an interesting twist on Delta blues legend Robert Johnson’s originally guitar-heavy song "Phonograph"–the slower pace and subdued music allows one to better appreciate the lyrics. The song features a fascinating operatic interlude, an experimental moment which highlights Hoffman’s laudable ability to merge genres. “Mirror” features a catchy chorus that is easy to sing along with, and a sweeping orchestral bridge.

The standout track is “Corydon”, for the song’s emotional poignancy. On it, Hoffman sings “Oh you who are young, consider the snow drifts. White as God’s own ribs”. Although this imparting of wisdom is a somewhat unexpected metaphor, Hoffman always makes his strange statements completely believable, if still dreamlike. The song is based on a poem by D.A. Powell, about the homosexual shepherd Corydon made famous by Virgil. Although this source of inspiration may seem obscure, it makes more sense considering that Hoffman is a Harvard grad and literature enthusiast. The album is enhanced by beautiful string arrangements, and backing vocals, drums, bass, guitars and percussion by Bay Area artist Jesse Olsen. He is another young artist to watch out for musically, as he founded Deconstruct My House, an organization that showcases "experimental, politically engaged music-centered creative work".

A Cure for Sleep came about as a result of Hoffman blogging about his nightmare—already Hoffman is taking an experimental approach to his next effort. He is encouraging feedback of early versions of his songs on his website and Facebook, so that his songs are partially formed by music listeners themselves.

-Shauna C. Keddy

Philadelphia

Making Time Pool Party w/Deerhunter at The Flying W Aug. 15

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The “Summer of Radness” keeps chuggin’ along as we find R5 teaming up with Making Time once again for their Pool Party “The 3Quel” returning to the Flying W Airplane Pool! I guess time heals all wounds. Hopefully the pool will be smart enough to deter the families from coming for one day. Whatevs! It’s still goin’ to be a damn good time with the Making Time Resident DJs and friends with special guests Atlanta’s Deerhunter (4AD). Shuttle buses are available from The Piazza (at 2nd and Germantown) so don’t worry about gettin’ another DUI. Hopefully the weather will go our way. The Flying W Airport & Resort, 60 Fostertown Rd. (Medford, NJ), 2pm – 11pm, $15/$20 w/bus ticket, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
 

 

Philadelphia

Ink & Dagger Reunion at Starlight Ballroom Aug. 15

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Today marks the end of the wildly successful THIS IS HARDCORE FEST 2010 at the Starlight Ballroom. It’s a momentous occasion for the hardcore scene with the reunion of Ink & Dagger with Geoff Rickly of Thursday on vocals. Ink & Dagger was a local Vampire-themed punk hardcore outfit that formed in 1996. They had a rotating door of characters with guitarist Don Devore and vocalist Sean Patrick McCabe the constant driving force. Ink & Dagger disbanded in 2000 after McCabe (at age 27 – the magic number) was found dead in an Indiana motel room. He had choked on his own vomit after passing out from too much alcohol. If you missed Ink & Dagger’s unannounced performance at The Ox this past Friday with The Making Time DJs, then hopefully you have your tickets in hand for today because this shit is way SOLD OUT! They’ll be joined by fellow Philly badasses Kid Dynamite and Blacklisted plus many more. Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. 9th St., 11am, SOLD OUT, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
 

 

Philadelphia

Daredevil U.S. Girls Performing…(Blindfolded) at Highwire Gallery Aug. 14

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Everyday I feel like a new one of these lo-fi acts pop up trying to promote their fuzzed out tin can jams, riding what seems like a monotonous and unfulfilling wave. Fortunately, some of these artists seem to have genuine quirks and undeniable hooks like Philly’s own U.S. Girls (a.k.a. Megan Remy). She sounds at times like an even more blissed out Smith Westerns (didn’t know that was possible). Remy’s vocals and guitar are dissonant and pulsing, and the drums crack through the jumble of frequencies. I really appreciate the humility of her sound and her directed songwriting. Come check out Remy at Highwire Gallery tonight! Highwire Gallery, 2040 Frankford Ave., 7pm, $8, All Ages – Adam G.
 

 

Philadelphia

Show Review: mewithoutYou and Buried Beds Home at the TLA

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Dorothy’s mantra, “there’s no place like home”, still proves true. Far from the fictional Oz, last night’s performance at the TLA was warm and fuzzy all the same. Opening with loveable local outfit Buried Beds, the tone of the evening was set with keyboardist Eliza Jones’ welcoming words, “It’s so awesome to be home.” Practically beaming, the band’s indie folk finesse unfolded with “Steady Hand”. Featured on Tremble The Sails, the staccato clicks of drumsticks and strums of mandolin induced swooning by listeners while the acoustic intro of “Ivory Towers” impressed with impeccable harmonies and claps. Closing their set with the help of their tourmates, Buried Beds’ exit was endearingly ecstatic and premised by applause.
 
 
With the swagger of a western, Vagrant vets Murder By Death took the stage with In Bocca Al Lupo’s “Sometimes the Line Walks You”. Fans leaned towards the stage with fists raised high, echoing frontman Adam Turla’s shouts of “Jailbreak!” “’52 Ford” and “King of the Gutters, Prince of the Dogs” brought to mind Johnny Cash, painting pictures of dusty trails and open skies. A quick tribute to whiskey, the band turned to older songs like “Until Morale Improves, the Beatings Will Continue” and dramatic “Devil in Mexico”. Dedicating “Brothers” to fellow tourmates, “Coming Home” gave way to goodbyes.
 
 
Before mewithoutYou graced the stage, the mere sight of their gear caused fans to cheer. The audience shuffled and shoved their way closer to the stage while chatter and “Hand In Glove” filled the atmosphere. Brother, Sister’s “Messes of Men” was a fitting first, later followed by well-loved favorites like “Goodbye, I” and “C-Minor”. A hushed “Son of a Widow” bled into the cheerful “Timothy Hay”, leading to the crashing chords of “Torches Together”. Richard Mazzotta’s drummed out beats incited rhythmic claps from fans and bouts of dancing to the tune of frontman Aaron Weiss’ shouts. “A Glass Can Only Spill What It Contains” played out poetic with melodrama, much like the prolific prose of “January 1979”. Ending with “Allah, Allah, Allah,” the band’s exit was brief. Leaving the stage empty for what felt like five minutes, mewithoutYou returned with a three song encore, sandwiching “The Fox, The Crow, and the Cookie” between “Disaster Tourism” and their last farewell of the night, “In a Sweater Poorly Knit”.
 
– Dianca Potts (Words & Photos)
 

 

Portland

Smmr Bmmr Lineup Today!

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It’s hot as FUCK out today. And we know that the PDX Soap Box Derby is happening right outside of Deli Portland headquarters on Mt. Tabor literally as we type. But why not throw caution into the wind and just ride this heat wave out to the break, eh? If passing out is your vibe – and really, whose vibe is it NOT? – then we recommend you head down to Plan B today to catch the Saturday leg of Smmr Bmmr 2010!

Check out today’s lineup:

 

There’s gonna be free Hammy’s Pizza on Sunday for those who show up early, too! Hot pizza! Hot tunes! Hot little club!

Each day requires a $12 entry, but it’s well worth it. All shows 21+.

– Ryan J. Prado

 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, August 13 – 15

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So we’re not gonna lie: local indie-rock success story, mewithoutYou, is one hell of a band. Their heaving spirituality-meets-experimental blitz imprint is absorbing. But the Tooth & Nail-signed outfit is not the only act on the bill that has The Deli Staff is trippin’ for tonight at the TLA. Philly’s lesser-known funhouse Buried Beds, who, along with Indiana four-piece Murder by Death, are certainly reasons to make it there early. When we said that Buried Beds’ high-spirited ‘60s AM radio pop signals a “beacon of hopefulness” in a city “dusted with tension and grit,” we really meant it (listen to their latest and The Deli’s July CD of the Month Tremble the Sails – we know you’ll agree). They’re absolutely excellent and if you skip out, then we’ll just hate you. Seriously. ;o) Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 9pm, $16, All Ages (Photo by Josh Bender)
 
What to do, what to do, what to do…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI The Armchairs CD Release Party w/The Extraordinaires, Hop Along, Agent Moosehead
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SUN Ladies Auxiliary
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI The Great Unknown SUN Johnny Action Figure and The Revere
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI (Early) Northern Valentine, (Late) Mose Giganticus CD Release Party w/Monolith, SAT The Fallen Troubadours, Alien Architect and Sela
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) SAT The Tulanes
 
Tritone (1508 South St.) SAT Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret, SUN Elliot Levin
 
Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI When I Was 12, SAT Sunsets North
 
Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) FRI Bitchslicer and Officer Slug
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Girls Rock Philly Showcase
 
Highwire Gallery (2040 Frankford Ave.) SUN U.S. Girls
 
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) SAT Reading Rainbow and Creepoid
 
Pterodactyl (3237 Amber St.) FRI The Weeds and Sunny Ali & the Kid
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT Phillybloco
 
The Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum (3819 Hamilton St.) FRI Carnivolution
 
Flying W Airplane Pool (60 Fostertown Rd. – Medford, NJ) SUN Making Time Pool Party
 

 

Philadelphia

The Weeds LIVE at Pterodactyl Aug. 13

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The Weeds don’t play out as often as they should, but you can’t blame Emily Ana Zeitlyn for being a good mother. Zeitlyn, sister to K Record’s Mirah, surely leans the scale towards nature in the “nature vs. nurture battle” proving that musical talent must be in the genes (well, in this case). Her wispy vocals captivate with a lilt of vulnerability as her poetic lyrics cut deep into the surface of true human emotion. With assistance on bass and in production from local music veteran and multi-instrumentalist Devin Greenwood, The Weeds create haunting compositions whether floating in the ethereality of “Poison” or diving into the indie rock goodness of “Sad Helena”.  They’ll be helping Pterodactyl celebrate the closing of Mystic Monsters, a collaboration between Pat Aulisio and Adam Fergurson, in the main gallery and the opening of Our Improbable Existence, an exhibition of recent drawings, paintings and photographs by Michigan artist Amy Sacksteder, in the new side gallery. The Weeds will be joined by my favorite “Paki-not-indie” urban cowboys Sunny Ali & the Kid. Pterodactyl, 3237 Amber St. – 5th Floor, 8pm, $5 donation, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
 

 

Chicago

False Profit

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Southside’s He.llsent is back with his second album, False Profit, which will be released on August 17th through Galapagos4. When asked about the themes on the album He.llsent had this to say, “The rap game is all about money and illusions. False Profit is a glimpse behind all the smoke and mirrors.” He doesn’t pull any punches, this album filled with fire, pride, and fierce beats. The beats on the album come mainly from Max, as well as contributions by Fifth Element, DJ Alo, and Loose Cannon. My favorite track from the album is “For The City”. It processes that fire, but leaves the listen with a positive message that it will be alright.

The release event for False Profit will take place on August 18th at Subterranean and feature He.llsent, Robust, Max, Mad C & Dallas Jackson.

NYC

Blow Up Hollywood’s quiet explosion- Live at Rockwood on September 08

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Blow Up Hollywood is one of the first bands The Deli covered in print in 2004, and 6 years later we can hardly find anything in common with the art-rock they delivered at the time. Co-founder Steve Messina and multi-instrumentalist Rich Kern created the music for the new album "Take Flight" as a soundtrack for the documentary “Mustang – Journey of Transformation,” using exclusively analogue synths. The soundtrack retains and enhances the meditation-inducing mood that’s at the core of the movie, which stars the Dalai Lama and was shot in the Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal, one of the last places on earth that Tibetan culture is allowed to thrive. Call it ambient music or music for films, this is music that can be enjoyed even in NYC – in particular when the need for relaxation kicks in. Blow Up Hollywood will play live at Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen, Manhattan) on September 08.

Philadelphia

The Armchairs Celebrate Debut Release at JB’s Aug. 13

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Congrats go out to The Armchairs for being the newest band to be a part of the Punk Rock Payroll family and finally releasing their debut album! (We know that they ran into plenty of obstacles along the way.) And if you had the chance to catch them on commentator duty when The Extraordinaires unveiled their homage to Philly sports at the Blockley Pourhouse a few weeks back, then you know that they already fit right in. Friday the 13th isn’t going to be that unlucky for The Armchairs thanks to their CD release party for the band’s long-awaited album Science & Advice, which you can listen to in full on their website. They’ll be once again joined by new family members The Extraordinaires, who will likely find a way to inaugurate them into the fold. The group has soared to new heights since releasing their latest album Electric and Benevolent, which is a ten track abstract biography of a mad genius, and comes with his hand written journal to match. And with a most excellent new lineup backing Jay Purdy and Matt Gibson, they are ready to conquer the world or at least freak some people out. Both acts are set to hit the road on extensive tours very soon. Rounding out the lineup are Nintendo-powered freestyle jazz masters Agent Moosehead and the breathy, upbeat folk of Frances Quinlan’s Hop Along. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Tiffany Yoon) – Bill McThrill