Portland

Aan Will Leave You Wet and Dripping

Posted on:

The last leg of The Artistery is quickly coming ’round, and it’s final week includes a starstruck lineup of Portland’s favourites (Point Juncture WA, Rob Walmart, Hive Dwellers, etc), and this Saturday brings a lineup of perfect proportions. Aan will be joining Campfire OK and Kelli Schaeffer (her Amigo/Amiga record release!) March 5th. Aan puts on a live show that you can’t miss, and with Kelli Schaeffer’s incendiary siren call, it’s pretty obvious as to where you should be this Saturday.

Aan is the evolving brainchild of Bud Wilson, stemming from his solo project Amor Ad Nauseum. I’ve had Aan’s latest EP, I Could Be Girl For You on my playlist for days and it just doesn’t quit. It’s the kind of record that doesn’t stay in one place, and you would never want it to. I Could Be Girl For You blares into your ears like mortar and slowly melts into a bluesy puddle within the confines of five tracks. The short boom of a record opens with "Wet and Dripping" speaking in warm, building harmonies that burst with flaming vocals halfway through the track. "Heart Is An Ocean" ropes that very same feeling, wrapped around catchy guitar hooks and effortlessly strained vocals. The middle track subdues the explosions earlier in the EP, mellowing into the lo-fi almost-ballad ("Toy"), before striding back into "For Mable", which reminds me of some forgotten 70’s love song. The record ends with "Sunday", which might be the best soundtrack to every Sunday morning. Chirping birds playing the part of metronome above a simple blues tune — you can’t really ask for more. –Mike Harper

Listen to "Wet and Dripping"!

 

Chicago

Honest Engines

Posted on:

On May 3rd, Honest Engines will be releasing a new EP through Tandem Shop called The French Song EP. It will feature three new tracks including "Sunny Setting Sun" below. The EP is the follow-up to the band’s 2009 release Captain’s Log, and will available through all major digital retailers, as well as in limited edition handmade physical copies.

Nashville

B.et.a. Albumette Release w/ Lord T. & Eloise @ 12th & Porter

Posted on:

Let tonight be your Friday night and make your way to 12th & Porter for the albumette release of dance/pop Nashville phenom B.ET.A.& The Neon Panthers. If you care to dance, and fancy the beatz of comparable artists such as Gwen Stefani, Fergie, and Lady Gaga herself, then this will be right up your alley. Listen to and download 5 of her songs for free on her Bandcamp page if you need more persuasion, and if that stiiiillllll isn’t enough, then let me sweeten the deal even more by mentioning that Lord T. & Eloise will also be playing their colonial wig-wearin’ aristo-krunk which all sounds ridiculous but is guaranteed to be something to dance to, interesting, and far from the Nashville norm. Doors at 8pm, 18+, $10 gets you in the show and a free B.ET.A. cd. Now THAT’S a bargain!–Erin Manning

Chicago

Clara May “Hush”

Posted on:

Clara May is the result of two unique individuals coming together and deciding to make music. Tom Silva, a Malaysian-born filmmaker, and Nicole Sotelo, a Harvard-trained theologian and author, have combined to create a sound that is dark and romantic. However, on the albums first single the duo addresses race issues. Silva wrote the multi-part song in a historic Muslim city that is equal parts Indian and Persian. The album they have created is called Hush and will be self-released on April 19th. They will be releasing a video this month for the track "The Chosen" on the anniversary of the Iraq War, to honor our veterans and the people of Iraq.

Philadelphia

Purling Hiss Might Just Kick Your Ass at KFN March 3

Posted on:

The rock gods called out in desperate need of a sign; a sign that rock was still alive in us mortals and not being led by a bunch of namby-pambies with script chest tattoos and forearms the size of garden snakes. The boisterous Fishtown trio Purling Hiss answered their call by kicking into “Almost Washed My Hair” ruining the rock gods’ hearing. The thing about Purling Hiss, and there are many, is that they could easily go up on stage and perform Satriani-esque songs, i.e., hastily crafted excuses for soloing, and probably get away with it. Instead, Purling Hiss create super catchy tunes like “Don’t Even Try It” (I can’t stop thinking of Ducktails when I listen), but with the flip of a switch can take it to the next level with Mike Polizze’s frantic and explorative guitar work. You can tell that these guys are children of the 90’s and fans of their buddies Kurt Vile and the Violators, and the similarities can be heard in Polizze’s lazy drawl and driving rhythms provided by drummer Michael Sneeringer (The Loved Ones) and bassist Kiel Everett (Tin Horses). These guys have been getting a bunch of attention recently, and rightfully so. Their songs are rough around the edges, but it only adds to their appeal. They are a band without pretentions, but with a hell of a lot of talent. Also on the bill is Watery Love, the new punk band from the mind of Charles Richie (Clockcleaner/Richie Records//TestosterTunes). The band also features Meg Baird of Espers on drums and was recently written about in Philly Weekly by Kurt Vile himself (who had tried out to be their bass player). Rounding out the bill is garage-goth crew Far-Out Fangtooth, who I would be remiss not to mention these guys. Bring your earplugs for this one (and no dancing)! Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 Front St., 8pm, $8, 21+ (Photo by Steve Cross; Video Recorded by pilgrimsprogress) – Adam G.

Austin

Local Night for Local People: STEREO IS A LIE, New Roman Times, Western Ghost House + more…

Posted on:

Ok now…we’re a local website about local indie bands, and upcoming is a Local Night for Local People…it just feels right to say something about it. Put together by whitesiren, and taking place at The Ghost Room this Saturday March 5th, the Local Night for Local People is a pre-fest shindig featuring four bands outdoors and four bands in, including STEREO IS A LIE, New Roman Times, The Pons, One Hundred Flowers, Western Ghost House, and more. And they’re throwing in what sound like better than average goodie bags…so. Are you local, or not? 

 

 

NYC

Best of NYC #107: Steve Shiffman & The Land Of No

Posted on:

Today we start covering (almost) every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC 2010 list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel, DJs, and our writers and readers). It’s a countdown!

Steve Shiffman’s relocated to New York City after a successful run in Toronto-based trio 4-Star Movie. Teaming up with members of The Figgs and Holy Ghost to create The Land Of No, he’s well on his way to the upper echelons of the city’s burgeoning garage-rock scene, playing to fans across the city and placing third in our Best of 2010 Indie-Rock poll. The band’s self-titled debut, released by Tiny Beast Records, forgoes the frills and shticks associated with many post-millennium acts, instead opting for that distinctly lo-fi flavor, as if birthed from the same mother as Pavement and Guided By Voices. While their sounds stand against genius of times past, they also tell original tales with blues and folk elements.

Philadelphia

Free Download: New EP from Moon Women!

Posted on:

Moon Women just digitally released a new EP Live at WXPN that is available for FREE download here. The recordings are from their live sessions on WXPN, and contain 3 unreleased tracks. Moon Women have a two-song 7" being pressed right now called Light which features the songs "Light Moves Slowly" and "When The Lights Go Out". They are self-releasing it, and there will be 300 copies available. Each cover will be hand-painted/printed, using the same color scheme, with different unique outcomes on each record. The band HOPES to have the 7" available by the time they open for The Black Lips and Vivian Girls at The Troc on Saturday, April 9. Now, go download the new EP! – The Deli Staff
 

NYC

From the NYC open blog: The Bottom Dollars release first single

Posted on:

Brooklyn loud rock band with rootsy influences The Bottom Dollars have just released their first Single entitled: "PRIZEFIGHTER." An excerpt from their upcoming debut, "The Halcyon Days" (to be released 04/19/2011), PRIZEFIGHTER is an intense rock and roller that steamrolls as an intimate love story. The Bottom Dollars paired the release of their first single with the lush, vocal harmony driven Soul Ballad "JAMESON." This Power Trio remind us that Rock’ n’ Soul isn’t quite dead yet. Both songs are available for free at their Bandcamp Page. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here).

 

Philadelphia

Mad Dragon Showcase at Mandell Theater March 3

Posted on:

There is a seriously packed local bill tonight for the Mad Dragon Showcase at Mandell Theater. They’ll be showing off current and future label talents such as Kuf Knotz, Toy Soldiers, Hezekiah Jones, and The Spinning Leaves. Headlining the evening will be retro guitar rock/pop hot tub-lovin’ outfit Free Energy. The event is free for Drexel University students with ID, and ten beans for the rest of the world. (BTW: For those who are used to kicking back a few drinks for a show, I do remember a bar close by where you’ll be able to grab drinks before and between sets.) Mandell Theater, 33rd & Chestnut St., $10/Free with Drexel ID, All Ages – Alexis V.
 
Philadelphia

Many Arms Open for Marnie Stern at FUC March 3

Posted on:

Many Arms is a nasty power trio made up of 6- and 12-string electric guitarist Nick Millevoi (Make A Rising, Joe Lally), electric bassist John DeBlase (Zevious), and drummer Ricardo Lagomasino (Capillary Action, Joe Lally). Having sited influences of equal parts Ornette Coleman, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and latter-day Black Flag, they combine the powers of free jazz and punk rock creating experimental compositions for music enthusiast to simply geek out to. And there will be an uber-amount of geeking out tonight at First Unitarian Church when they open for my latest rock ‘n’ roll crush Marnie Stern who will be accompanied by the Hella awesome drumming octopus Zach Hill. There will be plenty of talented folks showing off their chops this evening so prepare to “set your faces to stunned”. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
 
Philadelphia

Like Water for Chocolate w/Birdie Busch & The Great Unknown at TLA March 3

Posted on:

If you’re lookin’ for a little hoedown with some soul cleansing, then the TLA might be housing what you want when they host Carolina Chocolate Drops who will be getting a double dose of some fine Philly folk when Birdie Busch and The Great Unknown open the festivities for them. Miss Birdie Busch a.k.a. DJ Slowpoke is simply a fixture in the local music community by now. Her ballads are like a comfortable old pair of shoes finely polished to look brand spankin’ new again. The Great Unknown continue to inch their way closer to being known, but I think that they’ll certainly leave an impression on those smart and/or lucky enough to catch their set. This evening should flow “like water for chocolate”. Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., 8pm, $25, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman