It’s that time of year again. You know that summer is just around the corner with the announcement by Okayplayer of the lineup for The Roots Picnic. This year’s festival has expanded to two days June 2 & 3 at Festival Pier, and will include performances by (obviously) The Roots, who will be doing their own set and backing hip hop legends De La Soul, both Major Lazer and Diplo solo, St. Vincent, tUnE-yArDs, James Murphy DJing, Danny Brown, Shabazz Palaces, Kid Cudi, The Hood Internet, Flosstradamus, Chill Moody, and many others. Pre-sale begins today, and two-day passes for $80 will only be available until 10pm this evening (just use the password: picnic). You can purchase your tickets HERE. General public tix go on sale this Friday at 10am.
The Rat and Raven Boasts Impressive Bill
Tomorrow night, the U-District’s Rat and Raven will play host to a deep roster of Northwest acts, featuring local pop-smiths the Balloons, fellow Seattleites the Hoot Hoots and the Fabulous Downey Brothers, and Portland’s Hollyood Tans. With reputations for fuelling fun-filled evenings with infectious and dance-inducing tunes, the four acts sharing the stage should offer a great opportunity to wrap up your week, and kick off your weekend, on a high note.
Doors: 9:00 p.m.
Cover: $5
21 and over
Meijin’s SXSW day 3
Thursday began at the Filter Magazine party in the Cedar Street Courtyard where UK-based bands filled the afternoon. Rock ‘n roll trio, Band of Skulls (pictured) played to a packed patio along with the charismatic and energetic Kaiser Chiefs and pop act, Keane. An afternoon jaunt around downtown led me to the beautiful architecture and luxurious history of the Driskill Hotel where Fuse TV was hosting a shindig with live music and comfortable couches. Brooklyn’s Outernational performed in acoustic form after pop band, Waters, from San Francisco. I sprinted to Hotel Vegas on the very east side of the 6th Street strip to catch the last of reggae-infused Indie rockers, Deadbeat Darling, and fellow NY brethren, Black Taxi. Shortly after.
The night was Deli partay of course! See separate blurb about it. –Meijin Bruttomesso
Hollows “V is For Vulture”
Hollows are preparing to release their sophomore album, Vulture, on April 10th via the local label Trouble in Mind and they just released the first single, "V is For Vulture".
The Homophones Opening for Obits at JB’s March 15
When The Homophones’ Jason Ferraro sings, he’s a narrator who seems like he might just be improvising the plot as he goes along – reminiscent of Morrissey with vocals that are spoken yet sung. Simple, smooth melodies provided by guitarist Dan Adair and the rhythm section combo of Ben Saltzman and Ryan Mitchell balance quite naturally with Ferraro’s deep ominous sounding voice. His chosen subject matter and tone are often humorous and quirky while remaining intellectually stimulating and sometimes vulnerable. But it’s the vocals that captivate you despite the “figure it out as we go” vibe. There is a distinct and instant appeal as if the destination is rather unimportant. Yet, the ride is certainly worth the trip. The minimalism of their tunes becomes endearing and catchy with every listen. And just like that you’re hooked. Brooklyn’s Obits will headline the show this evening at Johnny Brenda’s bringing their take on garage rock where fuzz and distortion will certainly be at a premium which will also be aided by the UK’s Fists. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $12, 21+ (Photo by Q.D. Tran) – Michael Colavita
Loquat Prep New Album, Play The Deli’s SXSW Show
SF electro-dream pop favorites Loquat are staging a semi-comeback with new album We Could be Arsonists, out April 24th digitally and May 1st physically via Nacional Records. The new album comes after a tumultuous few years of highs and lows for the band, with a complete lineup change as well as a new baby for lead singer and guitarist Kylee Swenson Gordon and her bandmate husband Anthony Gordon.
After their last release, Secrets of the Sea, the band fell upon hard times, eventually leading to two members leaving the band. The new lineup of Loquat now features keyboardist Chris Cooper, guitarist Chip Cosby, and drummer Jon Langmead, as well as a fresh perspective to performing and songwriting. We Could Be Arsonists features many songs that reflect the life changes for Swenson Gordon including “Seeds,” about her pregnancy, and “Monsters,” a song dedicated to her one year old son, Braxton.
The band is ready to reveal the new Loquat, starting with five shows at SXSW including the Deli Magazine’s party on March 15th at The Gypsy Lounge. SXSW dates are below and check out http://loquatmusic.com for more info and new music.
–Amanda Dissinger
Loquat @ SXSW:
THURSDAY, MARCH 15
Seagate booth; Austin, Convention Center; 500 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78701; 3:45 p.m.; acoustic
The Deli Magazine Un/Off party; The Gypsy Lounge; 1504 E 6th St., Austin, TX 78702; 8:20 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16
Nacional Records’ official SXSW showcase; Maggie Mae’s; 323 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 7870; 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17
Batter Blaster party; Hole in the Wall; 2538 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78705; 12:45 p.m.
Quantum Collective party; Whole Foods rooftop; 525 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703; 6:30 p.m.
Oreaganomics New Songs
Oreaganomics has released two new tracks, one called "Sh’es" & one called "Odd Wounds". I’ve always been fascinated by the sounds this group can create.
The Henry Millers Share Their Secrets
If Arcade Fire discusses the world as adults sharing their troubles from a child’s perspective, The Henry Millers are just the opposite. While the band’s two leading members are just in their early twenties, the group explores an enormous emotional range under an equally large musical landscape. ‘Mr. Flash Gordon’ for instance, discusses the pressures of a dying romance over grinding organs, persistent guitar strums, twinkling mallets and most importantly… a give and take between the group’s two guiding lights that give you an idea of what makes this band such a rare commodity.
Most of these songs are written by John MacCallum, but witnessing him share his woes with good friend/collaborater Katie Schecter live and on record is a big part of what makes you feel so at home with this group. Like you’re sharing a pent-up secret you’ve been holding inside for a long time, with someone you can trust with its importance. The Henry Millers’ outsized honesty and primary consideration for poetic narrative must have something to do with why they chose their band name, or it may just be something that makes sense between good friends who’ve known each other a long time.
This band submitted their music for review digitally here.
The Hudson Branch “World Kid”
The Hudson Branch are back and will be releasing their sophomore album on April 24th. The album was recorded with John McEntire (Broken Social Scene, Tortoise) and produced by Neil Strauch (Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine, Anathallo). The band recently released the first single from the album, "Periodic Table of Elegance".
Free Download: The Glimmer EP – Young Gliss
Rising Philly emcee Young Gliss just premiered his new album The Glimmer EP yesterday via The Source. It features guest contributions from Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Killer Mike, Dice Raw, STS, and many more. You can download the album for free HERE.
Loyal Divide remixed by The Untz
Loyal Divide have released a new remix of "Vision Vision" by The Untz. The track will appear on a forthcoming remix album the band is compiling called Vision/Revision.