New Track: “Mercury Retrograde” – Purling Hiss
Purling Hiss just shared a new track from their upcoming album Water on Mars called "Mercury Retrogade," which you’ll soon discover is a more polished recording than your used to from the former scuzz rockers. Sounds like their time spent in a professional studio at Miner Street for their Shaking Through session had an influence on this new record that will be out March 19 via Drag City. You can catch them on April 5 at Johnny Brenda’s where you’ll most likely get to hear how some of the new songs sound live.
Review: East Nashville Underground, Winter 2013
If you somehow missed all of the hype surrounding one of Nashville’s biggest indie events, you may need to check your hearing and keep your ear a little closer to the ground so you aren’t missing the coolest part about living your best life in Nashville, Tennessee. East Nashville Underground brought their A-game and a seemingly endless supply of free booze to The East Room on Friday and Saturday nights, selling out their weekend event for the first time in ENU history.
Though we could make it to only the Friday night show at the Underground (as we had a date with the mainstream over at The Ryman on Saturday night), East Nashville Underground’s place in the Nashville indie community is undeniable. Highlighting independent bands just as heavily as the independent music community itself, Kristyn and Jared Corder have created an event that defines the romance of being involved in the local music scene in Music City. From new fans to OG Undergrounders to industry folk, it’s safe to say that no venue in town housed as many sweaty hugs and eyeball kisses as The East Room did over the weekend.
On Friday, doors opened at 9 and the stage featured the likes of Cult Logic, Vinyl Thief, All Them Witches, Alanna Royale, Machines Are People Too, and Magnolia Sons. All of the bands were predictably stellar, and it was especially thrilling to finally catch Machines Are People Too live. Each set made trying to plan a bathroom break feel like the ultimate music fan’s predicament, the easiest solution being just resolving to hold it and concentrating on dancing.
Though we all try our best to broaden the scope of this tight-knit music community that is on the precipice of incredible things at an amazing time, the Corders have created something that is simultaneously intimate and all-inclusive. From their understanding of how to run a solid music event as business owners to their clear love of music as fans themselves, the payoff is something we all benefit from with each passing season of East Nashville Underground. We attempted to live tweet the vibe from The East Room on Friday night, but it’s difficult to capture that kind of energy in just 140 characters. But if you missed out on the chance to make it inside or didn’t catch a hug from the guy who was giving them to, seriously, just everybody, mark your calendar; East Nashville Underground’s doors will re-open on May 10th-11th, and we intend to see you there.
Minden Play Rontoms 2.24
Minden are as groovy a they are captivating. Their sounds are layered with contagious rhythms, hypnotic guitar leads and fluid bass lines that result in some of the best party music the city has to offer. Their latest release, Exotics Cakes, is a driving yet calming collection of indie-pop gems that brings to mind the therapy that comes with a momentary loss of inhibition. Soothing vocals, tight instrumentation and magnetic hooks make it an addicting album that you’ll find yourself moving to without realizing it. This Sunday night Minden will be sharing their music at Rontoms with De La Warr and Reva Devito, be there for a vivid performance. – Benjamin Toledo
Live Review: Kan Wakan at The Echo 2/18/13
The mood was set and anticipation was high as Kan Wakan (formerly Oren Lyons) took the stage for the third week of their month-long residency at The Echo this past Monday night. An impressive backdrop made to look like the background of their website with a perfectly matching color palette of lights piercing through from behind mesmerized, as they opened their set with the lush, intoxicating single, “Forever Found.” The crowd was already bursting with exuberant excitement at the first recognizable notes and continued their energetic support throughout the night. From those first notes right until the very end of the impressive closing jam session, the band was poised, precise, polished, and most of all stylish. All seven members manned their elaborate set-ups with effortless expertise – from violin to laptop to saxophone, they unobtrusively blended technology with minimalist acoustic instrumentation. As they traversed the musical landscapes of psych, soul, funk, pop and jazz, they managed to keep it all under the banner of that magical, unique Kan Wakan sound. These seven are clearly multi-talented and all seem to have the ability to be the mastermind of their own musical projects. Watching them all work together was like a masterful ballet, but with the sex appeal of 007. At one point I even overhead an audience member comment on the James Bond Soundtrack-like quality to the band’s set. Kristianne Bautista cast her net of possession over the crowd as her sultry alto soared over the complex arrangements. Hearing her voice in the recordings did not quite do justice to the mysterious, almost melancholy quality she brings to the live performance. Despite the intriguing musical acrobatics of the rest of the band, you really can’t take your eyes off her. The highlight of the show was the final song that turned into an improvised musical chairs jam session and transitioned seamlessly back into the original song. The violinist sat at the cajon armed with brushes that looked like tiny rakes, and Bautista went to the back to man the synth as the rest of the band chasséd and pirouetted to close out the night in a way that left us all speechless. Needless to say, seeing Kan Wakan live solidified their status as one of the best local bands for which to keep a very close eye. The band announced they have finished recording their debut full length with an expected Summer 2013 release. You can catch them for the final night of their residency this Monday, Feb. 25, which I’m sure will be your last chance to see them for free. – Jacqueline Caruso
From the NYC Open Blog: Alex Vans’ new video + live at Spike Hill on 02.22
DC/NYC based powerpop band Alex Vans has just put out their official video for their new single "Chase the Night." The song, which powerpopaholic calls "a mixing of old influences skillfully into something fresh" is a three minute whirlwind narrating a night of debauchery and music in a Bushwick loft. It debuted live at Pianos on the lower east side a few weeks ago to a packed house and can now be found on youtube and alexvansmusic.com. See Alex Vans live at Spike Hill on February 22. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). The Deli’s NYC Open Blog is powered by The Music Building.
Stream: Body Parts, “Rest While You Sleep”
The brain-child of Ryder Bach, Body Parts is intelligent, evocative indie rock that blends pop, a little R&B, and mind-bending harmonies. They’ve released a new single, “Rest While You Sleep,” on New Professor, that is teasing at a possible full-length release expected later this year. This song, much like their previous releases, leaves more and more to be discovered with every subsequent listen. It’s thoughtful and complicated, without being heavy-handed and self-righteous. There’s just enough playfulness in the arrangement and performance to invite you into their quirky world, rather than keeping you at arms length as they dazzle you with their arty, avant abilities. Somehow they manage to embrace their obvious influences (Talking Heads, Dirty Projectors) without offending. It’s a delicate dance, but they pull it off in spades. You can see them live April 8 at Bardot for “It’s A School Night.” – Jacqueline Caruso
New Track: “Sunrise” – Grandchildren
Check out the new track from Grandchildren called "Sunrise" off their long-awaited forthcoming album Golden Age, which will be released on May 7 via Ernest Jenning Record Co.! The record was produced by Man Man‘s Christopher Sean Powell and Bill Moriarty. They’ll be performing next in Philly on Friday, March 1st at Underground Arts. Also keep checking back to our site – we’ll be releasing our Choice/Cuts session with the West Philly crew very soon!
Localpalooza at VA’s Empire on Sun. 2/24
This Sunday 2/24, Springfield VA’s Empire will be hosting Localpalooza that will showcase an array of alt entertainment. The all ages mini fest will consist of 7 bands including Arkestry (self-described as a blues rock band that doesn’t suck), Take This To Heart (metalcore from Stafford), Bachs of Rock (NoVA heavy metal), The Richie Ray Project (melodic hip hop from Woodbridge), Geppettos Wood, The Carter Louthian Band, Were Only Livin Free, and End Of Silence (NoVA alt metal.)
Show starts @ 6 PM at the Empire and is $10. For tickets, email Julian Earle.
Free Download: “Lucille” – John the Conqueror
John the Conqueror reach out to us this morning about sharing the track "Lucille" off their self-titled debut album, which was written about the godmama of one of the members and is available for free download. The song is a good one, and it came with this sweet photo of her (above). Enjoy!
Middle of the Map Fest: second wave of bands announced
The second wave of bands for Middle of the Map Fest has been announced! Here’s the list:
Futurebirds (Athens, GA)
Dent May (Oxford, MS)
Benoît Pioulard (Seattle)
Air Review (Dallas)
Psychic Twin (Chicago)
Great American Canyon Band (Baltimore)
Beautiful Bodies
The Hearts of Darkness
Not A Planet
Drew Black & Dirty Electric
Berwanger
Schwervon!
Hospital Ships
Scratch Track
I Heart Local Music Day Party
y(our) friends
The Sluts
Oils
Chevy Music Showcase
Margo May
David Burchfield & the Great Stop
Silver Maggies
Sons of Great Dane
96.5 The Buzz Day Party
The Dead Girls
The Slowdown (previously announced)
Cherokee Rock Rifle (previously announced)
Clairaudients (previously announced)
90.9 The Bridge Day Party
The Blackbird Revue
Cadillac Flambe
We Are Voices
John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons
Money Wolf Music Showcase
Dead Ven
The Hillary Watts Riot
Dollar Fox
The Latenight Callers
Golden Sounds Record Showcase
The Caves
The Empty Spaces
Hidden Pictures
Fullbloods
High Dive Records Showcase
The ACBs (previously announced)
Shy Boys (previously announced)
Fourth of July (previously announced)
Ghosty (previously announced)
IndyGround Entertainment
Steddy P & DJ Mahf (previously announced)
Brett Gretzky
Info Gates
Two4One
Dutch Newman
Tom Richman
Les Izmore Patio Bash
Ebony Tusks
Stik Figa
The Conquerors
The Abnorm
Barbaric Merits
Busses Opening for Snowden at JB’s Feb. 20
It’s feels like things have been really quiet over in the Busses camp. Possibly it was because they were searching for a new practice space in Fishtown, or maybe the rumors of tensions running a little high during the last recording sessions for their EP found the band at the crossroads of a much-needed break. And of course, life and shit just simply happens. I’m rooting for the usual time needed to work on new material. Whatever was the case, the rock trio has woken from their winter hibernation, and will be opening for Snowden at Johnny Brenda’s tonight. Also on board for support is Philly five-piece Belgrade who recently finished their new 9-song LP that is currently scheduled for release in April. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Courtney Wilburn) – H.M. Kauffman