The National Rifle pop their cherry tonight at South Philly’s newest music venue The Boot & Saddle. The local four-piece has gone through an evolution sonically with their latest release Almost Endless, produced by Miner Street’s Brian McTear. The band has embraced the interplay between guitar and synth moving more towards a New Wave vibe, sounding less like a runaway jet-fueled rocket ship, which is actually a good thing. They seem to be expending that extra, saved energy towards fine-tuning their songwriting craft. They’ll be opening this evening for buzzing Canadian avant-popsters Braids. The Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 9pm, $10 adv/$12 door, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
L.A.
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Video + Interview: Lee Noble, “Wring the Rag”
Upon the release of his self-made video for “Wring the Rag,” I caught up with Lo-Fi, Ambient solo artist Lee Noble to discuss his process. Along with crafting his own recordings, he also creates the cover art for the cassettes released on his label, No Kings. There isn’t much he can’t do – including making zines. Let the layered textures of his music and the esoteric images of the video posted below wash over you like a warm bath as he explains how it all comes together. – Jacqueline Caruso
The Deli: When did you first start performing your own music?
Lee Noble: I made some recordings in high school, but didn’t really play music solo much until later. I was in a band with my best friends throughout high school and college, and most of my musical effort was put into that. In 2008, I moved to Los Angeles and played a few shows alone with tape loops and a drum machine. I was later given a broken harmonium, and I patched it up with some sticky tack. That was sort of the impetus for making ambient music. It played very slowly because it had air leaks.
The Deli: Do you find more satisfaction/artistic fulfillment in the writing/recording process or performing live?
LN: The recordings are my statements, performing live is more like an experiment. Trying set-ups, being present. Not so much like a resume of songs. Each live performance is different, usually. Sometimes that means they don’t work. But it’s almost like 2 separate projects that meet somewhere in the middle. Recording is the priority.
The Deli: Tell us a bit about your recording process. Is it completely solitary?
LN: I record alone in my room using a digital 8-track deck with one hour of recording memory. I use small tape recorders as something like a notebook for ideas, taking down melodies or riffs. Then I build up from those pieces. My deck is on it’s last legs though, so I’m trying to work out a new way to record.
The Deli: You created the video for "Wring the Rag" yourself, and are also an accomplished visual artist – as you create the artwork for your releases and those you put out on your label, No Kings Records. How do these different art forms inform each other?
LN: Trying to translate ideas into different mediums is always a fruitful effort I think. Video ideas into graphic ideas, different types of design language used as cassette j-cards or record sleeves. I just like to try my hand at anything visual, even if I have very little technical skill.
The Deli: Any upcoming events, releases or news to share?
LN: I’m playing in Denver at the Gold Rush festival this weekend, and next month on the 18th I’m very excited to be playing at Issue Project Room in Brooklyn with Tony Conrad and Amen Dunes.
"Wring the Rag" by Lee Noble from Bathetic on Vimeo.
NYC
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Album review: Ha Ha Tonka – Lessons
Nothing is more exhilirating than the feelings that accompany the birth of autumn. The air turns crisp and the colors become more vibrant, indicating the end of pool parties and beginning of bonfires and pumpkin patches, but also the impending promise of winter’s chill. It brings with it a mood that is at once galvanizing, uneasy, and contemplative. Ha Ha Tonka’s latest LP Lessons—released on Bloodshot Records just in time for the changing of the season—provides the soundtrack to that atmosphere, presenting a majestic, warm sound with delicate undertones.
Ha Ha Tonka has come a long way since its previous release, 2011’s Death of A Decade. The group has completed several US tours with the likes of Langhorne Slim, Murder By Death, Reverend Horton Heat, The Old 97s, and many more. Back in June, Tonka completed its second European tour (link to our article on the tour with drummer Lennon Bone) and has gotten a steady amount of buzz that’s only increased since the first track from Lessons, “Colorful Kids,” debuted back in July in Spin.
But most of all, Lessons represents the maturing sound of a band that has grown collectively as musicians and individually as men.
Brian Roberts, Brett Anderson, Lucas Long, and Lennon Bone have been making music together for nearly a decade—nine years to be exact (three of those years were spent under a different moniker; Ha Ha Tonka has been a band since 2007)— and Lessons is the culmination of their refined musical abilities and personalities. This is probably most evident in the title track, which eases in like that first slow, cathartic pull off a cigarette after a long, stress-filled day. The vocals build from a delicate chant (“I can’t keep learning the same lessons over again / I keep learning the same lessons over”) into a compelling drone, while Anderson’s electric guitar squeals over ambient effects. Roberts has fully embraced his capabilities as a charismatic but formidable frontman—he has a penchant for intermingling a gentle, doleful tone (“I try to kick so many habits that I hold / but they hold onto me even when I let go of them”) with a dynamic battle cry as the song reaches its apex (“My heart is hurting / I don’t know when to say when”), careening into the ghostly four-part-harmony mantra.
From lead-off track “Dead to the World,” it’s indisputable that Tonka has carved out a new path with this LP (which was inspired by the writings of Maurice Sendak). The track features Rob Moose (who has worked with artists including Paul McCartney, Rufus Wainwright, and The National) on strings, who creates a rich, opulent foundation that lingers until the final note of the album. Somehow, the band creates a colossal environment around the string arrangement, with Bone’s textural cymbal accents, Anderson’s mandolin riffs—which continually become a more crucial element of the band’s sound—and Long’s punctuated but fundamental bass lines.
From there, the album shifts seamlessly through heartfelt interludes and transitions. Ushered in by the forlorn thirty-second interlude “Synthetic Love,” “Arabella” features Anderson on lead vocals and represents the haunting, desperate purity of the band’s evolving songwriting style. It also demonstrates a respect the musicians have for their craft; they exercise self-restraint in the music without leaving out critical elements. They emphasize the strengths of each piece of each song and adorn them with nuances that sometimes may take a few listens to catch. But they are worth catching.
Make no mistake: though Tonka’s sound has become more refined, it is still steeped in the same Ozark tradition, charm, and authenticity that its fans appreciate. Produced by Dan Molad (Lucius) and The Ryantist (Antennas Up) with assistant engineer Jacob Goldman, it seems that Lessons was an opportunity for the band to experiment with methods it hadn’t before—methods that would enhance and cultivate its existing sound. For instance, in “Rewrite Our Lives,” the vocal harmonies were sung through a large kick drum, giving it an enormous, celestial presence; this is also Roberts’ most earnest and resolute vocal performance on the entire album. Bone pointed out in a previous interview with The Deli KC that “it’s still totally us, but it’s like the Tonka we’ve always wanted to be.”
At first blush, the ornate instrumentation and subtleties seem like an attempt toward a kinder, gentler, more radio-friendly Tonka. But with each listen, each member’s individual stories and characters unfold. And although it lacks some of the Southern rock grit that made Death of A Decade the success it was, Lessons more than makes up for it with a stronger sense of self-awareness and development. It tells a story that reads more fluidly and gracefully than any of Tonka’s previous efforts.
Tonight, you can catch Ha Ha Tonka in Columbia outside of Mojo’s at Forrest Rose Park with Amanda Shires and Man in the Ring. Show starts at 8:00 pm. Tomorrow, the band will travel to Lawrence to play The Bottleneck with Shires, Til Willis and Erratic Cowboy. Show starts at 9:00 pm. Facebook event page. You can see the rest of the tour schedule below.
Newly released video for “American Ambition,” an acoustic version performed by Brian Roberts:
–Michelle Bacon
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Michelle is editor of The Deli Magazine – Kansas City, and also plays drums Drew Black & Dirty Electric and bass in Dolls on Fire and The Philistines. Lennon Bone is her archdrumnemesis. He’s winning that and their beard-off. |
NYC
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Weekly Feature: Manican Party – live at Spike Hill on 10.06
Manican Party is anything but stuck in one pose, shapeshifting through all manner of synth-pop. Long-time collaborators Jessica Corazza (vocals and lyrics) and Patrick Morrissey (behind the boards and keys) produce ‘haute couture’ pop that spans from Tribal to Top 40. Check them out at Spike Hill on October 10, and at CMJ a week later. – Link: Bianca Seidman’s interview with Manican Party.
NYC
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Weekly Feature: Spirit Animal releases “Kingdom Phylum” EP on 10.01
Like any band sounding like some kind of hybrid fusion, as accurately described in their bio, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and LCD Soundsytem, Spirit Animal has the ability to get you moving. Offering a brand of dance/pop/funk-rock that will beat you senseless, the quartet made up of Steve Cooper, Ronen Evron, Paul Michel and Cal Stamp are known for their overwhelming stage presence and broad range of musical aptitude. The guys are set to release a four-song EP titled "Kingdom Phylum" on October 1st, a follow-up to their 2012 This Is A Test, which will include the aforementioned hit song. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor) – Link: Michael Haskoor’s Interview with Spirit Animal.
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, September 27 – 29
Listening to the songs of Alabama-by-way-of-Brooklyn-transplant, Waxahatchee, is getting a glimpse of her soul. Katie Crutchfield’s style is fuzzy, lo-fi (even on the primarily acoustic tracks), but her voice cuts through the melody, revealing a slight southern lilt and a whole lot of honesty. It’s easy to imagine Crutchfield as a friend, her lyrics read like a conversation – the kind of talk that happens in the dwindling hours of darkness, fighting heavy lids and sharing hazy secrets. The same cathartic lyricism exists with the night’s other local act, Trophy Wife. Except with their songs, there’s no gentle romance – just two exposed, beating hearts. Katy Otto and Diane Foglizzo take their incredible vocal range and pair it with an unapologetic outlook on the world. They test themselves and their listeners, to face, head-on, what makes them uncomfortable. Belted over heavy guitar lines and crashing drums, their music will cut to the bone. Both acts and Wisconsin’s Tenement lead into Sunday evening’s headliner at the Church, New Brunswick’s own Screaming Females. The Female’s brazen punk style has garnered them a large following over their seven years, but their musical integrity hasn’t strayed. Frontwoman, Marissa Paternoster, owns the stage with her own brand of might and fury unleashed through her magnificent guitar work and vocals. While each act carves their own musical style, there’s no doubt they’ll all leave a mark. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $10 adv/$12 door, All Ages – Shaylin O’Connell
Other things to do during this fall weekend…
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Work Drugs, Lockets, Bridge Underwater
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Marc Neibauer, Scott Churchman, The Fantastic Imagination
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Hound, SAT Ugh God, SGNLS
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) SUN Jeff Ziegler & Mary Lattimore, Laura Baird
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Kingsnake, SAT Sean Graham, Red Richards, Jason Evan, Blueshift, SUN Heathen Reign, Sunburster
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI The Bigness, SAT The National Rifle
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Moonstirker, Left of Logic, North Broad, Barncat, SAT Kwesi Kankam, Nicky P, SUN D&M
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI The Meta, Silverton
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Anjuli Josephine, Attic Dancers
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) SUN Air Is Human, The Saturday Giant
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 3rd St.) FRI Family Vacation, Slothrust, SAT Sunshine Superman
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI Splintered Sunlight, SUN Bridging The Music Presents: Pennsylvania Solo Artist Awards
Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) SUN Knucklehead, The Charley Few, Wimp Talk
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI The Philly Zombie Prom
TLA (334 South St.) SAT Ground Up
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI (Early) John Train, (Late) The Donuts, SAT Jersey Corn Pickers
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Chris Kasper CD Release Party w/Hezekiah Jones, SAT Absolute Zeros, SUN Cream: The Best of Philly Rising
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI In The Presence of Wolves, Lor, SAT Electric Boa, Torsion, SUN Andrew Winter and The Reckless Dodgers, Midnight Bottle Service
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT Jacopo De Nicola
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Pr$ph$t, Charlie No Face, A Decent Distraction, SUN Higher Level Trap Boys
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Besting Tensions, Alex Dimattia, SAT Stealing Fame, Mike Nappi
Little Berlin (2430 Coral St.) SUN Van Sutra
The Dream Oven (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Secret Plot to Destroy The Entire Universe, King God, SUN Placeholder, Sex Cross, Herb
Moonbase Nix (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Alex G, Dogs on Acid, SHMNS
Glitoria (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Fuck SS, Batworm
The Mitten (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Mitten Garden Show and Potluck w/ Mikey Cantor, Cynthia Ann Schemmer
NYC
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Pep brings Doo Wop back to NYC + release debut EP in December
Echoing the doo wop of 50s/60s girl groups, Pep is the embodiment of young America’s constant need to dance. Karys Rhea of Starlight Girls has immersed herself in an ever-growing collection of Shirelles, Shiffons and who knows what else, to pour out the pounding heartbeat behind her own ode to these vintage troupes. New single ‘My Baby and Me’ dives deep into this legacy and pours out a groove perfect for anyone in the mood to shake a tail feather.
Stay tuned for live shows coming this fall, a new EP on December 3rd, and listen to ‘My Baby and Me’ below. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
NYC
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Two Seconds to Midnight album release Arlene’s on 10.05
You could say a lot of things about Two Seconds to Midnight. From powerful guitars, wood-chopping strings, and singer-songwriter Zig Payton’s towering alto. But what most immediately grabs me upon throwing on their last record ‘Architecture,’ is how many ideas these guys have.
As aggressive as they are soft and ethereal, Two Seconds to Midnight are natural forebears to the kinds of cinematic expeditions you’ve heard from Mogwai or Sigur ros. You never know what you’re going to get, and that’s why I had to make my way through the whole record before putting it down. The band’s self-titled sophomore release drops Saturday, October 5th. Pre-order today or pick it up at their Record Release show on the same day at Arlene’s Grocery (9:45 pm doors). – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
San Francisco
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Sioux City Kid Vandella Copper and Glass at Great American Music Hall – 9/27
Tonight at Great American Music Hall will be Sioux City Kid will be headlinging a mostly local bill. This band gives country music a gritty and edgy sound. Their song Wishin’ Well features background piano riffs and a powerful rhythm section, with encapsulating vocals coming from band singer and frontman, Jared Griffin. Vandella will be slightly twisting up the music for the night, with their blues-country-indie-soul sounding music. Their song, “Shine You Up” features the strong vocals of Tracey Holland with a danceable country-rock rhythm and melody section. Copper & Glass take a classic country sound – with a large emphasis around vocals and lyrics – and mold it with an indie type sound that features keyboards and melody based choruses.
How many times do you get a chance to see bands twist up the country music genre and make it their own? Be sure to catch these bands do just that tonight! – Victor Casillas Valle
Nashville
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Sugar and the Hi-Lows at Musician’s Corner 9.28
Sugar and the Hi-Lows released the single “Everything’s Looking Up” on June 10th, and it has been featured on ABC and garnered acclaim from Paste and Billboard. Trent Dabbs and Amy Stroup founded their project on the credo of “It’s not good unless you can dance to it.” The duo has drawn on their extensive backgrounds as Nashville songwriters to craft a vintage sound with clever lyricism and upbeat hooks. If your heels are in need of kicking this coming Saturday, Sugar and the Hi-Lows will be in Centennial Park with Jeffery James and Mountain Heart at Musician’s Corner. The pre-concert festivities will begin at noon, the band goes on at 2. -Terra James-Jura
Chicago
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Archie Powell & The Exports on Chic-A-Go-Go
Chica-A-Go-Go posted a handful of new video this week including songs by White Mystery, Bike Cops, and the very strange Ice Cream Vendors.
My favorite is hilarious performance from Archie Powell & The Exports. The band is currently on a massive fall tour and you can get updates on their Facebook page.
Chicago
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Vic Mensa “Lovely Day”
On this beautiful Friday afternoon, take a break and bask in the sunshine of the new video from Vic Mensa, "Lovely Day". The track comes from his much anticipated mixtape, #INNANETAPE which drops on Monday, Sept. 30th.