NYC

Album review: Westerners – Westerners (EP)

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(Photo by Scott Stormann)

Westerners, a Lawrence-based indie-rock quartet, has been playing a seemingly overflowing swarm of shows in recent months. Having had the pleasure of catching a couple of those performances, I was pleased to stumble across their new EP on a recent Bandcamp stroll. With yet another strong production job from Joel Nanos at Element Recording, the band has managed to capture its raw live energy, tight arrangements, and dynamic range quite effectively in this four-song sampler.
 
The EP’s opener “Ugly Girls in Pretty Shoes” (which coincidentally is one of the best song titles I’ve seen in awhile) is a nice fiery shot out of the gate. This Nada Surf-meets-Me Like Bees slice of garage rock bounces from jazzy strains to feathers of prog rock, all brought home nicely by a strong and poppy singalong chorus.

“Tetris” sees the band move more in a psychedelic or jam direction. Easily comparable to a more meandering version of The ACBs or the older, less-dancey Soft Reeds material, this song features the best vocal work of the EP. The more tender moments are carried perfectly by Floyd-esque “ooooo”s that transform the listener to a serene place. Extra points for the tasteful and effective use of hand claps.
 
“Broken Bells” shows a bit of a Midwestern side of Westerners. The proggy, tight rhythm section featured previously is replaced by a content shuffle beat and walking bass lines. The chorus explodes a bit into a chuggling, folk-punk experience, proving even the “slow” songs can have some nuts.

My favorite song of the EP, “Dog Days,” closes things out with a powerful, body-moving Zeppelin-style groove. A little more riff-driven than the other tracks, the guitarist really shines here with a dynamic and careful use of effects. Typically I shy away from a band’s more jam-esque material, but this song seems to be the perfect harder rock culmination for this batch of songs.


I would imagine Westerners are coming to a bar or town near you. As stated previously, they keep a pretty busy schedule about the Midwest. Go over to their Bandcamp and throw them a few bucks for this EP (currently selling for $3 or more). Gas aint cheap and Westerners have some good sounds to spread about.

 

 

You can catch Westerners next at Art Closet Studios on Friday, April 11, with The Decatures, Hardi Har Har, Vela, and Monzie Leo and The Big Sky. This is an all-ages show, $4. Facebook event page.

 

 

—Zach Hodson
 
Zach Hodson is a monster. He once stole a grilled cheese sandwich from a 4-year-old girl at her birthday party. He will only juggle if you pay him. I hear he punched Slimer right in his fat, green face. He knows the secrets to free energy, but refuses to release them until Saved by the Bell: Fortysomethings begins production. He is also in Dolls on Fire and Drew Black & Dirty Electric, as well as contributing to various other Kansas City-based music, comedy, and art projects.

 

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NYC

Center of the City Fest starts Friday

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Another important music fest is taking place in Kansas City this weekend that provides a punk alternative to what’s happening a few blocks south. This weekend will mark the third annual Center of the City Fest, at Vandals (in back of Black & Gold Tavern). The fest focuses on the KC punk rock community, and is jam-packed with a stellar lineup.

This year’s COTC fest will feature bands on indoor and outdoor stages (Friday and Saturday). Tickets are just $7 for one day, $21 for all three days. Drink specials will be available at Black & Gold. Facebook event page. 

Friday
7:00     The Big Iron (inside)
7:30     Plug Uglies (outside)
8:00     5 Star Disaster (inside)
8:30     Stinkbomb (St. Louis) (outside)
9:00     Four Arm Shiver (inside)
9:30     Bombs Over Broadway (outside)
10:00   The Haddonfields (St. Louis) (inside)
10:30   Documentary (outside)
11:00   American Dischord (inside)
11:30   Smash the State (outside)
12:00   The Shidiots (Omaha) (inside)
12:45   The Uncouth (inside)
 
Saturday
7:00     Deco Auto (inside)
7:30     Dead Ven (outside)
8:00     The Itch (Joplin) (inside)
8:30     Donner Diaries (outside)
9:00     Scene of Irony (St. Louis) (inside)
9:30     KC Thieves (outside)
10:00   Molotov Latte (Springfield) (inside)
10:30   Red Kate (outside)
11:00   Bottle Breakers (inside)
11:30   Hipshot Killer (outside)
12:00   The Bad Ideas (inside)
12:45   Iron Guts Kelly (inside)
 
Sunday
6:45     Black on Black
7:30     The Biff Tannens
8:15     The Hemorrhoids
9:00     The Protesters
10:30   The Rackatees
11:15   Bummer
12:00   The Death Scene
12:45   Ghetto Blaster (San Diego)
 

–Michelle Bacon
 
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays bass in The Philistines and Dolls on Fire, and drums in Drew Black & Dirty Electric.
 
Free Counters
 

 

Portland

Introducing: A Happy Death

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Though most of the city is still buried away underneath layers upon layers of rain, let the Firkin Tavern shelter you in the most captivating way this Friday night: through rock ‘n roll. A Happy Death is celebrating their album release amongst fellow psych rockers Mister Tang and Cambrian Explosion. The new release, entitled Introducing: A Happy Death, welcomes you into their universe full of polite aggression. The manners only go as far as proper introductions, as their sound never gives way for bowing or waiting for someone else’s turn. It sweeps you away on a provoking ride. 

The beginning of the album is slightly uncomfortable only because voicemails are only a thing that grandmas, collection agencies and stalkers leave. Fortunately, it quickly transitions to a sprint full of adrenaline and low howls supporting wailing lulls. Suddenly, everything makes sense again. The energy is consistent through the middle ground of the release, a rare feat in modern music. Appropriately named "Muscle Car" taunts with unpredictable drumming, while Ryan Joseph Lella’s vocals tease you in and out of intoxication. The well-chosen finale, "Firewalk" kneels in fuzz and darker vibes. The intent was to listen from start to finish, which explains cassette options. This is definitely an album set in place just so. Influences can be obviously pointed out, but this band isn’t one to constantly compare to others in existence. Stand back, sway, do whatever you do and just let it be what it is. – Colette Pomerleau 
 

Nashville

Congratulations to Mouth Reader, Our New Artist of the Month!

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Congratulations to Mouth Reader, our new Artist of the Month. They won through grit, determination, and good ol’ fashioned Facebook bombing. Their next show is April 24th at The Boro Bar and Grill in Murfreesboro, so until then, rock out to their brand-spankin’ new single, "Slave." -Terra James-Jura

San Francisco

Halcyonaire Prepare to Release Three Song Vignette on April 15th

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Oakland based experimental Americana band, Halcyonaire will be releasing an artfully executed three track album entitled, Urban Arson / Lost & Found & Lost / The Sonneteer. The band has molded a brief collection of music into a flowing piece that they describe to be a vignette. There is a touch of theatrical imagery and storytelling throughout the album, as the songs creatively mosey along as if they effortlessly play themselves without the help of human limbs. Urban Arson brings a similar tone of The Black Angels and Spindrift. All three tracks are dark and emotive desert western ballads that ring and move with a rebellious tone that is invigorating and intriguing.

Urban Arson / Lost & Found & Lost / The Sonneteer is an impressive set of music that stands out without being oppressively flamboyant, loud and overbearing. It’s got a comfortable vibe and the songwriting and composition is relatable and nervously soothing.

Until this album’s release on April 15th you can check Halcyonaire out live at their album release show at the Night Light on April 12th.  You can also give their previous musical effort, Young Penitents / The Healer a listen to get a taste of what you’re in for when the album drops. –je

April 12th – Oakland, CA – The Night Light
April 16th – San Jose, CA – Blank Club

NYC

Donovan Blanc signs with Captured Tracks + announces debut album

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NJ based duo Donovan Blanc is the latest addition to Brooklyn label Captured Tracks’ rather dreamy (and admirable) roster. The single ‘Minha Menina’ (streaming), which precedes a full length scheduled for June, showcases chilled thoughtfulness a la’ Real Estate, and a slightly baroque style consisting in a subtle jazz influence in the arrangements (this track at times takes us back to Joni Mitchell’s "Hejira"), and sophisticated melodies that – rather than hitting you on the first listen – grow on you over time.

NYC

Grand Cousin unveils two singles + announces debut EP

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Grand Cousin tend to act out when they’re feeling nervous or scared. But while some people throw things at walls when experiencing emotional duress, this alt-rock group rocks hard and funky for their tell-all jams. From the playful ‘Take Me Out’ to the brooding ‘Let Me Know,’ the three-piece undergoes a genuine catharsis with each lyrical sentiment, especially in our fave ‘I Hate People‘ (and we can all relate to that of course). Check out their latest single ‘Camera’ below and watch out for their debut EP set to be released this Spring. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best NYC songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Philadelphia

New Track: “Goshen ’97” – Strand Of Oaks

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Timothy Showalter aka Strands of Oaks offers a glimpse into his teenage years -growing up in Indiana through “Goshen ’97.” The song, off Strand of Oaks upcoming third LP entitled Heal, features J Mascis on guitar. “Goshen ‘97” takes no time to jump into gear with a combination of hard-cracking percussion, and high-octane guitar providing a youthful exuberance. Showalter’s narrative displays snapshots into his past while a raunchy guitar solo blazes a trail. Heal is set for a June 24th release date via Dead Oceans.
 

NYC

Artists on Trial: Various Blonde

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We will be highlighting some of the artists playing The Deli KC’s showcase for Middle of the Map Fest next Thursday, April 3 on the Seen Merch Stage at The Riot Room patio. Today’s Artist on Trial is Various Blonde.
  

Joshua Allen is the songwriter and frontman of Various Blonde, a project he’s been involved with for several years, that has a dark, dynamic rock sound. Allen tells us a bit more about the band’s current lineup and what they have going on.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music. What is it?
 
Allen: Bombastic, psychedelic, soul, rock.
 
The Deli: Give us some background on the band.
 
Allen: This particular lineup is all new. Middle of the Map will be the sixth show with myself, vox, guitar, sound fx, Evanjohn McIntosh (Sons of Great Dane), Eddie Moore (The Outer Circle), and Mark Lomas.
 
The Deli: What would you say your biggest accomplishments been as a band?
 
Allen: Since the bands original conception we’ve opened up for some of our favorite indie acts from Russian Circles to Dead Meadow. We’ve also had the pleasure of being a part of the Midcoast Takeover in Austin and have the pleasure of participating in this year’s Middle of The Map Fest.
 
The Deli: What do you have coming up?
 
Allen: Well, actually I spent this last year working on the upcoming Various Blonde release Summer High, produced by Ikey Owens (keyboardist for The Mars Volta, Jack White, and Kelis) and am planning to release it this summer. It’s literally the hardest I’ve ever worked on anything so I’m really excited to share it with everyone.
 
The Deli: Who are you most looking forward to seeing at Middle of the Map this year?
 
Allen: I dunno, I think it would be fun to see Har Mar again. I haven’t seen him in like 10 years. He puts on a fun show and always has tons of energy. It would be fun to see them again and it would be cool to catch DEL and Shabazz Palaces too! But honestly there’s so much talent involved there’s too many to list. I’m definitely gonna try and see my boys in Jorge Arana Trio and the young powerhouse trio that is Bummer, because they slay!
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
 
Allen: I think it means something to the effect of trying to be as active in the scene as possible rain or shine, not making excuses for why you can’t do this or that (ie, pay, staying up past 10), giving as many honest listens as possible and getting behind anyone you think has potential. Personally, if I’m not at work I want to go to a show!
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
 
Allen: I hate using the word "favorite" but if I must, I will choose based on bands that sound like music I listen to in my spare time. The Conquerors, Bummer, and Jorge Arana Trio are all right up my alley.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?
 
Allen: Temples, Warpaint, The Range, SUUNS, Crystal Antlers, Rubedo, and AAN have all had recent albums I really fancy. Then there are also some things I won’t mention, but you can see I listen to if I forget to hit private session on Spotify. 😉
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
 
Allen: Queens of the Stone Age, The Mars Volta, and Various Blonde at Red Rocks 2015!
 
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there? 
 
Allen: Miles Davis, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince. They all brought it and they all changed the face of music inside and outside their respective genres.
 
The Deli: What other goals does Various Blonde have for 2014, and beyond?
 
Allen: Tour regionally for the upcoming record and figure out what were doing in 2015.
 
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
 
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
 
Allen: Various Blonde Kicks off Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest at Riot Room Thursday April 3 at 7:00. Come out and check out some new tunes, the new lineup, and then stay for more great bands. Cheers!
 
Various Blonde is:
Joshua Allen – vocals, guitar, sound fx
Evanjohn McIntosh – bass
Eddie Moore – keys
Mark Lomas – drums
 
 
Don’t forget to check out Various Blonde at The Deli KC’s showcase at Middle of the Map Fest next Thursday, April 3. They will take the Seen Merch stage on The Riot Room patio at 7:00 p.m. Facebook event page.
 
 
 
–Michelle Bacon
 
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays bass in The Philistines and Dolls on Fire, and drums in Drew Black & Dirty Electric.
 

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Philadelphia

New Video: “Tolerated” ft. Waka Flocka Flame – Girl Talk & Freeway

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Local rhymesayer Freeway and Pittsburg’s Girl Talk recently premiered a video for the track “Tolerated” off of their collaborative EP Broken Ankles, out April 8th. The video begins normally enough before deteriorating into gruesome, action flick style mayhem. There is granny chucking, child vomiting, and a sweet cameo by a dismembered arm wielding Waka Flocka Flame. So, are you watching yet?  

Philadelphia

Birdie Busch, The Extraordinaires, and Lux Perpetua playing Boot and Saddle April 2nd

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Whether it’s successfully using a crowd-funding site like PledgeMusic for a new album, or playing shows everywhere from venues to tour buses to cemeteries, Birdie Busch has a way of sticking out. Not to mention her penchant for entertaining people with her whimsical and sometimes somber folk tunes. There’s just something about Birdie Busch. For tonight’s show she’ll be joined by another masterful band in The Extraordinaires. The band earned a great amount of success last year thanks to their latest Pen Pals EP, and they’ve recently been showing new printed artwork on fabric covers for what may be the next release to come, Dress For Nasty Weather. Seeing both artists playing the intimate Boot & Saddle stage together is reason enough to attend; But the first 15 people entering through the doors will also be receiving an advance copy of openers Lux Perpetua’s new album Hehbehdehbehbehdeh. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St, 8PM, $10 21+ – Bill McThrill 

NYC

NYC femme fatale Ziemba releases debut EP at Cameo on 04.15

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Since the days of The Velvet Underground’s ‘Banana’ album, NYC has been setting the standard in the rockn’n’roll femme fatale department, but admittedly hasn’t yet produced a presence as charismatic and powerful as Nico. From the tracks on her debut EP – and the retro press pictures coming with it – Brooklyn-based performance artist and vocalist Ziemba (aka René Kladzyk) may have the presence and the talent to fill this void – although the first thing we’d like to hear from her is better recorded music, in particular more attention to details in the vocal department. Like the German chantause from the 60s, Ziemba isn’t afraid of sadness and sparsness, and single ‘Phantom See" is a tasteful tune that might entrance fans of David Sylvian, Brian Eno, John Cale and other semi-experimental luminaries. Ziemba will celebrate her debut EP release at Cameo on April 15. – Photo by Miriam Fanger