Tap into your child-like sense of awe and imagination in Granchildren’s video for “Things They Buried,” off their latest LP ZUNI. Directed by the group’s own Aleks Martray, the video documents a child’s exploratory nature through the vivid imagery of dreams, and is based on Martray’s serial nocturnal experiences. Step inside this 1982 Mercedes-Benz, and let the wonderment begin. The video is being premiered by Paste Magazine here.
Nashville
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OJR’s “Somnonaut” is a laid-back psychedelic voyage
Somnonaut, based on a cursory internet search and the couple Latin words lodged in the "this would make for some perfect last-ditch party convo fodder" center of my brain, translates to something along the lines of "sleep sailor." And that’s just about what you get with OJR‘s latest single—a drowsy slow-burner with voices fading in and out, like those intractably weird thoughts you have in the moments before drifting off to sleep. Fortunately for the weak-stomached among us, the seas are calm on this track thanks to a steady, unchanging loop holding all the madness together. Somnonaut does away with the heavy country leanings of OJR’s Nashville Demos from last year, but whether that’s a sign of things to come or just an artist having a little fun getting his jollies off remains to be seen. Either way, we’re excited to float along toward whatever comes next. -Austin Phy
Toronto
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YEOMANS – LIVE AT THE BOVINE!
By definition Yeomans were attendants in a royal household…until now when Yeomas became one of my favorite rock bands in the GTA. They have top notch garage surf vibes. Influenced by The 13th Floor Elevators for sure and as far as more modern bands go I would compare them to the Allah La’s out of California. They have an EP available that was released in 2014. The opening track “Big Bikes” has some beautifully reverbed vocals and excellent surf guitar solos. “Elijah” takes you on a chilled out adventure to a beach….back in the 60‘s. Very nice psycadellia comin from this 3 piece. They even throw an instrumental at you just to make sure you’re awake. Easily one of the best EP’s I’ve heard in a while. It’s worth spending money on. You can choose the price on their bandcamp page. Catch them live on Saturday at Bovine Sex Club with Flamingo Báy and Wine Lips. – Kris Gies
Toronto
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WINE LIPS – BOVINE SEX CLUB
Wine Lips are a 3 piece garage trio from right here in Toronto. You may recognize singer/guitarist Cam Hilborn who spends most of his time rockin’ in Ol’CD. Wine Lips have 1 single released and its just enough of a teaser to make you want more and more. “Dead Beat” is pure garage punk cut from the cloth that the Ramones invented. It’s fast and hectic. It will inspire you to do nothing except get drunk. Cam rips some wacky solos in there that make your eyes spin to the back of your head. This single from Wine Lips is available on their bandcamp page. They’ll be opening up for Flamingo Báy and Yeomans at the Bovine Sex Club on Saturday. – Kris Gies
Philadelphia
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Ween Return Performance Available for Streaming
For all those who wished that they could have been out in Colorado this past weekend for Ween‘s return, here’s the entire show from Friday night’s inaugural performance at the 1STBANK Center. Spanning their extensive catalogue, the thirty-one-song set with a double encore was a triumphant sold-out comeback for the beloved New Hope alt rockers. Enjoy! (Photo by Dana Yavin)
NYC
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Victor and Penny Harness “Electricity”
(Photos by Chandra Ramey)
The Kansas City Jazz Duo Creates a New Spin From Classic Chemistry
Can music based on vintage tastes and ideals create something new? According to Victor & Penny, something as simple as a hook, a dress, or the right recording engineer creates a viable chance. When they planned to bring a specific genre of music into the Kansas City mainstream, they made sure it was based in craft, personality, and style. Against all odds it works and chances are, you’ll love it.
You have most likely seen or heard their brand of ragtime jazz around town at several venues as diverse as recordBar, Hotel Phillips, Kauffman Center, and The Green Lady Lounge. Sometimes they play as a duo, sometimes they incorporate a full outfit known as The Loose Change Orchestra with trombone, upright bass, and clarinet.
Who are Victor & Penny?
In a word, they are “unique.” They create songs out of a time that harbors authentic musicianship and charm, yet the act telegraphs progressive idealism through virtuosity, fashion and playfulness. They find a joyous sound out of some of the darkest musical standards of the classic jazz age, as if blowing soap bubbles through a flophouse opium pipe. But it’s not all fun and games. The duo creates music based in an era of serious songwriting skills. Watching them create tunes on stage prompts you to applaud time and time again before the song comes to a close because it’s something made with love, humor, and blood.
“The way we present ourselves is vital to the way the audience perceives us,” says singer and ukulele player Penny (known locally as Erin McGrane). “We want to show respect for our audience by looking sharp. That also helps to set the stage and mood for our show.”
Victor (known around Kansas City as Jeff Freling) continues the thought. “The music and the presentation go hand-in-hand. As we continue to refine and expand our stage presence, we present a more sophisticated show.”
Sophisticated is a good description for this musical favorite about town. When you walk into a Victor & Penny showcase, the duo ushers you through classic jazz standards with the energy and vigor of a revival-era tent pastor, as they are unabashed converts to the art form. It’s based in an honest love for the intricacies of the style.
“We offer the audience more than just a concert,” McGrane says. “We offer stories and a chance to get to know us as people, which is another way to connect to the audience and enrich the experience.“
Which is true: they’re 100-percent show business, but their connection is real and based in the classic ideals of traveling theater. They parry corny jokes, natural chemistry, and undeniable musicianship out of quick scenarios in clubs, media appearances, and even impromptu videos in their car. Their semi-formal attire contrasts with the easygoing attitude on stage as they sway and jump between old standards and new treasures.
So it begs the question; in a town so focused on indie rock and stylized blues, how would they make an impact by focusing on early jazz standards? It’s all about the lure of the common experience. McGrane says, ”In college, I got into 1930s vocal music from groups like the Boswell Sisters and the Mills Brothers. Jeff was listening to a lot of early guitarists like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian when we reconnected, and we found a common pool of tunes that we loved.”
Recording Electricity
Victor & Penny recorded a new album titled Electricity in August of 2015 and the finished product will soon be available here. They made the journey to Nashville’s Sputnik Sound to create it with producer Mitch Dane, who made his cake working up alt-country gold with acts as varied as Woody Pines and Jack White. Even though the producer’s tastes were outside Victor & Penny’s specific genre, the moment they met with Mitch, they knew it was a special match due to his musical taste for the eclectic side of early Americana and his impressive collection of classic recording gear in his inspiring studio.
Did the experience live up to expectations? According to Freling, yes. After speaking with Dane, they immediately hit it off and the day-to-day labors allowed the trio to create something truly special.
“Working in Nashville was a great experience and we had the opportunity to partner with a producer to help us rearrange some older tunes and bring a fresh perspective to our music,” Freling says.
How did Victor & Penny begin?
According to them, it all came together in Chicago.
“Jeff and I met during college years when our rock bands played together in the local KC scene,” says McGrane.
Freling adds, “We reconnected in Chicago a few years ago. Erin was working up there as a commercial actress and I had been playing strings on stage with Blue Man Group for many years. We hadn’t seen each other in almost 15 years.”
Playing the Circuit
This kind of authentic atmosphere means the world to this turn-of-the-century jazz duo because they rely on a certain balance of classic and contemporary to create their singular stage presence. They work hard to create a personable and accessible feel that draws both new and schooled fans of jazz history into their realm.
“The tunes that we’re drawn to are endlessly fun to sing and to improvise over musically,” says McGrane. “For example, the melody on ‘Lazy River’ by Hoagy Carmichael is instantly recognizable and much trickier to sing and play than it sounds. It’s just beautiful. ”
Freling finishes the thought. “We love to do what we call sonic archaeology and dig for lesser-known songs from the early part of the last century. Our original material combines all of our personal influences to create a modern sound with a vintage vibe.”
So yes, it’s true. A partnership born from a shared love of musical history proves something new can come from it all. The unique voice Victor & Penny creates gives music lovers in Kansas City an opportunity to participate in a true love of the artform. Experience their brand of musical joy at the Folk Alliance International Conference from Wednesday through Sunday. Check out their schedule here.
–Andrew Schiller
Andrew Schiller has been playing music and writing features for a couple of decades. To earn gear and beer money, sometimes he wakes up and travels to an office of some sort inhabited by your garden-variety marketing types.
Portland
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Candace drops Valentine’s Day love tunes
If you’re bumming on being alone, or just hate the holiday for the sake of hating things, then bask in the delight that is Candace‘s Valentine’s Day weekend release, Teenage Tragedy. The two song drop consists of hazy bedroom pop covers of "I Wonder If I Care As Much" by The Everly Brothers and "Teen Angel" by Mark Dinnings, executed in a manner that’s both romantically dreamy and gloomily sappy. Whether you’re spending the day single or with a partner, turn out the lights and play Teenage Tragedy on loop. It’s much better than every lame love song on the radio.
-Cervante Pope
NYC
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TONIGHT, 2/14: The Milestones, The Humble, and YUM. play DC9 at 8:30
Need plans for Valentine’s Day? DC9 has just the treat for you with an awesome triple feature: The Milestones, The Humble, and YUM. at 8:30 tonight! Opening the night, YUM. is one of DC’s rising indie acts, excelling at creating upbeat, dreamy melodies that hook the listener very quickly. The Humble hails from Philly, but these neighbors from up north are kicking off a northeastern tour to celebrate the release of their new album, Act Accordingly. Check the first single below, which is a mighty fine example of where alternative meets melodic rock. Headlining the night, Baltimore boys The Milestones are back in DC to spread some love via their hypnotically catchy alt jams. Get on your feet, head over to DC9, and dance the night away, date or no date! Doors at 8, $8. -Jonathan Goodwin
Philadelphia
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Switch Gears w/Miles Chancellor at The Fire Feb. 14
With the recent release of his debut solo LP No Man’s Island, Miles Chancellor reaffirms his place on the map as a solo artist. Consistently demonstrating control whether exorcising inner demons with a contemplative conscience, breaking new ground with a melodic aggression, or stepping back, slowing down and hitting a sensual chord, Chancellor is capable of switching gears at a moments notice, without skipping a beat. That ability to develop a continuous lyrical thread – one that tugs from a close inner anchor and then stretches forward without signs of fraying – is a gift. Tonight, Chancellor is set to perform at The Fire as part of Northern Liberties Winter Music Festival alongside a deep billing including Truck North, Ronnie Riggles, and Dante Kennedy among others. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 8pm, $10, 18+ – Michael Colavita
Austin
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The Cuckoos Channel the Classic Era of Psych Music to a Tee on “Stranger in Your Eyes”
Morrison has risen- This is a natural thought progression upon hearing Ken Frost, lead singer of the Austin 60’s psych trio The Cuckoos, sing for the first time. Frost has a dead-on Lizard King baritone but, rather than run from comparisons to the Doors, the Cuckoos embrace it, own it, and then make it their own. The trio’s magnetism, mature sound, and youthful precociousness (Frost is the oldest in the group at 19) mean that there are many more doors of perception for these Moog-mavens to open. Here’s track “Stranger in Your Eyes” from their upcoming spring full-length release that offers a tantalizing organ sound straight from 1967. The dark psych groove perfectly coalesces with Frost’s intoxicating throwback vocals for a track that’s about as close as we’re ever going to get to a new classic Doors track, do listen below, flower children of 2016. The Cuckoos are also a nominee for ‘Artist of the Year’ in the psych category and would love your vote, so check the polls to the right if you want to help the guys out.
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Lee Ackerley
@slackerleemusic
Austin
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Cross Record is at the Top of Their Dark Experimental Music Game with New “Wabi Sabi”
Cross Record is an airy, sophisticated and sometimes creepy indie folkish duo that writes, records and lives out at a parcel of gorgeous Texas Hill Country land known as Moon Phase Ranch. With equal parts technical, atypical instrumentals from Dan Duszynski and the ghostliest, lovely and philosophical vocals from wife Emily Cross, Cross Record will play well with the folk/psych indie lovers out there, as well as those into that whole witchy thing going on right now. Recent release Wabi Sabi has the two at their best yet, with building cerebral tracks that are as deep-thought provoking as they are beautifully spacious and emotionally gripping. Catch a two-track preview of Wabi Sabi here, including the modern stormy day folk song “Steady Waves,” and check out the poignant minimalist and symbolic prettiness of the music video for second single “High Rise” below. It’ll get your spine tingling, and your mind soaring over a gloomy, picturesque Texas countryscape.
Philadelphia
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Take a Starry-eyed Stroll w/Grubby Little Hands at JB’s Feb. 13
Grubby Little Hands will be headlining the bill tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. The former duo’s upcoming album, Garden Party, which will be released on April 29 via Lefse Records, boasts a newly fortified lineup of instrumentalists, including members of Brown Recluse and Young Grandpa, equipping them with a wider, richer sonic spectrum for their languorous, whimsical psychedelia to survey. Thankfully, the addition of these members has not disturbed the feng shui of the band, as established by their first couple releases; the music continues its starry-eyed stroll down the path of experimental/experiential psych-pop that bands like Animal Collective and Atlas Sound paved with the same glassy, listless enlightenment. Supporting Grubby Little Hands is Grandchildren, the eclectic baroque pop band that draws inspiration as much from modern indie as Afropop, classical, and orchestral music. Also scheduled to perform is The Orange Drop, who model their sound more directly in the style of classic 60’s psychedelic rock, while also inescapably passing and refracting through the lens of 90’s neo-psychedelia on the way. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bryce Woodcock