NYC

Album review: Red Kate/The Bad Ideas split 7″ record

Posted on:
(Photo by Todd Zimmer)
 
The sound of rock ‘n roll, serious dyed in the wool; real rock ‘n roll blasting through my speakers rejuvenates my tattered and weary soul. I’ve grown tired of the indie/college rock/shoegaze types; to me, music (rock especially) should be like sex: I’ll take a quick five-minute explosion of passion and true power over an hour of half-hearted posturing mediocrity any day.
 
The upcoming split single from KC bands Red Kate (pictured above) and The Bad Ideas, being released by Mills Record Company, is anything but a boring rock roll in the hay; it is rock ‘n roll laid out by two bands that clearly know how it is done.
 
Red Kate, the pinko commies from the Heartland whose sound is equal parts The Clash, The Saints, and Chuck Berry, continually put out music that is catchy, thought-provoking and top shelf. Its two offerings to the 7” are no exception. They are exactly what you would expect from Shawn and Company: fast and as invigorating as Bruce Lee kicking you straight into an ice-covered lake.
 
“On My Mind” is good ol’ sing-along punk rock. Red Kate gets to the point and breaks down the key ingredient of what makes music so addictive, how you should be as a player, someone that people will always follow: “Keep moving forward / leave them wanting more.” Rock steady drum, silky smooth bass, flamethrower guitar, and a run time of just over two minutes is a recipe for success in this ADHD world.
 
“I got new dreams and I’m gonna make ‘em real” is the fuse that light’s “New Dreams.” Repeating that line over and over as the band plays at breakneck speed, “New Dreams” molds itself into a mantra that becomes part of your brain, making you believe that these guys truly know what they want and where they’re going, and you buy what they’re selling. Red Kate clearly knows what it wants, has its convictions, and is willing to put it all out there. Lucky for us, the group is willing to lay it down on wax too. Editor’s note: “New Dreams” is originally a Naked Raygun song, written by Santiago Durango.

 
Since first hearing Patti Smith first belt out “Piss Factory,” Ann Wilson blowing my doors off with “Barracuda,” Kathleen Hanna singing about a “Rebel Girl,” or PJ Harvey saying she’s “Man Size,” I’ve thought women fronting bands—punk rock bands especially—is incredible and hot. Sure, that statement will probably get me shit for being chauvinist or whatever but I don’t care. A woman laying it all out there is amazing. Breaka Dawn of The Bad Ideas certainly will continue my fascination with frontwomen. The Bad Ideas’ contributions “Apocalypse Detroit” and “I’m Stuck” show that, like their partners in crime, they speak what they believe. They don’t play pretend when they play punk rock, they ARE punk rock.
 
The drums, guitar, and bass are as wild, hectic, and ramshackle as the subject matter. It’s two minutes and six seconds of chaos and anarchy. Quality punk rock visiting time-tested themes of punk: a system collapsing upon itself, choosing what side to be on, standing up for yourself, it’s all there and it’s done well.
 
“I’m Stuck,” the other is a California hardcore at its finest. It’s fast, disaffected, and bitches about the way people are treated in America. In short, it’s about being stuck in a rut dug by society. I’m sure we’ve all been there once or twice.
 
This split 7” shows that, even in America’s Heartland, people can be pissed, disillusioned, bored, and generally defeated by life. The key is to turn that into gnashing of teeth and let it boil over into creativity. These bands have certainly done that.
 
—Danny R. Phillips
 
Danny has been reporting on music of all types and covering the St. Joseph music scene for well over a decade. He is a regular contributor to the nationally circulated BLURT Magazine and his work has appeared in The Pitch, The Omaha Reader, Missouri Life, The Regular Joe, Skyscraper Magazine, Popshifter, Hybrid Magazine, the websites Vocals on Top and Tuning Fork TV, Perfect Sound Forever, The Fader, and many others.
 
 
Join Red Kate and The Bad Ideas at the album release party this Saturday at Harling’s. Faultfinder, Bruiser Queen (St. Louis), and Crushed Out (Brooklyn) will also play. Starts at 8 p.m. Facebook event page.

 

 

 


Web Counter

NYC

Album review: The Lucky – Swimming Invisible

Posted on:
Over the fading outro of “Hey Rosie”, track 3 on The Lucky’s forthcoming album Swimming Invisible, I found myself reflecting on raw, unaffected songwriting. Going for it all with every ragged, stage-drawn breath. No room for pretense, just a near-compulsion for thrashing strings bloody and smashing sticks to a pulp—all borne from the simple joy found in expressing your chosen art form as you see fit.
 
Ably assisted by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studio, The Lucky’s originating duo of Camilla Camille and Iason Mac Ai have captured that often studio-elusive, “will they or won’t they” vibe of a full-throttle, go-for-broke live show. Their urge to rattle a watching crowd to its very bones is palpable, translating well in a medium often ill-suited to containing such energy.
 
Alternating between two lead vocalists sometimes brings jarring tonal shifts, but Camilla and Iason handle said duty changes with aplomb. Studio contributions from Josh Enyart, Jonathan Thatch, and Nic Jarret further impart these thirteen tracks with unrivaled eclecticism and simultaneous cohesion; repeat listenings reward one with a greater sense of the oeuvre grab-bag from which The Lucky works, while reinforcing the compellingly catchy undercurrent to the entire affair. 
 
“Red Heart/Red Lover,” the last-minute addition, pounding album opener, features the band in its active incarnation with Calandra René on bass and Dustin Mott on drums. As an indication of its live prowess and things to come, portents shine brightly from that first squeal of unruly feedback.
 

Join The Lucky tomorrow, May 23, at recordBar for the release of Swimming Invisible. Special guests Sextonic Plates and Now/Here will also play. Facebook event page.
 
–Mark Johnson
  
Mark beats the drums in Dolls on Fire and slaps the bass in Riot! Riot! Riot!. He high-fives too hard and has the perfect Darth Vader voice.
 

Hit Counter

NYC

Album review: Federation of Horsepower – Hermanos de Sangre (EP)

Posted on:
I don’t quite get the connection between authentic Spanish themes and Classic American Rock ‘n Roll, but it doesn’t seem to matter on Hermanos de Sangre, the newest release from Federation of Horsepower.
 
These riffs are muy caliente! Hermanos de Sangre—which is Spanish for blood brothers—is a wonderful mix of straight ahead rock ‘n roll with a Mexican twist. Like a churro dipped in bourbon. With titles like “The Tijuana Upholstery Job” and “Fried Chicken for Breakfast,” one can infer that this tongue-in-cheek approach is backed up by serious pounding rock and Spanish guitar runs. Hermanos would be a wonderful soundtrack to From Dusk Till Dawn.
 
The four-song EP starts with an extremely traditional Spanish salsa of sorts in “De Estas Manos…” I can only assume this tune is a foreshadowing of the next three songs, in which FoHP rips and tears its way from the Midwest, to the deep south, all the way to Tijuana. As frontman Gregg Todt yells so perfectly, “Goin’ to Tijuana / gonna have myself a ball!”
 
One might even hear the EP as an homage to KC’s very own little Mexico on Southwest Blvd. “The Queen of Rosedale” refers to a long-legged, teardrop-tattooed, dark-eyed lady cruising the Boulevard. Maybe there’s a vixen of the Boulevard ruling the roost? Whoever they are referring to, it’s obvious that there’s a reason she’s the queen. Perhaps this queen is Monique Danielle, who provides additional vocals on this track?
 
Regardless, Federation of Horsepower sure has rolled itself a fatty burrito filled with tasty licks and savory salsas. 
 
Hermanos de Sangre was released this week and was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab. Federation of Horsepower is heading on a mini-tour this weekend to St. Louis, Chicago, and Nashville, but you can catch them in KC again on June 21 at Davey’s Uptown.
 
—Josh Simcosky
 

Josh is a KC native that loves anything meat- or tube-driven related. He also plays guitar for Leering Heathens and Sharp Weapons. 

 

Free Counters
 

NYC

Album review: Cowboy Indian Bear – Vandeventer (EP)

Posted on:
(Photo by Todd Zimmer)
 
I’m constantly amazed at the level of talent throughout our local scene. Many artists are putting out music that leaves me in awe and fills me with pride to say that I’m from this area. Album after album and show after show, bands in the KC/Lawrence area are proving that they have what it takes to capture audiences and play at the highest levels. That feeling of awe welled up within me once again as I had the privilege to listen to Cowboy Indian Bear’s latest musical offering.
 
Titled Vandeventer, this EP is seven tracks of sonic goodness from this spectacular Lawrence band. The group’s five members flex their creative muscle in each and every track. The tunes lace together like a well-made sampler with a signature stamp of excellent production, impeccable tone, powerful vocal performance, and captivating lyrics. Stretching themselves artistically, they rise to meet their own challenge, crossing genres from indie pop and rap to neo-soul.
 
The first two tracks, “Figure” and “Scatterbuzz,” are a mixture of sounds reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie meets Brand New. They hold a landscape of rhythmic loops, gorgeous synth lines, and great vocals from frontman C.J. Calhoun. That similar feel takes an ominous turn in the third track, “Ruffians.” Dark synth hits with tension-building live drums set the stage for this introspective piece. I especially love the way they leverage the haunting vocals through a creative use of panning. The attention to detail demands you listen on amazing headphones to glean each piece of the arrangements.
 
The song “AC” turns the corner, featuring Katlyn Conroy’s powerful voice. The track rightfully leans into the control, gorgeous tone and out-of-the-box uniqueness of her vocal performance. “Jacob” mixes rhythmic beds and the hook of a flute loop (that’s right, I said flute loop) underneath rapper Marty Hillard dropping some fantastic lyrics.
 
After all that, you have what I think is the highlight of the EP, “Push,” which seems to draw inspiration from artists such as Robert Glasper as the band lays down a smooth R&B vibe. Conroy’s vocals pop out with distinction, highlighting her breathy tone and fast vibrato. That leads us to the bookend track, “Candy.” Here the indie pop sound comes back in full effect. Creative sounds, melancholy vocals, and catchy melodies paint a picture of all that is great about this band.

As Vandeventer ended I found myself wanting more. I couldn’t help but listen over and over again. No doubt this band will continue to raise the bar of the local scene and put this area on the map as it continues to expand its reach nationally. What’s amazing is that each and every track will be free to download for your musical pleasure. Be ready to get your copy, fall in love, and then find a way to support Cowboy Indian Bear in its next huge steps.
 
 
Vandeventer will be released on Tuesday, May 20 and you will be able to download it for FREE. Cowboy Indian Bear also released the video for “Ruffians” last week; see it below. Also, you can see them at recordBar next Saturday, May 24, with Max Justus and Nite.

–Miguel Caraballo

 

Miguel is a Puerto Rican who can’t speak Spanish and frontman of Kansas City-based rock-soul band, Run With It. He believes the arts can change the world and loves meeting people who believe the same. If you want to contact him on your world changing ideas or to simply purchase him the Rosetta Stone Spanish Edition, email him at info@gottarunwithit.com.

 

Ruffians // Cowboy Indian Bear from Micki Hadley on Vimeo.

Free Counters

 

NYC

Album review: The Rainmakers – Monster Movie

Posted on:
One would think that if any KC band has a right to rest on its laurels it would be The Rainmakers. Members of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and arguably Kansas City’s best known band—both nationally and internationally—Bob Walkenhorst, Pat Tomek, Rich Ruth, and Jeff Porter don’t really have anything left to prove musically. Their catalog of songs speaks for itself. Fortunately for us all, this band has no intentions of going through the motions.
 
The Rainmakers’ latest album, Monster Movie, is a case in point. Recorded in less than two weeks at Tomek’s home studio, this is the sound of a band firing on all cylinders. The opening song (which I wish I could play on the radio) is called “Shithole Town” and it starts out like a crowd-clapping sing-along, then morphs into a country-tinged tale of backwoods/back roads folks, bad country music, and small towns. Then it shifts gears again as the music moves from a country feel to a rock and roll song; as the story changes and moves forward, the music does, too. Like other great American songwriters such as John Fogerty and Tom Petty, Walkenhorst knows how to make the words and the rhythm of a song come together in ways that complement both. He also has the unique experience of having played in venues with large audiences and he’s learned what kinds of songs are big enough to keep a large mass of people not only interested but moving to the beat of the song, and, if you listen closely to the words, you realize there’s depth and poetry there as well.
 
The title track started out as something quite different. In an interview on my radio show (Signal To Noise on KKFI) last Sunday, Walkenhorst had this to say about the title track:
 
“‘Monster Movie’ was a title I threw around. I thought ‘Monster Movie’ would be a really funny song. I thought it would end up—you know—being something about bad monsters and bad scientists and all that. Songs have a mind of their own. You can start with an idea of how a song is going to go and the song will suddenly rear its ugly head and go… ‘No, I’m gonna be THIS!’ So this became more of a very blunt, social criticism kind of song.”
 
In the tradition of songs like Creedence’ s “Fortunate Son” and Steppenwolf’s “Monster,” “Monster Movie,” to lots of folks, is an apt metaphor for America today. “In our monster movie/these monsters are real,” the song goes.
 
The album also features contributions from drummer Pat Tomek, who provided the poetry that became the lyrics to “Who’s At The Wheel,” a lovely conspiracy song with Creedence-like chooglin’ guitar work from Walkenhorst and Porter. Like fellow Missouri resident Chuck Berry, who wrote similar Americana-themed songs, this song takes a wry look at human foibles and Internet-fueled paranoia.
 
The new guy in the band, Jeff Porter, also brings a couple of tunes to the album, a co-write with Walkenhorst called “Save Some For Me,” which has a folk rock feel aided by Porter’s music and a great acoustic riff; and his own composition, “Believe In Now,” which is a mid-tempo, introspective song with a lalalala chorus that brings back memories of The Kinks from their “Arthur” period.
 
The album ends with a catchy song about a club in the town where Walkenhorst grew up, called “Swinging Shed.” Having grown up with the first generation of rock and rollers, I always like it when someone references music from the early ‘60s. This sounds as catchy as something by Chris Kenner or Freddy Cannon, and I’m a sucker for it every time.
 
This is the sound of a band that is comfortable with itself and dares to still care about what can be done musically. I asked the band on the show how they all get along after all these years. Walkenhorst responded thusly: “You may have been chasing a dream—an idea of what you thought a successful musician was—and then, when you get past that, and you’re still a human being and you’re still a musician, then you relate to each other on much better terms.”
 
The Rainmakers return to the stage Saturday night at Knuckleheads. When you hear the new songs from this album played live, I think you’ll find this band hasn’t missed a step after all these years and still has something important to say. And, you can still dance to it, too.
 
 
You’ll get a rare chance to see The Rainmakers in KC tomorrow night, May 17, at Knuckleheads Saloon. The Nace Brothers will be opening up for them. Facebook event page. Also, if you tune in to The Bridge 90.9 today at 5 p.m., you can hear an interview and an in-studio performance from the band!

—Barry Lee

Barry is the host of Signal To Noise, which airs on KKFI 90.1 FM every Sunday night at 8 p.m. In his spare time, he’s Station Manager at KKFI. 
 

  

Free Web Counter

NYC

Show recap: The Clementines’ EP release show at VooDoo, 5.9.14

Posted on:
(Photos by Jodie Platz)
 
Last Friday, The Clementines celebrated the release of their EP Someday/Over (see our review), a follow-up to their self-titled debut album released last summer. This time, they threw a big party to commemorate the occasion at VooDoo Lounge, with special guests The B’Dinas and Katy Guillen & the Girls.
 
 
The B’Dinas kicked off the party with an exuberant set, bringing with them enough quirkiness to create a light, jubilant mood as the audience filtered in. Each member showed off his/her own individual talents throughout the set, often switching off instruments and lead vocal duties from song to song.
 
This is a band that rides on the strength of its musical prowess, maintaining an intricate prog rock/blues sound without sounding busy or overwhelming. At times, The B’Dinas boasted impressive four-part vocal harmonies. Toward the end of the set, when Peter Lawless switched over from bass to saxophone and took over lead vocal duties on “That’s Not What She Said,” the group unleashed a musical fury that filled the large room.
 
 
 
 
With gilded anticipation, The Clementines took to the stage with a confidence and performance that lived up to the quality of their new album. With a bevy of new material, the group played for about an hour to a receptive crowd.
 
Guest violinist Kristin Chow sat in on a few songs, adding another powerful dynamic to a band that is most noted for the strength and soul of Nicole Springer’s voice. But since adding drummer Aaron Derington to the mix last fall, The Clementines have brought new elements to their overall sound. Tim Jenkins mostly played electric guitar for Friday’s show and switched to mandolin for a few songs, contributing flourishes to Springer’s voice as well as a necessary bite to the music. Travis Earnshaw’s bass lines provided a foundation and a bounce to each song.
 
For one of their final tunes, “Your History,” the band’s former drummer [and Katy Guillen & the Girls’ current drummer] Stephanie Williams guest starred while Derington moved over to keys—reminding us that this band is a far cry from its beginnings as an acoustic duo of Springer and Jenkins, and is further testament to its growth as musicians and performers. “I felt [our performance] was very inspired by all of the support there and truly was a celebration of completing an EP that we’re super proud of,” mentioned Springer.
 
 
 
Though The Clementines were the evening’s celebrated act, Katy Guillen & the Girls headlined the show and kept the audience on the dance floor. They’ve added new material to their set as they prepare to release their debut full-length album in the fall. As always, Guillen’s guitar playing was simultaneously brutal and captivating, matched by Williams’ fierce and flashy but deliberate, on-point drumming (and a new kit to boot) and Claire Adams’ booming bass scales.
 
Since taking fourth place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January, the trio has honed its performance into that of a band fit to play about any midsize/large venue in the country—a giant feat for a group still young in its career. This showed on Friday evening, as VooDoo provided the high-end production necessary to augment their roaring sound and a professional, flawless performance. KG & the Girls will be traveling in the coming months, playing the Montreal International Jazz Festival in June, Daytona Blues Fest in October, and taking a 10-day tour of Sweden in November.
 
 
 
 
The Clementines and The B’Dinas will be playing together again at The Brick on Friday, May 23. You can catch Katy & the Girls next at BB’s Lawnside BBQ on Saturday, May 31.
 
 
 
—Michelle Bacon
 
Michelle is the editor of The Deli KC and does rhythmic stuff in The Philistines, Drew Black & Dirty Electric, Dolls on Fire, and Lucky Graves. She also writes for Ink. The rest of the time, she is a hobo.

Jodie Platz is a concert photographer, and also doubles as the tour manager for Not A Planet.
  
 

Free Counter

NYC

Album review: Forrester – Antithesis (EP)

Posted on:
Forrester is a band based out of Lawrence, with Brian Rogers, Joe Newman, Connor Creighton, Will Chertoff, and Steven LaCour. Its debut EP Antithesis carries us through an instrumental rock experience, one not to miss.
 
With the initial sound on the opening track, "I Was With You To The End,” the four-song EP announces that it is not just another instrumental album. The talent behind each member is evident as Antithesis journeys from note to note, emotion to emotion. It is filled with bold guitars and sultry bass lines that walk from innocence into the depths of melancholy.
 
There’s a haunting section in "Anywhere But Here" that doesn’t rush its message, yet twists into a steady progression of tempo that takes us into unexpected planes. The thrill behind the drums is undeniable as the heavy-hitting track "Fishes" weaves into eclectic samples and blissful guitar. The final sound of "The Forgotten" is a solid eight-minute track with an uncanny groove and irresistible energy.  
 
Forrester has crafted a breathing work of art with Antithesis. It is that of electro rock ‘n roll, dripping with mood. 
 
–Rolanda Woods
 
Ro is the general manager of Datura Records. 
 
 
Forrester will be performing tonight at Jackpot Music Hall as part of I Heart Local Music’s Stop Day Eve Party. Psychic Heat and Middle Twin will also be performing. Stop by and see some of the coolest acts in Lawrence. Facebook event page.

 

  

Free Counter

NYC

Review: Love Garden’s 24th Anniversary Show

Posted on:

 Love Garden Sounds celebrated its 24th anniversary this past Sunday at The Granada, with an impressive lineup of local and national acts.

 
1. Oils – Oils kicked off the anniversary party with a bang, bringing the people a composed set of upbeat and rhythmic progression, a build-up style characteristic of the crew. So it was no surprise Taryn Blake Miller of Your Friend joined in playing some extra percussion for the group. They really set a comfort zone for the rest of the evening as people started showing up for the event.
 
 
2. No Magic – No Magic’s solo act followed Oils opening set, introducing the side stage where 3 other bands would later play. His crispy vocals and folky guitar tone drew the main stage crowd toward him but may not have kept their attention. Though you’ve got to give him kudos for playing the second slot amongst such an ambitious local lineup. 
 
 
3. CS Luxem (solo) – After a thirty-minute halftime, Chris Luxem took the main stage again with his solo act, taking control of the crowd almost immediately with his light and harmonic guitar melody. His undeniable energy and, at times, gritty and gut-wrenching vocals, ring genuine and heartfelt. He really hit the mark ending his set by looping and layering his guitar and vocals, allowing him to put down his instrument and keel over with the microphone nearly to his knees while belting out his final few verses. 
 
 
4. Psychic Heat – There’s nothing really more capturing and exciting than a band comprised of a bunch of best dude friends, and this foursome rings tried and true in that department. Like a starter pistol at a footrace, Psychic Heat took off in full speed with no intention of looking back to see who they’d left in the dust. The foursome’s set was made up of drum-drilling, back-to-back hits with heavy reverb on the guitar. They showed up, they played, they kind of left you wanting more and they liked it. 
 
 
5. Brooke Tuley – Brooke Tuley of Bloodbirds was the second artist to take the side stage on Sunday, celebrating the record release of her debut solo album, First Midnight. One of the only acts representing Kansas City, husband Mike Tuley accompanied Brooke as she serenaded the crowd with stripped down, lo-fi melodies and haunting, youthful vocals. First Midnight is a collection of songs she’s recorded over the years, a side project she’s pulled to the forefront now that Bloodbirds is on temporary hiatus. 
 
 
 
6. Your Friend – Taryn Blake Miller, better known as Your Friend, has more or less become the unofficial sweetheart of Lawrence. After signing with Domino Records last year, Miller’s performance and confidence level have been on the rise, bringing in bigger and bigger audiences. Playing with her full band, Miller ended her rather quick set writhing and lashing on the floor with guitar in hand, losing her chunky black frames on the way down. She still managed to thank the crowd as the lights went up, out of breath and still not recovering her glasses. 
 
 
7. Gnarly Davidson – Gnarly Davidson could really give a shit, but in the best way. This trio took back the side stage with a vengeance, explaining to the crowd that they played "beer rock." Beer rock, motorcycle metal, whatever the case may be, they prefaced their radical set with, "We’re Gnarly Davidson, and this is our last song!" The crowd either watched with dropped jaws or gave in to the madness and moshed/danced their set away. 
 
 
8. Quilt – Quilt from Boston was the first touring band to see the stage that evening. Their light and harmonic tone with a tinge of psychedelia hinted at some definite Fleetwood Mac influences. The lead singer told the crowd that she and the drummer had officially visited all 50 states now that they were in Lawrence. "We saved the best for last," she said. In hindsight, the band could have been lined up behind Woods rather than squeezed between Gnarly Davidson and Blood On The Wall to give them a better transition. 
 
 
9. Blood On The Wall – It was pretty clear who showed up for Blood On The Wall reunion, even more so where their best friends were in the crowd based on the amount of head banging, hollering and beer cheers-ing in air. The drummer of Gnarly Davidson could be found behind the stage, hugging a friend and fist pumping through the entirety of the set. It truly was one of those Lawrence throwback shows, like a high school reunion. Brad and Courtney Shanks took the crowd by storm with shrieking vocals and a commanding stage presence. 
 
 
10. Woods – Based out of New York and Vermont, Woods headlined the show as the big wig touring band, but they honestly had some work cut out for them, considering the local theme of the evening. Kevin Morby’s name was being dropped and overheard all over the venue but was a surprising no-show as Woods took the stage, seeing that he would be the Kansas City connection to the show. Morby or no Morby, the band performed a pretty solid set but were ultimately a little somber toward the crowd. 
 
 
–Leslie Kinsman 
 
Leslie is a freelance writer and blogger. A founding member of the music venue FOKL Center, Kinsman also runs her own blog wunderhub, where she features local fashion, music, and art pieces. Keep your eye out for wunderhub Radio, a weekly collaborated playlist released for free by Rory Cameron of The Conquerors.
 

Free Web Counter

NYC

Album review: The Clementines – Someday/Over (EP)

Posted on:
 
If one had not seen this band live, one would think that with the name The Clementines, this would be a roots country or bluegrass band. When you cue up the first song of their new EP Someday/Over, the first sounds you hear are a bass intro that sounds vaguely reggae-like, then the first song "Afraid" kicks in with a definite reggae feel. The next, "In Yesterday," changes the mood with some quiet folky acoustic guitar picking and understated vocal by Nicole Springer, then moves into a country shuffle. The addition of the rhythm section of Aaron Derrington and Travis Earnshaw has broadened the reach of this band, which started as an acoustic duo with Springer on vocals and guitar and Tim Jenkins on lead guitar.
 
The next song shifts gears once again with the instrumental portion of "Misery" sounding a little like middle-period Fairport Convention, with a driving beat and excellent vocals from Springer. This is followed by a quiet but passionate acoustic love song called "Only in The Darkness."
 
The EP ends with the sonic blast of the title track, which begins with some nice acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals, then builds to a galloping beat with lots of tasty lead guitar from Jenkins and a slight Spanish/flamenco feel.
 
Lots of bands lately are doing EP releases. Not only does this save them money, it’s a good idea to keep new material coming out every few months in EP form instead of releasing a full-length album that would not likely be followed up for another year or so. This keeps bands in the public’s eye (and ears) every few months with new releases, much like bands used to put out singles every three or four months back in the ‘60s. This new EP showcases The Clementines’ versatility and works well as a nice introductory sampler for those not familiar with their work.
 
 
The Deli KC is helping present The Clementines’ album release show at Voodoo this Friday, May 9. Show starts at 8 p.m. The B’Dinas and Katy Guillen & the Girls will also be playing. Facebook event page. See below for a video of "In Yesterday," the first single off the EP. 

—Barry Lee

 
Barry is host of KKFI 90.1’s Signal To Noise Sundays at 8 p.m. During the day he’s Station Manager at KKFI. 
 
 
 
NYC

Album review: Burial Teens – Fascist Chrome

Posted on:
Tagged “devotional”, “dirty”, “freak”, “nasty”, and “sick” on Bandcamp, I really didn’t know what to expect when I stumbled upon what appears to be Burial Teens’ debut LP release Fascist Chrome. Are they serious? Will I need a mental scrub after listening? Was I getting myself into something that would find me on a government blacklist?
 
Somewhat hesitantly, I hit the play button anyway, and I’m glad I did so. Burial Teens do old-school, theatrical skank punk in all the right ways across this nine-song release.
 
Lyrically, I have no idea what the crap they are singing about. The perfected nasal wail of the singer and lo-fi nature of the recording make it nearly impossible to tell. With song titles like “I Believe in Demons” and “Sex with the Bisquick,” I can only imagine. But, for an album that I can glean absolutely no content from, it is a highly enjoyable listen.
 
The before mentioned vocal stylings surprisingly grow on you as opposed to grate. In an adorable and reminiscent way, they ring of Stanley Weasel, most famously of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band from Emmit Otter’s Jugband Christmas (which is about the most anti-punk comparison I could ever come up with).
 
But fear not, the comparison to Muppets stops right there as this album shreds, rips, and spits in all the right ways. It oozes discordance and sass. It bleeds with general fuckoffery. The instruments are noticeably tight for punk music, especially from the rhythm section. The bassist and drummer really understand why they are there, picking their spots to flare out, but otherwise pummeling the beat along.
 
The albums two longest songs, “Power and Light / Isodora” and the previously mentioned “Sex with the Bisquick,” show a patience and songwriter’s touch you usually don’t see in a genre dominated by songs that usually come in under 2 minutes. And for you purists, they also have a couple of those in “Zero Day” and “Naked Earth.”
 
What really separates this from your everyday, run-of-the-mill lo-fi punk record is the band’s willingness to step outside the usual constraints of the genre. They often allow their songs to get a little dreamy and psychedelic, even as they beat the calcified remains of a dead horse out of a few riffs. The guitar work is especially crafted to offer something just a little bit more than your old familiar power chords.

From sounds of Bleach-era Nirvana to snarly Sex Pistols to bombastic Who riffs to dark and rumbling Sabbath, Burial Twins manages to conjure a slight revision to the old tried-and-true punk formula to come up with something just off kilter enough to be enjoyed listen after listen. Fascist Chrome is well worth your $3 or more.

 

You can see Burial Teens live tomorrow at Harling’s for Mills Record Company’s first anniversary party. More details here. 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. 

Free Hit Counter

 

NYC

Mills Record Co celebrates its first anniversary tomorrow

Posted on:
Mills Record Company is hosting its first anniversary party tomorrow evening, May 3, at Harling’s. The show kicks off around 9:30 with a DJ set from The Dropout Boogie. Burial Teens will perform at 10:30 and Shy Boys perform at 11:30.
 
There will also be in-store specials at Mills during the day, including 20% off all used records, free stuff, and, yes, birthday cake.
 
Head down to 314 Westport Rd and help celebrate a great local record shop. Facebook event page.
 

Free Hit Counter

NYC

MXM2014 Showcase this Saturday at The Bottleneck

Posted on:

Ever wondered how to get your music out there? On the radio, at a big venue, on a record label? This Saturday, May 3, Silly Goose Records presents MXM2014 Mix/Master, a new music industry conference and live showcase, at The Bottleneck.

 
Workshops and panel discussions with industry experts will occur throughout the day, starting at noon. At 7:00, bands will take the Bottleneck stage. The lineup includes The Phantastics, SUNU, Forrester, Carswell & Hope, Pink Royal, and F.A.I.T.H.
 
The schedule for the workshops is below.
 
12:00   Copyright, Contracts, Royalties & Publishing – Workshop by Don Simon of Simon Business Consulting, Inc., KCVLAA
 
1:00     Panel discussion: Radio in the Land of Digital
Featuring Laura Lorson (KPR 91.5), Mark Manning (KKFI 90.1), Lucas Homer (KJHK), Mike Hannah (92.9 The Bull)
 
3:00     A Moving Target: Music Promotion & Growing Your Audience
Featuring Fally Afani (IHeartLocalMusic.com), Chris Haghirian (Ink), Steve Ozark (Ozark Talent), Rob Schulte (Pipeline Productions), Kemet Coleman (The Phantom, The Phantastics)
 
4:00     Demo Dip: submit your demo to be listened to and reviewed live by music industry experts
 
The showcase is presented by Five Bar and Tables, KJHK 90.7, Ink, and Mass Street Music and in partnership with Midwest Music Foundation, Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts and InterUrban ArtHouse. Admission is $10 for an all-day pass, $6 just for the show. Facebook event page. 
 

Web Counter