In many ways, the music of Cry Babe is based on a classic indie rock sound, but there’s a poignant melodic element to it that gives it a wrenching quality. Bassist Maddie Putney and drummer Rose Reinholz are in great sync, maintaining the ideal balance between punchy beats and soft melodies. As vocalist Anaïs Genevieve wails out the lyrics to “Picasso” the rich timbre of her voice adds a more romantic flair to the band’s warm instrumentals. Cry Babe also incorporates a generous use of cymbals and an omnichord, subtly adding elements of synth and pushing the band’s work into the dream-pop category. You can catch them next on July 15 at Turn Turn Turn with Mere Mention and Slutty Hearts.

  By Avril Carrillo, Photo By Corbin Corbiin

Since its beginnings in the late 60s, punk has evolved to encompass a wide variety of subgenres. However, that doesn’t mean a modern day punk band can’t make classic punk revival, CGBG-style! Such can be said about Planet Damn. Their music is fast and grating. The lead vocalist jumps into each song with the same vigor and energy, with zero hesitation – a conviction that is required for any good punk band. Planet Damn’s lyrics are simple and catchy without ever falling into the traps of cliche’. With their aggressive and blunt guitar riffs, this a band refreshingly reminiscent of popular 70s acts like the Dead Boys and the Dictators – keep an ear on them! – Avril Carrillo

By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Corbin Corbiin

When listening to Gillian Frances’ debut EP Born Yesterday, the soft, ambient acoustics wash over you gently like waves. It’s not hard to be lulled to sleep by Frances’ gentle vocals, as she plaintively croons her poetic lyrics. Her voice is ethereal and tinged with a uniquely biting sweetness and her lyrics display a distinct worldview. Born Yesterday gives the audience a glimpse into a motionless world filled with the sort of nostalgia associated with forgotten memories and lost things. The EP is both mournful for the past and hopeful for the future. At times her music sounds eerily familiar, hinting at inspiration from acts such as Neutral Milk Hotel. It’s an impressive first release which was recently reissued on Good Cherry Records.

By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Broseph 

Femme punk band B.R.U.C.E.’s first album Stay Pissed was just released. B.R.U.C.E. is comprised of Anna Janelle, Ryan Vail, David Thomas, and Gwen Shrieks. Together, they make music that is feral and blunt, exploring the ridiculous hypocrisy of the world. Each song on Stay Pissed is notable, but the two that really shine are “Succubus” and Tried.” Janelle’s vocals on “Succubus” are raw and angry, reminiscent of a huskier Kathleen Hanna. “Tried” alternates between a slower, more sultry pace, and jarring, crashing noise. It’s an excellent example of building and releasing an audience’s anticipation and letting the movement of the music turn into frenzied chaos. Next time you need to punch someone (like a Nazi) in the face, listen to B.R.U.C.E to pump yourself up beforehand.

B.R.U.C.E. will be playing at the Lombard Pub on June 9th, along with ISCH, Dead Coyote, and Jeff Smith. – By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Corbin Corbiin

Surfer Rosie, a slacker-rock garage band, has been gaining popularity in Portland for a number of reasons. The band’s members Gillian Brase, Gillian Avina, Laura Daegling, Noah Johanson have all cut their teeth in the DIY scene over the years, and that experience shows in Surfer Rosie’s music. Their first EP released last June, simply titled EP 1, is an excellent example of alt-pop done right. The band’s strength lies in their combination of emo-inspired lyricism with deceptively minimalistic guitar riffs and beats. Surfer Rosie’s latest single “Worms” came out this May. The track feels driven and focused, but still makes room for the band’s signature moodiness. Surfer Rosie’s next show is June 30th at the Black Water Bar with Little Star, Alien Boy, and Vari Vice. – by Avril Carrillo, Photo by Natalie Eagan

McMenamins Al’s Den has got a knack for picking artists to watch and using their residencies to showcase them. For this week in April, Al’s Den is giving us the chance to see a different side of a very talented and familiar face, along with some special guests to play close at hand along the way. Starting tonight, we’ll get a whole seven days to enjoy Mitch Wilson and his sundry sounds.

Many probably recognize Wilson from his time spent in indie rock bands around Portland, like the Deli favorite LiquidLight, but he’s actually got a surprising amount of work under his belt. What many probably don’t know is that on top of being a jazz drummer, he was also one of the founding members of the Taylor Momsen (remember Gossip Girl?) led rock band The Pretty Reckless. Even more than that, he’s performed in the Sting-featuring Broadway show ‘The Last Ship’ and has contributed creatively to the Tony Award nominated Broadway musical ‘A Night with Janis Joplin.’

With all of this artistic output behind him, Wilson has opened up the next music chapter of his life to share with us all. He’ll be the headlining act each night of course, but joining him tonight will be Quiet Type, tomorrow 4.09 with a variety of local special guests for the On Broadway musical theater night, the jazz super group Trad Jazz on Tuesday 4.10, LiquidLight on Wednesday 4.11, Megan Diana on Thursday, Wil Kinky on Friday, and then ending on Saturday 4.14 with S.O.S., A Tribute to the Police. 

There’s too much to miss, so be prepared to find your seat for the whole week at Al’s Den.