Thursday, April 30, 2009

Free Album: Curtain Rod Character

Enter Curtain Rod Character. Armed with a fresh new album, witty and sarcastic commentary, and an admiration for noisey rock music, dude is pretty stacked.

Curtain Rod Character is a Baltimore-based noise hop project that just dropped Schizophrenic Trooper Escorts Witness via the interwebs. The album can be downloaded free right here. Take notice of the album's fine artwork too, compliments of the musician's graphic design background.

The album drones along at a curiously infectious pace, with the most obvious influence being Oakland's masters of amalgamation, Why?. There are also smatterings of Sonic Youth and even some Yo La Tengo present in the aftertastes, helping to emphasize that this is not your typical hip hop record. Or, is it even a hip hop record? Your call.

While your ears may be confused upon first listen, you will undoubtedly find yourself rockin' it again. Go scoop the free download of this one, or at least sample it here.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Tonight: Danny Greenwald @ The Velvet Lounge

We all probably need more folk-gaze tunes in our lives, and Danny Greenwald aims to provide us with the goods. The Bmore/College Park artist is crooning the folks down in DC this evening, and I'd recommend getting in on the action.

Danny recently graced the presence of Splice's traditional folk song compilation that included the likes of Wye Oak, Caleb Stine, and Dave Heuman.

But more importantly, he just dropped his debut EP, the one in which I gabbed about a few weeks ago titled If You Cry Wolf. If you haven't heard this one yet, please do yourself a favor and sample a few of the tracks here.

Ari Shenk of Wax and Wane is also performing tonight at the Velvet Lounge, and is responsible for the brilliant engineering behind If Your Cry Wolf. Dude has some pretty solid tunes himself, and is certainly worth showing up early for. Mobius Strip, Reversal, and Nary the Flounder all head the bill. Show starts at 9.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Chain and the Gang / The Hive Dwellers / Mahjongg















Ian Svenonius has orchestrated a handful of projects to date, most of which have been worth your attention. His newest affair is no slouch either, as Chain and the Gang brings early soul bass lines, cries for freedom from society, and his typical heated antics.

This latest project of Ian's comes via K Records, whose founder can also be found at the Talking Head this evening. Calvin Johnson and his new band The Hive Dwellers will be teaming support with Mahjongg, another K Recs imprint based in Chicago. Mahjongg sport a punkish and funky electronic sound, and help round out an already stellar bill.

The show tonight at the Talking Head starts around 8 and will run ya' 10 beans.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Photos: Pontiak / Sri Aurobindo / Spectrum


Photos by Chrissy

Pontiak, Sri Aurobindo, and Spectrum all blasted ears last Friday at Sonar. An aurally stimulating show all around, locals Sri Aurobindo and semi-locals Pontiak crunched away at fantastic sets that left ear drums a ringin'. With Pontiak's albums generally recorded in one fell swoop, playing live seemed to come off more than natural for the trio as they jammed ridiculously tight. Gawk at Chrissy's pics of the evening above, and be sure to check and of these guys out next go around.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Show Review: Ponytail and Imperial China @ DC9













I made the trek down to DC9 last night to catch the stellar combo that was Imperial China and Ponytail. A show that I was amped for, both local bands delivered on all fronts.

This was my 3rd time catching Imperial China, and the first I was able to witness their set in its entirety. Listening to their Methods EP is also something I'd highly reccomend doing as a whole. The trio blasted through some new jams and some familiar ones, all of which made standing still pretty impossible. The usual instrument switching was in full effect, and boy can I not wait for their debut full length.

Ponytail headlined the gig, and proved once again why they have garnered so much national press. The drums were otherwordly, both guitarists were epic, and Molly Siegal's ninja shrieks were as energizing as ever. The band rocked at least one new tune, that was a sure sign that this foursome has plenty left in the tank.

Ponytail are embarking on a national tour that ends in their hometown with a show at the Ottobar May 25th. Imperial China just finished recording their debut long player and have another gig in DC on May 9th.

Tonight: Pontiak / Sri Aurobindo / Spectrum














Killer lineup at Sonar tonight that features Sri Aurobindo, Pontiak, and Spectrum who sport Sonic Boom of Spaceman 3 fame. Faces might melt, amps could be blown, and crunchy psychadelic rock tunes will be bountiful.

Sri Aurobindo are one of Baltimore's best new bands, and if you didn't catch them here or at any of their other recent gigs, please do so tonight. Their debut EP was beyond fantastic, and features a handful of mildly noisey and heavily nostalgic jams that won't disappoint. It was limited to only 199 copies, and my guess is they are long gone by now.

I've allready splurged my love for Pontiak's new record, and look forward to seeing how the new tunes translate live. My only hope is that at least 2 amps are sacrificed, just as they were in the recording process of the new LP. If you haven't heard Maker yet, do yourself a favor and come grab a doom folk soaked copy tonight.

The fact that Spectrum will be performing some Spaceman 3 songs leaves me little else I need to say to convince you how great this one will be. I admittedly haven't heard any of their new tunes, but can't fathom how they could be too terrible. Show starts at 8.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Tonight: Jeremy Jay @ The Talking Head

This evening the Talking Head features Jeremy Jay, with the Art Department supporting the affair. Jeremy Jay just dropped his second full length on K Records, and it is quite the stroll in the park.

Slow Dance is an electronic pop album that always puts the singer-songwriter mentality first and foremost. As with any of Jeremy Jay's releases, common themes of love and humanity are prominent throughout. These themes and thoughts are described as only an artist who lives in both L.A. and Paris could execute, and always in a manner that keeps ears glued.

My personal favorite off the album, "In this Lonely Town", can be streamed over at the top of my green playlist. Another release of Mr. Jay's I'd recommend is the single prior to the newest LP, titled "Love Everlasting". This jam floats along infectiously, and will more than likely have you heading to the Talking Head tonight.

Along with the Art Department, support also derives from Snowmen and Backyard Betties. This solid lineup will cost you 8 bucks and similarly starts around 8 o'clock.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Ear Pwr Prepare for Tour and Album

Baltimore by way of North Carolina duo Ear Pwr are readying their formal introduction. The group drops their debut LP on Carpark May 19th.

Titled, Super Animal Brothers III, the disc promises thumping disco chants that are plenty heavy in the synth department. Ear Pwr's Devin recently completed his music technology studies at UNC-Asheville in a program founded by Bob Moog, allowing for maximun synth knowledge.

The duo hits the road with their brand of electro twee pop in May, a national tour that includes two dates at the Zodiac with Adventure on May 17 and June 30.

I haven't heard the whole album yet, but here's a taste for your downloading pleasure:

MP3: Ear Pwr "Future Eyes" [via Carpark]

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Rye Rye / Blaqstarr Mixtape & New Major Lazer

Fresh off Diplo and Switch's upcoming LP under the Major Lazer moniker, "Hold the Line" is the first taste off this highly anticipated record. Mad Decent has the MP3 download for you folks, and describes it as a "surf rock ragga thingamajig". I describe it the same, with a heavy dose of club funk rock reggae awesomeness.

In other anticipated release news, Rye Rye and Blaqstarr just dropped their Blaqout mixtape.

You can check out the tracklist and download the whole jam right here compliments of Baltimore Club. The tape provides more sneak peaks into Rye Rye's debut album, but is mostly a club-soaked Blaqstarr affair with some remixes worth checking out.

Show Review: Torche / From Monument to Masses











Bmore Music is pleased to present special guest writer Jeff, of Lean Horse Marathon, for this review. I spent the weekend in the woods of Allegany County with bears, smores, and unruly forest rangers, so I had asked my contest winner if he'd like to share his thoughts. He passed along those duties to a friend and local artist that I've previously mentioned. Small world. Jeff had never heard either of these bands, enjoy:

From Monument to Masses opened up Saturday night's show at Sonar and I was impressed with their performance. A very cool instrumental group that had some complicated song structures to pull off live. Samples were used almost in every song and the samples worked well with their sound. They played a handful of songs that I enjoyed, ranging from shoe-gazey/experimental to electronic/indie.

Torche was bad ass and definitely my favorite band that night. There was moshing, headbanging, and screaming, all in typical metal fashion. The trio were banging, strumming, and beating on their instruments. I'll always remember this performance, for some random guy picked me up and before I knew it, I was crowd surfing.

The drummer passed out on his drumset at the end of the set, and the band put on a final wall of sound. Then out of no where, the drummer jumps up, kicks over his drum set, and jumps into the crowd. What a hardass.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Photos: The Faint & Ladytron @ Sonar


Photos by Valerie

Last week WTMD sponsored a triple bill at Sonar that sported The Faint, Ladytron, and Crocodiles. Special guest photographer Valerie was there to represent Bmore Music, and to capture The Faint in all their glory. Her love for the band shines through on the awesome photo set above, and a special thanks to her for helping out.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Vampire Hands: Me & You Cherry Red 2xEP

I recently caught Vampire Hands open up for Wavves at Zodiac, and was thoroughly intrigued. I claimed I’d get my non-vampire hands on their release ASAP, and I kept true to my word.

Modern Radio recently reissued the Twin City crew’s original sold out EP titled Me & You Cherry Red and coupled it up with another EP called Cuz It’s a Beach Funeral. The result is pretty much a full album of psych-infused post punkish rock and roll, with an obvious knack for the unique.

In a live setting they were loud, unapologetic, and displayed grooves of every variety. Some might think the LP is a little more toned down, which would be fair, but it runs a wide array of varying styles that keeps any listener's ears glued.

The vintage riffs and killer bass lines of “Safe Word” make it an instantly repeatable number. Stream it on my green playlist or download it for free right here:

MP3: Vampire Hands "Safe Word" [via Modern Radio]

Speaking of quality band's from Minneapolis, Daughter's of the Sun have a new LP due out April 25th. Kind of a neo-sludge rock band warped with some hints of psychedelia, these dudes are cohorts of Vampire Hands and deserve your ears as well. Peep a track off their upcoming LP, Sun, below:

MP3: Daughters of the Sun "Gong the Divider" [via Modern Radio]

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Free MP3: New Wye Oak "Take It In"

Merge just released the first taste off of Wye Oak's second LP to be titled, The Knot. Recorded out in Cumberland, The Knot hits shelves July 21st.

To say that excitement is building for this release in these here parts is clearly an understatement. Holding out until the end of July might prove tough, but the duo has blessed us with a free track off the album which is available below.

Right click, save, and wonder how awesome this LP will be: MP3: Wye Oak "Take It In"

Ticket Giveaway: Torche / Dredg

I have a free pair of tickets to giveaway for Saturday night's club stage lineup at Sonar. The bill features Dredg, From Monument to Masses, and psychedelic metal masters Torche.

The metallic stoner drudge trio put out their second full length last year, and Meanderthal failed to disappoint. The LP blasts at you straight from the start at a hundred miles a second, but at the same time is steeped in massive doses of heavy rock and roll drudgery.

To win the free tickets, email bmoremusicallyinformed [at] gmail.com sometime before tomorrow afternoon, and you'll be in the runnings. Godspeed.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Photo Review: Of Montreal @ Sonar


Photos by Chrissy

Last night the mega show that is Of Montreal made a tour stop in Baltimore. Chrissy's photo set pretty much speaks for itself, as plenty of costumes, animations, and ridiculous antics were involved.

The band sounded pretty much as on point as they ever do, voyaging through an intense set that involved old favorites and new songs as well. Sonar was packed to the brim with excited patrons, as Of Montreal seem to have quite the following. Tiger masks, make-up by the gallon and all, the show was by all means entertaining.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the opening acts. My policy for this blog has always been if somethings sucks, don't write about it. We all know there's enough good stuff out there to focus on, why highlight the bad.

However, Fire Zuave and Inkwell made me completely regret getting to the show 2 hours before the headliner. At one point, I imagined a magical soundproof booth appearing before my eyes. You know, the ones that money flies around everywhere and you get to grab it. At another point, we saw some kids dancing next to us. At which, Annie turned to me and asked, "Do you think the band paid them to dance?"

The singer of Inkwell looked just like the dude from Smashmouth, and based on their sound I wouldn't be shocked if it actually was. My apologies to those involved, but they were just not my cup of tea I guess. Lesson: Don't show up to Of Montreal early again.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Photo Review: Baby Venom @ Hexagon


Photos by Chrissy

In a night of show hopping, we were able to make it for the front end of Hexagon's bill. I have been meaning to catch Baby Venom since hearing a couple tracks several months ago, and man am I glad I finally made it out to one of their gigs.

The musical chair loving trio consisting of Dave, Sarah, and Nathan, all proved their natural ability to craft and perform catchy lo-fi pop songs. Heavy synths rule this band, with the majority of its sound deriving from two sets of keys and drums. All members took turns on each instrument, and the song writing was on par with the rest.

In fact, the set showed a ton of build and the ability to transcend feels from beginning to end. The songs at the start of the set displayed their almost folkish synth pop tracks, that of which highlighted the band's quality knack for song writing. As the set wore on the songs were soaked with more of an Octopus Project meets Future Islands aesthetic, which showed to be a pretty much flawless combination. However, the band's own unique vibe shined through most heavily.

I spoke with Baby Venom recently, and they informed me they'd be opening for Deerhunter in Europe. Expect more deets on that soon, and hopefully some word on plans for a release. Here are some tunes to sample for now, "Frank" and "Take Out Breakfast".

Tonight: Of Montreal @ Sonar


Hit up Sonar tonight to get your psychedelic rock opera power pop fix. Of Montreal will be heading the bill, promising elaborate costumes and stage antics galore.

I admittedly haven't yet heard their new LP, Skeletal Lamping, in it's entirety. However, I can most certainly vouch for the group's previous efforts. Their record prior to the new album, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?, blasts at you like a dream involving David Bowie and Prince gone terribly wrong. Those of you who have heard this record know I mean this in an incredibly good way.

Inkwell and Fire Zuave open up tonight's affair. Peep Of Montreal's dizzyingly colorful video for "Gronlandic Edit" above, and check back here tomorrow for a photo set and review of tonight's show.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Photo Review: Extra Golden @ Floristree


Photos by Chrissy

DC/Kenyan hybrid Extra Golden lit up Floristree on Friday. In a night jam-packed with shows, I can't imagine there were too many better ways to cap off your evening.

I have not attended a show with this much dancing in a good while, and this was mostly not the obnoxious kind either. It was the feel good shake-your-body in any which way Otieno Jagwasi's vocals swayed or Onyango Wuod Omari's drums rocked you. Positive vibes all around, the D.C. contigent of Extra Golden also proved they were just as tight as ever.

Ian Eaglson's guitar wizardry flowed effortlessly with Alex Minoff'ss chops, who is also part of Ian Svenious's D.C. project Weird War. The Kenyan Benga tracks permeated with rock and roll that have often frequented my iPod, proved even more vibrant live. With jam after jam of tunes that were impossible to stand still to, each band member's ridiculous skills weaved together seemlessly to craft each and every song performed.

Highly enjoyable show all around and, I'd suggest picking up Thank You Very Quickly, Hera Ma Nono, or Ok-Oyot System immediately. Grabbing all three woudn't hurt either. 

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Photos: Noble Lake / Virgin Forest @ Talking Head


Photos By Chrissy

Above is the photo set from Thursday night's show at the Talking Head with Noble Lake and Virgin Forest. I unfortunately could not make it, but Chrissy wanted to pass along that the show was indeed fantastic.

To make up for missing out, I hit up Atomic Books yesterday to go grab Noble Lake's  debut album Heyday. Upon first few listens, the LP has the same comfy feel-good vibes that albums like Small Sur's We Live in Houses Made of Wood and Caleb Stine's I'll Head West Again also provide. Andy and Jenn of Wye Oak make for one heck of a supporting cast, as James Sarsgaard's song writing illuminates clean yet interesting and unique. The CD even comes cleverly packaged and wrapped in a poster, so go grab it.

Check back Monday for pics and words from Friday's show hopping, that included Baby Venom's stellar set at Hexagon and Extra Golden's ridiculously great show at Floristree.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Tonight: Extra Golden @ Floristree

Hailing from DC, Kenya, and maybe beyond, Extra Golden are making an exotic stop on their tour. The multi-national ensemble is bringing its good vibes to Floristree tonight, right here in Baltimore.

Their latest release Thank You Very Quickly has been in my heavy rotation as of late, as I often can't seem to shake its afro-infused jams from my head. Two of the band members still reside in Kenya, and once needed Obama's help to get work visas to tour the states. To say that their sound is African influenced is clearly an understatement.

However, they are mainly a rock band. While other artists have eluded to African song structures and rhythms and claim influence, Extra Golden's sound is simply half straight up rock and roll, and half a Kenyan worldly vibe. The album leaves nothing hidden, and its sound is instantaneously recognizable upon first listen. Their latest LP was released via Thrill Jockey a few weeks ago.

I can only imagine these guys soundtrack a pretty fun party, which probably makes tonight a must. The bill also features Matthew Papich, Ami Dang, and Audrey Chen with Jeff Carey. Show starts around 8:30.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Got Veggie Oil? Give it to Dan Deacon!

















Hitting the road to tour for his latest uber-awesome release, Bromst, Dan Deacon needs help from kind-hearted earth loving kids abound. Here's his request:

"the school tour bus the 20 of us are riding in runs on veggie oil. we need help gathering that oil to fuel our bus. if anyone can bring at least 5 gallons of waste veggie oil to one of the shows we will put you on the guest list. it is easily found behind almost all restaurants.

if the oil looks dark and full of crud we can't use it. the lighter the color and the less viscous the better. if you can bring us CLEAN and filtered oil we can put you + 1 on the list.

an easy way to filter the oil would be to stretch a tight sheet or t-shirt over a bucket and pour the oil into the bucket through the sheet to get all the gunk out. a slower way, but better way, would be to tie one of the pant legs of jeans into a tight knot and hang that over a bucket and pour the oil into the jeans, and clean oil will slowly pass into the bucket.

to arrange the grease for list swap you can call geoff at 862-266-6130. call or text him. he is our oil master. the more oil the better. we have enough storage for 100 gallons of oil. if you can get us 30 gallons we'll cook you dinner on the bus (we have a little kitchen and many great cooks). "

Help a brother out, save the world, and get free Dan Deacon tix. Sounds good to me.

Tonight: Noble Lake / Virgin Forest









Tonight the mostly local trio, Noble Lake, croon the crowd at the Talking Head. Opening will be Virgin Forest, a Brooklyn group who feature members of Phosphorescent.

Half of Noble Lake comprise of Andy Stack and Jen Wasner, who make up the entirety of Wye Oak. Andy plays mostly upright bass for Noble Lake, and Jen is known to rock either the banjo, guitar, or harmonium. As Andy's freakish multi-instrumentalist talents are evident in Wye Oak, same goes to show for the musicians of Noble Lake. James Sarsgaard makes up 1/4 of the outfit, and is the band's singer and songwriter.

The sound is a bit different from the lush and beautiful noise of Wye Oak , as Sarsgaard's country twang and rootsy Americana take the forefront. The trio released its first full length titled Heyday via Creative Capitalism last summer. And in related release news, word on the street is that Andy and Jen are currently working on their next Wye Oak LP for Merge.

The show tonight at the Talking Head starts around 8 and is similarly priced at 8 dollars. Young Sir Jim is also opening the affair. Expect beards, lots of them.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ticket Giveaway: The Faint / Ladytron

I am extremely excited to present Bmore Musically Informed's very first ticket giveaway. I have one free pair of tickets to see The Faint and Ladytron play Sonar on April 15th. This will be the first of many free giveaways to come, so stay tuned.

Last time I caught The Faint live was 3 or 4 years ago in DC when they opened up for Bright Eyes. I recall politically charged screen projections and moveable dance-punk grooves galore.

They put on a more than solid performance, and chances are they've only gotten better. Their latest LP Faciination is much more refined than my personal favorite Wet From Birth, but seemingly keeps in tune with their original "dance our country's problems away" mission. Fun beats and catchy riffs from start to finish.

Shoot an email to bmoremusicallyinformed [at] gmail.com to enter to win the pair of tickets. I will pick a winner at random, and that lucky individual will have a much more enjoyable Wednesday evening than planned. Good luck folks, and check out their most recent video for "The Geeks Were Right" off of Faciination below.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Pontiak: Maker
















Deep in the forests of Virginia reside three brothers and a 12 by 12 recording studio. The combination of such has produced Maker, Pontiak's latest release via Thrill Jockey.

This is Pontiak's 3rd album in a year, including their fantastic 12" of mostly John Cale covers split with Arbouretum titled Kale. The new LP is drenched with sweat, blood, and sludge, as only the heaviest of rock and roll records are. Two amps were blown throughout the recording process, but little does this describe the magnitude of Maker.

By far their most cohesive LP to date, Maker drudges along with anthem after epic anthem that scream sweet nothings into your ear. The record's title track is a 13 minute voyage of grand proportions, with gloomy solos to serenade throughout. The album is heavy in all regards, and should only be attempted to lift with a spotter. But, lifting on your front porch with a glass of bourbon might prove more effective.

Pontiak will emerge from the woods to bless Sonar with their presence on April 24th. One of Baltimore's best new psychadelic outfits, Sri Aurobindo, will be opening. Headlining the affair will be Spectrum, who sport Sonic Boom of Spaceman 3. Don't miss this one.

Peep Pontiak's new video for "Layawayed" below.


Monday, April 6, 2009

Photo Review: Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafitti & Vivian Girls


Photos by Chrissy

With another weekend in Baltimore packed to the brim with shows, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and Vivian Girls' Saturday night gig at the Ottobar looked like a solid choice from the get go. I had a good idea of what to expect from Vivian Girls, but admittedly had no clue what to expect of the artist I am far more familiar with.

Worn Copy's spastic genre hopping and ridiculous song writing anomalies have been playlist staples of mine for a couple years, but I made no prior attempt to fathom how his taped pop gems would translate live before Saturday. Roaring and crooning through some old favorites and new material, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti were an outlandish and totally whacked out load of fun.

The photo set above speaks for itself, and I'm sure most might take notice of the pics highlighting Ariel's oral fixation with the microphone. The set thrusted along like some warped dream involving tripped out wedding singers and a time machine, but always managed to remind you what an innovative songwriter Ariel Pink has always been.

2 out of the 3 Vivan Girls got up and played with Ariel Pink for his encore, and 3/3 of the band performed a pretty satisfying set earlier in the evening. Showing off some new tunes that will be on their next LP, a few of these were more jammed out and cohesive affairs that the girls convincigly rocked with some authority. Curious to see what directions these ladies head in, all hype aside.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Dan Deacon @ Transmodern Festival

The huge influx in must see shows this weekend is mostly due to Transmodern Festival. The weekend-long event is taking place throughout the H&H Building and boasting every type of art one could desire.

Arguably the most anticipated act of the event is Dan Deacon's Saturday night performance.

The Wham City founder is on a bit of high note, after just blowing most of our minds by dropping his latest LP, Bromst. His second album takes all that is great about his live shows and his debut, and rewrites it into an electronic-based symphony of pure joy.

The album features over 30 musicians, creating sounds the old-fashioned way unlike his previous efforts. There are still the building synths and feel good yet spazzed out vocals, but the sound is overall much more organically clean and wholesome.

In addition that night, look to catch Deacon's upcoming Bromst tour buddies and personal favorites of mine Future Islands and Teeth Mountain. Hot diggity, are you as torn between this and Ariel Pink / Vivian Girls as I am? Choices my friends, choices.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Tomorrow Night: Obits / Sick Weapons

Quality lineup at the Ottobar Friday night too, with Obits, Sick Weapons, and Sal Bando filling the bill. Obits were unveiled to the world last year as Rick Froberg's new outlet for rock and roll music.

Rick is originally of Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes fame, but now is joined by drummer Scot Gursky of D.C.'s Shorstack, guitarist Sohrab Habibion of Edsel, and bassist Greg Simpson. Obits just dropped their debut on Sub Pop.

I Blame You displays a much calmer side of Froberg than when in Hot Snakes, but this allows for more climatic progressions and more of that 60's garage punk sound we all know and love.

The dueling guitars line up real nice with the rhythmic swagger of the bass and drums throughout the affair, leaving it feeling nostalgic yet set very firmly in the present. Great listen from start to finish, and should translate even more solid in a live setting with more energy to put forth. Stream a taste on my green playlist.

Check out our pictures of Sick Weapons opening for Double Dagger a few weeks ago, a solid reminder not to miss them as well Friday night. Show starts at 10 folks.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti / Vivian Girls

With a ridiculous amount of adventures to choose this weekend, this show looks to be a good read to success. The lo-fi soul jams of Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and the megahyped harmonies of Vivian Girls will be permeating the Ottobar Saturday night.

Weathered cassette tape sounds, steezy rhythms, and tons of weird have made Ariel Pink a favorite of mine for some time now. Dude started his career in 2003, when he gave his demo to Animal Collective at a show. AC made him the first artist to sign with their label Paw Tracks.

Ariel Pink's most recent single "Can't Hear My Eyes" (stream below) took a new turn, cleaning up the production quite a bit. The track features smooth vibes eerily similar to the Lite FM radio tracks that bumped from your mom's 1986 Ford Taurus.

New Jersey's Vivian Girls also front the bill, seeming to be all the rage these days. The trio put out a stellar LP that's soaked in tons of reverb, but oddly still makes you want to get all cuddly with it. The Flying Eyes, Deep Sleep, and Head Home round out the bill.

Stream a mix of the headliners below, and look out next week for our photo set.