The Onslaught Continues
I had a chance to sit down with Bret Johnson (Blue Worm Records, Bassist for Atmosphere and Attracted To Gods and also has his own band Kingfield in which he plays guitar and vocals and wrote all the tunes. Bret had cancer a few years back and was given a short time to live, but was able to beat it. The Kingfield CD "Letters Post Mortem" which will be coming out in November, encapsulates what is was like having that near death experience.
We also talked about bands who are just starting playing looking for a label, when they haven't really done anything yet. We both agreed that these bands really need to establish themselves on their own before expecting any type of record deal.
I was also able to catch Attracted To Gods at the entry the other night at the Blue Worm Records showcase and was impressed by the performance and the CD they were handing out for free. It's great when a band can go from heavy riff laden indie hard rock to a mellow song with keyboards that seemed similar to local band The Honeydogs.
Another exciting and big batch of new CDs and mail came in over the last 2- 3 weeks as well.
Dan Kusz labeled as a contemporary jazz saxophonist on his press packet, sent in his debut EP "Lost In The Groove". While Rift Magazine hasn't delved into the lighter side of Jazz that often, his press kit is full of endorsements, awards and accolades. Which I suppose is what a press kit is supposed to have. If your into what to my ear would call easy listening jazz, check it out.
I got my latest issue of Inside Bluegrass which is the official publication of the The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. We have quite the Bluegrass and Old Time music scene in town and with the popularity of crossover groups like Trampled By Turtles it will surely only get bigger.
I did an article awhile back on the band Screaming Mechanical Brain, but never had their new CD "There Is No God In Space". You can read the article here. Somewhere between hardcore and electronic mayhem, SMB deliver a solid and somewhat different sound for this town.
Squareshooters - "I am The Keeper" - Afternoon Records seems to keep growing a solid roster of indie powerhouses. Squareshooters are no exception. Rev 105 style indie rock is making a comeback.
The Twin City Playboys - "Texas Memories" - A guy I worked with awhile back Kevin Anthony, moved here from New York but is originally from Texas. Anthony plays fiddle, guitar and does vocals on this release. This is old style country with a mish mash of Cajun with accordion as well. Listen for a bit of french in the lyrics as well. Their playing their CD release party at the 331 club on September, 13th.
Stuart D'rozario - "Songs About Now" - I have never had heard of Stuart D'Rozario, which doesn't mean much, there are so many musicians in this town. This CD is singer songwriter pop, which doesn't really take too many chances. I think he is taking chances having his release party on a Wednesday night at the Fine Line and charging $15, eve if you do get a free CD. (September 6th)
GingerJake - "Get It, Get Off " - Check out the online article we did awhile back right here. The one thing I enjoy about GingerJake is that they play heavy stuff. It would be easy for a band like this to water down their sound dare I say because they have a female lead vocalist who can sing. Amanda Harris does a good job of fitting her vocal style into the sound of the band.
Half Dug - Self Titled - If you go back to the late 80's and early 90's of the Minneapolis music scene, a handful of hardcore bands put out singles and were playing locally quite frequently. Half Dug reminds me of some of those bands. The vocals in Half Dug feature more singing then most of those bands back in the day but the lo-fi recording and this band still in the middle of their learning curve it comes pretty close.
Duplomacy - "All These Long Drives" - Many have compared this early REM and also to Pavement. I think these guys can stand out a bit more on their own, with solid indie pop sounds with just a bit of Velvet Underground artiness to keep it from being too polished.
3 Pill Morning - "Life Dynamic EP" - It is sort of hard to put this band in a certain category. This band sounds like a major label band, which means they aren't breaking too many rules. Super slick production and sound, metal meets a groove. Reminds me of 311 without as much rapping. I was going to say no rapping but then track three came on.
Jeremy Messersmith - "The Alcatraz Kid" - Not knowing what to expect from this CD, Messersmith suprised me with some great songs. I like the low key production, melodic vocal lines and it's simplicity which makes my ears happy.
Far From Falling - "Self Titled" - This bands debut 3 song ep sounds incredibly well recorded, produced and the songs are well written, tight and professional sounding. For my taste a bit too clean and almost too polished. It seems like these guys might have found an in, on being a metal band that could be commercially viable.
Nemo Joe - "Crushed To Dust" - Labeled as Alternative Indie Rock on the letter that accompanied this CD, Nemo Joe could also be classified as a garage band as well. A bit lo-fi and a bit sloppy at times, Nemo Joe seem like they are still trying to hit their stride. The garage band thing wasn't really a slight, I heard someone call the Rolling Stones the best Garage Band ever and they did well for themselves.
Shotgun Monday - "Read Compare Adjust" - I had heard quite a bit about this band, but hadn't heard them. This style of music is sort of the new "indie punk rock" which really mixes the straight beat with the off course guitar sounds (fugazi) with the chant and shouting vocal filling in the spaces. How can you not like a band with a song called "shit shave shower shine"?
The Engagement - "Now And However" - Quite a bit of heavy stuff in this batch of CDs. The Engagement have a pretty good mix of power and I like the fact the vocals aren't perfect. It fits the music really well.
Quarterstance - "Ready For Bed" - Do you know how when you pick up a CD and look at the packaging artwork and feel warm inside. That is the one thing digital downloads can't replace. The simple painting on the packaging of this CD made me feel good. The quirky pop music on the CD already had a chance when I picked this up and popped it in. I looked I like, I listened I liked.
The Best of Smoke Free Saturday Nights - Volume 03 - It's great when a local newsweekly (The Pulse) can help out local music by putting out a compilation of local bands. Some great bands on this one, it is a great way to check out a bunch of bands in one sitting and see who you should seek out.
The Moondogs - "We'll Let You Know" - I am not sure what the social impact a garage band has on society. I know playing in a suburban bar on a Friday night does have financial advantages compared to playing say the 7th St. Entry as an unknown band. I don't know if the Moondogs have any aspirations past playing the suburban bar or are just content rocking along and having a good time. I should probably ask them.
13 Hertz - "Bluebird" - 13 Hertz play a laid back dreamy sort of Jam band type of music. T. Perry Bowers voice hits the high notes finding a range inbetween a clean Neil Young and Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon. The copy of the CD I got was a pre mastered copy, so I am hoping the final release will be a little more even.
Pretty Bomb - "Pink Firworks" - Pretty Bomb has an interesting sound. Mainly acoustic, sounding very layered which I think is coming from a 12 string guitar. I don't know what real value this has as a CD lots of people will listen to or attract them to a live show, but it does come across as interesting music.
The Pink Slip - "Party On Jackrabbit Mountain" No website for this group which seems to be mainly Andy Hoveler and a few session musicians. I think it is supposed to be funny, with catch phrases like "Huduly Do", but he does say something about getting high at the end of that song, so maybe I am in the wrong state of mind.
Low Down Hold Up - "Self Titled" - This is a CD from a new co-worker of mine. I will try not be too biased. Low Down Hold Up is fitting somewhere inbetween a mellow indie rock band and pop band. As a young band, I will give them the benefit of the doubt but they do need to find a little more of that magic songwriting dust and how they fit together musically. Practice, write more songs and then try it all again.
Last but not least. - (but also check the unlocal stuff on the not local blog.)
Ujoint played their last show the other night at The Turf Club, and at the same time released their new CD - "Cars Make Lovely Cages" and here is a good lesson to all you beginning rock bands out there. Do like Ujoint and send out postcards and emails about your shows to everyone. I always knew that Ujoint was active and playing around town. The reasoning of their split was that life happens, probably a band member or two having kids or not having time to keep the band rolling but they worked hard when the band was rolling. Be sure to check out their new CD, because in those eight years they came along way and their sound shows it.
We also talked about bands who are just starting playing looking for a label, when they haven't really done anything yet. We both agreed that these bands really need to establish themselves on their own before expecting any type of record deal.
I was also able to catch Attracted To Gods at the entry the other night at the Blue Worm Records showcase and was impressed by the performance and the CD they were handing out for free. It's great when a band can go from heavy riff laden indie hard rock to a mellow song with keyboards that seemed similar to local band The Honeydogs.
Another exciting and big batch of new CDs and mail came in over the last 2- 3 weeks as well.
Dan Kusz labeled as a contemporary jazz saxophonist on his press packet, sent in his debut EP "Lost In The Groove". While Rift Magazine hasn't delved into the lighter side of Jazz that often, his press kit is full of endorsements, awards and accolades. Which I suppose is what a press kit is supposed to have. If your into what to my ear would call easy listening jazz, check it out.
I got my latest issue of Inside Bluegrass which is the official publication of the The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. We have quite the Bluegrass and Old Time music scene in town and with the popularity of crossover groups like Trampled By Turtles it will surely only get bigger.
I did an article awhile back on the band Screaming Mechanical Brain, but never had their new CD "There Is No God In Space". You can read the article here. Somewhere between hardcore and electronic mayhem, SMB deliver a solid and somewhat different sound for this town.
Squareshooters - "I am The Keeper" - Afternoon Records seems to keep growing a solid roster of indie powerhouses. Squareshooters are no exception. Rev 105 style indie rock is making a comeback.
The Twin City Playboys - "Texas Memories" - A guy I worked with awhile back Kevin Anthony, moved here from New York but is originally from Texas. Anthony plays fiddle, guitar and does vocals on this release. This is old style country with a mish mash of Cajun with accordion as well. Listen for a bit of french in the lyrics as well. Their playing their CD release party at the 331 club on September, 13th.
Stuart D'rozario - "Songs About Now" - I have never had heard of Stuart D'Rozario, which doesn't mean much, there are so many musicians in this town. This CD is singer songwriter pop, which doesn't really take too many chances. I think he is taking chances having his release party on a Wednesday night at the Fine Line and charging $15, eve if you do get a free CD. (September 6th)
GingerJake - "Get It, Get Off " - Check out the online article we did awhile back right here. The one thing I enjoy about GingerJake is that they play heavy stuff. It would be easy for a band like this to water down their sound dare I say because they have a female lead vocalist who can sing. Amanda Harris does a good job of fitting her vocal style into the sound of the band.
Half Dug - Self Titled - If you go back to the late 80's and early 90's of the Minneapolis music scene, a handful of hardcore bands put out singles and were playing locally quite frequently. Half Dug reminds me of some of those bands. The vocals in Half Dug feature more singing then most of those bands back in the day but the lo-fi recording and this band still in the middle of their learning curve it comes pretty close.
Duplomacy - "All These Long Drives" - Many have compared this early REM and also to Pavement. I think these guys can stand out a bit more on their own, with solid indie pop sounds with just a bit of Velvet Underground artiness to keep it from being too polished.
3 Pill Morning - "Life Dynamic EP" - It is sort of hard to put this band in a certain category. This band sounds like a major label band, which means they aren't breaking too many rules. Super slick production and sound, metal meets a groove. Reminds me of 311 without as much rapping. I was going to say no rapping but then track three came on.
Jeremy Messersmith - "The Alcatraz Kid" - Not knowing what to expect from this CD, Messersmith suprised me with some great songs. I like the low key production, melodic vocal lines and it's simplicity which makes my ears happy.
Far From Falling - "Self Titled" - This bands debut 3 song ep sounds incredibly well recorded, produced and the songs are well written, tight and professional sounding. For my taste a bit too clean and almost too polished. It seems like these guys might have found an in, on being a metal band that could be commercially viable.
Nemo Joe - "Crushed To Dust" - Labeled as Alternative Indie Rock on the letter that accompanied this CD, Nemo Joe could also be classified as a garage band as well. A bit lo-fi and a bit sloppy at times, Nemo Joe seem like they are still trying to hit their stride. The garage band thing wasn't really a slight, I heard someone call the Rolling Stones the best Garage Band ever and they did well for themselves.
Shotgun Monday - "Read Compare Adjust" - I had heard quite a bit about this band, but hadn't heard them. This style of music is sort of the new "indie punk rock" which really mixes the straight beat with the off course guitar sounds (fugazi) with the chant and shouting vocal filling in the spaces. How can you not like a band with a song called "shit shave shower shine"?
The Engagement - "Now And However" - Quite a bit of heavy stuff in this batch of CDs. The Engagement have a pretty good mix of power and I like the fact the vocals aren't perfect. It fits the music really well.
Quarterstance - "Ready For Bed" - Do you know how when you pick up a CD and look at the packaging artwork and feel warm inside. That is the one thing digital downloads can't replace. The simple painting on the packaging of this CD made me feel good. The quirky pop music on the CD already had a chance when I picked this up and popped it in. I looked I like, I listened I liked.
The Best of Smoke Free Saturday Nights - Volume 03 - It's great when a local newsweekly (The Pulse) can help out local music by putting out a compilation of local bands. Some great bands on this one, it is a great way to check out a bunch of bands in one sitting and see who you should seek out.
The Moondogs - "We'll Let You Know" - I am not sure what the social impact a garage band has on society. I know playing in a suburban bar on a Friday night does have financial advantages compared to playing say the 7th St. Entry as an unknown band. I don't know if the Moondogs have any aspirations past playing the suburban bar or are just content rocking along and having a good time. I should probably ask them.
13 Hertz - "Bluebird" - 13 Hertz play a laid back dreamy sort of Jam band type of music. T. Perry Bowers voice hits the high notes finding a range inbetween a clean Neil Young and Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon. The copy of the CD I got was a pre mastered copy, so I am hoping the final release will be a little more even.
Pretty Bomb - "Pink Firworks" - Pretty Bomb has an interesting sound. Mainly acoustic, sounding very layered which I think is coming from a 12 string guitar. I don't know what real value this has as a CD lots of people will listen to or attract them to a live show, but it does come across as interesting music.
The Pink Slip - "Party On Jackrabbit Mountain" No website for this group which seems to be mainly Andy Hoveler and a few session musicians. I think it is supposed to be funny, with catch phrases like "Huduly Do", but he does say something about getting high at the end of that song, so maybe I am in the wrong state of mind.
Low Down Hold Up - "Self Titled" - This is a CD from a new co-worker of mine. I will try not be too biased. Low Down Hold Up is fitting somewhere inbetween a mellow indie rock band and pop band. As a young band, I will give them the benefit of the doubt but they do need to find a little more of that magic songwriting dust and how they fit together musically. Practice, write more songs and then try it all again.
Last but not least. - (but also check the unlocal stuff on the not local blog.)
Ujoint played their last show the other night at The Turf Club, and at the same time released their new CD - "Cars Make Lovely Cages" and here is a good lesson to all you beginning rock bands out there. Do like Ujoint and send out postcards and emails about your shows to everyone. I always knew that Ujoint was active and playing around town. The reasoning of their split was that life happens, probably a band member or two having kids or not having time to keep the band rolling but they worked hard when the band was rolling. Be sure to check out their new CD, because in those eight years they came along way and their sound shows it.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home