Untitled Document

Tuesday 06.24.08: 88.9 KXLU welcomes SUNNY DAY SETS FIRE / IN WAVES / LINE AND CIRCLE / THE MONOLATORS

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Sunny Day Sets Fire || Listen

Don’t let this multinational concern’s name throw you; they may have smashed Seattle emo forebearers Sunny Day Real Estate and Delaware hardcore kids Boy Sets Fire together in name, but Sunny Day Sets Fire have squat in common with either of those Alternative Press-darling corpses. Their provenance is retro-twee pop, and “Stranger” feels so sugary sweet it almost makes your teeth ache: Mauro Remiddi sorting through feelings about loneliness in vaguely accented English, drums thumping dutifully on the verses and haphazardly spattering the headphone field when chorus time rolls around, Kool-Aid guitars splashing about merrily, organs whirring almost unnoticed in the back of the mix. The moods are in seeming conflict: Elephant 6 rainbow smiley-face gloop versus downer sentiments like “I decide to take a walk, just to see how it feels to be alone.” But remember that it’s best to walk off a harsh argument if you can: mild cardiovascular activity burns off frustration and clears one’s mind. Screaming it out’s more likely to lead to splitsville—or worse, litigation. – Paper Thin Walls

with:
In Waves || Listen
Line And Circle
The Monolators || Listen

Ticketweb

9pm / $8 / 21+

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Wednesday 06.18.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with MIDNIGHT MOVIES / MONO IN VCF / I LOVE MATH

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Midnight Movies || Listen

L.A. dream-pop quartet Midnight Movies formed in 2002 via the rock-honored tradition of the alt-weekly want ads and were quickly embraced by a local scene that apparently can’t get enough woozy female-fronted rock acts (Giant Drag, the Like, Rilo Kiley). Vocalist/organist Gena Olivier, guitarist Larry Schemel, and keyboardist/bassist Ryan Wood supply the swoons while drummer Sandra Vu keeps the beat.

Midnight Movies validate their nom de guerre by trafficking in a strain of the same type of late night eeriness that underlines classics like Eraserhead and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Their sophomore album, Lion the Girl, is an alternately floating and driving affair. Schemel and Wood manufacture My Bloody Valentine-lite soundscapes that range from ominous and fractured to lazy and lilting. Olivier’s ghostly vocals always suggest an altered consciousness; it’s just not clear if she’s having a good dream or a bad one. “You saved me from the bats in the chimneys / I guess I should thank you again for that,” Olivier sings on the album’s closer, “Two Years.” – Spin

with:
Mono In VCF || Listen
I Love Math

plus DJ Dia spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Ticketweb

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Friday 06.06.08: FIRST FRIDAYS with THE MOUNTAIN GOATS / THE ANNUALS @ Museum of Natural History

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The Mountain Goats

First Fridays – Dinner, Discussion, Music & More

with:
The Mountain Goats || Listen
The Annuals || Listen

@ Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007

FMI: http://www.nhm.org/firstfridays/

5:30pm – Tour
6:30pm – Discussion
8:00pm – Music

Ticketweb

5pm / Adult $9, students (w. ID) $6.50, Members FREE / All Ages

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Thursday 07.24.08: THE LIFE AND TIMES / NUEVA VULCANO / SOLARE

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The Life and Times || Listen

….there has always been room for more authentic, inventive and complex guitar-driven rock. For anyone who might doubt the veracity of my claim, may I offer The Life and Times. Formed out of the ashes of the constantly rotating cast of players of Shiner, Suburban Hymns is the kind of album that would’ve propelled these guys to superstardom in the early ’90s, but that still surprisingly packs a potent punch. From the opening epic guitar riff of “My Last Hostage”, guitarist and vocalist Allen Epley sets the bar high and consistently reaches it through the next 10 tracks. This is alternative rock the way it’s supposed to sound. There are no weird time signatures, “angular” guitar lines (or angular haircuts, thank God) or fashionably self-referencing lyrics. Nope, this is good old-fashioned alternative rock that deliver big killer riffs, loud drums and dare I say it actual singing of poetic lyrics. But unlike the knuckleheaded brand of FM rock that plagues the airwaves now, the Life and Times twist the mix, with Moogs, synths and an acute sense of atmosphere creating a unique soundworld that is a wonder to explore. – Popmatters

with:
Nueva Vulcano
Solare || Listen

Save Money when you order tickets by mobile phone
text Magician to 467467

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Saturday 07.12.08: RTX / EARTHLESS / BAD DUDES

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RTX || Listen

Jennifer Herrema formed the trio RTX in 2004 after her musical and matrimonial split from Royal Trux partner-in-grime Neil Michael Hagerty. Western Xterminator ventures further from the ’90s opiate-blues legacy of Trux, sounding more exploratory than RTX’s debut, Transmaniacon, even as it embraces rawk conventions like four-to-the-floor cowbell (“Dude Love”), double-kick thrash (“Knightmare & Mane”), and hair-metal guitar. Herrema and Co. throw the horns without a whiff of irony, and if the Ratt-like “Balls to Pass” is a nod to the album’s title, they’re geniuses.- Spin

with:
Earthless
Bad Dudes || Listen

Save Money when you order tickets by mobile phone
text Xterminator to 467467

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Sunday 06.29.08: FLEET FOXES / THE DUTCHESS AND THE DUKE / EVAN WAY

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Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes

The opening track on Fleet Foxes’ debut EP is the perfect introduction to this Seattle band, whose carefully fashioned songs reward more active listening than your typical indie-roots outfit. “Sun Giant” begins with their soft harmonies reverberating in what sounds like a cathedral space. With no accompaniment, their sustained a cappella notes fade slowly, adding gravity to this hymn of contentment: “What a life I lead in the summer/ What a life I lead in the spring.” The only other instrument is Skyler Skjelset’s mandolin, which enters late in the song playing a delicate theme as singer Robin Pecknold hums quietly.

The Sun Giant EP– sold on tour and digitally through Sub Pop, with a proper release forthcoming– contains familiar sounds, but Fleet Foxes make something new and special with them, following their own musical whims as closely as they follow tradition. (Maybe more closely.) These five songs– modest but never spare, atmospheric but never as an end in itself– change shape constantly, taking in elements of classic rock, church music, old-timey folk, and soundtrack flourishes. Already mistaken for Southern rock (there’s not enough boogie in Nicholas Peterson’s drums for that), Fleet Foxes will bear repeated comparisons, both praising and disparaging, to groups like My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses, but those connections are based on superficial similarities like geography or the heavy use of reverb. In fact, Fleet Foxes’ touchstones are much more diverse than that– and not necessarily so contemporary. – Pitchfork

with:
The Dutchess & The Duke
Evan Way (of the Parson Red Heads)

Ticketweb

Limited number of tickets available at the door the night of the show

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Saturday 06.28.08: 88.9 KXLU welcomes PANTHER / PLANTS AND ANIMALS plus Special Guests

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Panther

Panther || Listen

A lot has changed for Portland’s Panther since the sassy, spastic electro-funk of last year’s Secret Lawns. For one thing, the band has expanded from the alter-ego of performance artist Charlie Salas-Humara to a duo with the addition of drummer Joe Kelly (formerly of 31 Knots). Similarly, Humara has ditched the tongue-in-cheek lyrics and heavy synthesizers of Secret Lawns for a more traditional approach to songwriting. Built on cello compositions and guitars, 14kt God is a surprising departure from the Panther of 2007. – XLR8R

with:
Plants and Animals || Listen

Plus Special Guests

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Saturday 06.21.08: THE BLAKES / THE BROKEN WEST / DEAD CONFEDERATE

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The Blakes

The Blakes || Listen

Soak the Kinks in cheap booze, reignite the Stooges’ strut and add some modern Strokes of ambition, and you have the Blakes. The jagged and glassy-eyed “Two Times” (written in seven minutes) peaks with an enraptured chant of “Shake shake shake,” while the polished “Don’t Bother Me” elevates on a fluid glide aboard an invisible jet. The Blakes play gritty-yet-hazy rock music, a throwback to a more vagabond era. – Spin.com

with:
The Broken West || Listen
Dead Confederate || Listen

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Friday 06.20.08: WOLF EYES / JOHN WIESE / DAMION ROMERO

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Wolf Eyes

Wolf Eyes || Listen

Detroit’s Wolf Eyes generate their incomprehensibly brutal industrial noise from guitars, tapes, electronics, programming, horns and mouth. This is music that is meant to hurt as the song titles “Stabbed in the Face,” “Black Vomit,” and “Urine Burn” subtly suggest. Hardcore kids are relegated to whining wimps when these guys play at full volume. It’s brutal, it’s scathing, and it almost makes you pissed off that you’re listening to it.

Some have called Wolf Eyes the “heaviest punk band ever” and that’s probably without exaggeration. They pierce your ears better than Claire’s Boutique ever could. If you’re the type that thinks we live in an ugly, decaying world where everything is pretty much fucked, listen to Wolf Eyes. They’ll validate your feelings. – Oh My Rockness

with:
John Wiese
Damion Romero

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Tuesday 06.03.08: THE METAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY (a Heavy Metal Tribute to Shakespeare) / PLEASURE / WINNERS / THE FUNDERSTORM

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The Metal Shakespeare Company

The Metal Shakespeare Company

Many a long-haired college student has studied Shakespeare while listening to Iron Maiden, but THE METAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY is the first band to forge the greatest texts of all time with the most epic style of music known to man. This Portland four-piece dresses like a formal Shakespeare company, but brings guitar harmonies, high-range vocals, and minute-long keyboard solos to such famous speeches as “Saint Crispian’s Day” from Henry V, and the scene of the drunken porter from Macbeth. Since their inception in January 2006, the Metal Shakespeare Company has performed with such greats as Doro, Zolar X, Thor, Dead Moon, the Hunches, the Epoxies, the Clorox Girls, and more

with:
Pleasure
Winners
The Funderstorm

Visit Midnightridazz.com for info on a group Bike Ride to the show

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Wednesday 06.25.08: Indie 103.1 Presents CLUB NME with OSLO / THE HUNDRED DAYS / EJECT

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Oslo

Oslo || Listen

California band Oslo comprised of Mattia Borrani (lead vocals, guitars), Kerry Wayne James (bass), Gabrial McNair (guitars, backing vocals), Damon Ramirez (keyboard) and Charlie Walker (drums) has enjoyed much success independent of any label support. Their emotive and engaging live shows and self-titled, self-produced debut release (2005) garnered significant buzz and coverage from RollingStone, Billboard, Music Edge, LA Weekly and the Los Angeles Times, which named Oslo one of the top 10 bands to download in the Fall of 2006.

Oslo recently wrapped recording of their forthcoming sophomore release The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate, which they co-produced with Grammy Nominated engineer/mixer Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mickey P (Beck, Peaches, The Eels) and Sam Fogarino (Drummer, Interpol). The critical acclaim of both their live shows and their debut release underscores not only the band’s onstage showmanship but the complexity and depth with which they compose music. Rich in texture, melody and fervor the Oslo sound conveys a layered listening experience that is as intricate as it is intelligent and evocative.

with:
The Hundred Days
Eject

plus DJ Dia spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

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Wednesday 06.04.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with ED HARCOURT

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Ed Harcourt || Listen

Ed Harcourt is a bit raffish and gloriously hungover, but also the best company you could imagine over a fried breakfast in Soho on a warm Saturday morning. He’s also hard-working, creative and sickeningly prolific. *The Beautiful Lie*, his fifth album in six years, in between outside projects with bands like Wild Boar and the Dead Thank Yous, is the latest in his line of inventive, adventurous records. And it’s the best thing he’s ever done. His new album is confident, expressive and moving, wide-eyed, big-hearted and hot-blooded, with a musical ambition that dazzles you. It’s an album he’s grown up with, and an album that wants you to grow with it.

with:
Army Navy
Eulogies || Listen

plus DJ Dia spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

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Monday 06.30.08: Monday Night Residency – AFTERNOONS / THE HAPPY HOLLOWS / THE MOVIES / THE BOXING LESSON

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Afternoons

Afternoons

The Afternoons delivered a sparkling set that strayed only slightly from the musical styles of Irving. A propulsive bass riff kicked off “Graffiti Artist” as the jangling guitars glided into place. My ears were already perked when a trumpet sounded to fill out their sound. Brian Canning and Steven Scott handled the guitars and vocals with Claire Mckeown adding another layer of opera like vocals. The Afternoons only have four songs on their Myspace page but I assume they will have some more material in time for their Spaceland residency in June. It won’t take long for the Afternoons to reconstitute the buzz they had with Irving and propel them to greater heights. – Amateur Chemist

with:
The Happy Hollows || Listen
The Movies
The Boxing Lesson

FREE SHOW

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Monday 06.23.08: Monday Night Residency – AFTERNOONS / THE PARSON RED HEADS / VALENTINO / HT HEARTACHE

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Afternoons

Afternoons

The Afternoons delivered a sparkling set that strayed only slightly from the musical styles of Irving. A propulsive bass riff kicked off “Graffiti Artist” as the jangling guitars glided into place. My ears were already perked when a trumpet sounded to fill out their sound. Brian Canning and Steven Scott handled the guitars and vocals with Claire Mckeown adding another layer of opera like vocals. The Afternoons only have four songs on their Myspace page but I assume they will have some more material in time for their Spaceland residency in June. It won’t take long for the Afternoons to reconstitute the buzz they had with Irving and propel them to greater heights. – Amateur Chemist

with:
The Parson Red Heads || Listen
HT Heartache || Listen
Valentino || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Monday 06.16.08: Monday Night Residency – AFTERNOONS / EVEREST / RAVENS AND CHIMES / OH DARLING

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Afternoons

Afternoons

The Afternoons delivered a sparkling set that strayed only slightly from the musical styles of Irving. A propulsive bass riff kicked off “Graffiti Artist” as the jangling guitars glided into place. My ears were already perked when a trumpet sounded to fill out their sound. Brian Canning and Steven Scott handled the guitars and vocals with Claire Mckeown adding another layer of opera like vocals. The Afternoons only have four songs on their Myspace page but I assume they will have some more material in time for their Spaceland residency in June. It won’t take long for the Afternoons to reconstitute the buzz they had with Irving and propel them to greater heights. – Amateur Chemist

with:
Everest || Listen
Ravens and Chimes || Listen
Oh Darling || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Monday 06.09.08: Monday Night Residency – AFTERNOONS / WESTERN STATES MOTEL / WILLOUGHBY / WHITE HINTERLAND

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Afternoons

Afternoons

The Afternoons delivered a sparkling set that strayed only slightly from the musical styles of Irving. A propulsive bass riff kicked off “Graffiti Artist” as the jangling guitars glided into place. My ears were already perked when a trumpet sounded to fill out their sound. Brian Canning and Steven Scott handled the guitars and vocals with Claire Mckeown adding another layer of opera like vocals. The Afternoons only have four songs on their Myspace page but I assume they will have some more material in time for their Spaceland residency in June. It won’t take long for the Afternoons to reconstitute the buzz they had with Irving and propel them to greater heights. – Amateur Chemist

with:
Willoughby
The Western States Motel || Listen
Winter Hinterland || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Thursday 06.05.08: Manimal Vinyl presents RAINBOW ARABIA / GENEVA JACUZZI / SIDDHARTHA / CORRIDOR

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spaceland-cats-june5.jpg

Rainbow Arabia (ex-Future Pigeon)

with:
Geneva Jacuzzi
Siddhartha
Corridor

Tickets available at the door

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Sunday 05.18.08: KISSING COUSINS / THE HECTORS / THE BACKSLIDERS / SHILOE

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Kissing Cousins

Kissing Cousins

If I told you that The Kissing Cousins are arguably the best band in Echo Park right now, you could be forgiven for sitting there, in your Norman, Oklahoma bedroom, or wherever, and thinking, well that don’t sound like such a big deal to me. Except… here comes some relentless neighborhood boosting, in the past few years in this chronically expensive city, Echo Park has gained a reputation as the last affordable livable area of Los Angeles and as a consequence has been a magnet for all sorts of amazing writers, film makers, musicians and artists… We have two of this towns best music venues, the Echo and the Echoplex, and across the street at Taix’s lounge there is the most wide open and diverse booking policy, with no cover charge ever. I’m not kidding, we just had a month of Rickie Lee Jones and even while she was here, Kissing Cousins were still the best band in Echo Park.

The Kissing Cousins are, Heather on guitar and vocals, Beth, drums, Rhea on bass and Kara manages the flute and keyboards. For their live shows they often include Alexis on the glockenspiel and Paula on violin. And recently Ben has been helping out on bass guitar too. – Outsideleft

with:
The Hectors || Listen
The Backsliders || Listen
Shiloe || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Sunday 06.15.08: DOSH / ANATHALLO / KARIN TATOYAN

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Dosh

Dosh || Listen

Even in this age, songwriters relying too heavily on samplers and electronic effects run the risk of creating cold, soulless, boring music that lacks a human touch. That emphatically isn’t a problem for Minneapolis musician Martin Dosh, whose deft touch at manipulating sound seems to grow more organic and appealing with each record, including his fourth solo disc, Wolves And Wishes. Dosh is probably known best as a collaborator of Andrew Bird, whose similar approach to loop-based music led to Dosh joining Bird’s live show and co-writing the 2007 disc Armchair Apocrypha. On Wolves, Dosh gathers a crowd of accomplished improvisers, including Bird, Bonnie “Prince” Billy (who adds an appropriately haunting wail to “Bury The Ghost”), and a bevy of Twin Cities musicians, including Bad Plus drummer David King, guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker, and Happy Apple saxophonist Mike Lewis, who also accompanies Dosh on tour. Dosh breaks up and recombines their contributions to create new, flowing currents of polyrhythmic melody. Largely instrumental, his songs are freed from the shackles of verse-chorus-verse structure, and seem instead to evolve like dreams, always in motion and revealing new surprises at each turn. – The Onion AV Club

with:
Anathallo || Listen
Karin Tatoyan || Listen

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Wednesday 06.11.08: Indie 103.1 Presents CLUB NME with OSLO

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Oslo

Oslo || Listen

California band Oslo comprised of Mattia Borrani (lead vocals, guitars), Kerry Wayne James (bass), Gabrial McNair (guitars, backing vocals), Damon Ramirez (keyboard) and Charlie Walker (drums) has enjoyed much success independent of any label support. Their emotive and engaging live shows and self-titled, self-produced debut release (2005) garnered significant buzz and coverage from RollingStone, Billboard, Music Edge, LA Weekly and the Los Angeles Times, which named Oslo one of the top 10 bands to download in the Fall of 2006.

Oslo recently wrapped recording of their forthcoming sophomore release The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate, which they co-produced with Grammy Nominated engineer/mixer Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mickey P (Beck, Peaches, The Eels) and Sam Fogarino (Drummer, Interpol). The critical acclaim of both their live shows and their debut release underscores not only the band’s onstage showmanship but the complexity and depth with which they compose music. Rich in texture, melody and fervor the Oslo sound conveys a layered listening experience that is as intricate as it is intelligent and evocative.

plus DJ Dia spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

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Thursday 06.12.08: DAX RIGGS / THE BUILDERS AND THE BUTCHERS / JOHN BARRETT’S BASS DRUM OF DEATH

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Dax Riggs

Dax Riggs

Guitars both fuzzed-out and whining and the fast pace march of the rhythm section provided the backdrop for Riggs to fill every space in the song with plenty of hungry yeah’s and quivering vocal pitches as they poured numerous songs off their debut, We Sing of Only Blood or Love. The songs featured plenty of the darker themes — demons, death, graveyards — but very little love was audible, but it was done in an a very high-spirited, rock’n'roll kind of way. And, what rock show would be complete without some expression of political unrest. Riggs began “Radiation Blues” by saying, “This is for the war criminals that, you know, are still in power,” and then letting into the brashest of rock. A barrage of powerchords and intense drumming ringing in everyone’s ears was just what it took to get heads bobbing and joints bouncing. In one of the only encores of the festival thus far, Riggs and band offered a bit of Townes Van Zandt for the sun-soaked crowd. – Spin.com

with:
The Builders and The Butchers
John Barrett’s Bass Drum of Death

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Tuesday 06.10.08: JEREMY ENIGK / DAMIEN JURADO / HAPPY STARS

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Jeremy Enigk

Jeremy Enigk

Enigk’s biggest claim to fame is his involvement with Sunny Day Real Estate, who released five albums from 1993 to 2000, in which he served as lead singer, co-songwriter and guitarist. Although he is often cited as a progenitor of emo music, he has sought to distance himself from those types of bands. Enigk returns with the quick follow-up to last year’s highly acclaimed World Waits with The Missing Link, which features brand new material along with acoustic versions from World Waits. – Insound

with:
Damien Jurado
Happy Stars

Ticketweb

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Monday 06.02.08: Monday Night Residency – AFTERNOONS / WARPAINT / KENAN BELL / GUS BLACK

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Afternoons

Afternoons

The Afternoons delivered a sparkling set that strayed only slightly from the musical styles of Irving. A propulsive bass riff kicked off “Graffiti Artist” as the jangling guitars glided into place. My ears were already perked when a trumpet sounded to fill out their sound. Brian Canning and Steven Scott handled the guitars and vocals with Claire Mckeown adding another layer of opera like vocals. The Afternoons only have four songs on their Myspace page but I assume they will have some more material in time for their Spaceland residency in June. It won’t take long for the Afternoons to reconstitute the buzz they had with Irving and propel them to greater heights. – Amateur Chemist

with:
Warpaint
Kenan Bell
Gus Black

FREE SHOW

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Friday 05.23.08: Heather Pegg’s Birthday Party w/ THE GROWLERS / ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE / HOCKEY

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The Growlers

The Growlers

First up, The Growlers – right away, a band that gets you groovin’ in that way so reminiscent of Jim Morrison and the Doors. I was particularly impressed with voice of the lead singer. He’s the kind you’d be pretty confident in identifying out of the clear blue, it would go something like, “Hey! No seriously, I know that’s that guy from The Growlers!” You understand. – OC Weekly

with:
Illegal Substance || Listen
Hockey

Tickets available at the door

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Thursday 05.22.08: Isgoodmusic.com presents LES BLANKS / AMATEURS / THE MONOLATORS / CORREATOWN

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Les Blanks

Les Blanks || Listen

Les Blanks‘ Shoot the Horse is the band’s first album since ditching the their original moniker, Muso, due to trademark issues. Their sound, however, remains indebted to the sludge-riff bludgeoning of Raw Power blues that made up their 2006 debut, but with some breathing room–the Blanks have opened up their sound, expanding beyond the apocalyptic vinyl vistas of Pop and Strummer to create an album of varied, barnburning rock. – Webinfront.net

with:
Amateurs || Listen
The Monolators || Listen
Correatown || Listen

Presented by Isgoodmusic.com

Tickets available at the door

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Thursday 05.15.08: THE IVY WALLS / BLUE JUNGLE / WINSTON & THE TELESCREEN / WINDY CITY GENTLEMEN

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ivy-walls-flyer.jpg

The Ivy Walls

Even if you’re not on the front-lines of the alternative-rock LA/Hollywood scene with THE IVY WALLS, there is still a chance you may have heard them. If you happened to be watching “MTV’S The Real World: Sydney,” you might have been grooving to “Lovers In Hotels” (their latest full-length album and title track). Or perhaps recently, you’ve opened up an indie music magazine and heard their name listed in the ‘top unsigned/unknown bands’ to listen to. But maybe, just maybe, you waited for The Alternakids to blow your mind (I’m going to assume that).

I had known about the band strongly for the past two years, but didn’t get a chance to hear them live and dig on the album until ’07. The album quickly became a hit with my so-called ‘traveling collections’… let me explain. Although I listen to a lot of music at home, it’s a rare treat for an album/band to get to travel in my car or follow me to a workout — being blared on the gym stereo. These select few albums get played more than the 5 pop songs on a music station, so it’s crucial they got the talent to survive. The Ivy Walls have it. They offer that unique blend of alternative indie-rock sound, entrenched in musical obsession. – The Alternakids

with:
Blue Jungle || Listen
Winston and The Telescreen || Listen
Windy City Gentlemen || Listen

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Wednesday 05.28.2008 – Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with THE SWAYBACK / THE BILLIONAIRES

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The Swayback

The Swayback || Listen

Like a sexy snake slithering through your bushes, the Swayback moves swiftly, stealthily and unpredictably. The swaggering trio of Eric Halborg, Bill Murphy and Martijn Bolster melds influences – from glam to goth, MC5 to MSTRKRFT, pretty to perverse – into a sweeter-than-sugar and harder-than-nails alloy of rock boogie. On their latest long-player, Long Gone Lads, the Denver-based outfit struts its stuff with 11 tracks that veer across stylistic lanes with reckless intent. Live, the Swayback stuns audiences with its effortless musicianship, thrilling stage presence and undeniable attitude. The band unites diverse genres with a unique and uncompromising sense of style, sass and sensuality. Invite this snake in and you won’t want it to leave. Swayback has shared the stage with: The Hold Steady, Gang of Four, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Raveonettes, Louis XIV, The Von Bondies, Secret Machines, Hot Hot Heat, High On Fire and more.

with:
The Billionaires

plus DJ Dia spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Tickets Available at The Door

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Sunday 05.25.08: BIGBANG / PETE STEWART BAND / THE RATS

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Bigbang

BigBang (from Norway) || Listen

Tight as a nun’s wotsit live, BigBang combine dreamy Tom Petty type vocals and lyrics with hints of a mellower Led Zeppelin, melody wise. Beautiful. With accessible songs and photo friendly faces I reckon we’ll be seeing a lot more of these lads in the months to come. – Disorder Magazine

with:
Pete Stewart Band
The Rats

FREE SHOW

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Saturday 05.31.08: KCRW presents THE FIERY FURNACES / GRAND OLE PARTY

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The Fiery Furnaces

The Fiery Furnaces || Listen

Though prolific brother-sister duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger have jumped around stylistically on each of their four previous full-lengths, the rhythmic, almost chamber-pop sound of Widow City is nonetheless surprising. Yes, Matthew is still a master of strange time signatures and unusual instrumentation—he currently seems to be most inspired by the Chamberlain, a keyboard that triggers tape loops of strings, woodwinds and harps—but the basics of his songwriting are surprisingly accessible here. Opening salvo “The Philadelphia Grand Jury,” anchored mostly by a funky blues guitar vamp, announces that the king and queen of indie quirk are finally ready to make approachable songs. But lest you worry that they’ve lost their arty, adventurous spirit, know that the track is still more than seven-minutes long and includes moments where the likeable main melody is jarred apart by spare, insistent pianos or a strident rhythm change. – CMJ

with:
Grand Ole Party

Ticketweb

presented by KCRW

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Friday 05.30.08: KCRW presents FIERY FURNACES / GRAND OLE PARTY

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The Fiery Furnaces

The Fiery Furnaces || Listen

Though prolific brother-sister duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger have jumped around stylistically on each of their four previous full-lengths, the rhythmic, almost chamber-pop sound of Widow City is nonetheless surprising. Yes, Matthew is still a master of strange time signatures and unusual instrumentation—he currently seems to be most inspired by the Chamberlain, a keyboard that triggers tape loops of strings, woodwinds and harps—but the basics of his songwriting are surprisingly accessible here. Opening salvo “The Philadelphia Grand Jury,” anchored mostly by a funky blues guitar vamp, announces that the king and queen of indie quirk are finally ready to make approachable songs. But lest you worry that they’ve lost their arty, adventurous spirit, know that the track is still more than seven-minutes long and includes moments where the likeable main melody is jarred apart by spare, insistent pianos or a strident rhythm change. – CMJ

with:
Grand Ole Party

Ticketweb

presented by KCRW

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Saturday 05.24.08: Indie 103.1 presents YOU ME & IOWA – CD Release Show / THE NEW TRUST / CALAMITY MAGNET / THE VOYEURS

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ymi_cdrelease_poster.jpg

You Me and Iowa

You Me & Iowa || Listen

Every summer must be accompanied by an album. I don’t mean dopey reggae hits or girl-pop numbers repeating the word “summer” ad nauseam, but well-wrought tunes that taste good topped with sunshine while also serving as the soundtrack to the entire season.

This summer, it’s The Adventures of You Me & Iowa, from Los Angeles power pop outfit You Me & Iowa. The band exists somewhere within a triangle created by the technical mastery of Minus the Bear, the lyrical complexity of Death Cab for Cutie, and pop sensibilities that have been hard to find since the heyday of the Beach Boys. From the first cut, “Dress the Stage,” the record sets sail across waves of poppy rock hooks that are firmly grounded by the band’s musical knowledge – perhaps not surprisingly, knowing that the quintet has between them a wealth of formal training. Adventures was produced and engineered by Dave Newton of Mighty Lemon Drop fame and mixed by J. Robbins (Dismemberment Plan). Couple that production experience with a band as drenched in talent as YM&I and the result is an album that never slows, sinks, or ever sounds anything like any other band on the scene. – The Source Weekly

with:
The New Trust || Listen
Calamity Magnet || Listen
The Voyeurs

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Wednesday 05.21.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with THE HARD LESSONS / CHILDREN COLLIDE / F. SCOTT ASHBURY BAND

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The Hard Lessons

The Hard Lessons || Listen

These successors to tourmates OK Go make fast, catchy power pop that will inspire both roadtrip singalongs and serious ambivalence from hipsters. But, of course, it’s the first half of that equation that counts for radio play. A pair of male and female lead singers (“Augie” and “Ko Ko”, respectively) share songwriting duties here, each offering a gendered perspective on the scene with their track. The first, Augie’s “See and Be Scene”, is a nearly perfect pop song. It has the melody, the swagger, and the right amount of instant accessibility to hit just about everyone in the right place. – Popmatters

with:
Children Collide || Listen
F. Scott Ashbury Band

plus DJ Dia spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

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Saturday 05.17.08: WHAT MADE MILWAUKEE FAMOUS / THE DEAD TREES / THE WHIPSAWS

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What Made Milwaukee Famous

What Made Milwaukee Famous || Listen

Surrounded by shifting, muted post-punk guitar chords and minor-key keyboard twinkling, vocalist/guitarist Michael Kingcald croons through lo-fi sheen, “Hey, weren’t you told / How brutal life can be?” before the rest of the band rips into a soaring, guitar-and-saxophone-laden build up. The sense of dread and crashing noise certainly is a change for WMMF, especially when considering the upbeat indie-pop template established on their debut, Trying To Never Catch Up. Then again, if the title to their forthcoming LP is any indication, the boys in What Made Milwaukee Famous aim not only to survive the brutality of life, but come out stronger than ever. – Spin.com

with:
The Dead Trees
The Whipsaws || Listen

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Friday 05.02.08: First Fridays with AKRON/FAMILY / THE DODOS @ Natural History Museum

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firstfridaymay.jpg

First Fridays – Dinner, Discussion, Music & More

with:
Akron/Family || Listen
The Dodos || Listen

@ Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007

FMI: http://www.nhm.org/firstfridays/

5:30pm – Tour
6:30pm – Discussion
8:00pm – Music

Ticketweb

5pm / Adult $9, students (w. ID) $6.50, Members FREE / All Ages

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Wednesday 05.07.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with THE OOHLAS

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The Oohlas

The Oohlas || Listen

Is it too early to be nostalgic for the ’90s? This Los Angeles trio certainly doesn’t think so, blurring the diverting vigor of bubble grunge and the ultracool balm of shoegazer into bittersweet guitar pop that’s both absurdly listenable and unapologetically grand. Greg Eklund, former Everclear drummer, plays breezy-to-galing guitar and sings like a bashful Beach Boy on about a third of these three-and-a-half-minute songs. But singer-guitarist Ollie Stone, whose lustrous bleat recalls the Breeders Kim Deal, gives the disc its pervasive sense of emotional fragility. As do her unexpectedly dark lyrics about the absence of God (the up-tempo, ascending “Cahuenga Shuffle”), a depressed companion (the humming, verge-of-explosion “Tripped”) and a friend who we discover committed suicide (the dissonant “Rupert Krikor Chang”). The Oohlas’ contours are warmly familiar, but they cloak some chilly stuff. – Blender

with:
Solarcade

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Ticketweb

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Friday 05.16.08: RADIO 4 / KENAN BELL / OSLO

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Radio 4

Radio 4 || Listen

It only takes a few seconds of “Enemies Like This”, the title track to Radio 4′s new album, to realize that the Brooklyn-based band has returned with all cylinders fired up and with a rejuvenated sense of purpose. Radio 4 have never been ones to shy away from making a loud noise or issuing a firm statement, but on Enemies Like This, they’ve both streamlined and stretched their sound, they’ve cut the fat, trimmed the filler, and focused on the meat that makes the music, not the spices that can bury it. Enemies Like This is the album long awaited by all those who know that, up to now, Radio 4′s strongest impression has been made from the stage.
- Insound

with:
Kenan Bell || Listen
Oslo || Listen

Ticketweb

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Tuesday 05.27.08: Tuesday Night Residency – GRAN RONDE / CASTANEDA / EVAN SLAMKA (from Marjorie Fair) / ELECTROMAGNETIC

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Gran Ronde

Gran Ronde

Their debut EP, On and On, creates a dark atmospheric sound while still retaining some lightness in both melodies and vocals. On “Trouble (Hide)” and “The River”, lead singer Chris Pearson eerily seems to transform vocally into Robert Smith, making connections to the Cure well warranted. However, tracks like “Retrace” really stand Gran Ronde on their own two feet, with catchy guitar hooks and a more modern feel to it. Overall, an enjoyable collection of songs from a genre that can sometimes feel a little cold, Gran Ronde takes on the current invasion of British sounding pop bands and gives them a good kick in the ass. – Littleradio.com

with:
Castaneda
Evan Slamka (from Marjorie Fair)
Electromagnetic

Ticketweb

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Tuesday 05.20.08: Tuesday Night Residency – GRAN RONDE / BLOODCAT LOVE / VOXHAUL BROADCAST / SUMMER DARLING

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Gran Ronde

Gran Ronde

Their debut EP, On and On, creates a dark atmospheric sound while still retaining some lightness in both melodies and vocals. On “Trouble (Hide)” and “The River”, lead singer Chris Pearson eerily seems to transform vocally into Robert Smith, making connections to the Cure well warranted. However, tracks like “Retrace” really stand Gran Ronde on their own two feet, with catchy guitar hooks and a more modern feel to it. Overall, an enjoyable collection of songs from a genre that can sometimes feel a little cold, Gran Ronde takes on the current invasion of British sounding pop bands and gives them a good kick in the ass. – Littleradio.com

with:
Bloodcat Love || Listen
Voxhaul Broadcast
Summer Darling || Listen

Ticketweb

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Tuesday 05.13.08: Tuesday Night Residency – GRAN RONDE / SLEEPERCAR / AUSHUA / THE REPUBLIC TIGERS

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Gran Ronde

Gran Ronde

Their debut EP, On and On, creates a dark atmospheric sound while still retaining some lightness in both melodies and vocals. On “Trouble (Hide)” and “The River”, lead singer Chris Pearson eerily seems to transform vocally into Robert Smith, making connections to the Cure well warranted. However, tracks like “Retrace” really stand Gran Ronde on their own two feet, with catchy guitar hooks and a more modern feel to it. Overall, an enjoyable collection of songs from a genre that can sometimes feel a little cold, Gran Ronde takes on the current invasion of British sounding pop bands and gives them a good kick in the ass. – Littleradio.com

with:
Sleepercar
Aushua || Listen
The Republic Tigers

Ticketweb

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Tuesday 05.06.08: Tuesday Night Residency – GRAN RONDE / EJECT / THE ROYAL HEIST / ROBOTANIST

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Gran Ronde

Gran Ronde

Their debut EP, On and On, creates a dark atmospheric sound while still retaining some lightness in both melodies and vocals. On “Trouble (Hide)” and “The River”, lead singer Chris Pearson eerily seems to transform vocally into Robert Smith, making connections to the Cure well warranted. However, tracks like “Retrace” really stand Gran Ronde on their own two feet, with catchy guitar hooks and a more modern feel to it. Overall, an enjoyable collection of songs from a genre that can sometimes feel a little cold, Gran Ronde takes on the current invasion of British sounding pop bands and gives them a good kick in the ass. – Littleradio.com

with:
Eject
The Royal Heist
Robotanist

Ticketweb

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Monday 05.26.08: Monday Night Residency with MEZZANINE OWLS / THE QUARTER AFTER / EXITMUSIC / ASTEROID #4

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Mezzanine Owls

Mezzanine Owls || Listen

“Working with producer Andy Lemaster (Now It’s Overhead, Bright Eyes, Azure Ray) at Chase Park Transduction has proven to be a winning combination yet again, as there is nothing we can think of that would make these tracks sound better than how they are presented to us. The ethereal “Snow Globe” creeps in and takes the listener on a fuzzed out guitar ride, one that ends far too quickly. “Temporary Health” closes the EP in an eruption, leaving the listener wanting more. As a matter of fact, each of these little gems lasts only about three minutes.
Here’s to hoping a full sophomore album comes sooner than later.”
- The Tripwire

with:
The Quarter After || Listen
Exitmusic
The Asteroid #4 || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Monday 05.19.08: Monday Night Residency with MEZZANINE OWLS / LOVELIKEFIRE / THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE / ELI “PAPERBOY” REED & THE TRUE LOVES

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Mezzanine Owls

Mezzanine Owls || Listen

“Working with producer Andy Lemaster (Now It’s Overhead, Bright Eyes, Azure Ray) at Chase Park Transduction has proven to be a winning combination yet again, as there is nothing we can think of that would make these tracks sound better than how they are presented to us. The ethereal “Snow Globe” creeps in and takes the listener on a fuzzed out guitar ride, one that ends far too quickly. “Temporary Health” closes the EP in an eruption, leaving the listener wanting more. As a matter of fact, each of these little gems lasts only about three minutes.
Here’s to hoping a full sophomore album comes sooner than later.”
- The Tripwire

with:
LoveLikeFire || Listen
The Henry Clay People || Listen
Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Monday 05.12.08: Monday Night Residency with MEZZANINE OWLS / WE BARBARIANS / EAGLE & TALON / BLACK KITES/MARTHA DAVIS AND THE MOTELS

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Mezzanine Owls

Mezzanine Owls || Listen

“Working with producer Andy Lemaster (Now It’s Overhead, Bright Eyes, Azure Ray) at Chase Park Transduction has proven to be a winning combination yet again, as there is nothing we can think of that would make these tracks sound better than how they are presented to us. The ethereal “Snow Globe” creeps in and takes the listener on a fuzzed out guitar ride, one that ends far too quickly. “Temporary Health” closes the EP in an eruption, leaving the listener wanting more. As a matter of fact, each of these little gems lasts only about three minutes.
Here’s to hoping a full sophomore album comes sooner than later.”
- The Tripwire

with:
We Barbarians || Listen
Eagle and Talon || Listen
Black Kites || Listen
Martha Davis and the Motels || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Monday 05.05.08: Monday Night Residency with MEZZANINE OWLS / WAIT.THINK.FAST. / MINIPOP / IN WAVES

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Mezzanine Owls

Mezzanine Owls || Listen

“Working with producer Andy Lemaster (Now It’s Overhead, Bright Eyes, Azure Ray) at Chase Park Transduction has proven to be a winning combination yet again, as there is nothing we can think of that would make these tracks sound better than how they are presented to us. The ethereal “Snow Globe” creeps in and takes the listener on a fuzzed out guitar ride, one that ends far too quickly. “Temporary Health” closes the EP in an eruption, leaving the listener wanting more. As a matter of fact, each of these little gems lasts only about three minutes.
Here’s to hoping a full sophomore album comes sooner than later.”
- The Tripwire

with:
Wait.Think.Fast.
Minipop || Listen
In Waves || Listen

FREE SHOW

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Thursday 05.29.08: Filter Presents PELA / NEVA DINOVA / LADYHAWK

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Pela

Pela || Listen

Known for their awesome live shows and two well-received EPs, Pela has finally put out a full-length release. It is one of the year’s best. Pela are a self-styled “American” rock and roll band, with Bruce Springsteen, The Replacements, Wilco, and the Hold Steady as guiding influences. That is quite a serious lineage to follow and to compare oneself to. Yet the ambition in those comparisons is more than met by the music, which is charming, humble, passionate, and achingly sad all at once. – Popmatters

with:
Neva Dinova
Ladyhawk || Listen

Ticketweb

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Wednesday 05.14.08: Indie 103.1 Presents EFTERKLANG / SLARAFFENLAND / KARIN TATOYAN

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efterklang.jpg

Efterklang || Listen

Denmark’s Efterklang, recipients of a rare 10/10 DiS review for last year’s Parades LP (review), are traditionalists only in the sense that they use guitar, bass and drums as cornerstones of the creations they erect, rising from the stage slowly, revealing nuances sweet and affecting with each clutch of so-many seconds. Scattered about these essentials are electronic boxes full of circuit-board wizardry, additional percussion things to swing, whack and shake…Digression terminated, the concluding fact: Efterklang, live and on record, are rarely less than an incredibly moving and inspiring listen. If you’re yet to let them breach your taste defences, watch the bombs explode below ‘til your heart pops in time. – Drowned in Sound

with:
Slaraffenland || Listen
Karin Tatoyan || Listen

Ticketweb

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Sunday 05.11.08: THE SHOW IS THE RAINBOW / CAPTAIN AHAB / CINDERELLA MOTEL

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The Show is The Rainbow

The Show is The Rainbow

Omaha’s one-man band the Show Is the Rainbow offers something much more meaningful than derivative Devo mimicry—there is a clubby, atomic pitter-pat lurking in his 606, and punk sensibility coloring his production. A cadre of frantic, urgent melodies carries Darren’s spot-on Mark Mothersbaugh warble, and his thumping, clacking tempos will have your toes doing double-time. If the Faint are neo-wave’s spreading, diffuse mushroom cloud, the Show Is the Rainbow is its irradiated Omega Man, prowling the ravaged wasteland for an unspoiled dance floor and a few mutants with whom to shake ass. – City Pages

with:
Captain Ahab || Listen
Cinderella Motel

Ticketweb

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Saturday 05.10.08: AIR TRAFFIC / SKY PARADE / EAGLE SEAGULL

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Air Traffic

Air Traffic (from the UK) || Listen

From the initial listen, frontman Chris Wall appears to be the driving force behind the band’s excitably stimulating sound. Apart from his imperative piano work and guitar contributions, Wall possesses some of the most powerfully diversifying vocals I have heard all year. Suitable for both invigorating arena rock and sweeping emotional ballads, the vocals transition themselves amicably between each track. Though the comparisons to Coldplay’s Chris Martin on piano-oriented tracks like “No More Running Away” or the exceptional single, “Shooting Star”, will likely be the most illustrated among critics, likenesses to Sigur Rós’ Jónsi Birgisson or Muse’s Matthew Bellamy remain more subtly effective in nature. “Empty Space”, one of the most touching tracks on the album, is accompanied solely by Wall’s vocals and his distinctive piano-laden melody. Though the track is minimal in production and instrumentation, the sheer power of the melody and lyrical delivery provides for more than enough satisfaction. Wall’s falsetto demonstrated in the hearty chorus reaches a pitch that only falls short to the likes of Birgisson or Bellamy, aided even more dramatically by Wall’s compelling piano usage. – Popmatters

with:
Sky Parade || Listen
Eagle Seagull || Listen

Ticketweb

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Friday 05.09.08: KCRW & Performer Mag presents – THE PARSON RED HEADS (EP Release Party) / THE MOVIES / MY PET SADDLE / MONAHANS

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The Parson Redheads

The Parson Red Heads || Listen (EP Release Party)

The energy on King Giraffe can barely be contained — it’s as if the album can’t wait to blast through stereo speakers. From the bright and shiny beach-party swelters of “Days of My Youth” to the hectic, crashing waves of acceleration and stillness on “Mossback,” The Parson Red Heads tailspin listeners through a joyous mix of early ‘60s psychedelic-inspired rock.

Evan “Parson Parson” Way leads this group of troubadours and writes the band’s upbeat ditties about chilling with family, loving all and enjoying life. In “Forever,” there is a smile in his words as he instructs listeners, “Stand up straight, follow the rules / Don’t do wrong, don’t be a fool / There are things you don’t know.” This optimism comes straight from the music. – Perfromer Mag

with:
The Movies
My Pet Saddle || Listen
Monahans || Listen

Ticketweb

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Thursday 05.08.08: THE FIGGS / BOBOT ADRENELINE / FRANCISCO THE MAN / JONNY POLONSKY

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The Figgs

The Figgs || Listen

It makes sense that one of the Figgs’ best recent songs, “Regional Hits” (included here), celebrates those pop gems that are known only to a select few. For better or worse, that’s been the Figgs’ stock in trade for a decade-plus. And this live set doesn’t even offer all the most obvious shoulda-been hits from their last batch of albums — it’s just the songs they happened to play on a particular night. Whereas their previous live disc (drawn from the same batch of 2005 gigs) was tight and straightforward, this one’s more like the wilder second half of a Figgs show. There’s an impromptu cover, a few sing-along bits, a couple of songs the band had just learned (they’d be on the next studio album, Follow Jean Through the Sea), and a bit of mania when drummer Pete Hayes gets turned loose to sing. The band include, perhaps unwisely, a messed-up version of the Kinks’ “Starstruck” as well as the straight version, which followed. (Just the latter would’ve been fine.) But they know how to snap back into no-nonsense mode, and the rest of this disc attests to their unfailing chemistry and their growing catalogue of catchy songs. Indeed, it’s hard to figure why guitarist Mike Gent’s R&B-flavored “I’ll Bring Kicks” and bassist Pete Donnelly’s sweeter “We’ll Be Doing Time” never became hits somewhere. Score one for the select few. – The Phoenix

with:
Bobot Adrenaline || Listen
Francisco The Man
Jonny Polonsky || Listen

Ticketweb

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Sunday 05.04.08: TWO SHEDS / PRINCETON

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Two Sheds

Two Sheds || Listen

Two Sheds, one heart. Johnny and Caitlin Gutenberger are partners in life and the core of the local band Two Sheds, one of Sacramento’s beloved indie outfits. Caitlin is on vocals, with a dreamy style that’s tempered with a bit of twang, and husband Johnny anchors the rhythm section on bass.

The couple are behind an upcoming 7-inch vinyl single that features a new song, “No Place.”

The Gutenbergers first gigged together at a “Crooning Couples” show at Old Ironsides and have since developed a following on the West Coast. Two Sheds has so far been a match made in harmony. – Sacbee.com

with:
Princeton || Listen

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Saturday 05.03.08: NINA NASTASIA / DAVID KARSTEN DANIELS / NICO STAI

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Nina Nastasia

Nina Nastasia || Listen

Nastasia’s mood-stricken folk-rock fits neatly among her better-known peers, but unlike her other White-backed discs, Run To Ruin and On Leaving, the new You Follow Me grants the drummer equal billing. It isn’t a token gesture: White’s ragged yet jazzy pulse fills every inch of the space Nastasia previously stuffed with strings and piano. Stripped of finery, You Follow Me is Nastasia’s purest, most assured work yet, a raw acoustic set that sweeps sentiment out of dusty corners and slips into sudden whispers as White frisks around and across her stark chords. And when Nastasia’s voice rises from a delicate mumble to a piercing cry, it’s enough to make hearts follow suit. – The Onion AV Club

with:
David Karsten Daniels || Listen
Nico Stai

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Friday 05.02.08: NIK FREITAS / DAVID DONDERO

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Nik Freitas

Nik Freitas || Listen

Though a disciple of a path well beaten — organic singer/songwriter wielding riffing guitars and tapping ivories — Nik Frietas carves a niche all his own with lyrically meditative, wistful, and Americana-tinged tunes paying tribute to yet never aping touchstones likes Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and even Ben Kweller. And with Sun Down, Freitas’ third record to date out May 6 via Team Love, the troubadour dives into the frequented genre’s fabric and offers an album that simultaneously evokes sentiments of nostalgia and innovation, especially with the down-home drums and choogling six-string of the album’s title track, and the 12-bar blues of “Sophie.” – Spin.com

with:
David Dondero

Ticketweb

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Thursday 05.01.08: JR JUGGERNAUT / MOTORCYCLE BLACK MADONNAS / JESSE DELUXE (acoustic set)

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jrjuggernaut.jpg

Jr. Juggernaut

Los Angeles-based power trio JR. JUGGERNAUT has been delivering rootsy blasts of American guitar rock, coupled with three-part harmonies, since the summer of 2003. The act, founded by guitarist/vocalist Mike Williamson, made its mark in the L.A. music scene by delivering one blistering live show after another, having performed with such noteworthy acts including Drag The River, Alien Crime Syndicate, Tim Easton, Lucero, The Gourds, Two Cow Garage, Tim Barry, Armchair Martian and Burden Brothers. The band’s newest recording and first full-length, Ghost Poison, has already garnered airplay on Indie 103.1 before its release. The 10-song collection offers the expansive breadth of Jr. Juggernaut’s repertoire, from full-throttle guitar assaults to somber melodies, and is the first official release to feature drummer Wal Rashidi and bassist Kevin Keller. Produced by Jr. Juggernaut, engineered by Maria Baglien (Johnny Hickman, The BellRays), and mixed by Sergio Chavez (Motorhead, Velvet Revolver), Ghost Poison showcases Jr. Juggernaut in its finest moment — the present.

with:
Motorcycle Black Madonnas || Listen
Jessie Deluxe (acoustic set) || Listen

Tickets at The Door

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