Augustines - Augustines (2014)

In the Spring of 2008, I wrote about Pela, a Brooklyn-based five piece, playing an amazing live show characterized by addicting, vigorous, punk-rooted hooks and heartfelt vocals at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. It was a show to remember, because, while the show itself was fantastic, after it I shared drinks with the band and helped shut the bar down. Six years later, Billy McCarthy (vocals, guitar) and Eric Sanderson (bass, keyboards, vocals) moved on together from Pela to form Augustines with the addition of Rob Allen (drums).

With one very good album already to their name, Rise Ye Sunken Ships (2011), this year's self-titled album kicks it up a few significant notches. Passionate, sing-along choruses are strung together with tight hooks, and although no song shares the same stride, the album is truly a unitary whole. It soars at points and plucks heart strings at others - uplifting, then thoughtfully emotional, then back to uplifting - occasionally goose-bump and, perhaps, tear worthy. I have listened to this album more than I care to admit, but much of that is fueled by seeing Augustines live recently at The Independent (again in San Francisco), which was a live show, theatrical performance, and group therapy session all rolled into one. McCarthy leaves it all on the stage - blood. sweat, and tears - and I think this album channels that impassioned enthusiasm. Check the album out or watch some Live on KEXP below.

Phosphorescent – Muchacho (2013)

I have been captivated by this album for the last two weeks or so now. Ever since I heard Matthew Houck’s “Wolves” sometime in late 2007 or early 2008, I have been loosely following Phosphorescent, but the last album unfortunately didn't warrant a review, so I think up until now, Phosphorescent has gone undiscussed on QCM. 

On Easter Sunday 2010 at The Independent in San Francisco (where I'll be tonight to see Portugal. The Man), White Hinterland and Bon Iver opened (yes, opened) for Phosphorescent. Most of the people in the audience were there for Bon Iver, specifically, and by the end of Phosphorescent’s set, most people had cleared out due to Houck’s shushing of the increasingly noisy Bon Iver following turned bar scene in the back. The gabbing during Houck's set was in stark contrast to the pin-drop silence Bon Iver was afforded. I hate when people talk during concert sets in small venues, so I have always had a somewhat special appreciation for Houck’s tender songwriting and fragile vocals, despite his hit-or-miss albums.

To me, Muchacho is Phosphorescent's most well-rounded album. The lyrics and songwriting across the board just seem more thought-out and less forced, albeit occasionally borrowed. “The Quotidian Beasts” seems to follow the chord progression of Chris Isaak’s "Wicked Game" – I even found myself mouthing “And I, want to fall in love” during the chorus build-up – and the single "Song for Zula" (below) leads in with a paraphrased reference to the infamous Cash-Carter "Ring of Fire" opening lines in singing "some say love is a burning thing / that it makes a fiery ring." Both are great tracks, and with each, the song takes on new and interesting shapes independent of the nods. My favorite of the tracks is "Ride On / Right On." With its head-nodding charisma and simplicity, "Ride On / Right On" paints a picture of what I view as a wild/fun, but ultimately unfulfilling, life and times. The core of Phosphorescent's sound is the facts that very few vocalists sing love-loss more convincingly than Houck, which may be his single most compelling attribute and shines through on tracks like "Muchacho's Tune," "Terror in the Canyons," and "Down to Go" – decrepit & touching enough that you just want to reach through the speakers and give the guy a hug. Well done on this one.

PAPA - On Tour; Album Forthcoming

PAPA isn't new, but it feels like they are on the cusp of breaking out of the shadows to enter the indie spotlight and they are about to venture out on a small-venue tour. Jump at the opportunity while you can, because I have a feeling that after this next mini tour and the release of a full length they won't be offering too many more free shows. Why would they? The music is great and great music isn't free.

The band's 2011 EP, A Good Woman Is Hard To Find, is excellent (so is the album art; internet search that business), but like all EPs, it is too damn short, coming in at just under 23 minutes. They also released a single last year for the track "Put Me To Work," video below. Nice, right? One can hope that they will come out with all new tracks on the LP rather than simply tacking 3 new songs onto the EP. Time to fire up that album press, gents, the people want more. I, for one, will be ready.

On Tuesday, March 5 the band will making a stop at Brick and Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco, and will be at SOHO in Santa Barbara two days later.

Just a heads up. Now, back to work...

Outside Lands 2011 - Saturday Preview

There are bands to be seen and fun to be had, get your Outside Lands Festival on.


Saturday, August 13


Again the Sutro stage provides the early entertainment with one of my 2011 favorites, The Vaccines (2:10 - 2:55), kicking off what appears to be a sunny Saturday. The Londoners punk influenced summer-punk leads straight into a set by the danceable STRFKR (3:40 - 4:30).




The rest of the day should be spent posting up at the Lands End stage for rockers Arctic Monkeys (4:45 - 5:45) followed by the thunderous blues-rock duo, The Black Keys (6:15 - 7:25), and finishing off with the ever-epic Muse (8:10 - 9:55).



Unfortunately you will miss The Stone Foxes, Old 97’s, The Roots, OK GO and Girl Talk.

Outside Lands 2011 - Friday Preview

Welcome back for the Second Annual Outside Lands Preview. As we have discussed before, getting the most out of a multi-day music and arts festival can be a tricky task for the unacquainted. It is essential to plan ahead and schedule out each day so you can see who you want to see and do what you want to do without getting bogged down by the crowds, exhaustion and the booze. Again, Awmercy and I have attempted to make the day as easy as possible for you. This is, of course, written from our perspective however. Good luck.

Friday, August 12

Friday is by far the easiest day to organize. In addition to the crowds always being more manageable, the lineup at one stage in particular melds together nicely. The Sutro stage is where we would recommend setting up camp for the bulk of the afternoon. 

Release The Sunbird (12:00 - 12:40) - You can take the boy outta the Rogue Wave, but you can't take the Rogue Wave outta the boy. Zach Rogue, former frontman and namesake of Rogue Wave, moved on to start a new band called Release the Sunbird, and, well, it sounds very similar to Rogue Wave. Perhaps a bit more folky and acoustic, the recently release album is very good. Despite the newness of the band, I have no doubts that they will open the weekend like pros. Check out some recently released tunes here & here. 

The Joy Formidable (1:10 - 1:55) - Get ready to rock with this catchy North Wales trio. This band was meant to be played loud and I'm sure translates well to the outdoor expanse of Golden Gate Park. Should be a fun set. Check out a killer video here.

Phantogram (2:25 - 3:10) - More heavy bass-lines and sexy female vocals for those who felt a 45 minute set from The Joy Formidable just wasn't enough. Electro tunes and sultry vocals will have you swaying on your blanket. Personally, I think this is smaller venue music, but that's just me. Video it up here.

Foster The People (3:40 - 4:30) - By now the Sutro stage area should be heavily packed with men in tight jeans and woman with thick bushy bangs. This will make for a pleasant atmosphere to dance it out to a band that is on fire right now with their catchy electo-dance beats, care-free vibe and summer jammy jam vocals. Dance it out here.

Ellie Goulding (5:00 - 5:50) - Oh, hey Ellie Goulding is coming on... time to check out the food options and walk around. 

Big Boi (6:20 - 7:20) - How can you miss Big Boi? You and I both know this will be awesome. 

Following a solid 7+ hours at the Sutro stage, you’ll have half an hour to wander over to the Panhandle Stage for the fantastically beachy, southern California pop artists Best Coast (7:50 - 8:35). Then cap off the first day with The Shins (8:40 - 9:50), as the Panhandle Stage and Twin Peaks stages are just a short jog from each other and hopefully all the slow moving elders will have shipped off to see Phish (we don't do Phish) at the Lands End stage accross the Polo Field.

Unfortunately, you’ll miss some quality acts in Kelley Stoltz, MGMT and The Limosines which will hurt a bit to pass up, but such is the life at a music festival.

William Elliott Whitmore - Field Songs (2011)

Field Songs unfolds like the musical score to a film on agricultural life. I can't help but think of digging my hands in the dirt, hammering cracked barn siding and tilling long stretches of soil on a rusted-out tractor. With this album as my soundtrack, such a life almost sounds appealing. The vivid imagery speaks to Whitmore's ability to channel so much soul, old-timey grit and emotion with just his unique voice, banjo or acoustic guitar and crickets, birds and frogs as backup singers. Field Songs is even more simplistic than Animals In The Dark, Whitmore's fantastic 2009 release, which is fine from my perspective. It also helps that Whitmore seems like a genuinely likable and humble guy—someone I'd really enjoy sharing a Black Star sixer with on a front porch somewhere where the stars glow like floodlights. The title track (below) is probably my favorite, but in truth, I could listen to the whole album over and over without interruption. For additional individual highlights, check out: "Everything Gets Gone" and "Not Feeling Any Pain."

The man will be playing Slim's in San Francisco on September 23rd with James Vincent McMorrow. Should be an amazing show.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing (2011)

I was sitting around a large table of folks at the Connecticut Yankee awhile back, greasing the pipes for The Builders and The Butchers and Murder By Death concert at BOTH, when a friend said, "You know a band I think you should check out? The Rural Alberta Advantage." So I did, and here I am writing this review. I have to admit, I was on the fence at first... And the fence was pretty tall and thick. Nils Edenloff's vocals are not exactly welcoming, beautiful or mainstream, but they had me at "Drain the Blood." Again, initially I was riding that proverbial fence regarding Departing, but in the same manner a few listens turned me into an avid fan of Hometowns, I was drawn into the folky, slightly quirky rhythms, nasally vocals and sing-along choruses. As for Departing, "Two Lovers" is great, "Under the Knife" is remarkably catchy, "Tornado '87" is this album's pull-you-in jam much like "Drain the Blood" was on the last album and "Barnes' Yard" makes my foot-drums go crazy. I'm not going to promise that you'll think this album is a winner at first listen, but give it a few spins, and if those high-notes hit a chord, I'm sure you'll become a fan just like me.

Scotch Howard - Mandara (2011)

I love discovering new party music and this album most certainly fits the bill. On their first album together, vocalist Scotch Howard and Mitra Music, the production name for San Francisco-based artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Lackner, team up on Mandara and the end-product is 8 tracks of psychedelic electro rock that makes you want grab a few adult beverages and go dance in the shower, with or without friends. The intro jam, "Hit The Wall," pulls you in with hand-clapping catchiness that sets the album's drive and message. "Rowdy" oozes with an alcohol-soaked swagger and a sing-along chorus that is perfect for sparking an evening of debauchery and serves as the thematic anthem. Around those, grooves like "In Time," "In The Streets," "Turnon" and "Shake Off" bring on the loungy dance vibe at different paces that keep the party going. The moods are diverse, but the tracks balance well, with some driving hard and fast, while others take their foot off the pedal. Have a listen below, grab your download here for the price of a 40oz malted beverage, invite some friends over and turn up the volume.

FNBP: Humming Ale & Guidance Counselor (2010)

Few things bring on the weekend better than energetic dance rock paired with delicious ale.  This week the bold and the daring come together in the form of Anchor Brewing's Humming Ale and Guidance Counselor's fearless dance rock off their self-titled album.

Guidance Counselor makes sure-to-wake-your-neighbors, dance-beat fiasco tracks with wall-shakin' drums and spastic vocals. When 'stached, lead singer Ian Anderson (not THAT Ian Anderson) looks like your creepy '80s uncle (on the left), but his energy and enthusiasm for getting the listener moving shines through in his role as frontman and dance commander and is infectious. Even the songs that don't sound like singles are still fun, if more for the dance floor than the headphones. I dare you to try and sit still to tracks like, "Talk It Out," "Creature" or "I Don't Wanna Speak." Simply put, they are pure energy and pure fun. Is Guidance Counselor for everyone? Probably not. But neither is being super awesome. This group is clearly humming!

As described by Anchor's website, "Humming" is a term that has a long history in association with malted beverages, used centuries ago to describe both ales and beers. In this particular case "Humming Ale" suits this bold, hoppy ale, which Anchor created to celebrate the anniversary of their first brew. The name reflects the productivity and constant exertion of the brewery since its inception in San Francisco in the late 1800s. Humming appears as a pale or golden ale that provides a nice mixture of hoppiness with a substantial malt body that will get you buzzing, but also won't sit too heavy should your body give into the music.

So forget Michelob Ultra, Humming Ale should be your activity beer of choice for the holidays, and most certainly if those activities include sweating on the dance-floor to Guidance Counselor while your creepy conservative Uncle looks on outwardly horrified... but secretly jealous.

Top 5 Favorite 2010 Bay Area Garage Rock Albums

The Bay Area appears to be the epicenter for a kick ass garage rock scene that encompasses the full range of sloppy rock n’ roll, from fuzzy and hazy pop to loud and psychedelic jams. Even though the year isn’t over, there are already way too many albums to include all the great releases. So let’s go see who’s playing at Thee Parkside, knock back a couple tallboys, and argue over who I missed.

5. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (San Francisco)
   Damn catchy retro pop nuggets.
   
   
4. Hunx and his Punx - Gay Singles (San Francisco)
   A wild and hilarious dude fronting a glammy girl group band. Think gay Ramones.
   
   
3. Nobunny - First Blood (Oakland)
   Dude wears a bunny mask and tosses off blistering garage punk hooks. Hell yeah!
   
   
2. The Fresh & Onlys - Play It Strange (San Francisco)
   Seamlessly integrate country chug and classic stroll into fun psychedelic pop.
   
   
1. Bare Wires - Seeking Love (Oakland)
   Like all great garage bands, they only lift from the best and have Seeds-like attitude to spare.

Top 5 Lucero Songs

I loved the hell out of Lucero's 2009 release, 1372 Overton Park, and recently was reminded at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass how amazing they can be live. I've always enjoy the gritty, imperfect vocals, occasionally roarin' southern rock guitars, and Ben Nichols' willingness to be both tender and rancorous in his lyrics, but it was the addition of increased production and horns that took them to the next stratosphere and made me appreciate their older tracks even more. With over 10 years on the road and 80 songs to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow the list down to a top 5... but here we go, a nice tight list of favorites...

1. "Smoke" (1372 Overton Park)
2. "Tears Don't Matter Much" (That Much Further West)
3. "Nights Like These" (Tennessee)
4. "I Can't Feel A Thing" (1372 Overton Park)
5. "San Francisco"(Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers)

"north to santa rosa and south to santa cruz / the humboldt house, the boardwalk, and the homemade tattoos"

FNBP: Spaten Oktoberfest & Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

I know what you're thinking, because I'm thinking the same thing — It is not Friday and the events I'm about to pair have already passed. How inept can I get? Nevertheless, I move forward. 

Nearly everything I know about the history of bluegrass I learned from a Robert Earl Keen song. I think there was a time in college when I alienated myself from nearly everyone on my dorm room floor by listening to country and bluegrass, but honestly, I couldn’t have cared less. The DMXes of the world come and go, but there is an enduring factor to those old-timey sounds that trumps the need to conform musically with your peers. Although the particular beverage I enjoyed at the time of alienation was probably something on the lower end of the cost spectrum, for this Hardly Strictly pairing I'd like to bring out the gourmet (ironically, I sipped Modelo Especial for the bulk of the weekend). Meet Spaten Oktoberfest. 

Out of Munich, the origin of the fall festival, the Oktoberfest edition is subtly sweet and reminds me of a slightly cloudy Belgian. It is crisp and refreshing, but has a slightly strange aftertaste. The pairing goes well not only because of the timing, but also due to the strong associations I have with Oktoberfest, bluegrass and being outdoors. For live bluegrass I enjoyed the Bright Eyes front-man Conor Oberst, Bonnie Prince Billy and Robert Earl Keen Jr. on Saturday followed by Lucero, James McMurtry, Randy Newman, a fleeting moment of Elvis Costello, Yonder Mountain String Band and, finally, The Avett Brothers. I must admit, I was most impressed going in and coming out of the weekend with a longstanding QuickCrit favorite, Lucero. Absolutely worth the "early" start-time arrival.  In totality, certainly hardly, strictly bluegrass, but quite entertaining and especially so considering the event is free to all. 

Bluegrass, and derivatives thereof, to me is front-porch-music that seems to resonate with old souls and young ruffians alike. Oktoberfest was originally conceptualized around a horse race and agricultural show, so the event, and therefore the beer that bares the name, has rustic and outdoorsy undertones that parallel the stripped down appeal of bluegrass music. A great combo... any time of year.

Outside Lands 2010 - Sunday Preview

Day two of a music festival always has its challenges: Fatigue, due to standing for six sets in tight quarters; hangover, due to one to many trips to the microbrew stand; motivation (or lack-there-of), due to the daunting spectacle of dealing with the massive crowds, clingy dirt, nauseous bathrooms and general festival madness for another 10 or so hours. Nevertheless, there are still bands to be seen and fun to be had, so here is QuickCrit's ideal Sunday schedule for this weekend's Outside Lands Festival.

Sunday (Time - Stage):

The Soft Pack (12:45 - Twin Peaks) Originally from San Diego, The Soft Pack combines the influences of surf rock, power pop, punk and garage rock to create a truly Californian blend of indie rock. I have never seen them live, but they have a fun, catchy sound with plenty of hooks, so whether you have heard them or not, they should be good for an early day starter-upper.

The Devil Makes Three (2:10 - Twin Peaks) The Devil Makes Three, out of Santa Cruz, may be good on their albums, but they are even better live. The punked-up old-timey blugrass translates well to the outdoor, up-close-and-personal atmosphere. Additionally, they’re sure to draw plenty of local DM3 loyalists, ensuring an authentically enthusiastic hoedown.

Al Green (4:00 - Lands End) He’s the supreme Al Green and his voice is still silky and smooth. Sure, Edward Sharpe may lead his minions in a new age revival, but Green is an actual preacher and a soul legend. Are you really going to pass that up for a communal sing along?

Chromeo (5:15 - Twin Peaks) Awmercy says: Decisions, decisions. I loved Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and I’m sure they are great live, but when it comes down to it I’d rather get down, and the discerning dancers will be headed over to Chromeo’s stage. No doubt they will bring their funky electronic grind, so grab your shades and let’s get spastic.

Phoenix (5:55 - Lands End) Nightrain says: The Frenchmen have some of biggest and most recognizable hits in the rock arena today and have ascended to a level of star-dome that places them almost exclusively in large, fancy venues with ticket prices to match. This will be an opportunity to see Phoenix without what feels like ridiculous overhead costs and the show should be one to behold as the speedway will be packed for a high-energy, full hour set followed by Kings of Leon. In contrast, Chromeo, although excellent, is not at Phoenix’s level of popularity or demand, and their electro-dance party can be better enjoyed inside... like at The Independent later in the evening.

Kings of Leon (7:20 - Lands End)  This is the band that many people will come specifically to see with the bulk of the other performers simply serving as an added bonus. Coming off a recently abandoned show due to a pigeon poo assault from above, a few months spent writing and recording their new album, and serving as the headliners for major festivals around the globe, these road-hardened southern rock "veterans" should mix some new material in with their sing-a-long classics. A perfect way to bring your festival experience to a close.

Notables you will miss should you adhere to this schedule: The Whigs, Freelance Whales, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, The Levon Helm Band, Tokyo Police Club, Cat Power, Wild Beasts, Amos Lee, The Temper Trap, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Slightly Stoopid, Social Distortion, Empire of the Sun.

Outside Lands 2010 - Saturday Preview

Back in January, I spoke of the negative aspects of the one or two day festival format. The key to getting the most out of such an event is to plan ahead and schedule out your two-day attack so that you can be in the right place at the right time, factor in your need to eat, time it will take to stand in bathroom lines and transition from one viewing area to another, and, perhaps most importantly, not get burnt out halfway through each day and end up missing the headliners. Here at QuickCrit, Awmercy and I have thoroughly reviewed the two-day schedule for San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music Festival and suggested an ideal lineup with the above considerations in mind, naturally based on our own personal preferences. You may look at the schedule and say: “Screw that! I’m going to fill every second of my day with band viewing.” To that, I say: “Best of luck... sucka!”

Saturday (Time - Stage)

Electric Six (12:40 - Sutro) You gotta start out strong and while I like the sweet indie pop of the Freelance Whales they can't compete with kicking off the festival with the massive dance party Dick Valentine and his gang will surely whip up on the Polo Fields. It's guaranteed to be humorous, interactive, sleazy, and fun. Get ready to rock!

Langhorne Slim (2:10 - Twin Peaks) Langhorne Slim straight out of Langhorne, PA ranges from sentimental acoustic to raucous alt-country. In a live performance in an outdoor setting expect a set heavy on folky barn-burners that build until they are on the brink of coming unhinged.

Gogol Bordello (3:05 - Lands End) They played Hardly Strictly Bluegrass back in 2008 and had the whole Speedway valley bouncing to their infectious gypsy punk rock. You are guaranteed wild antics, heavy jamming and vocals similar to drunken pirate slurring that will induce spastic jumping and body slamming all around you. If you don’t like getting bumped during sets, this one may be best enjoyed from afar or the VIP section.

My Morning Jacket (5:00 - Lands End) Of all the bands at the festival, MMJ is probably the best known for their epic and amazing live performances. Note: MMJ has been allotted an hour and a half, rather than the typical 40 - 60 minute window given to other acts. As of late, frontman Jim James has been more active with side and solo projects so it should be interesting to see what the band has up their sleeves.

Wolfmother (6:30 - Sutro) A band that seems to blatantly channel the ghosts of Zeppelin, Sabbath and G n' R into heavy rocking anthem musical blasts. These Australians rampage through their sets with the goal of pleasing the familiar and converting the non-fan. Seeing them live in the park should be something to behold.

The Strokes (8:45 - Twin Peaks) They’re back! With no new material released, they have to play the hits. Despite the Strokes lack of production, Casablancas and gang have all been busy during the band's hiatus, so perhaps the set-list will be some sort of crazy hybrid. Regardless, the band established themselves as one of the best new rock bands of our generation and knows how to headline a festival, so there is no reason to doubt they will be anything less than great.

The Morning Benders - Big Echo (2010)

Mark you calendars, Friday, May 21st at the Regency Ballroom The Morning Benders will be rolling into town to open for Broken Bells. I'm not sure which is more of a treat: Two stellar "groups" playing one show or The Morning Benders' new album Big Echo. The Berkeley to Brooklyn based band nails it on the head on this one. I was originally turned onto these guys because of their similarities to Ra Ra Riot, but I feel like they have taken great leaps forward with this release and established not just a sound, but a level of independence from defining comparisons. Although, there are some elements of Ra Ra Riot and Elvis Perkins mixed in with Beach Boy harmonies, I think it is fair to say that The Morning Benders have come to the party to stay by their own right. "Excuses" is the type of single that connects with you immediately and kicks off the album in a way that draws you in real close with its indie pop catchiness. Once "Excuses" sets the table for the rest of the album, you can enjoy the layered instrumentation and vocals that can be both relaxing and invigorating, depending on the mood - I could both fall asleep and prep for a night out to this album. This is a great album that I highly recommend. In addition to "Excuses," check out "Cold War" and "Hand Me Downs."

FNBP: Rogue Wave - Permalight (2010) & Trumer Pils

Permalight: easy to listen to; not “easy listening.” Smooth vocals, catchy instrumentation and a distinct style all add up to a new Rogue Wave album that will make the fans of Asleep at Heaven’s Gate quite content and should continue to generate a fan base far beyond the shores of the East and West Bay. Permalight is a pop album that dances around styles and pacing like an album that was marinated and tinkered with for three years, which it was. The upbeat “Solitary Gun” leads into the bouncy, danceable single "Good Morning (The Future)," but then the pace slows considerably with "Sleepwalker" only to be kicked back into gear by the very catchy "Stars and Stripes" and "Permalight" (be prepared to sing along). I think the album tapers off toward the end after having some really engaging, electro-pop tracks in the beginning. I like what Rogue Wave did with Permalight; however, I don't think many people will be blown outta the water by what is here.

In a similar light, Trumer Pils makes for easy drinking. And speaking of water, Trumer found its way from Salzburg to the East Bay because of  perfect beer brewing water (or so I've been told). Now whether or not this is entirely true, I have no idea; however, the result is a crisp, clean, refreshing award-winning pilsner that resembles champagne in texture. I am not always in the mood for a Pils, but this one is a great option when I am. Conveniently, San Francisco has been inundated with waves of bars serving the golden brew, including my afternoon walk home stop at Tony Nik's. "Refreshing" could be used to describe both Trumer and Rogue Wave, and the combination could make for the perfect sunny afternoon. Check out these two golden gems from the East Bay, and your won't be disappointing.

OONA Interview

I interviewed Oona Garthwaite of OONA as the band prepares to play San Francisco's Independent later this month. If you want to hear OONA, go to Bandcamp for a free download!

Quickcrit: Do you have any plans to release a full-length album any time soon?

Oona Garthwaite: Yes! It’s called Shhhhout! Some of it has never been heard… I am so excited to unleash it!!

QC:Many of your fans discovered you through So You Think You Can Dance, tell me about the experience of having your music aired on national television.

OG: Ohhhh it was magnificent. The night “Tore My Heart” first aired on SYTYCD I got an email from an old friend I’d had a falling out with in high school – she saw the show, and her son loved the song. I got to be part of her life again for that moment, I am so glad she shared the story with me. Then when they reprised the performance in the final showing, Dave [Tweedie, co-writer & producer, drums live] and I were invited to attend – we got to meet Sonya Tayeh (choreographer) and the dancers, Ellenore Scott and Jakob Karr… hearing it in the theater, and seeing the audience’s response firsthand was very powerful, hit me like a lightning bolt.

QC: The first time I saw you perform was in a tiny bar, but later this month (March 19th) you’re playing at The Independent. Does playing larger venues change your show? How?

OG:Gotta get in shape, that’s a lot of stage to cover!! It will be a brand new experience for us but I do think we’re ready - We’ve worked so hard on our live show, that now the show is ready for a bigger venue. Did you see Alex [Doty, guitarist] at Red Devil Lounge? Boy is a beast, he and I have grown so much together and we have such a good time onstage… It will also be nice for Andrew [Lion, bass] and Matt [Berkeley, keys] to have more space – Andrew has a mean strut to go with his playing.

QC: Which song is the most fun to perform live? Which song gets the biggest cheers?

OG: Hmmm…. That changes every show! When people sing along, those are my favorite songs.

QC: You put a great deal of energy into your performances and it’s always invigorating to watch you play. How do you and the band get ready to rock?

OG: We practice every week whether or not we have a show. Sometimes Dave leads us in visualizing - us playing at The Warfield in front of a sold-out crowd that doesn’t know us at all. I think Alex and I tittered a bit at first because we’re juvenile, but Dave said “do it for real” … when I did, it made me so nervous. So we played the set from that place. It can be terrifying, but when you play, you conquer those nerves and you win.

QC: Who are some of your musical influences?

OG: Aretha was my first, followed closely by the Beatles… for this project, Dave and I really bonded over Nikka Costa’s Everybody Got Their Something – it’s from 2000, it’s a great album I highly recommend it. We took that as inspiration, and sought to define our own sound. I know Queen and the Neptunes found their way into the music as influences, and I had to really study modern pop vocals in a way I never had before.

QC: Are there any particular performers you try to emulate or from whom you’ve taken tips?

OG: All of them! Seriously, I am watching your moves.

QC: Are there any bands you’ve performed with that you think your fans would love?

OG: We’re playing with Joe Bagale at the Independent – he is so talented it’s scary! A very timeless soul, and a great musician. The Soft White Sixties and The Stone Foxes are both wonderful. And the Local Natives. Definitely get on the Local Natives train, I don’t think you’ll find many bands who can deliver those harmonies live, but they do, and so good.

QC: What’s next for OONA?

OG: Can’t wait to find out!

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Friday Night Beer Pairing: 21st A's Golden Doom & In Flames

The first time I listened to In Flames I was floored by both their phenomenal musical abilities and how awesome and invincible their music made me feel. I would not classify myself as a metal connoisseur, but with In Flames I feel compelled to let each note and lyric sink in. They are my go-to band for everything from gym trips and runs, to pre-test focusing and preparing for an evening out. Although I tend to like their earlier stuff slightly better, every time I hear something new from them I become temporarily obsessed with their raw intensity and classical influenced guitar work. Ironically for this post, the one time I've seen In Flames live, I couldn't drink due to an intense bout with Giardiasis. Giardiasis (better know as Giardia) is an infection of the small intestine caused by a microscopic organisms called protozoa. So, not only could I not drink, I couldn't hit the mosh pit nor headbang too vigorously with fear of jostling the stomach to sharply and triggering a rapid sprint to the restroom, which did not have doors on the stalls. Precarious indeed, but damn that was a good show. At one point during the set Anders Fridén the lead singer, and former vocalist for Dark Tranquility, asked for someone to come up on stage to sing a song while he rested his pipes. So, this little metal-head dude freaks out and gets pulled up onto stage as the band starts in on the opening notes of "Bullet Ride." The kid breaks into a neck whipping headbang with black hair flipping like a snapped towel. He even growls like 3 times into the mike to assert himself, and I was like "Holy shit! This kid is kicking ass... live In Flames karaoke style. So killer!" But then, when it  is his turn to sing the opening lines ("Do you feel anything at all? / Do you hear steps at the door?") nothing comes out. No vocals! The kid apparently doesn't know the lyrics. What followed was probably the most excruciating 5 minutes of concert watching I have ever experienced live. The band was feeding him the lyrics as he tried to figure out what to do, and the crowd members were looking at each other with a clearly defined "Are you fucking serious!" face. The band played the entire song without lyrics, and when they finished, Anders came back out onto stage and said something like "Well... that was the strangest fucking thing I have ever seen." Now I can't listen to "Bullet Ride" without feeling slightly uncomfortable. Thanks little metal dude for ruining that song for me... Epic!

The beer name "Golden Doom" says it all and could not go more perfectly with the Swedish melodic death metal produced by In Flames. Available in only limited supply from 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco, Golden Doom is a Belgian-style golden ale that exquisitely balances the smooth with the spicy with a heavy dose of  the strong. Coming in at 7.8% alcohol, Golden Doom packs a heavy metal-like punch that will both leave you on your ass and wanting more. I had my first Golden Doom at 15 Romolo in North Beach and made my decision solely on the name. Five beers later I was close to declaring it the best beer on the planet. When the server came over to the table, I felt obligated to express my admiration for the beverage, to which the server said: "I know! The whole staff has been drinking nothing but Golden Doom since we got it. We're all addicted." Now I find any excuse I can to go have a sip of the golden nectar with some sliders and curry fries at 15 Romolo, or right next door to my work at the 21st A brewery itself. Pinche delicious. Pinche METAL!

Miles Kurosky - The Desert Of Shallow Effects (2010)

In a year with an abundance of albums by bands I like, this probably would've been my most anticipated album if I believed it ever would come out. Likely, it was my most anticipated album of 2005, the year after Beulah broke up.

Any Beulah fan should love this album and probably some people who hear this will be prompted to go back and discover Beulah for the first time. I'm just stoked to hear Miles Kurosky share his bummed out perspective over upbeat indie pop. The songs playfully shift gears multiple times, packing in plenty of hooks, tempo changes, and layers of orchestration. However, it never seems overstuffed. I like every song on the album, but my favorite sub-songs are embedded in "An Apple For An Apple", when the drums crank it up and then later when the keyboard takes over as the driving force, and in "I Can't Swim", when a squiggling guitar backs a soaring chorus.

With so many instruments playing all at once I'm curious to see how he pulls if off live when he plays Doug Fir on April 9th.

Slabtown Bender 2010 Lineup

Since I didn't know most of the lineup for this year's Bender, I had to hit up MySpace to help plan my weekend. I've included the band's rough genre, based on the few songs I heard, and their hometown, which was necessary for some of the most Google-unfriendly bands. After listening my way through the list I'm pretty amped and I know I'm going to have to bring plenty of extra cash for albums.

Friday 2/5 (Doors at 5, show at 6)
Howie and the Hotknives (Portland) garage rock
Idle Times (Seattle) psychedelic rock/garage rock
Blank-its (Seattle) punk rock
The Bugs (Portland) punk rock
Bipolaroid (New Orleans) psychedelic rock
The Girls (Seattle) post punk/synth rock
Ty Segall (San Francisco) garage rock/lo-fi
Coconut Coolouts (Seattle) garage rock
Bare Wires (Oakland) 70's punk rock/power pop
Head (Seattle) pop punk

Saturday 2/6 Matinee (Doors at Noon, show at 2)
East Wenatchee Iowa/Cougar? (Portland) indie punk/lo-fi
Foxgloves (Portland) boy-girl indie pop/power pop
Junior’s Gang (Portland)
Old Growth (Portland) punk rock/hard rock

Saturday 2/6 (Doors at 5, show at 6)
Thee Headliners (Portland) garage blues
Sons of Bitches (Portland) country punk
The Sandwitches (San Francisco) female-fronted garage pop/indie
Shannon and the Clams - (Oakland) female-fronted punk
Lord Von Raven (Oakland) glam/garage rock
Greg Ashley (Oakland) psychedelic folk
King Louie and the Missing Monuments (New Orleans) garage rock
Cheap Flight (Portland) Steve Turner of Mudhoney's brand new band
The Teutonics (Germany) retro garage rock

Sunday 2/7 Matinee (Doors at Noon, show at 2)
Denizenz (Portland) punk rock
Timecopz (Vancouver, BC) punk rock
Burning Yellows (Portland) indie pop/lo-fi
Nectarine Pie (Oakland) psychedelic rock/garage rock

Sunday 2/7 (Doors at 5, show at 6)
TherapistS (Portland) punk
Indian Wars (Vancouver, BC) garage rock
Manic Attracts (Vancouver, BC) punk rock/lo-fi
Dirty Cupcakes (San Francisco) female-fronted punk rock
Pity Fucks (Portland) garage rock/punk rock
Dead Ghosts (Vancouver, BC) garage rock
The Leaders (Portland) psychedelic rock
Pure Country Gold (Portland) garage blues
The Mean Jeans (Portland) Ramones-style punk rock
Spider Babies (Portland) punk rock
Pierced Arrows (Portland) hard rock/garage rock