On top of everything else, today kicks off PDX Pop Now!at Refuge PDX and the lineup loaded with some of my favorite local bands: Jared Mees, Weinland, the Minders, and And And And. Saturday features Archers, Lost Lander, Monarques, and Nurses, while Guidance Counselor close out the festival on Sunday night. But just as with their stellar compilation, I'm looking forward to hearing some of the bands I know almost nothing about.
Last summer, when I first heard the Guards excellent debut EP (free), I knew them as ex-singer/guitarist of Willowz's new band (You might remember the catchy squall of "Ulcer Soul"). Now a year later, his sister's band, Cults, has blown up and they are touring together. They'll be tearing up Mississippi Studios on Saturday, July 23rd.
"Hear You Call"is off their new Resolution Of One single and is just as catchy as the title track. Propelled by upbeat drums, it features cheering chorus, distant backing vocals, all wrapped in a lo-fi buzz. It sounds like summer and should be enough to convince people to show up early for their set. I have a feeling that show is going to be packed.
Light For Fire - Yes indeed, they have been mentioned already; however, this album is certainly good enough for more than one mention here. If I may make one suggestion: shoot a proper video.
The Shuffle (Dance) - Say what you want about LMFAO, but they know how to rock a vampire dance party with a very fun and ridiculously over-simplistic runningman-esque dance move that can turn even a trip to Ralph's into a fun outing. So easy it is brilliant. Every music group should incorporate an updated dance move into their persona.
Breezy Summer Jammy Jams - I feel like there has been a fantastic showing for the beachy / bbq tunes this year. The Vaccines, Tennis, Foster The People and Cults all released tracks that sound better with the warm sun on the back and a cold beer in hand. Granted, they all have their own sounds and styles, but I can't help but think of riding a cuiser to the beach when any one of those albums are on.
Dolorean's The Unfazed - Not to be confused with Delorean, the Portland-based band is a verifiable go-to for early mornings, quiet evenings and tender moments. The lyrics are perfect for a heartfelt singalong and the music pulls you in close with its soft sway.
The First Six Months of 2011 - In addition to the bands already mentioned, there have been many other artists that I have really been impressed with in the first six months. Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists are all names many people already know and have shown us impressive stuff thus far; however, bands like U.S. Royalty, Magic & Fur, Scotch Howard, The Cave Singers and The Rural Alberta Advantage have surprised me with amazing albums as well that need to be heard.
Like neo-hippies, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, AgesandAges sound like an idealized front porch family sing-along. Just about every song off Alright You Restless exudes a friendly communal feeling, to the point where the band must regularly discuss whether they are or are not a cult. I first discovered AgesandAges, along with Boy Eats Drum Machine and Light For Fire, on last summer’s PDX Pop! Now compilation. “No Nostalgia” stood out with its wonderful rolling rhythm, buoyed by spirited group harmonies, and a catchy call and response. The rest of album roughly follows that basic formula, with a guitarist and percussionist anchoring the songs, while the rest of the seven member band fills out the sound and shares the lead and backing vocal duties. The rustic nature and appearing simplicity of the songs belie the many tempo changes, vocal arrangements, and intricate musicianship. For example, when male vocals lash through the choral pop towards the end of "When I Was Idle." I love the entire album, but the galloping “So So Freely” (mp3) and ringing “Souvenir” are two of the other standouts.
Scrap whatever plans you had, there are too many good shows this weekend to do anything but watch live music. On Saturday alone, Portugal. The Man is playing a free show at Music Millenium, Scotland Barr's Slow Drags are celebrating his life and music with one last show at Dante's, and the Cults and Guards are playing Mississippi Studios.
