quickcrit - music reviews

After fleeing their overpopulated and war-torn home of Venus, Valient Thorr settled in North Carolina. Since their arrival, the other 49 states are in debt. They have a very unique sound not of this earth, if you will. They have been spreading positive vibrations on an insane touring regime that has only been interrupted by Valient Himself donating one of his kidneys to his earthling father. The band is a hybrid of punk, bluegrass, and metal that is very unique, and so good. It feels as if I am listening to Adolescents, Sir Lord Baltimore, Thin Lizzy, and the dueling banjos of Deliverance all at the same time. Because of this reason, it reminds me of several different times in my life, and there is only one beer that represents my drinking life since its inception at the precious age of 14. Miller High Life.

We boarded the limo bus with a bucket full of beer and booze around 7ish in front of Velvet Jones. 23 brave souls on their way to witness veteran punkers NoFX do their thing at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. I had found out a week prior while in Santa Cruz that fellow SC Locs, The Expendables, would be the second opener, so that increased the size of my boner for this show exponentially. After many years of loving NoFX's signature brand of raunchy, political, and drug/alcohol-fueled music, this was my first chance to see them live.

Having acquired a healthy buzz on the ride down, the first thing to do when we got there was hit the bar. Not long after that, The Expendables began their set. While rockin out to "Down, Down, Down", the second song of the set, long time buddy Cam (former member of The Expendables) found me in the crowd and slapped a backstage pass on me. Ho. Lee. Shit.

While backstage drinking free beer and shootin the shit with some cool folks I completely miss The Expendables set. Oops! Drank more free beer. Went to the merch table and bought an Expendables tee shirt. Drank more. Went backstage again where I almost run into Fat Mike of NoFX as he is being directed to the stage, so I just follow him up.

I end up standing directly behind the drum kit for the entire show with a shit eating grin and, of course, FREE BEER!!! Needless to say, I don't really remember what they played, or for how long, but I know I left with that same smile.

Now, I know what you are thinking, "This is the worst show review ever." And that very well may be. But I had a great fuckin time and I highly recommend checking out NoFX and/or The Expendables whenever you get the chance. Who knows, maybe you will end up backstage drinking free beer.

(Adding pics later)

I've been casually following this Bay Area band for a while and have always enjoyed listening to their new material, but this is the first album that I've been able to get exited about - the music is more engaging and the songs are catchier. Overall, it sounds awesome. Like Grandaddy and Earlimart, they write hazy, laid back indie rock perfect for fog engulfed mornings. Songs cruise along, the vocals riding over the low level distortion and chugging rhythms. The tone is often dreamy and beautiful, with just enough noise to keep it interesting. Although mellow, it's hardly sleepy - the drums push forward, and songs build and threaten to rock out. "Calling On The Girl" is my favorite, but really most songs on album are worth a spin. A great album for heading into fall.

I can’t remember the exact words, but I think that the call from the crowd towards the end of The Huxtables set was: “Where can we buy the album?!?” Of course this was answered by a bit of a laugh from the band, and those in the know, because after a decade or so of live shows The Huxtables have yet to produce a tangible release... that I know of. The power-pop / pop-punk quintet, firmly anchored by playful lyrics, enthusiastic backing vocals and a stellar rhythm section, plays FUN music accompanied by humorous showmanship and theatrics—nothing short of entertaining.

Dan P. writes catchy pop songs with hilarious lyrics. I recommend catching them both at a smoked-filled, dimly-lit dive bar near you… if you happen to live in Santa Cruz.


Ultimately, this is less of a review and more of a reiteration of the call from the crowd: “Where can I buy the album?”

Wow dude.. last time it was friends and now it's family? Good thing I'm an amazing un-biased reporter..

Oona is my sister in law and has been playing tons of shows for the last 1? 2? years... Since Serena and I are old people who have trouble venturing out of the house (let alone Santa Cruz) in the middle of the week, we have said "maybe next time" as politely as possible to all of Oona's show invites. I have however been following her career via the emails that she sends out on a regular basis, did you know that she played at the House Of Blues in LA last week? real talk!

Anyways same apprehension that I have about friends shows was applicable here, except even more so. What if I hate it? that could be awkward. What if one of her songs is called "Asshole brother in law"? Family dinners might be weird after that..

I'd always known that Oona had a larger than life voice.. though previously I'd mainly heard it used for "animated" and "spirited" "conversations".. turns out she can sing as well, and not just sing but really belt it out. Oona's aunt is the lovely and talented Terry Garthwaite who has obviously passed on her singing talent to her niece.

Now.. unlike my last show review I am going to actually attempt to describe the music.. It's a less electronic more explosive Luscious Jackson mixed with the good aspects of Fiona Apple (of which yes, there are a few).. I'm already not happy with that description as I feel I pigeonholed the sound as mid 90's which it is not. The sound is quite timeless but is a nice departure from some of the current female singers out there right now. Not that there is anything wrong with female singers these days. If I were a woman starting a band today I'm sure it would sound pretty much like a Feist cover band, and I'd be stoked.. In the case of Oona though, she does a great job of providing hooks and memorable lyrics while forging her own territory.

Whatever it sounded like it definitely captivated the entire room.. Oh yea, did I mention her backup band was ruling? The bass player had smart outfit, the drummer a sparkly drumkit and the guitarist had bendies for days! As a unit they were very cohesive as all get out! Good job fella's..

So anyways go see Oona play! it's pretty rad..

Nicely done sis!

myspace.com/oonamusic