A Music Blog Focusing on Los Angeles and Brighton
04.03.2010
INTRODUCING: Hey Sholay
categories: Introducing, Mp3
tags: , , ,

I’ve been doing a lot of searching for the kind of California sound that I’ve been so taken with lately in this cold, cold place I now call home, and it hasn’t been easy. But I’ve found some awesome ones (Sex Beet, Spectrals) and I’ve found another! I got passed Hey Sholay’s myspace through work and fell head over heels in love with their track ‘Dreamboat’. I can’t work out if they are from warm-tropical climates as they claim and somehow just decided to move to Sheffield – but even if they’re just Northern, they infused such a sunny disposition into this song that just wraps around you like warm cotton. There’s something about this that is just clean and to the point, but lately I’ve been drawn to that uncomplicated, unfussy sound and Hey Sholay really encapsulate that into their music. Although there is the tropical element, I really hear something that sounds just so English to me, but I can’t put my finger on it. Regardless, its a 3:32 slice of heaven to get you through the last cold bits of Winter before Spring finally rears her head. When’s that supposed to be again?

DOWNLOAD -> Hey Sholay – Dreamboat

24.02.2010
Introducing: CLOUD NOTHINGS
categories: Introducing, Mp3
tags: , ,

From my new favorite blawg ever, because this track is too good not to pass on, GvsB, “Here’s a punchy, insanely catchy new jam from young Cleveland lo-fi pop prodigy Cloud Nothings, taken from the a-side of his brand new white label 7″, out today via Group Tightener. Limited to 250 hand-stamped/numbered copies, which will inevitably be gone soon. Look for a 12″ in the near future on Group Tightener, and catch Cloud Nothings at SXSW / MTYMX.”

DOWNLOAD -> Cloud Nothings – Morgan

24.02.2010
Introducing: Spectrals
categories: Introducing, Mp3
tags: , , ,

Okay, I’ve been on the troll for something, anything to remind me of Californ-i-aa in this grey, shit filled country I’ve lovingly come to inhabit and come up depressingly empty-handed. Then, the other day, I was heading down to Audio to see Girls and got there in time to see the opener, SPECTRALS. Who I LOVED. Although they performed with a full-band on the night, apparently, it’s kind of a one man show garage rock style. The beauty of it all was how warm and encompassing was – and this dude is from further up in the UK than I am, which amazed me. It was just really bright and enjoyable and most importantly – FUN and didn’t take itself all that seriously, although perhaps it should because the show was AWESOME. It’s short, to the point, got simple beats to drive the reverb and WONDERFUL. The show kept reminded me of things that I love (beach, sun, Surfer Blood, other similar bands) and I actually left the show proclaiming that I’d indeed found the UK’s counterpoint to the best band in the world, The Growlers – which if you ever read this blog, you’ll know that’s fucking high ass praise. If you like anything I’ve been pushing as of late: Wavves, Dum Dum Girls, Eternal Summers, Best Coast, THE GROWLERS – then this will be right up your alley.

DOWNLOAD -> Spectrals – Keep Your Magic

19.02.2010
NRBW Interview: LAIL ARAD
categories: Interview, Introducing, Mp3, Tour Dates
tags: , , , , ,

We got the opportunity to get in some questions to one of the burgeoning stars of 2010, the witty, intriguing, talented Lail Arad. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a sharp voice, Lail answered some of our questions prior to the release of her debut album – soon! – on Notify Music.

Hi Lail, thanks for answering some of our questions!

Hello!

Is having a definite narrative in a song important to you? How consciously do you write coherent tales in your songs?

Its true a lot of my songs seem to be story songs. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but I guess it’s a natural way for me to relay my experiences. I like a lot of singers (Loudon Wainwright III, Jonathan Richman) who tell stories so well. Its definitely not a rule though.

I’ve read a lot of people saying your lyrics are introspective – do you agree? Or is there a part of you in the songs and a part of a character?

I largely agree… Most of my songs are very honest, based on real events, real feelings.. But of course I use my poetic license liberally, and twist or zoom in on details if it serves the song better. I’m not sure I’d choose the word ‘introspective’, its equally about looking outwards at other people, but yes, its very much me in the songs.

Having said that ‘Who Am I’, the first download, is probably the song from the album that’s furthest from reality – the sentiments are based in truth but the character took over in that one!

Your song to Adam Green was hilarious – how important to you is it to have a sense of humor in your music?

Its important to me to have a sense of humour in general…and that extends to the songs! That particular Adam Green video I made quite a while ago and it uses humour in a very direct and…exploitative way! The songs on the album are more bitter-sweet I’d say. The humour comes from an honest place.

You say you’ve always had a slight outsider perspective, but your songs are so relatable, what do you attribute that to?

I’m happy you think so – for me a good song is one in which you can be very specific and intimate, and yet a lot of people can relate. Maybe being able to look at situations from a different angle allows you to see them more clearly? I don’t really know.

What was your favorite gig that you played last year? What was your favorite gig that you saw last year?

Hard to choose! I really loved playing for Book Slam – their crowd manages to be attentive and boisterous at the same time. That might be the perfect combination!

I saw over 150 gigs last year so this one’s really hard to choose… can I have two if they both begin with the same letter?! Jeffrey Lewis’ secret gig at the Betsey Trotwood and Jonathan Richman at The Hoxton Square Bar, both just incredible.

Would you ever live anywhere else but London? Do you ever get overwhelmed by the city or do you draw inspiration from it?

Well I was born here so funnily enough after all the talk about being an outsider and a second-generation immigrant and people asking me about my dubious accent… London is home. Its pace suits me, it would be hard to find somewhere else that competes culturally, where there’s so much choice that you can build your own village. But there are many cities I love…and many more I’ve not yet reached.

What can we expect from your debut album?

12 songs! It was important to me to make each song its own boss and give it what it wanted – some were very greedy and thought they deserved horns and strings…others wanted to be left alone..

Better not to expect anything, then you can only be surprised!

I read that you play the piano and the guitar – do you man any other instruments on the album or is it piano/guitar driven?

I learnt piano and taught myself the guitar enough to write on and play shows – but I have a musician that I work with, Roi Erez, who plays both much better than me and he’s playing most of what you hear on the album, as well as lots of guest musicians we brought in.

What are your touring plans for 2010? Are you going to gear up for the release of your album by doing a big UK tour?

I hope so!

One of my favorite parts of going to gigs is finding the late-night, hole-in-the-wall food places – do you have a favorite joint to eat after gigs?

The 24 hour bagel shop on brick lane has served us well. There is a Planet Organic above the studio where we recorded the album. We owe a lot to them!

Don’t forget to check Lail out (especially on her date at Communion at Notting Hill Arts Club!) throughout the next couple of months, and download a track off her album ‘Someone New’ below….

Feb 20 2010 8:00P *** Pecha Kucha for Haiti @ P3 *** London
Feb 25 2010 8:00P Beatroot Rendez-Vous @ The Old Queens Head London
Feb 28 2010 8:00P writer’s football team party.. London
Mar 7 2010 6:00P Communion @ Notting Hill Arts Club London
Mar 15 2010 8:00P Unplugged @ The Windmill (mayfair not brixton!) London
Apr 12 2010 8:00P Le Bataclan supporting Rose Paris

DOWNLOAD ->Lail Arad – Who Am I

10.02.2010
INTRODUCING: White Fence
categories: Introducing, Mp3
tags: , , , , ,

White Fence is one man, Tim Presley, singer in garage-soul band Darker My Love, player on The Fall album Reformation Post TLC and now full-time member of The Strange Boys. Amid all this band-hopping, he’s managed to record an LP of lysergic psychedelic songs (think: Arthur Lee without the budget and the guns). The White Fence LP is out now on Eric and Anthony from Nodzzz’s label, Make a Mess.

Words shamelessly stolen from Vice, because I can’t believe I never heard about this! We at NRBW love everything The Tim Presley has done from DML to now, The Strange Boys, and given the first couple of listens this is right up the same alley. Definitely check out.

DOWNLOAD -> White Fence – Mr. Adams
DOWNLOAD -> White Fence – Destroy Everything

03.02.2010
INTRODUCING: exlovers
categories: Introducing, Tour Dates
tags: , ,

I’m not the first one on the exlovers train by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re a band that need to be checked out. They’ve got such a tender touch to their beautiful melodies and the boy/girl vocals that Pete/Laurel share end up meshing quite harmoniously. Usually music that’s solely described as ‘beautiful’ really turns me off but the full band that fleshes out the melodies makes it more than just music that’s easy on the ears – it’s something heartbreaking and morose but hopeful and evocative. It’s something that anyone who is a fan of what Chess Club Records are doing (they put out some exlovers stuff, too) will like. It’s kind of Laura Marling-y but less ingenue-y, more fleshed out than Johnny Flynn, and a little like the tenderest moments of Fionn Regan. Highly, highly recommended.

Check them out on their current UK tour starting later this month and stretching through March….

25.01.2010
Song of the day: Harlem “Tila and I”
categories: Introducing, Mp3
tags:

Photobucket

Here’s a fun little song from Austin, TX’s Harlem off their album Hippies. My pal in My Pet Saddle (WHO ARE GREAT GO SEE THEM) sent this over to me and I can’t stop listening to it now. Recommended if you like The Strange Boys but hate dancing. Or maybe if you like Black Lips but think Cole Alexander is kinda yucky (like me).

DOWNLOAD –> Harlem – Tila and I
Harlem @ Myspace

Go see Harlem at Spaceland on February 20th!

21.01.2010
Introducing: WILD PALMS
categories: Introducing, Tour Dates, Video
tags: , ,

wild palms – over time music video from James Copeman on Vimeo.

Saw this band on more than a couple ‘Tips for 2010′ lists and kind of refused them, but decided to check them out on kind of a whim today and needless to say, I am digging what they’ve got going on. The only song they have available is above called ‘Only Time’ but it’s worth a listen. It’s a little bit dark and brooding, a lot a bit angular, and catchy as all hell. I wish I had more to go on – but this is definitely something that could turn into a spectacular album…. Meanwhile, check them out on their live dates below… Mostly in the south-east of the UK for the rest of this month and a little into next month,, but catch them on their April tour for the rest of the UK

WILD PALMS TOUR DATES
Jan 29 2010 8:00P the Lexington w/ so so modern london, London and South East
Feb 17 2010 8:00P Digital supporting Sunshine Underground Brighton, South East
Feb 18 2010 8:00 Koko supporting Sunshine Underground London, London and South East
Feb 23 2010 8:00P White Heat london, London and South East
Feb 24 2010 8:00P Dont Die Just Yet (14+) Wrexham, Wales
Feb 27 2010 8:00P Mothers Ruin Bristol, Northwes
Mar 5 2010 8:00P The Georgian Theatre (14+) Stockton On Tees, Northeast
Mar 6 2010 8:00P The Dog And Parrot Newcastle Upton Tyne, Northwest
Mar 12 2010 8:00P Girton college . Absurdism spring ball. Cambridge, South
Mar 13 2010 8:00P Amplified Darlington, Northeast
Mar 15 2010 8:00 Captains Rest Glasgow, Scotland
Mar 16 2010 8:00 Bongo Club Edinburgh, Scotland
Mar 17 2010 8:00 Roxy Newcastle, Northeast
Apr 16 2010 8:00 The Coronet . single launch. London
Jun 11 2010 5:00 Merc instore. Carnaby St. London, London and South East

21.01.2010
INTRODUCING: Eternal Summers
categories: Introducing, Mp3
tags: , ,

The name says it all. Get ready for some more summery, sunny, beachy, lo-fi, warm amazingly nostalgic shit, okay? Eternal Summers are soundtracking my day today with the beauty that is ‘Fall Straight Back’. It’s making me feel like I’m sitting under a tree after an amazing hike in the beautiful California wintersunshine and having a Hawaiian Punch or something – there’s a lot of nostalgia and childhood beauty in this track. Hailing from Roanoake, VA this duo of Nicole and Daniel, prove that blissful pop is not dead but come to life mixed with (oh my god, I’m gonna say it) bro-fi/chillwave. This is that kind of shit if I ever heard it (and apparently, I have).

Is this song not enough for you? Me neither, so go over to Beko-Dsl and download another digital single for $FREE.99. Eternal Summer’s LP is (according to their blog) DONE and will be with us as soon as they find someone to do what needs to be done. Keep an eye on this band and I’ll get back to you after they play SXSW and tell you more.

Oh also, they have an EP coming out called Seasons (Do NOT mistake that for the terrible LA band of the same name)

A
Fall Straight Back
Able To

B
Seasons
Secret Language
Electric Blue

LIMITED TO 300 COPIES ONLY.

PRE-ORDERS WILL BE DISPATCHED BY FIRST CLASS POST ON FRIDAY 29th JANUARY SO PICK IT UP OVER AT MEAL DEAL RECORDS.

DOWNLOAD -> Eternal Summers – Fall Straight Back

18.01.2010
INTRODUCING: Caitlin Rose
categories: Album, Introducing, Mp3
tags: , , ,

What do you do when you’re 22 and bored in Nashville, TN? (Ed. note: I can’t confirm or deny Caitlin Rose’s boredom, but its Tennessee for godsakes!) According to Caitlin Rose you sit down and write an EP filled with hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, simple (in the kind way) songs that shine a pretty big spotlight on your fucking amazing voice, apparently. Or that’s what this girl decided to do anyway. I urge you not to be afraid of her label as country music because these songs are really great, I mean the girl’s EP is called ‘Dead Flowers’. Yep, the Rolling Stones song (and accompanying AMAZING cover) is the name of her first EP. That alone takes balls. But this girl has so much quirk and charm and sings these awesome songs in a sweet-as-hell-voice about drinkin’ and smokin’ and shotgun weddings being real love. God damn! I think I am in love.


DEAD FLOWERS EP TRACKLIST:

1. Shotgun Wedding
2. Answer in One of These Bottles
3. Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray
4. Docket
5. Gorilla Man
6. Dead Flowers

DOWNLOAD -> Caitlin Rose – Shotgun Wedding

16.01.2010
INTRODUCING: Neverever (formerly The Champagne Socialists)
categories: Introducing, Mp3, Review, Show, Single
tags: , ,

I had sort of heard of a Los Angeles band called THE CHAMPAGNE SOCIALISTS but only because they were going to open for 1990s on their ill-fated summer ‘09 US jaunt. Then yesterday, NRBW pal Paola linked me to a band called NEVEREVER and I immediately fell in love and realizes that this new name incarnation used to be the Champagne Socialists. The band, filled with unkown LA superstars, now features J. Meek, W. Meek, Mike LaFranchi, Jackson Baugh, and Jessica Espeleta but Devon Williams (yes, that’s right!) used to be in the band. Detractors might say that they’re just another lo-fi girl-group inspired sunny-California band, but I say FUCK ‘EM this band is awesome. They are lo-fi, they do take cues from girl-groups of the 60s, and they make fucking sunny beautiful warm California tunes that are perfect for driving down PCH. They’ve got a fantastic singer whose echoing, yearning vocals melt perfectly over the CBGBs-meets-California punky-beach guitar all whilst spinning catchy-as-fuck three minute youthful tales. They’ve released one single on SLUMBERLAND RECORDS as the Champagne Socialists called Blue Genes/Young Runaways. I defy you to listen to Blue Genes and not fall in love with J. Meek’s voice. She comes off beautifully retro in the same way as Zooey Deschanel’s but, well, less old. It’s a catchy as fuck tune that has been soundtracking my essay writing (and by soundtracking, I mean completely distracting me from) on this cold, rainy day and now I’m longing to be in sunny California blasting these tunes. Recommended if you like Best Coast, Pearl Harbor, sunshine and warmth.

Please catch this band around Los Angeles including TOMORROW AND NEXT MONTH
Jan 17 2010 9:00P The Echo opening for THE YUMMY FUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Los Angeles, California
Feb 26 2010 8:00P The Echo with CHAIN AND THE GANG & THE STRANGE BOYS Los Angeles, California
Feb 27 2010 8:00P The Smell w/ RESIDUAL ECHOES + more! Los Angeles, California:

Download ->Neverever (formerly The Champagne Socialists) – The Young Runaways

15.01.2010
INTRODUCING: Happy Birthday
categories: Introducing, Mp3, News, SXSW, Tour Dates
tags: , , , , ,

If you haven’t heard of the wonderful man called KING TUFF, you haven’t been reading this blog enough. BUT, and this is a big but, he doesn’t play as King Tuff anymore which saddens his fans all over the world (aka Colette, myself, DML and The Uptown Bums) but he’s back with a new band. They’re called HAPPY BIRTHDAY, good luck searching that on Google, people in bands need to consider these things, no? Anyway, they’ve been around for a while most notably having played a whle 5 shows and having 0 songs on their myspace for a long time but now, they’ve fucking signed to Subpop! Can you believe that? Go King Tuff, go! But they’ve also released the tracklisting to their forthcoming debut which will come out in March. They’re playing SXSW and doing some dates with the Vivian Girls which will surely ensnare them a ton of fans. They’ve released the first track off their album called ‘Girls FM’ and not surprisingly it’s really good! It’s got that really gritty thing that Kyle Thomas (King Tuff) does so well but its a lot more melody driven and less bluesy and it’s got his signature caterwaul which I really, really love. All I can think is that great things are in store for this talented band and I can’t wait to see where they take it… View their album cover/tracklist/tourdates below and download GirlsFM, too. Don’t miss out.

‘Happy Birthday’ tracklist
1. Girls FM
2. Too Shy
3. Cracked
4. Perverted Girl
5. Subliminal Message
6. Eyes Music
7. Maxine the Teenage Eskimo
8. I Wanna Stay (I Runaway)
9. Pink Strawberry Shake
10. Zit
11. Fun

BE SURE TO CATCH HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON TOUR….
Jan 22 2010 8:00P The Space w/ Vetiver Hamden, Connecticut
Jan 24 2010 8:00P Grey Matter Books w/ Vetiver, Asa Irons Hadley, Massachusetts
Mar 17 2010 8:00P SXSW Austin, Texas
Mar 18 2010 8:00P SXSW Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2010 8:00P SXSW Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2010 8:00P SXSW Austin, Texas
Mar 21 2010 8:00P SXSW Austin, Texas
Mar 22 2010 8:00P The Mink w/ Vivian Girls, Wetdog Houston, Texas
Mar 23 2010 8:00P Circle Bar w/ Vivian Girls, Wetdog New Orleans, Louisiana
Mar 24 2010 8:00P Red Star Bar w/ Vivian Girls, Wetdog Oxford, Mississippi
Mar 25 2010 8:00P 529 w/ Vivian Girls, Wetdog Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 26 2010 8:00P Duke Coffeehouse w/ Vivian Girls, Wetdog Durham, North Carolina
Mar 27 2010 8:00P Ottobar w/ Vivian Girls, Wetdog Baltimore, Maryland

Download -> Happy Birthday – Girls FM

21.07.2009
Introducing: Jimmy Vincent, the man that launched 1,000 bands
categories: Introducing, News, Tour Dates
tags: ,


Just who is Jimmy Vincent and why should you care? Jimmy Vincent first came to NRBW’s attention as the stuck-in-the-corner guitarist of Fools Gold (excellent Los Angeles band, bound for big big big big things) who plays one of my favorite riffs on their song “Surprise Hotel”. I was eager to hear more since I heard about his other band. Therefore, I introduce to you all of Jimmy Vincent’s bands and any news and information I have on them. NRBW will keep you updated on all things Fool’s Gold and Jimmy Vincent related.

FOOLS GOLD
Members: Luke Top- Bass, Lead Vocal /// Lewis Pesacov- Guitar /// Big Search- Guitar, Vocal /// Jimmy Vincent- Guitar /// Garrett Ray- Drums /// Amir Kenan- Keyboard, Percussion, Vocal /// Mark Noseworthy- Sax, Percussion /// Brad Caulkins- Sax, Percussion /// Percussionists: Orpheo Mccord, Erica Garcia, Michael Tapper, Salvador Placencia ///
Influences: benga bass, ju-ju jams, lingala licks and soukous soul.
Shows:
Aug 23 2009 8:00P Sunset Junction w/Built to Spill, Sly and Robbie, Les Nubians, Islands and more Los Angeles, California
Sep 25 2009 8:00P Fool’s Gold on Morning Becomes Eclectic KCRW
Oct 3 2009 8:00P Pappy and Harriet’s (Manimal Festival) Pioneertown, California
Oct 8 2009 8:00P The Loft w/ metronomy La Jolla, California
Oct 10 2009 8:00P Bottom of the Hill w/ metronomy San Francisco, California
Oct 11 2009 8:00P Holocene w/ metronomy Portland, Oregon
Oct 12 2009 8:00P Nectar Lounge w/ metronomy Seattle, Washington
Oct 13 2009 8:00P Red Room w/ metronomy Vancouver
Watch their excellent video for Surprise Hotel below:

FOOL’S GOLD: SURPRISE HOTEL from FOOL’S GOLD on Vimeo.


POPE ANYTHING
Members: Jimmy Vincent, Delano Duran, Dirty Preston Olson, Matzah
Influences: the word ‘pumpernickle’.
Shows: Just played their first show at L’Keg
Watch: Their Second Practice Video

LOVERS AND MOUNTAINS
Members: Jimmy Vincent
Influences: hypnotism. moisture. high elevation. spiders. hypnotism. love. hate. leaves. hypnotism.
Shows: None that are listed anywhere


IN WAVES
Members: Jimmy Vincent – Vocals/Guitar, Delano Duran – Drums, Tim Gregorio – Bass guitar
Influences: ..
Shows: None
Watch: Your Favorite Storm Video
News: (from IN WAVES BLOG) -1st off…Our debut album “Tropicál” will hopefully be ready by this Fall sometime. We were hoping to of had it finished this summer but this world can be crazy sometimes. The albums two producers Ariel Rechtshaid and Lewis Pesacov also happen to be key members in the spectacular band FOREIGN BORN who just happened to ink a new record deal and were forced into the studio to get working on their 2nd LP at the very same time they were expecting to be finishing our album. A large chunk of the album will hopefully be getting finished this month as FB had to take a small break in recording due to the great artist man CASS MCCOMBS hiring Ariel to produce his next album as well this month. As you can see, “Tropicál” is really hounding the heels of some wanted men here.

-2nd off…In the next few weeks we will be making a debut video for a new song “Your Favorite Storm” with a very talented and sensitive friend of ours Nate Van Dusen. Very excited about this jaunt into visual destiny.

-3rd off…We have a very exciting/big concert coming this October. So exciting/big that we have been bound contractually to not announce it till three weeks before. Not joking. Thats entertainment.
Stay tuned for more….

16.06.2009
Gaz & Danny of Supergrass announce side project
categories: Introducing, News
tags: , ,


Introducing The Hot Rats! They liken their sound to Syd Barrett, Roxy Music, and The Sex Pistols, thus making “the chance for disappointment incredibly low” (their words). But don’t worry, Supergrass are still alive and well. Both acts will be playing in places that aren’t Los Angeles all summer.

http://www.myspace.com/thehotrats

13.06.2009
Introducing… Queen Victoria
categories: Introducing, Mp3, Review
tags: , ,

On Thursday night I was introduced to Nick Malkin aka Queen Victoria. He was performing at an art exhibition at the Downtown Artwalk and I was assured that I’d love his sound, his look, his vibe. It was simply Nick in a corner of the shop with an electric guitar and a small amplifier; shortly after he began playing technical difficulties shut him down, but I knew within the first few minutes that this New Jersey native had talent well beyond his 23 years. He graciously gave me a copy of his album “The Endless Night”, and I spent the unseasonably rainy evening listening to it; some music requires certain atmospheric conditions to be appreciated in full and this is one of those albums. The tone of the songs lend themselves to dark, cold nights of introspection but not necessarily sadness. Instrumentally, Queen Victoria reminds me a bit of Badly Drawn Boy. The guitar sounds rich but subdued, and is definitely the central focus of the music. Nick’s haunting voice ambles along with the guitar, echoing and drifting softly through lower registers. This is a beautiful album from an immensely talented young musician and I really hope you’ll give him a listen.

DOWNLOAD –> The Endless Night
The Ringing of Bells

http://www.myspace.com/songsofqueenvictoria

26.05.2009
Band you should know: Mississippi Man
categories: Introducing, News, Review, Tour Dates
tags: ,

Mississippi Man played last night at the Silverlake Lounge, and while I don’t condone judging a band SOLELY by their headwear, i do think it can be a indicator of what you’re about to hear. One of the singers was sporting the grizzled mountain man cap you see in the picture above, and I do believe it was Bedazzled (definitely a DIY job). Anyway, Brianna and I knew we were in for something good and our hat test did not fail.

It’d be easy to pigeonhole Mississippi Man into the Cold War Kids/Delta Spirit genre of rootsy Americana-influenced indie rock, but they are a bit more country (y’all) than both of those bands. The first half of their set (which I enjoyed a bit more) was full of raucous boot-tapping hoe-down-inducing fun, the songs punctuated with the distinct sound of an old-timey saloon piano. Then they slowed it down a few notches for some folk tunes and they weren’t at all shy with the slide guitar and harmonica. Overall, a great set from a band I’d never even heard of before.

A few more fun facts: They are from “the desert” — who isn’t these days? — and will be playing the Unknown Theater on May 29th. We’re not sure where it is. And their band members go by the names Mumbles, Grumbles, Stumbles, Fumbles and Crumbles. You literally cannot argue with that.

http://www.myspace.com/mississippimanmusic

Their EP “The Snake Oil Salesman” is now available at Amoeba

12.04.2009
Band You Should Know: FOOLS GOLD
categories: Introducing, Mp3, News, Review
tags: , ,

First and only time I’ve seen these dudes was the first day of SXSW (walking past them at 3pm kinda drunk and laughing really hard about it for an unknown reason? I don’t count that.) I am going to change that soon though because they are playing the rest of the month at the Echo on Monday nights for anyone who is of the legal drinking age. But I really, really, really am digging them right now. They’ve got this totally island feel to them and I think it’s a combination of the horn section and the bongos, oh and possibly to do with the cowbell. They’ve also got a really good guitarist, and let me just say, I’ve had this guitar part stuck in my head for about a month now. The lyrics are um, I dunno, in one song they’re very good but this song is more like, chanting almost. It’s such a joyful song – live and on record, and I think that Fools Gold generally make really joyful music. That’s what it inspires in me.

DOWNLOAD –> Suprise Hotel by Fools Gold

10.04.2009
Band you should know: DISSOLVER
categories: Introducing, News, Review, Tour Dates
tags: ,


This past Wednesday, I was specifically told to show up to the Silverlake Lounge early to catch a band called Dissolver, the new musical project of James Ambrose and Mike Taklender, formerly of Electromagnetic. Given the musical background, I already came with high hopes but they were even better than I was expecting. I quite liked that I couldn’t immediately pin them to a genre or sub-genre or sub-sub-genre, rather throughout the set I would catch little elements of Blur, less-boring Radiohead, 90s alternative rock before “alternative” became a dirty word synonymous with KROQ. Of course, James and Mike paid homage to their shoegaze roots with solid, driving reverbed rhythms but lyrically kept things pretty sweet and folky. It was these contrasting elements, along with just plain well-written songs that sold me on Dissolver. They were the perfect start to a showcase of some of LA’s finest; Lower Heaven, The Moon Upstairs and Jason Simon of Dead Meadow.

This would be where I’d link you to a website or Myspace so you can hear some music, but there doesn’t seem to be any of that business up yet. But I will tell you that they’ll be playing at Space 1520 (1520 N. Cahuenga) on April 23rd at 7pm, it’s a free show and you should totally go.

26.02.2009
The Quarter After @ Spaceland
categories: Introducing, Mp3, Pictures, Review
tags: , ,

*photo shamelessly stolen from The Quarter After’s myspace.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably flipped through your mom’s photo albums feeling slight pangs of jealousy that you missed out on the era of the flower child, tambourines and LSD aplenty, when rock and roll had meaning. Don’t worry, The Quarter After feel your pain. The world that Rob and Dominic Campanella conjure up in their songs may be one that has come and gone, but who says we can’t pretend? To make the inevitable Byrds comparison may be a bit too obvious and overdone, but it is certainly accurate; the Campanella brothers’ warm vocal harmonies capture that 60s spirit beautifully. The sound is rounded out by percussionist Nelson Bragg, who is also a member of Brian Wilson’s band. Yep, Brian Wilson. That should show you the caliber of musicians we have here. And like any musical project that spawned from the Brian Jonestown Massacre, there is an ever-changing cast of musicians on stage, guest appearances, designated maraca shakers and tambourine rattlers. The communal spirit of the scene is what sets it apart and makes it thrive.

They kicked off their set with the song “Sanctuary” from their new album Changes Near; the song begins with a muddy bassline and then suddenly bursts into a melody that sounds positively soaked in sunshine. Other standout songs include “This Is How I Want To Know You”, saturated in their signature harmonies, and the other-worldly “Winter Song” which has an almost medieval or Celtic quality to it in its majestic flute solo and airy drumming.

While some 60s-influenced bands just blatantly rip off the classics to create watered-down Jefferson Airplane covers, The Quarter After builds upon their musical inspirations and infuse their songs with modern instrumentation and style. Songs for forward-thinking modern hippies, displaced in present-day Los Angeles. Check your shoes at the door (oh, if only we still could).

http://www.myspace.com/thequarterafter

http://www.thequarterafter.com/

DOWNLOAD: “This Is How I Want To Know You” by The Quarter After

24.09.2008
Band you should know: THE MEEK
categories: Introducing, Mp3, Review
tags:

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Yet another example of how my fair city of angels really does have the best music scene at the moment. The Meek is full of unsettlingly gorgeous people that take the fuzz of the Jesus and Mary Chain and the raw power of The Stooges (you see what i did there?) and somehow distort that sound even further. All of these songs sound like they were recorded inside of a soda can…and I absolutely love that. Also, when they play live there’s no drummer, and yes, “drum machines have no soul” but the drum machine does add this slightly cold, hollow tone that really works with the music.

When I saw The Meek open for The Warlocks this past July, singer Jeff Lee informed that there’s no music for sale but that I should download the songs off their Myspace. which i did..and here are two of my favorites.

DOWNLOAD –> The Meek – Cursed
DOWNLOAD –> The Meek – Kill the Lights

http://www.myspace.com/meetthemeek

20.09.2008
BIG DAVE EP NEWS
categories: Introducing, News
tags: ,

Patrick Walden’s new outfit, Big Dave, is in the studio to record a new EP. I needn’t tell you that we should all be very excited for this because Patrick is an amazing guitarist and I know that this EP will be really great. So, there. TEAM P. WALDEN!!!

30.08.2008
A band you should know: Puppies and Kittens
categories: Introducing, Mp3, Review
tags:

Jeff Levitz and Lauren Tyrell met while trying to find the perfect puppy and kitten, respectively. Although we can’t be sure this is a true story, it’s officially my new favorite “how we met” band story. Musically, they just get it so right. They sound very 60s retro without being at all contrived. A quick look at their pictures will bring you to pages of pea coats, beatle boots, vespas, and other classic symbols of Mod-ness and basically no real band pictures. They take the catchy hooks of the British Mod era and the spaced-out harmonies of American psychedelic bands to create songs that are cool, catchy and different. Jeff Levitz’ vocals on “When I Lean Into You” are reminiscent of Lou Reed in one of his better moods while “Karina” starts out with a raw little blues riff and finishes with a simple but grand piano melody placed over sporadic slide guitar and the repeated line “karina, karina, you’ve got the powers of love”. Even if 60s throwback isn’t your thing, I think everybody can appreciate the raw talent here.

DOWNLOAD: –> Puppies and Kittens – When I Lean Into You
DOWNLOAD: –> Puppies and Kittens – Karina

They’re playing September 11th at The Mountain Bar in Chinatown. LA Chinatown, that is.

http://www.myspace.com/puppiesnkittens

12.07.2008
Introducing…
categories: Introducing, News, Tour Dates
tags:

The Hot Moons!

So in case you don’t all know, Nick Jago left BRMC, Michael Wren disbanded The Cold War Direction and…Steve Gilmore (yes, the son of David) somehow got involved and on Saturday, July 12th the Hot Moons were born. They play their first show at Club 86 on July 23rd and I would love to attend, but cannot because my mom gave birth to me 4 months too late. No music up on the page yet but given all the individuals involved, it’ll be good.

http://www.myspace.com/thehotmoons

And remember……you heard it here first.

07.05.2008
The Uptown Bums
categories: Introducing, Pictures, Review
tags:

So, I dunno if any of you know, but I’ve spent like, TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE at a private school in Texas. In all my gigging around here (and I’m pretty positive I’ve made 100% the best effort to see any good gig around here) I’ve only found ONE band that I really like from Texas (and YES, I’ve seen White Denim, and no I don’t think they are good)! And they are called The Uptown Bums. They are some nice dudes from like, the other North Texas school (aptly called UNT) which is way arty-er and cooler than the school that I attended. Anyway, I really like them, and saw them open for Vampire Weekend in Denton and they were great. They reminded me a lot of the Libertines, the Strokes and a little of the Horrors (they’ve got an organ!) so I naturally really liked them. Then I found out that some of them like Babyshambles, DPT and all the things that we are all about here at Nu Rave Brain Wave~ So I spent most of the last half of second semester trying to see them and failing (I tried and I failed) and FINALLY I got to see them at my favorite venue in Dallas….


So I think you guys should download their little CD they gave me of demo’s and shit, because they are putting out a 7″ on a label very soon which is exciting! I dunno what song the single’s going to be, but my favorites are Tracks 2, 3, 5, and 8 … Sorry that none of the tracks are labeled but I’m really lazy and packing up my whole room, but you should give ‘em a shot. (Also, if this will persuade you (without inciting a “carl watch” related panic)…. I get a vaguely Carl-esque vibe from the guitarist in white…. just sayin’

The Uptown Bums Demos

So now let me tell you the Saga of the SUPER FAN of the Uptown Bums. This dude was like seriously uber coked out and drunk and was chain smoking like I’ve never seen (and yes, I’ve stood near Carl Barat) so that should say something. And he was jumping around like a FOOL and like, I was on a stool at the bar trying to defend myself from this large, overeager fanboy! It was scary! I was literally kicking him anytime he came in the vicinity of my foot! LOL here’s a visual for you:

So anyway, he like fails around and GRABS MY LEG AND STARES INTO MY FACE and i am giving him the angriest most dirty look I could and he turns to the guy I was with and like, then got scared and ran away… but apparently his drunk little mind got sidetracked and he tries to walk behind the bar and all of a sudden we hear a screeching voice going GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE and the uberfan was kicked out by the bartender! Go bartender! So what did our little friend do? (aka let’s play spot the fanboy!)

HAHAHAHA basically this: