Produit Collecté - an assemblage of tracks from BNLX EP's 1-8: The handmade physical releases of BNLX EPs 1-7 have been out of print for some time and are now collector's items.…
Minneapolis’ own BNLX took the stage at NYC’s Pianos Thursday night, playing a 45-minute set for a small, but engaging audience. The backroom of Pianos where the band played is of the typical Lower East Side size: tiny. With roughly 30 people in the audience, the place, though not crowded, was filled.
With lights arranged like a life size Lite-Brite projected onto the stage background, BNLX started their show promptly at 10:00 with a quick introduction then going straight to the music. At first glance, the band members, Ed Ackerson, Ashley Ackerson, and David Jarnstrom, seem a bit out of place to be playing in a grungy-ish LES bar, (Ed looks like the brother of Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard), but by mid-set all the members are becoming more comfortable, perhaps feeding off from the audience’s encouraging applause and woo!’s in between songs, especially from one audience member in the front enthusiastically rocking out and singing along. (Or maybe from the random guy, who came in and danced throughout the crowd, trying to sell light-up mini-tambourines.)
BNLX’s music is strong and their sound is tight. They produce an awesome combination of alternative, indie, post-punk, and classic rock, but at times their vocals are missing an edge or strength to match the music. Their newer songs like “Opposites Attract” seem to work better with both Ed and Ashley’s voices. “BNLX Today” from their newly released album, Produit Collecté, and “Permagaddan” are a couple of their strongest songs, the first blending in a bit more indie rock than their other songs and the second being more of a classic rock song. Overall, BNLX played a solid set and had the audience moving throughout the show.
BNLX played next. A post punk, psychedelic trio, featuring Ed Ackerson, this local band can really pound. Nice to see a light show considering there was a lightning show going on outside..…
Remember BNLXFest last year? The music festival is coming back this November 15-16 at the Cause Soundbar.
The lineup is still being finalized, but if last year is any indication, expect to a slew of local Minneapolis bands to play the festival.
In BNLX news, their new BNLX EP #8 will launch at the show, along with a limited vinyl compiling various tracks from their previous seven EPs.
Details below:
There are three primary components to the Program:
1. BNLXFest 2: The popular BNLX-organized music festival returns to Cause Minneapolis on Nov. 15+16th. Last year's festival was a mind-blowing weekend of fun and sensory stimulation, and this one promises to be even more so. The full lineup, which includes a very diverse range of both established and new Minneapolis indie rock artists, will be released in early October.
2. BNLX EP #8: The first new BNLX audio content since the band's debut LP will be released in early November. Lead single "Opposites Attract" is already considered by early listeners to be the best BNLX track ever, and it will be previewed to the world in mid-October.
3. Produit Collecté - an assemblage of tracks from BNLX EP's 1-8: The handmade physical releases of BNLX EPs 1-7 have been out of print for some time and are now collector's items. To service market demand, as well as to rationalize product profiles and SKU's, we present Produit Collecté - a fourteen song vinyl LP "best of" release that offers a representative sampling of “musical” highlights from all of the BNLX EP releases. Accompanying the first 500 copies of the vinyl is a download card to access the full 32-track BNLX EP collection, now newly remastered and presented in archival form, and including the brand new EP #8. This release will also appear in early November.
Please monitor BNLX communications on the Internet and via social media as we will be continuously updating with details concerning the Program of Prosperity and Production, the BNLXFest, and the new products.
It’s not until recently that I realized WHY? have five albums (one in the making)! I remember really liking 2008’s Alopecia, yet for some reason, I never checked out anything else by Yoni Wolf and the ...…
The Cloak Ox is a Minneapolis-based band that City Pages describe as "complex, cerebral indie rock". They have a tour coming up, kicking off with WHY? At the Fine Line this Friday, October 4th. The tour is in support of the band's debut LP called Shoot the Dog, out now on Totally Gross National Product (the vinyl version will be released October 15, 2013).
10.04.13 - Minneapolis, MN - The Fine Line*
10.05.13 - Madison, WI - The Majestic Theatre*
10.06.13 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall*
10.08.13 - St Louis, MO - Blank Space
10.09.13 - Indianapolis, IN - Joyful Noise Office
10.10.13 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Pyramid Scheme
10.11.13 - South Bend, IN - The LangLab
10.12.13 - Cincinnati, OH - MOTR Pub
10.13.13 - Columbus, OH - Tree Bar
10.17.13 - Brooklyn, NY - TGNP CMJ showcase
01.17.14 - Phoenix, AZ - The Crescent Ballroom#
01.18.14 - Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda#
01.19.14 - San Diego, CA - House Of Blues#
01.21.14 - San Francisco, CA - The Filmore#
01.23.14 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom#
01.24.14 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom#
01.25.14 - Seattle, WA - Neptune
The Chambermaids started its life as the Shut-Ins (featuring real siblings Neil and Martha Weir and their drum machine). After kicking out their drum machine in favor of human Colin Johnson (Vampire Hands/Skin Flowers), the three-piece became The Chambermaids.
After the release of their second album Down in the Berries in 2009, the band added an additional guitarist, Nate Nelson (Pony Trash/American Cream/STNNNG) and new drummer Mickey Kahleck.
Currently the band is back with new drummer Alex Rose (Vampire Hands/Heavy Deeds) and a record record called Whatever Happened Tomorrow, which came out September 25, 2013 on Old Blackberry Way/Guilt Ridden Pop.
Folk/americana band Spirits of the Red City just released their sophomore album, Jula, via Denver label Collectible Records. The album came out September 24th.
You can hear some tracks from the album on soundcloud.com:
According to their biography, Spirits of the Red City is from all over the place: Alaska, California, Colorado, Michigan, and New York, but however nearly all the members of Spirits of the Red City have at one time called Minneapolis their home.
Tour dates:
10/01 Seattle, WA The Beery House
10/02 Bellingham, WA Underground Coffeehouse
10/05 Davis, CA Sophias Thai Kitchen
10/06 Bolinas, CA Gospel Flat Farmstand
10/08 Oakland, CA Speakeasy
10/09 Santa Cruz, CA Food Not Lawns
10/10 Modesto, CA House of Orange
10/11 Merced, CA Multicultural Arts Center
10/12 San Francisco, CA Viracocha
j. bell & the Lazy Susan Band is from Minneapolis, lead by Justin Bell? After ten years together, the band is about to release their fourth album $80 Whiskey, which you can stream on jbellmusic.com.
Their CD release party will be taking this place this Saturday (October 5th) at the Whiskey Junction.
10/05 – CD Release show at Whiskey Junction
j. bell & the Lazy Susan Band
The Jonathan Earl Band
Sarah VanValkenburg
Other dates:
10/12 – Madelia, MN
11/09 – The Bar, Winona
11/19 – Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis
12/07 – Acadia Cafe, Minneapolis
EDM/Hip Hop artist Minnesota is actually not based in Minnesota, but Santa Cruz, California. The dubstepper just announced his "Minnesota's Collective Identity tour" this fall:
Artists scheduled to appear includes: Big Gigantic and MiMOSA, Manic Focus, G Jones, Cry Wolf, Regulators, and Haywyre.
Oct 09 The Venue Fargo, ND
Oct 10 Sokol Auditorium w/ Big Gigantic Omaha, NE
Oct 11 The Granada Lawrence, KS
Oct 12 The Pageant St Louis, MO
Oct 13 The Blue Note Columbia, MO
Oct 14 The Canopy Club Urbana, IL
Oct 19 University of Delaware Newark, DE
Oct 24 Assembly Sacramento, CA
Oct 25 Knitting Factory Concert House Reno, NV
Oct 26 WaMu Seattle, WA
Oct 30 Motiv Santa Cruz, CA
Oct 31 El Rey Los Angeles, CA
Nov 01 La Rosa Tequileria & Grille Santa Rosa, CA
Nov 02 Arcata Theater Arcata, CA
Nov 06 The Jupiter Tuscaloosa, AL
Nov 07 Bourbon Street Auburn, AL
Nov 08 Rhythm and Brews Chattanooga, TN
Nov 09 Anthem Nashville, TN
Nov 12 Ziggy's By The Sea Wilmington, NC
Nov 13 Music Farm Charleston, SC
Nov 14 The Orange Peel Asheville, NC
Nov 15 NV & Bowery Knoxville, TN
Nov 16 NEW EARTH MUSIC HALL Athens, GA
Nov 21 Lafayette Theater Lafayette, IN
Nov 22 The Intersection Grand Rapids, MI
Nov 23 Majestic Theatre Madison, WI
Nov 27 Elekricity Pontiac, MI
Nov 28 The Loft Minneapolis, MN
Nov 29 Mirimar Theatre Milwaukee, WI
Nov 30 House Of Blues Chicago, IL
Dec 05 FOX THEATRE Boulder, CO
Dec 06 Aggie Theatre Fort Collins, CO
Dec 07 Three20south Breckenridge, CO
Dec 12 The Stage Miami, FL
Dec 13 The Social Orlando, FL
Dec 14 Terminal West Atlanta, GA
Dec 21 Batteries Not Included San Diego, CA
06/23 - Bloomington, IN @ the Bishop
06/24 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
06/25 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
06/26 - Buffalo, NY @ Tralf Music Hall
06/29 - New York, NY @ South Street Seaport
07/13 - Boston, MA @ TT The Bears
07/14 - Portland, ME @ Space 538
07/15 - Burlington, VT @ Signal Kitchen
07/16 - Montreal, QC @ Il Motore
07/17 - Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
07/20 - Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival
07/22 - Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
07/23 - Charlottesville, VA @ Twisted Branch
07/25 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
08/02-08/04 - Happy Valley, OR @ Pickathon
The loud punk-ish rock band Parquet Courts is currently on tour for their debut album, Light Up Gold, out now on What's Your Rupture? Records. The band has received a lot of praises from all the music places…
Friday, June 21, 2013, will not be forgotten quickly. A thunderstorm hit the Twin Cities, knocking out electricity for 250 thousand people. All the power remaining appeared to be filtered directly into the Triple Rock Social Club, in Minneapolis.
STEREO CONFESSION
Stereo Confession was the first band of the evening. These three 16-year-old boys could really rock! They were down a member because he was out climbing a mountain, somewhere. They will be releasing their first LP called First Communion on July 2.
BNLX
BNLX played next. A post punk, psychedelic trio, featuring Ed Ackerson, this local band can really pound. Nice to see a light show considering there was a lightning show going on outside. Electric! Plug in to them and who cares that you lost power at home this night. BNLX do play around the city often, so get out and dig them.
Out of Brooklyn, New York, headliner Parquet Courts, came on at midnight. The Tripe Rock was mobbed by this time. The audience was squeezed together to get close to this old school punk band. So awesome! Lead singer and guitarist, Andrew Savage, commented on the storm they just drove through to get to the Triple Rock, and was afraid that he had been blown into Oz after entering Minneapolis, so surreal it was to the band.
The external thunder could definitely be mistaken for the sound pounding from his band. The audience was blown away and went nuts! Mainly performing songs from their new album, Light Up Gold, Parquet Courts played like a good old, American punk band. The evening will be remembered for years to come, and not just because of the storm.
Parquet Courts at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (06/21/13)
Anyway, I saw BNLX's very first gig and got a chance to briefly talk to Ed. He said he was very excited about BNLX, it was his first band that he's doing outside of Polara.
.…
I'm quite pleased to see that BNLX just announced their upcoming California shows this summer. As you know, we've been following the Minneapolis band closely since they started three years ago!
If you have not been keeping up, BNLX is the "new" project by Ed Ackerson (Polara) with his wife Ashley Ackerson (The Mood Swings) and drummer David Jarnstrom (Attention).
Brooklyn Vegan just premiered the video for BNLX's latest single, "Vibrant", off of their debut self-titled LP.
06.07.13 San Francisco, CA @ Neck of the Woods
06.08.13 San Francisco, CA @ Parkerzalooza
06.10.13 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
06.21.13 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
PS, This is just a trend that I've noticed at BNLX shows, but they usually play early on (even if they are the headliner). I am all for this, because as I'm getting older, I would rather be home at a decent hour.
Vu brought to my attention (and a quick perusal of the entire Internet confirmed his claim) that the band originally called themselves…(sigh)…The Clouds That Fondle Jagged Crags and Raging Storms Conspire and You Will Know Us by the …
Former singer and bassist of the most annoying band name ( ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead) Neil Busch is back with another strange band name: LVMRKS. I think it's supposed to be pronounced 'Lovemarks'.
LVMRKS' debut album Pale Fairytale came out this week, May 21st. You can hear "Valentine" right now:
Album information:
Artist: LVMRKS
Album: Pale Fairytale
Label: LVMRKS Records
Release Date: May 21, 2013
01. Blue Eyed Suicide
02. Valentine
03. Pale Fairytale
04. In Scars
05. Through Life I've Wandered
06. Don't Save Me
07. Prelude
08. Sidewalks of the Dawn
09. Let Go
With SXSW 2013 to be in March, we're already starting to see announcements for showcases. For those that can't afford to travel to SXSW every year, the good news is that really good bands are doing mini-tours of or around the SXSW dates. …
CBGB is a bit of a misnomer, they book a variety of music genre outside of their so-called name of "Country, BlueGrass, & Blues". The legendary music venue is still going strong, with an announcement the second annual CBGB MUSIC & FILM FESTIVAL, taking place this October 9 to October 13, 2013.
I looked over the schedules and venues, this is taking a page right off the popular SXSW Music Festival: featuring over 700 musicians in over 175 music venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Here are some prices and details:
Badge 1: Music Showcases/Film Screenings (does not include Music or Film Conferences or any VIP Area Access)
Early Bird until July 1st - $50
July 2 until October 8: $75
Walkup: October 9 – 13: $100
Badge 2: Film Screenings/Film Conference: (includes Film Screenings and Music Showcases, does not include VIP Access)
Early Bird until July 1st - $150
July 2 until October 8: $200
Walkup: October 9 – 13: $250
Badge 3: Music Showcases/Music Conference: (includes Music Showcases and Film Screenings, does not include VIP Access)
Early Bird until July 1st - $150
July 2 until October 8: $200
Walkup: October 9 – 13: $250
Badge 4: VIP Combo Pass: (includes access to select VIP areas/opportunities that CBGB Festival will offer as well as all Music Showcases, Film Screenings, Music Conference, Film Conference)
Early Bird until July 1st - $250
July 2 until October 8: $300
Walkup: October 9 – 13: $375
These different tiers are a headache, in my opinion. They are often more expensive if you are only planning on seeing one or two shows.
I've already spotlighted Dan Deacon and his America album, so I'll just quickly mention that he's got an app on iTunes and Android. Apparently, during the show …
If you guy's haven't noticed, I am really fond of Gloss. And if you were at the 2nd day of BNLXFest, you were privy to why that is.
The five-piece Gloss definitely carries all the wonderful energy of every great shoegaze and dream-pop band from past years. As the crowd packed into the cozy little venue they started with some brand new instrumental material. The instrumental was a hit, Jordan on the drums was killing it. The crowd was grooving and they cheered graciously as the song finished. Gloss definitely has that early Cure influence, but you can tell that Jeff and crew are big fans of DIIV, Wild Nothing, MBV and Sonic Youth, to name a few.
Their set was as equally as venue-shaking as any of those bands, and as beautiful as the most cryptic Robert Smith lyric. Most of the material were new debut’s, some untitled. The band told me that the two tracks after the instrumental were just titled “80’s Cheese” for now. The next two tracks sounded as if members of The Cure had enlisted a young Morrissey to douse his pained vocals with reverb. The brand new track after all the 80’s cheese is called “Jan’s Dream.” And it made their set flow beautifully. They ended it with a solid take on their single, “Front Porch.”
These guys definitely rocked it out and impressed the crowd. Very loud cheers and applause were given for a band who help start the night out great. The word is that these fellows might be releasing something physical soon, via small Minnesota based indie label;manic pop! records. Stayed tuned, but for now check out the hypnotizing single, “Front Porch” on their Bandcamp. And catch them at the Kitty Kat Club Dec. 3rd with Carroll, Wild Cathedral, and Strange Relations.
Wiping Out Thousands
photo courtesy of Ashley Ackerson
Next up was Wiping Out Thousands, I had never heard of them so I was excited when they turned out to be really fun and mesmerizing. Their set sounded like Portishead meets LCD Soundsystem. Tortured electro funk is the best I can describe them as. Their stand outs were definitely “Feed,” and “Hips.” Especially “Hips,” that song was so groovy and seductive I don’t think anyone had their eyes off of Alaine Dickman; the adorable lead singer.
Cause Spirits and Soundbar is a lovely little joint. It’s cozy, and the staff is very hospitable. I was very hungry so I gave their food a shot. I ordered a zesty steak sandwich on ciabatta and it was god tier. Most importantly though, the sound was loud and clear! It helped propel the beautiful reverb of the bands that played. You could feel the music around you so perfectly. Unfortunately I started to get a massive migraine so I couldn’t catch the other bands that followed Wiping Out Thousand.
I did just listen to the new BNLX LP, and I’m sad I missed their performance. Their first proper LP is a beautiful take on Sonic Youth inspired alt-rock, with a heavy political message. All the songs have great pop hooks with the bite of the best sounding noise rock I’ve heard in awhile. I think everyone should listen to their great new single, “1929.” Catch it here on their Bandcamp. Or just buy the whole album! It’s worth every penny you want to spend. (It’s available as a “Name your own price” deal.
A special thanks to Ashley Ackerson for the wonderful photos of Gloss and Wiping Out Thousands. Setlist image taken from Jack Woolsey, Gloss bassist’s Facebook page.
Gloss at Cause Spirits and Soundbar, Minneapolis (11/17/12)
If you want to pick up your copy, head over to one of their BNLXFest happening on November 16 and 17. I believe both dates are at the Cause in Minneapolis. …
BNLX are at it again, this time with their first full length LP, which is currently available for purchase at the Susstones website. You can also purchase it on their bandcamp. To celebrate their rowdy LP they are hosting BLNXFest at the Cause Spirits and Soundbar, LynLake, Minneapolis. Friday 11/16 & Saturday 11/17. Doors at 9:00 PM for both shows.
It’s a good showcase of the fuzzed out rockers we got n the twin cities; old and new alike.
Fury Things and Gloss are relatively new. Fury Things has an EP out at the moment and you can check it out at their Bandcamp and download it for whatever price you decide. It’s some good shoegaze-y garage rock. They are the special guests for Friday the 16th show.
Following suit is super brand new Gloss. They released their first single October 11th, 2012. You can catch it on their Bandcamp. It is also for “Name your own price” sale that has become popular with up and coming bands. Gloss can be described as shoegaze or dream pop. Their new single kicks ass and is one of my favorite songs at the moment. I’m very excited to see them perform it live. They have been featured on the local show and they were Current "Song of the Day" last Friday the 9th.
If you haven’t bought the new BNLX yet, you can listen to it at their Bandcamp.
They do have past EP’s that they put out throughout the years. Here is a good sample of those EPs:
Normally we do the audio podcast, but sometime I would get such interesting things in the mail that I have to show them off. The last video I did showed off St Etienne and Mark Mallman's new CD, Double Silhouette, and was heavily edited. I found that the extra edit was just not worth my waste… so this new "Vu & Tell" is a one-take recording with no edits. I think the next one, I might try two camera angles to see if might be more interesting…
Reminder: San Cisco's show is today! This is one of two exclusive dates in America, outside of CMJ shows, that San Cisco are doing. Don't miss it or you'll regret it.
Sunday, October 21 at Turf Club / 7:30 pm / 21+
SAN CISCO
with CHAOS CHAOS
$12.00 adv | $14.00 door
Be sure to listen to my brief interview with singer Jordi here.
I am disappointed in the BNLX's LP CD packaging. I reckon it's just the review copy, that there is a hand-made version (which I'll recommend getting if that's the case.)
If you want to pick up your copy, head over to one of their BNLXFest happening on November 16 and 17. I believe both dates are at the Cause in Minneapolis.
BNLXFest Friday Nov. 16
BNLX with special guests
Two Harbors
Blue Sky Blackout
International Karate
and very special mystery guest
BNLXFest Saturday Nov. 17
BNLX with special guests
Pink Mink
Me and My Arrow
Wiping Out Thousands
and another very special mystery guest
Willie Nelson's upcoming book, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road, is about his greatest influences and his thoughts and opinions on things (such as marijuana).
I've only read the foreword and already I've learned that his greatest song "On the Road Again" was written on an airplane (on a vomit bag!) I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
Book is coming out November 13th, just in time for holiday shopping for the Willie fan.
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (November 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062193643
ISBN-13: 978-0062193643
I don't know if they'll offer an autographed copy, but check out that hand-drawn Willie Nelson autograph! Too cool!
Check out the debut 12" It's in the Blood, a 6-track EP. They wrote that there will be a vinyl release show on November 2nd at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St Paul, but I could not actually locate the event listing on the bar's website.
Here is their biography:
Brüder of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota is a quartet formed in 2011 and comprised of Ryan Harding, Tom Busch, Tucker Jensen, and Mike Mastel.
The band combines heavy and abrasive rock influences in groove based bursts. Lead vocals are split between Harding and Jensen.
Brüder will release their debut record “It’s In the Blood” on Vinyl and digital download in October of 2012.
Best part about vinyl is that it's a two-for-one deal: you get the MP3 as a bonus download. I've said it, but to clarify, most people buy vinyl but only listen to the MP3s!
Song of the show is "UFFDA."
W♥M Radio is available on iTunes, please subscribe!
Finally, BNLX's LP, entitled LP, is arriving November 7th, 2012. We've been writing and reviewing BNLX for a while now, but if you aren't hip: this is Ed & Ashley Ackerson's band. Ed Ackerson is from the 90s band Polara, who I saw in 1995.
Anyway, I saw BNLX's very first gig and got a chance to briefly talk to Ed. He said he was very excited about BNLX, it was his first band that he's doing outside of Polara.
What I like about BNLX is that they give away most of their music, but makes it up with live shows and amazing handmade limited EPs and clothing. Look for a very limited 12" of LP this November.
Also announced is "BNLXFest" this November 16 and 17th:
BNLXFest Friday Nov. 16
BNLX with special guests
Two Harbors
Blue Sky Blackout
International Karate
and very special mystery guest
BNLXFest Saturday Nov. 17
BNLX with special guests
Pink Mink
Me and My Arrow
Wiping Out Thousands
and another very special mystery guest
I like Minneapolis' Brute Heart, having randomly caught them live last year. This is a trio of women and they had a very medieval sound to their performance, which I think would fit well to a soundtrack for an old film. And that's what they've done with a live score of The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920).
Brute Heart Performs a live score to The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari
plus: soundscapes by MAKR
shadow projections by Christopher Allen
off-stage sets by Jonathan Kaiser
Price: $8
Friday, October 19 - Doors at 7:00, Film plays at 8:00 sharp!
The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
I was never meant to have seen Story of the Sea, but I caught them as a last minute replacement for another band. I previously mention that their music sounded like "classic progressive rock," although their biography said that they sounded like "No one else specifically, really."
They are about to release a double self-titled album, half instrumentals and half B-sides. This will be their first release in four years, and it is coming out November 9th.
Their CD release shows as follows:
Turf Club, St Paul - November 9th, 2012 - $7
Story of the Sea
The Life and Times
Two Harbors
Other CD release shows:
November 10th, 2012 @ The Firebird in St. Louis
November 11th, 2012 @ The Beat Kitchen in Chicago
Minneapolis' Pony Trash will be releasing a self-titled 12" on November 27th. The vinyl is strictly limited to 150 copies with hand-printed cover artwork by Casey Deming.
The record is described as "the greatest make-out record of the year", other people described it as shoegaze/dreampop.
Pony Trash is a new band comprised of various members of already-established bands: The Chambermaids, Polica, Vampire Hands and Gospel Gossip (who incidentally, has a new 7" coming out very soon.)
They have a show coming up on October 25th, and their CD-release show will be on November 23rd.
10/25 Pony Trash, Robust Worlds, Dreamweapon Turf Club St. Paul
11/23 Pony Trash, Web of Sunsets, Velveteens Turf Club St. Paul
I’m very in love with this brand new band named Gloss. They are a 5 piece band from Minneapolis, MN. Their music can be described as Dream-pop, shoe-gaze, and jangle-pop. And if you give them a listen they will probably sound to you like Slowdive, DIIV, or Wild Nothing. Honestly they would make the perfect opener for any of these bands. The thing with these guys is, they have a way of infusing energy into this standby of mine. I really felt like I was hearing something incredibly new as opposed to just another shoe-gaze track. They currently have one recorded track, but I’m eagerly awaiting a full release. I will post more info on future shows or releases when I hear of any.
Listen to their fabulously dreamy track, “Front Porch” on their Bandcamp.
Minneapolis-based Portage is releasing their second album, Landings, coming out November 27th.
Look for their new single, "Down to the Floor," from Landings, as a free download via portage.bandcamp.com
The album is described as "somber melodies and soul-filled ballads." It was recorded at Crazy Beast Studio in Minneapolis with engineer Ben Durrant.
There will also be a Landings album release show, taking place at Ice House, in Minneapolis, on Saturday, December 1st, with support from Chastity Brown.
Nyteowl (otherwise known as Jeremiah) is a producer/DJ/mixer from Minneapolis. He's just finished his debut album called Life. The album was produced by Chris Heidman and is said to be a "lo-fi take on" disco, soul and R&B. Look for Life on November 13th.
You can get a taste of what's to come on his sampler page.
When playing live, Nyteowl is a full band, complete with synth and backup singers by gospel quartet SeVy.
..the most amazingly fun band to see live. Listen to Cristina and I gush over them on episode #78
It looks like 2011 is starting off on a great note, with all these tour announcements! So many that I will have to divide them up in the next few posts.
First up, Cristina and I have many, many, many, time sang the praises of this band. Basically it just comes down to this: Peelander-Z is the best live band you'll ever see. If you don't believe me, please refer back to the pictures in my review.
Looking over their massive tour schedule for 2011, I can tell you that this band never rests. I'm pleased to see them doing the Warp Tour - I will bet you they will gain quite a following with this crowd!
So what can you expect to see at any given Peelander-Z show ? Human bowling, head-bashing battle, giant squid monster, climbing, body surfing, audience playing their instruments and pots & pans, the list goes on and on.
This year's tour is pretty exciting because they're touring with Anamanaguchi, a band that makes music out of hacked NES chips. It should be a pretty amazing lineup... although I would love a superteamup of Guitar Wolf and Peelander-Z, all guitar battle!
03/15 Austin, TX @ Beauty Bar# *
03/16 Austin, TX @ The Elysium Chicken Ranch# *
03/17 Austin, TX @ Threadgills# *
03/19 Austin, TX @ The Grackle#*
03/19 Austin, TX @ Headhunters Chicken Ranch# *
03/22 Hot Springs, AR @ VOV Festival
03/24 Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
03/25 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
03/27 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
03/29 Ketchum, ID @ Whiskey Jacques
03/30 Boise, ID @ The Mardi Gras Event Center
03/31 Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
04/01 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
04/02 Portland, OR @ Someday Lounge
04/05 Stockton, CA @ Plea For Peace Center
04/06 Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk
04/07 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
04/08 Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
04/09 Temecula, CA @ The Vault
04/10 Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon
04/12 Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
04/13 Farmington, MO @ The Vault
04/14 Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club
04/15 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
04/16 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
04/17 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
04/18 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
04/19 Newport, KY @ Southgate House
04/20 Knoxville, TN @ Cider House WUTK Presents
04/21 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
04/22 Nashville, TN @ The End
04/23 Tallahassee, FL @ Engine Room
04/24 Mobile, AL @ The Music Box
04/26 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jack's
04/27 Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's
04/28 Austin, TX @ The Parish
04/29 Dallas, TX @ The Loft
04/30 Norman, OK @ Norman Music Festival *
05/07 New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall
05/14 Tampa, FL @ Tropical Heatwave
06/05 Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Festival *
07/20 Cleveland, OH @ Time Warner Cable+ *
07/21 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Center+, *
07/22 Burgettstown, PA @ First Niagra Pav+, *
07/23 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Mem+ *
07/24 Oceanport, NJ @ Monmouth Park+, *
07/26 Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post+*
07/27 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless+, *
07/28 Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless+, *
07/29 Orlando, FL @ Firestone Amphitheatre+, *
All dates with Anamanaguchi (except *)
+ Vans Warped Tour
# SXSW
Can I tell you that the last time I saw Arctic Monkeys at First Ave, that Elvis Costello was in the crowd? How did I know? His bodyguard pushed me aside.
Well, the Arctic Monkeys are back and they are returning back to First Ave, and I'm certain it will probably sell out like the last time. If you don't like crowded hipster shows, best avoid this one, otherwise get your tickets before they sell out.
No news of a new album, but they previewed "Brick By Brick" on their youtube page. Video is unamazing, featuring a spinning record. Yeah, possibly the worst video I've ever seen.
Their upcoming US tour dates in full:
5/17 Washington, DC 930 Club
5/18 Philadelphia, PA Knitting Factory
5/19 Boston, MA House Of Blues
5/21 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
5/22 Montreal, QC L’Olympia
5/24 New York, NY Summer Stage
5/26 Detroit, MI Clutch Cargoes
5/27 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
5/28 Minneapolis, MN First Ave
5/30 Denver, CO The Ogden Theatre
5/31 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
6/3 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
Not a full tour, but I wanted to pass along this, if you live in the Minneapolis-area:
BNLX are at it again with their fifth EP release, titled EP #5 at the Cause Soundbar on March 11th (that's THIS Friday).
This time around, they are getting help from Idle Hands, Satellite Voices, and Byzantine Beatbox. The only band I've heard of is Idle Hands, they were my most anticipated band at Bastille Day 2009.
I had to put on EP #5 because, according to the press information, "Garbage Strike (It's Rubbish)" is a "well-done Smiths homage/parody". I wouldn't call Ed Ackerson's Morrissey impression well-done or even half-baked, but it's a better effort than certain people I know. If you want to hear it for yourself, the song is available as a free download from susstones.com.
Their only cover on this EP is Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day", in the typical drum machine fashion like their last cover lover EP #4.
As usual, BNLX makes all their products affordable: $2.91 for a CD (they're all handcrafted), and $5 T-Shirts. I didn't see the shirts for sale on their website, but you can pick them up at a merch table at one of their live shows.
Matt Curney's latest release is World Spinning Madly, which you can grab at soundcloud.com. He's having a end-of-the-year sort of show on December 29th at the Turf Club in St Paul. There's a small cover charge of $5, but you also get Chelsea Boys (who I said were a "low-fi dance trio") and Neil Zumwalde (I've never seen live, but I thought he has a girl drummer, and that's hot).
12/29/10 Matt Curney/Neil Zumwalde/Chelsea Boys at Turf Club, St Paul
I did get a chance to listen to World Spinning Madly, and even went so far as listen to his earlier Strange Education EP, and between the two, it seems the latter has the piano/keys play a larger role in the mix. I also hear a lot of Ben Folds (especially on Strange Education), and I think that's a good thing if you like Ben Folds.
Pay extra attention to "Plagiarism", which appears on both releases, usually when bands re-use songs on different releases, it's because they are really proud of that work. I could be wrong about the two version, but they sounded exactly alike, complete with this weird jazz sax (?) instrument towards the end.
The sound production on World Spinning Madly is really good, surprisingly. Especially if you listen to such tracks like "World Spinning Madly" and "Paper", you clearly hear all the layers of instruments and backup vocals that they want you to hear. Even on "Earthbound", there's an intended whisper of the wind - really perfect for that track.
We like BNLX here, so I wanted to mention that there's a free Christmas song called "What Do You Have Under the Tree for Me" for free via susstones.com
Also, the following press information is just too weird to pass up:
Research conducted by the BNLX Statistical Bureau has indicated that many of our valued consumers enjoy listening to seasonal-oriented "music" compositions in the last quarter of the year. Your BNLX® has responded to this market demand by creating a holiday "music" product which targets this significant demographic segment.
The composition incorporates thematically appropriate acoustical elements (Lapland sleigh bells, chimes from Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik) along with a list of requests for material objects directed at a theoretical provider of gifts. The content of the composition is based upon analysis of popular thematic elements in seasonal music as expressed in Western popular culture of the 19th-21st centuries, and as such should prove to be enjoyable to a wide range of individuals.
You spoke, and we listened. Once again BNLX meets and / or exceeds expectations, this time in the crucial holiday market. Your opinion is valuable to us. Together, we can make the Best BNLX Ever - YOUR BNLX®.
BNLX Statisical Bureau
3 Municipal Plaza
L'Anse aux Meadows
Newfoundland and Labrador
A0K 3Z0
CANADA
Chris Perricelli, aka Little Man, wrote on his blog that they're in the studios for a new release in Spring 2011. From my understanding, it looks like he's only recorded the drums, vocals, and basic guitars and planning on adding more layers, such as the bass and additional guitars, later on (so there will probably be more additional studio time going forward).
The other interesting thing is, if you want to support the arts, you can donate some money and your name will appear on the liner notes, as well as a copy of the album when it's released.
In the meantime, here is a special holiday song from him.
Also, some upcoming shows:
01/21/11 The Triple Rock, Minneapolis
02/11/11 Cause (Sauce), Minneapolis
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