The album of the week is The Black Keys’ “Attack and Release,” produced by Danger Mouse who has been nominated for a Grammy. Check out Pitchfork’s review here: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/49615-attack-release.
Artist of the Week: Lykke Li
At the most recent meeting we had our first official artist of the week. This week it’s Lykke Li, a Swedish pop artist taking the indie music scene by storm. For a full article on her check out http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/49939-youth-novels.
Filed under Artist of the Week
Review: Third Eye Blind EP gives taste of what to expect from upcoming CD
The following article was taken from CollegiateTimes.com
Things were a little simpler in 1997. Since good old Bill was surfing his way into a second term and the Chicago Bulls kept on winning, I feel as though we’ve deviated a little from obstinate progress. In fact, now that I look at it, things haven’t seemed so cool and collected since then.
Third Eye Blind sees things no differently.
With the 1997 release of its self-titled debut, Third Eye Blind dominated modern rock tracks with an optimistic approach and a buoyant attitude. Vocalist Stephan Jenkins had us by the rope with “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Graduate,” “Jumper,” and my favorite, “Losing a Whole Year.” The album was a critical success, selling more than six million copies worldwide. Think what you may; it’s easy to criticize success.
I hope I’m talking to the right generation. From what I remember, Burruss Auditorium was pretty packed when 3ED blessed us with its presence this September. Having them fly out from San Francisco just to come play for Virginia Tech felt pretty exclusive. The Obama shirt might’ve been too much, though.
And now at 44, Jenkins still hasn’t lost touch with his fans. Third Eye Blind is releasing three new songs from its upcoming album, “Ursa Major,” the band’s first release in five years.
Digitally released today, Third Eye Blind’s “Red Star EP” is a three-track EP. Red Star includes “Non-Dairy Creamer,” “Red Star,” and a live version of “Why Can’t You Be.”
The title gets its name off Third Eye Blind’s upcoming EP and was voted by fans on the band’s Facebook page.
The band has consistently touched base with its fans through various digital media and Jenkins understands the vertical integration of music.
“We love albums; we also feel limited by them,” Jenkins said in a recent blog. “All I am saying is your Web site can now be your album, an ongoing ever-changing one that grows and morphs and reflects your creative impulses as you have them.
Grab the moment of a song and share it the night you finished it. Make art that you have for it and post it. Then go play some shows and record some more. Physical and digital releases can interconnect and enhance each other.”
“Why Can’t You Be,” a reference to the ever-so-vibrant Robbie Williams, is a quirky, fun tune which I’m excited to hear recorded. The vulgar lyrics on the virtuous tune are a 3EB signature, which I’m sure many fans have heard in “Blinded,” or the vivid and striking “Slow Motion.”
Reminiscent of the melodic “Wounded,” “Red Star” is possibly one of the greatest tracks I’ve heard in a long time. Jenkins once again sets the standard with his signature vocals that complement the proverbial coos of Tony Fredianelli’s guitar (whose solo-op blew me away).
“The police high beam froze her perfect face in white glows for a while, the politic bureau’s on high alert and her name showed up on file, there’s trouble with the war effort and she’s been speaking out, checkpoint Charlie’s radioing in she’s compromised in doubt,” Jenkins sings.
The band plans to continue providing music from all sorts of channels, and hopes to facilitate the most intuitive methods of delivery. I’m glad the band was righteous enough to let us get a taste of what “Ursa Major” may have to offer.
“I’m saying that choices are exploding,” Jenkins said. “Albums are not the only way, and perhaps not even the most creative and effective way. Then again, they may be the way for you. Third Eye Blind is going to keep making records because we like them.”
On stage at Burruss, they promised to return. Please come back to Tech, Jenkins — I hold you to that.
Filed under 1
The Outcome of Being Sworn In by Eve DiBartolo
It’s easy to insinuate that Underoath define a genre. Post-hardcore may have its temporary residents, but Underoath are possibly the strongest constant. This band raised a generation of listeners, and is still able to gain momentum from new audiences today. Underoath have not only had all well-received and successful record releases, but also have a Grammy nomination under their collective belt. The list of accomplishments are endless for the Christian Tampa, Florida group and a telltale sign of this is the reaction to their live show.
A video plays behind the drums of the empty dark stage. A woman runs frantically from a strange man wearing what seems to be a gas mask. After some time, the fleeing stops and the two persons face each other in a grass field with wind blowing through the surrounding trees. As the man creeps forward, he raises his hand towards the woman. Writing appears on his palm reading, “I am the Messiah”.
As Aaron Gillespie climbs up to his drums, a once silent and nervous crowd (clearly affected by the video) becomes a sea of roaring sound radiating throughout the fully crammed room. The rest of the band follows onstage and the energy begins. From beginning to end, each member of Underoath puts on his own show, going literally wild. The front-man is unmatched; his face filled with inner angst putting meaning behind his words. Each song is echoed by a devoted fan-base, leaning on each other, arms in the air, belting out every lyric. Each moment throughout the set is special, raising the question: could it ever be possible for Underoath to be conquered? The answer is simple. Underoath are much more than a band. They are a message and an experience, therefore allowing them to hold their title forever.
Filed under 1
The Definition of Unique by Eve DiBartolo
To say that Showbread are unique would be an understatement. With a recent double release, Showbread have tread on uncommon ground, creating an unparalleled idea that is both intriguing and inspiring. “Anorexia” and “Nervosa” tell the stories of two sisters (appropriately named by each of the CD titles) and their fight to find identity and emerge from darkness. Anorexia builds a tower to the sky, while Nervosa digs deep into the earth. Each sister is a polar opposite of the other, meeting the same characters yet facing every situation differently. Each story presents moving themes and each concludes in unexpected ways to prompt future thought.
The live expereience is exactly that – an experience. While wearing lab coats and accompanied by “nurses” on keyboards, Showbread are pure attention grabbers. The truth of the matter is that from start to finish, it is impossible for any audience member to look away. Incredible electronic pieces are formed along with quiet ballads that cause every member of the band to close their eyes in the intensity of the moment. Showbread are led by a frontman who shows human weakness through the buckling of his knees, yet is able to scream out with the most powerful inner strength. The mind is never asleep when presented with anything involving this spectacular band. Showbread are conceptually profound and bring their ideas to life on stage for diverse crowds across the country.
Filed under 1
An Experience in Itself by Eve DiBartolo
As a venue, Soma brought out some of the best from October 15th to 16th. The first night encompassed the Christian hardcore genre, while the second ranged from indie rock to alternative. Each band had its facets that made every performance radiating, and created two nights filled with endless excitement that cannot be outdone.
With one of the most brutal sounds in hardcore today, Mychildren Mybride puts on an electrifying live show. Intense breakdowns give way to unique guitar riffs that blend with piercing vocals and massive amounts of double bass to create Mychildren Mybride’s sound. Lyrically this band forms songs filled with the obstacles and struggles of keeping one’s faith, which intern allow the listener to question and evaluate his or her own morals. Mychildren Mybride is led by a constantly moving frontman; who will be leaping up and down one minute, and leaning over the crowd getting his message across the next.
Crowd amusement is always in store during a Haste The Day set. One-handed guitar playing to bending over backwards while “shredding” only describes one member’s onstage rituals. Haste The Day maintains a sound that is hardcore and melodic. Maybe that concept is hard to wrap one’s mind around but the definition of a paradox is something that is contradictory but true. In the case of Haste the Day, this paradox creates something beautiful. The live show is immensely captivating drawing each member of the crowd towards the stage like one unified magnet. Their strong fan-base puts Haste The Day’s performance over the top with each fan’s arms in the air, screaming the lyrics to every song of the set.
The “almighty” Norma Jean have earned their title rightfully. The passion within each member of the band radiates throughout the performance. From a fiery bassist who makes every inch of the stage his territory, to a frontman filled with an inner power that is undeniably moving as he releases every word from his mouth. Each song has its own epic quality; some in length (“And There Will Be A Swarm Of Hornets” spans over six minutes live), some in sound, and lastly in lyrics. The use of repetitive phrases allows the crowd to absorb the messages that all apply to every aspect of life. Examples include “mediocrity is the killer” and “what you can’t pull from me, pull from yourself”. Norma Jean is unmatched and commands respect from all who listen. Pairing their sensational albums with their riveting live performance, Norma Jean is a band that cannot be ignored.
A universal alternative sound worked to There For Tomorrow’s advantage to begin the show on October 16th. Although; it’s what makes them unique that sets them apart from the rest of their genre. An effervescent energy embodies their live set. The crowd is able to dance around in the freedom it creates. There For Tomorrow brings together a lighthearted vibe with emotional lyrics, making them easy to listen to at any time of the day.
The one way to describe Straylight Run is by simply saying that those guys have soul. Where in one’s heart there is a place for indie rock, there is a place for Straylight Run. With a frontman whose eyes remain closed for a better part of the set, it is obvious how much feeling is going into every song. Straylight Run challenge a crowd to listen; to be still for some time and collect thought while watching to their performance.
From the incredible synchronization of guitarists, to a spontaneous keyboardist, to a frontman who defines intensity, Scary Kids Scaring Kids are mesmerizing to say the least. Every song evokes a different emotion from the crowd making the performance come full circle and incredibly diverse. Feeding off each other’s energy Scary Kids Scaring Kids surpass the live show of most and amplify their own sound leaving the audience in complete awe.
There is no detail missed when it comes to an Anberlin set. From the band’s attire, to the multi-colored lighting, every song is supported in the most intriguing way possible. Anberlin gain momentum as the set progresses, and it is nearly impossible to not get lost in their sound. The emotion is overwhelming; creating a vibe that is almost a personal therapy. By the end of the performance, the crowd becomes an echo and the stage and the audience become one. A bond is made forming a unique relationship that belongs to Anberlin and their fans alone.
All photos courtesy of Eve DiBartolo
Filed under 1
Third Eye Blind is Coming to USD!
Third Eye Blind Poster
On Decemeber 11th, Third Eye Blind will be playing at the University of San Diego!
Filed under 1
