6 posts tagged “north carolina”
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07/26/09
Hi Dive Denver, CO
Discography
07/27/09 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT 07/29/09 Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver,BC 07/30/09 Triple Door Seattle, WA 07/31/09 Dept of Safety Anacortes,WA 08/01/09 MissispStudios Portland, OR 08/03/09 Cafe du Nord SF, CA 08/04/09 The Echo Los Angeles, CA 08/05/09 Casbah San Diego, CA 08/06/09 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ 08/10/09 Club Congress Tucson, AZ 08/12/09 Hailey’s Denton, TX 08/13/09 The Mohawk Austin, TX 08/14/09 Walter’s on WA Houston, TX 08/15/09 One Eyed Jacks N Orleans, LA 08/16/09 Bottletree Birmingham, AL 08/17/09 The Earl Atlanta, GA 08/22/09 Art Center Carrboro, NC
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It would seem they've continued their strange mixture of sound on their latest album, Gather, Form & Fly (just released July 21th on cute and awesome handmade Hometapes Records).
Starting with a simple mostly-acoustic instrumental "Bella Marie", it quickly turns into mountain folk banjo-driven "Kaufman's Ballad"- which I quite like. There's old timey pianos on "Impressions of the Past" (the first part of the song is pretty not listenable to me), reflective country folk on "Worried Mind", hoedown/goodtime jam on "The Process".
They also seem to enjoy pitting opposites against each other, like organic sound (the rain and birds on "Darkest Hour") mixed with weird warped computer sounds effects. I could go on, but let's just say that Megafaun's music are all over the place, yet strangely remaining true to their folk roots (possibly due to their banjo and harmonica usage). While I think this will work for most people, I feel the album is too uneven for me.
When the band is at their best, is when they start sounding like early R.E.M., especially on "The Fade". Unfortunately, none of their other songs is like this one.
If you don't mind or enjoy a variety of different genres, check out Megafaun. You can pick up Gather, Form & Fly from Hometapes Records or, alternatively, Amazon and iTunes.
07/25/2009 09:39:06 ♥ vu (
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♥ megafaun.com ♥ myspace.com/megafaun ♥twitter.com/megafaun
Candlelight Records has been busy, this summer. Vu sent me a bunch of new-ish (sorry for taking so long with them!) releases a while back, and I guess that means I should talk about them.
First one I want to talk about is Urban Cancer by Nefastus Dies, out of Montreal. This isn't so much a new release, since the band has been selling it at shows since 2006. But what we have here is black metal, with a bit of a grind edge to it. What really stands out to me about this release are the vocals, which jump around all over the spectrum of metal, from black metal style screaming to death metal style grunting and pigsqueals. The production is pretty clean and clear, which is also pretty unique for black metal. The album is a technically great release, with lots of time changes and awesome technical drumming, along with Emperor-style keyboards. These guys are definitely doing their own thing, and in the black metal scene of recent years, that's something respectable. My favorite tracks on here are “Primal Chaos,” “Hate Vector,” and “Spawns of Illegitimacy.” These guys are best when they keep it short and sweet, although they're not bad on the longer tracks, either. They have a few shows coming up. June 27th, they'll be playing at the Kathedral in Toronto. The next night they'll be at the 69 Pick-Ups in Cambridge, Ontario. July 6th, they'll be playing at Club Lambi in Montreal, and on August 2nd, they'll be playing at Wie Gehts Amigo’s in New Castle, Ontario.
The next one I'd like to talk about, is Raleigh, North Carolina's similarly named Daylight Dies, and their album, Lost to the Living, their third album, and second for Candlelight. These guys have been around since 1996, although their first album wasn't officially released until 2002 on Relapse, and appropriately, this album has sort of a classic “goth metal” vibe, kind of along the lines of Paradise Lost or My Dying Bride. To be honest, this kind of metal probably isn't for everyone. These guys are pretty good at it, though, seamlessly blending the heavy, but expansive instrumental passages with the even heavier, chunkier parts, with heavy vocals (mostly growled, but a couple tracks are sung) that manage to sound both angry and kind of sad at the same time. Surprisingly, for this kind of band, not a single track on this album breaks the eight minute mark. My favorite tracks here are “A Portrait in White,” “And a Slow Surrender,” “Woke Up Lost,” and “The Morning Light.” These guys just got off tour with Candlemass not too long ago, which must've been an awesome tour. There's only one show coming up, and it's in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on July 12th at Local 506. It's free to the public, and it's the CD release show for this very album!
Third, and most exciting for me, personally, is the new album, angL, by ex-Emperor vocalist Ihsahn. On this album, he's playing guitars and keyboards, as well as doing the vocals. This is more a straight-up metal release than a lot of his other post-Emperor stuff. In fact, after listening to this, I can forgive him for Peccatum, as long as I never have to hear them again. His vocals still sound good, although he sounds nothing like he did in Emperor. “Scarab” has an awesome guitar solo, and thankfully doesn't go overboard with any “Egyptian” vibe the title might suggest (while there's definitely that vibe, going overboard with it is something that should be left to bands like Nile). “Unhealer” is a collaboration with Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt. It kind of sticks out for being more of an Opeth-y (well, yeah...) prog thing than a black metal thing. The crisp production sounds fitting for it, and it's a damn fine collaboration of two modern metal legends. He continues abandoning the “black metal” framework on “Emancipation,” which features some of the most impressive vocals on the album. Half-sung, half screamed in that classic “Emperor” way. “Malediction,” on the other hand, is more of a return to his black metal roots. It basically sounds like Emperor, but in a kind of updated way. It's awesome, is what matters. “Alchemist” is more of a modern metal thing, opening with chunky, huge riffing reminiscent of bands like Mastodon, with sung vocals on the verses, and screamed choruses. The solo on this track is seriously epic. The next track, “Elevator,” sounds like it was named for how the guitar goes up and down the scales repeatedly. The vocals are more in the black metal vein again, here, and a cool, discordant flourish on the keyboards (I think it's the keyboards, anyway) is jarring in the best possible way. “Threnody” is a slow song, that builds slowly into a heavy slow song. The sung parts sound really good. Occasionally the melodies sound almost “grunge” on it. The last track is also the longest, and is a black metal mini-epic in itself. The sung vocals are a nice touch, but oddly, it still seems like the most straightforward track on this disc. It serves as a fitting end to this album, though. I'd definitely recommend checking this one out. I can't find any tour dates for him, so I assume he's not on tour. Bummer.
Anyway,
that's what Candlelight USA is up to lately. And these are all pretty
solid releases for fans of the styles being represented. The Ihsahn
album in particular is just good metal in general. Definitely worth
checking out, even if you don't like black metal.
You can find more info on all these bands at their official websites:
So go check 'em out!
-Soup
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06/14/08 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL
06/16/08 Drake Hotel Toronto, Ontario 06/18/08 Sound Fix In-Store Brooklyn, NY 06/18/08 Union Pool Brooklyn, NY 06/19/08 IOTA Club & Cafe Arlington, VA 06/20/08 Millcreek Tavern Philadelphia, PA 06/21/08 Arts Center Carrboro, NC |
 Annuals ♥ photo by vu  Set List ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (06/13/08) |
It's been a very long time since I attended an all ages show, which started quite early. The opening band was South Dakota's We All Have Hooks For Hands, with a very large cast of members including: 2 drummers, 2 guitarist, 2 trumpets/ keys, 1 acoustic/ singer, 1 violin, and 1 bass (he was pretty awesome to watch).
The large assembly reminded me of Broken Social Scene, but the singing made me think of very early Flaming Lips. They seem to have a great time on stage, especially when they jammed together three songs.
It wasn't long before Annuals took the stage, and I ran into Greg (you'll have to forgive me as I have poor memory and didn't recognize him). He told me that Annuals was originally a side project of Sunfold, but it seems somehow that they've overtaken the original band as far as being successful. Said he interviewed Kenny a few years back.
They seem pretty comfortable on stage, despite having a few issues with the mics not working (this is the soundboard's fault). As usual, the lights (I think these are handled by Varsity staffer, Erik) is wonderful and the venue's atmosphere is pretty laid back (especially because there are chairs and couches all around).
As you can see from the set list, it was a short set, and there was no encore. This is normal when you consider that there is another band/event starting right afterward... besides, for their last song, "Hot Dog", they seem to have exhausted themselves in an explosive finale.
Catch the Annuals on what's left of their tour, their Wet Zoo EP is out right now. You can try to win a copy from their contest.
Update: Below are four selected photographs from Drew and Sarah.
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Links:
www.annualsmusic.com
myspace.com/annuals
myspace.com/weallhavehooksforhands
I may be doing more of these "quick" snippets, usually in three's. Nothing fancy, just news and notes:
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Tour Dates
06/13/08 Varsity Theater Minneapolis
06/14/08 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL 06/16/08 Drake Hotel Toronto, Ontario 06/18/08 Sound Fix In-Store Performance Brooklyn, NY 06/18/08 Union Pool Brooklyn, NY 06/19/08 IOTA Club & Cafe Arlington, VA 06/20/08 Millcreek Tavern Philadelphia, PA 06/21/08 Arts Center Carrboro, NC |
Item #1: Hey, I'll be attending Annuals' live show tomorrow (June 13th) at the Varsity Theater. I think it's all ages, which means the show will start pretty early (5-6pm). Look for me if you're going to this show also.
Check out their other dates, you can sign up at Canvasback Music for a chance to attend the concert of your choice, runner up receive a free Wet Zoo EP. In addition, if you're in the Minneapolis area, the grand winner will also receive a pair of tickets to the Underwater Adventures Aquarium (I think it's in the Mall of America).
It doesn't cost anything to enter in the contest, so you might as well enter. The worst you can do is not win.
I will write a little more about the Annuals on my concert review, so that's scheduled for Saturday morning.
PS, I just entered into their contest.
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Item #2: Remember Prototypes? You guys love them. It looks like their song "L'Amour, L'Amour, L'Amour", from their third album, Synthetique (out on Minty Fresh), have been recently used in various commercials (iPod and Mitsubishi) and television shows (The L Word).
I got the chance to listen to the said song and it's very cute. Obviously, I still cannot speak French, but it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot of complicated lyrics here... but still, there is something about the French accent that gets me everytime.
My question is, why weren't they on Eurovision 2008?
Item #3: I got this press release about Prince Fatty. I am only mentioning this because I laughed at just his name, as well as his album Survival Of The Fattest.
I listened to the MP3 that sometime comes with these things and it wasn't what I was expecting: it's reggae! Very interesting, I've decided to include the song here as well as mention his two dates he'll be playing:
July 16 Los Angeles The Dub Club
July 18 New York Hudson Terrace
After doing more reading, it becomes clear to me that 'fat' might be in reference to pot (smoke a fatty) because the fatty himself, Mike Pelanconi, is a skinny white dude.
Mike and Fatboy Slim should have a duel. That's right, Survival Of The Fattest.
Links:
www.annualsmusic.com
www.prototypes.org
myspace.com/princefatty
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Here's one of my famous news roundup from press.weheartmusic.com. A few things before we get started: Polynya (polynya.info) is playing a few dates and would like you to know about it:
March 18th at Hell in Chapel Hill, NC
April 4th at Nightlight in Chapel Hill, NC
Kerry Politzer (kerrypolitzer.com) is addicted to Second Life (haha! just kidding).
If you play Second Life, you should add her as a friend. I would be doing Second Life too if it wasn't for presky First Life getting in the way.
If you were curious about what a "live" performance on Second Life looks like, check out this youtube video.
Also, I don't know where Q's House (is it in New York?), but there will be a live interview with her on February 19th. More details about this interview on myspace.
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A few tour announcements as well: 65daysofstatic (65daysofstatic.com) and Cadence Weapon (cadenceweaponmusic.com) are going on tour.
We've previously mentioned 65daysofstatic before, so check out the article for more details.
I'm actually pretty excited about Cadence Weapon, who sounds like Minneapolis's Atmosphere.
I have Cadence Weapon's new album, Afterparty Babies (to be released March 4th 2008), for review, and from what I've heard: it's full of great pop culture lyrics.
If you're into club/dance, you might have heard "Rapture" by iiO (iiomusic.com). Well after four years, they've decided to go back and "reconstruct" the song and release it as, erm, "Rapture Reconstruction".
The double-disc EP contains 15 tracks of the new Rapture song, each remixed by a variety of DJs.
The sample song I received (Creamer & K Remix) is pretty good, although I haven't heard the original Reconstruction song to compare it.
And speaking of re-issues, the original 2001 The Glow Pt 2 by Microphones.Mount Eerie (krecs.com) is being re-released on April 8th as a 2-disc set from K Records.
This band was originally called The Microphones (based out of Olympia, Washington), who, under the direction of Phil Elvrum, changed their name to Mount Eerie in 2004. Not sure why the name change, but they basically changed it back to The Microphones.
02/18/2008 20:32:20
vu
my♥posts
weheartmusic.com
Band Members
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Polynya are from North Carolina... and that's pretty much all I know about this band! I thought they were a new band, but I was told that the recording of their debut album took about "4 fastidious years". Which only means that the band were together at least four years ago.
Judging from the photographs of their myspace that they seem like a really close-knit bunch of friends. Their debut self-titled album is only $10, see details on their official website.
So, it seems maybe Luke is the primary song writer and music arranger. It's also interesting to note that two of the band members also DJs at the college station in Chapel Hill (WXYC), so I think they're very well versed in the college music scene.
So the first thing that struck me is how much the singer's vocals (I think it's Amelia) sound like Rose Melberg (from Tiger Trap). Their sound like is a sweet indie pop, with some great harmonies. Sometime Luke jumps in and sings as well, so they have a great girl-boy sound that reminds me of Velocity Girl.
I like the opening song, "Old West", a lot. I think there's three layers of different vocals on this song. It's also best listened to with headphones because there's some music and noise that exists independently on either left or right headphones.
I also remember liking "Sweatshop" a lot. The sound on this song sounds a bit noisy and low-fi, which I liked. You can preview their whole album on their website.
Lastly, can someone explain to me why downloading the album costs much more than buying the physical CD? According to my calculations, if you download the album from Digstation (not to be confused with Diggnation), it will cost you $12.87 - while the physical CD with Shipping & Handling has a grand total of $10. If anything, because there's no cost of pressing the cd, printing the sleeve and shipment, digital sales should be much lower.
So, yes, buy the physical CD is my recommendation by sending an email to 
(image).
If you like what you heard, they are in the process of recording their next album, which I'm told will sound pretty similar to this album.
Watch my mispronouncing of their name on the second video:
Other bands mentioned: Finespun, more detail on their EP later, in the meantime, check out: finespunmusic.com.
12/06/2007 22:02:24
vu
my♥posts
www.polynya.info
myspace.com
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