Seattle Subsonic

Seattle Subsonic - February, 2009

Lykke Li Is Good, Now She’s Gone

Man, I’ve seen a lot of really amazing shows lately (you should think about riding my coattails for a couple weeks), and Lykke Li‘s performance at the Showbox this past Friday the 13th was no exception. For starters, the show had scores of energy, not only from the revved up crowd, but also from her superb band. There were only three of them, plus Li, but the phrase “tribal folk orchestra” came to mind; the drummer, in particular, was outstanding. Secondly—and for all you out there who’ve passed on her music because of its overly heartsick, mellow feel—the Swede and her band radically altered their songs to be far more potent and percussive, and did much to veil the somber sound that dominates the record. It was big and boisterous and blaring. Finally, Li is the consummate performer: her confidence, voice, and general oddball manner completely complement her ability to command the stage.

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Most people refer to her as a “Swedish pop sensation”, a label that’s a bit lazy, if not altogether wrong. I even read where someone thought she sounded like a 6-year-old, which I interpreted as an insult and unnecessary. Her music is too varied for “pop” to be the primary definition; she is more dynamic than demure, and exudes more sass than sex, easily separating her from other “sensations”. Born Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson, she is, however, obviously Swedish.

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Draped in a droopy black shirt and a leopard print scarf, her herky-jerky, elbow-akimbo moves and unique vocals reminded me of a sort of bird creature. Everything was kind of animalistic, I guess. After a personless instrumental version of “Melodies and Desires”, the set began with her “shy” song, “Dance, Dance, Dance”. Although the first half was simply Li and a cowbell, her bandmates joined onstage mid song and blew up the latter half with their raucous instruments. Her best and most popular song, “I’m Good, I’m Gone” was played shortly thereafter, removing any suspense of it being the set closer. A rousing “Breaking It Up” would fill that role later on. In a particularly fun moment, Li led the crowd through the “un, deux, trois / quatre cinq six” chant of the haunting “Window Blues”, challenging one side of the venue to the other. One poor sap was even so bold as to get up on stage and hand Li a paper valentine (during her encore performance of “Tonight”, I think). She made no mention of it later on.

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Her concerts have been known for their cover songs, and she infused a short rendition of Lou Reed’s “Walk On The Wild Side” during the encore. I thought that was a bit more palatable than some of the cringe-worthy hip-hop covers she tends toward. Luckily, the bulk of the show was aces.

Legion Within @ King Cobra Tonight!!!

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“Hey Mom, Where can I go to see mind blowing goth rock and industrial music, all in one show, tonight?”

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Celebrate Friday the 13th with powerful guitars and Seattle’s own, Legion Within, performing their first show in over a year @ King Cobra tonight.

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Explore your goth side with special guests Deathbed Repentance and Syztem 7. And a special performance by Hands of Kali.

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$8
9pm doors @ King Cobra (916 E. Pike Street)
21+

http://www.myspace.com/legionwithin

Sky Cries Mary, Voyager One @ Neumos

It’s an epic dream-battle of generations February 27th, when contemporary space-rock meets vintage trance-rock at Neumos. Seattle’s Sky Cries Mary enjoyed moderate success in the 90′s behind the husband/wife duo of Roderick and Anisa Romero and their psychedelic drone-pop machinations. Switching from more aggressive, industrial tendencies on their first two records (pre-Anisa) to catchier, Middle Eastern-flavored weirdness (“Every Iceberg Is A Fire”, “Elephant Song”), the band was able to reform in 2004 after winning the rights to their music back. They released their tenth record, Small Town, in 2007.

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The savvy Seattle stalwarts in Voyager One are Jeremy Koepping and Peter Marchese (live there are more). Every time I see this band, I’m fully entranced and completely satisfied by show’s end. Layered guitars, driving bass, intelligent synths and plenty of projection art dictate that they should be more popular than maybe they are. They should also be listened to with a bong nearby (note: bongs and venues don’t normally mix; stick to your couch, stoner).

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Right now, you can find a pretty killer cover of the Cure’s “M” on VO’s myspace.

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$13 Adv / 21+

also with Furniture Girls

SOL Record Release Party + SPACEMAN – Tonight! @ Chop Suey

Sportn’ Life Records and Scribes + SoL Presents

SPACEMAN
Scribes
SoL (CD Release show)
JFK (of Grayskul)
BYC (B-boy Crew)
DJ BeanOne

$8
8pm doors
All Ages// Bar w/ID

EMP Sound Off! FINALS @ Sky Church

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THE FINALS!!!  – Saturday Mar 7, 8:00 (doors @ 7) all ages
@ the EMP Sky Church

The tally has been taken and the winners of 3 semi-finals are gathering to play for the title. (Semi-Final 1-Feb 14th, Semi-Final 2-Feb 21th, Semi-Final 3, Feb 28th)This year, the finals  also include a “wild card” band selected by you the fans from a list of each semi-final’s second place winners. Ooohh… the drama!
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—-UPDATE!!—-

Congrats to Dearboy—Sound Off!’s first wild card band! The four-piece,
all-girl band from Seattle will join Dyno Jamz, Makeup Monsters and Sol
in the finals.

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This is your chance to win Seattle Subsonic’s Sound Off! prize package that includes 2 Sound Off! 2009 T’s 2 Sound Off! 2009 CDs and a pair of tix to the Sound Off Finals.

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To enter, just send an email here (info at SeattleSubsonic.com)
with SOUND OFF! in the subject
(winner drawn Monday March 2nd)

EMP Sound Off – Round #3 @ Level 3 (EMP/SFM)

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Semi-Final #3 – Saturday Feb, 28 8:00 (doors @ 7) all ages
@ the Level 3 Stage in the Sci Fi Museum
Tickets >>
Every year, the Seattle’s Experience Music Project hosts the area’s biggest and greatest under-21 battle of the bands – There are 3 semi-finals where bands duke it out round robin style with a final round to choose an overall winner March 7th. Here we have a bios and a couple sample tunes for the bands competing in Round 3
Enter the contest below to win tix, T’s and CDs for the 2009 Sound Off Finals
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Cyrus Fell Down – Pullman, WA
Spokane WA’s Cyrus Fell Down meticulously crafts a hurricane of experimental, progressive, video game rock, spiraling with high energy sounds. Boldly displaying their musical abilities with intricate time signatures, aggressive guitar riffs, and uber-passionate stage presence, this trio has mastered the art of chaos and the end effect is quite literally mind-blowing.
“The Epoch”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/09CyrusFellDownTheEpoch.mp3]
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Kids Get Hit by Buses – Everett, WA
Using computers, keyboards and game consoles, Kids Get Hit by Buses pack as much extravagance and stage antics in their act as they do hilarious lyrics and effervescent beats. This awesomely weird Everett duo plays chiptune infused electronica, exercising their unique charm and pixilated energy to leave you singing LOL! OMG!
“r0ck3tdOwn
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/10KidsGetHitbyBusesr0ck3tdOwn.mp3]
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Razpy – Seattle, WA
With a gritty voice that lives up to his name, Razpy leads the Vigilantes with thoughtful lyrics and powerful delivery. This 6-piece group creates their own genre of rap by adding rock and R&B sounds through soulful female and male vocals and a tight backing band which includes cello, keys, beats, bass, viola and guitar.
“When Im Down”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/11RazpyWhenImDown.mp3]
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SOL - Seattle, WA
Seattle hip-hop artist, SOL uses his music as a catalyst for stimulating the senses. His music is high-energy, and brings together personal and social statements from the music industry to world politics. Influenced by Langston Hughes, Bob Marley and De La Soul, this wordsmith takes a page from some of the greats but creates his own voice in Seattle’s hip-hop scene.
“Road Is Rough”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/12SOLRoadIsRough.mp3]

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To help get you psyched about this year’s SOUND OFF!, Seattle Subsonic has s a killer Sound Off! package to give out that includes 2 Sound Off! 2009 T’s 2 Sound Off! 2009 CDs and a pair of tix to the Sound Off Finals. To enter, send an email here with SOUND OFF! in the subject (winner drawn Monday March 2nd)

EMP Sound Off Round #2 @ Level 3 (EMP/SFM)

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Semi-Final #2 – Saturday Feb, 21 8:00 (doors @ 7) all ages
@ the Level 3 Stage in the Sci Fi Museum
Tickets >>
Every year, the Seattle’s Experience Music Project hosts the area’s biggest and greatest under-21 battle of the bands -. There are 3 semi-finals where bands duke it out round robin style with a final round to choose an overall winner March 7th. Here we have a bios and a couple sample tunes for the bands competing in Round 2
Enter the contest below to win tix, T’s and CDs for the 2009 Sound Off Finals
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Brier Rose - Shoreline, WA
Brier Rose showcases its talented musicianship while creating dynamic tension-filled compositions which highlight the passion in their crescendos. They connect with the audience through their epic live shows which deliver soaring vocals reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Muse, haunting guitar riffs – an overall powerfully rich sound.
“I Thought I Was Much”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/05BrierRoseIThoughtIWasMuch.mp3]

Free City Collective – Vancouver, B.C.
Free City Collective is a 5 piece alt-rock band from just outside of Vancouver, BC. Known for their high-energy performances and stellar technical abilities, the bands musical chemistry tops off the electrifying listening experience.
“Twenty First Century Blues”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/06FreeCityCollectiveTwentyFirstCenturyBlues.mp3]

Makeup Monsters – Tacoma, WA
Thriving in their minimalistic approach, Makeup Monsters, a duo from Tacoma, WA, transforms the typical indie rock genre. Their infectious songs and instrument swapping creates a charmingly quirky sensibility that captures the DIY spirit and audiences alike.
“Calamine”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/07MakeupMonstersCalamine.mp3]

The Mission Orange – Mount Vernon, WA
The Mission Orange is a melody-infused, bombastic, garage rock band hailing from Mount Vernon, WA. With a tsunami of distortion punctuated by driving rhythms, you’d never guess a live sound this large could come from just two musicians.
“Hammer Fever”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/08TheMissionOrangeHammerFever.mp3]

To help get you psyched about this year’s SOUND OFF!, Seattle Subsonic has s a killer Sound Off! package to give out that includes 2 Sound Off! 2009 T’s 2 Sound Off! 2009 CDs and a pair of tix to the Sound Off Finals. To enter, send an email here with SOUND OFF! in the subject (winner drawn Monday March 2nd)

EMP Sound Off! Semi Final 1 @ Sky church

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Semi-Final #1 – Saturday Feb, 14 8:00 (doors @ 7) all ages
@ the EMP Sky Church
Tickets >>
Every year, the Seattle’s Experience Music Project hosts the area’s biggest and greatest under-21 battle of the bands -. There are 3 semi-finals where bands duke it out round robin style with a final round to choose an overall winner March 7th. Here we have a bios and a couple sample tunes for the bands competing in Round 1
Enter the contest below to win tix, T’s and CDs for the 2009 Sound Off Finals
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Dearboy – Seattle, WA
Dearboy is an all-girl band of troubadours that sound like they could have formed in an 18th century Prague café. Armed with instruments such as mandolin, upright bass and accordion, this group combines seemingly opposite genres to create fresh, bouncy indie pop that’s been likened to a meeting of DeVotchKa and the Spice Girls.
.“You Live in Your Head”
[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/01DearboyYouLiveinYourHead.mp3] .
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Dyno Jamz - Seattle, WA
This impressive hip-hop jazz combo features seven classically trained musicians who showcase funky brass arrangements, fronted by one dynamic MC. Think Miles Davis meets De La Soul and you’ve got Dyno Jamz—bringing the cool jazz of the West Coast to the 80s hip-hop of the East Coast. Ya dig?
“Come Out and Play”

[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/02DynoJamzComeOutandPlay.mp3]
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Love Trucker – Vancouver, WA
Love Trucker embodies the raw purity of new school rock ‘n’ roll. Their music is influenced by the sounds of 70s excess rock, the driving beats of Zeppelin, and angelic country sounds of classic greats like Gram Parsons. Love Trucker transports classic blue collar rock to bright new horizons with their tight rhythm section, unmistakable charm and distinctive front man with bold vocals.
“Come On and Dance”

[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/03LoveTruckerComeOnandDance.mp3]
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Schoolboy Gutbuster – Issaquah, WA
Schoolboy Gutbuster, a high school trio from Issaquah, WA, have the rare talent of bringing a fresh and new perspective to the pop/rock genre. With sincere vocals, frank lyrics and 2.5 minute gems, Jeff Stillwell crafts delightful pop songs earning comparisons to early Beatles.
“Too Tired”

[audio:http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/wp-content/uploads/music/sound_off_2009/04SchoolboyGutbusterTooTired.mp3]
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To help get you psyched about this year’s SOUND OFF!, Seattle Subsonic has s a killer Sound Off! package to give out that includes 2 Sound Off! 2009 T’s 2 Sound Off! 2009 CDs and a pair of tix to the Sound Off Finals. To enter, send an email here with SOUND OFF! in the subject (winner drawn Monday March 2nd)

Head Like a Kite on the Brink

It looks like Seattle is returning to it’s status as king of all that is real.. or at least reality. You might remember a little show called The Real World.. then there was the Bachelor and NOW one of our faves, Head Like a Kite is the focus of a little show called On the Brink. It features HLAK being followed on tour and being given wacky missions. Minus the more than slightly obvious advertising edge it’s pretty hilarious and most importantly.. it shows just how incredible these guys are live.
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Here’s the final episode filmed in our fine emerald city. It features them playing at a middle school assembly, where the kids were screaming so loud they could hardly hear the music. HLAK had about 10 fog machines going, and confetti blowing everywhere in their lunch room. It had all the ingredients of crazy. We were in Elvis jumpsuits with boas. The kids went ape. They danced like it was 1999. Beautiful. Great shots of them playing Neumos, too. Plus a prom party kegger. Reality Show mayhem
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To top it off, Head Like a Kite is playing a FREE show at the Snoqualmie Casino on Thursday, March 5 at 8PM with TRUCKASAURAS.  Live indie rock remixed by an electronic band at a casino? This chould be epic. Get more info here: www.snocasino.com.

Return of The Fluid – 2/13 @ Neumo’s

There’s a unique opportunity to see a Sup Pop original at Neumo’s this Friday.  Fresh off their blistering performance at Sup Pop Records 20th Anniversary Festival in Marymoor Park last July, The Fluid will treat their fans to a rare show where all five original members will blast through a live performance that made them such a draw in the early days of indy-rock.

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The band has kept a low-profile since their Marymoor reunion, and except for an on-the-down-low show in New York, the Neumo’s show this Friday will be the only show they play.  It could very well be the last time they play in Seattle.  Even if you weren’t around to experience this band in the mid-to-late 80′s, do yourself a favor and experience a sound that helped lay the foundation for Seattle’s grunge sound. There will also be a nod to several other Seattle bands at this show.
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Opening for The Fluid are The Tom Price Desert Classic, with member of Gashugger and Lubricated Goat, as well as The Press Corps, with members ofMudhoney, Mother Love Bone, Green River, Love Battery and The Fluid. There are still tickets available, which can be purchased here.

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We’re giving away a pair if list spots too! Just email us here with FLUID in the subject (winner picked Friday at 1:00)

Viva Murder City

In an effort to extend our coverage of the Murder City Devils to levels of absurdity, I’ll too give my take on Wednesday’s MCD show. (Grendel gave his already; perhaps misterlevitan can later tell us about tonight’s show.)

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In recent interviews leading up to the latest MCD reunion (their 4th in four years), frontman Spencer Moody stated that he doesn’t really like reunion concerts in general, and that he “just fucking dread(s) the fact…that (he’s) going to have to listen to these songs over and over again to try to relearn them.” Given that the celebrated boozehound punk group has formulated and played in some capacity every year since 2006, in addition to their decidedly jovial antics on stage last night (2/11) at the Showbox, you’d be forgiven for not believing his professed ambivalence. (He later conceded, however, that once he returned to the MCD catalog, the songs did become fun again.)

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I was fortunate enough to catch the Block Party set back in ’06, but much like the beer that soaks their songs, my liquor-stained memory of that experience is hazy at best. I stayed relatively sober last night and let the wave of moshers enjoy their time in the pit. The main floor was a constant flux of leapers and undulating waves of motion, arms raised in unison, with shouts and cat calls aplenty. Fights broke out and douchebags were removed. Much of the crowd was overtly hammered. It felt like a Murder City Devils show.

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The MCDs are a unique band in size and sound—you don’t see many 6-member growly, gloom-punk bands—and each member exuded his or her respective persona effortlessly. Moody, amidst his smiles and sheepish inter-song gratitude, wielded his mic stand like a raging king’s scepter and constantly gagged himself with the microphone. Guitarist Nate Manny, looking dapper in a grey fedora, executed the scissor kick numerously and flawlessly. Coady Willis played hungrily behind his Tommy Lee-esque drum throne, crashing his elevated cymbals and thunder toms. Dann Gallucci sported bug eyes and a maniacal smile while alternating between rowdy hops to-and-fro, laughing and hugging (!) mid-song with keyboardist Leslie Hardy, and taunting the crowd from the edge of the stage (guitar neck extended…natch). Hardy sounded a bit rusty, however, and spent more time talking to the band’s “manager” than actually playing. She did smoke several cigarettes on stage, though.

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And then there’s the bassist. The menacing, sinister bass lines played vigorously by Derek Fudesco simply define the haunting bombast of the MCD’s explosive angst. From “It’s In My Heart” to “Murder City Riot” to “Dancin’ Shoes” to “18 Wheels”—all of which were played last night—he’s the propeller that put their records on the map. Yes, Moody’s gravelly trauma is unmistakable, Hardy’s organ distinctive, the guitars squalling, and the drums superior, but Fudesco brought it all together. And the more I think about it, the more I’m amazed at how he’s defined nearly three generations of Seattle music (you could argue two, I suppose). All three of his bands—the MCDs, Pretty Girls Make Graves, the Cave Singers—have known critical success in its respective “music scene” context. He should be treasured somehow. Thankfully, Murder City lives on.

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[See the set list (sans encore)]

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Past Lives were invited to play the second slot last night, and even though it was the fifth time I’d seen them, I still can’t get enough of their music. Guitarist Devin Welch—you’ve heard me say before—is one of my current favorites, and his collection of axes keeps growing. Brandishing three different versions on this night, he played around with several of their tunes, allowing major and minor revisions throughout. One song I hadn’t heard before was the very first one: it featured a few impressive changes and had a psychobilly, surf punk feel to it. Excellent stuff, excellent band.

A Dirty Dozen, Fluid and AC Newman bribe

It it with parched lips and heavy heart that I inform you tha this month’s Happy Hour scheduled for the 19th has been canceled. We’re moving the Subsonic headquarters across town and need to pack and move about 25 bizillion CDs (among a few other things). As a bribe to keep you as a friend we’re giving out some much coveted tix for tonight tomorrow and next weekend.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – Tonight! Thurs Feb 12th 21+ @ Neumos
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Fluid! Tomorrow Fri, Feb 13th 21+ @ Neumos
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AC Newman (of the New Pornographers)
Sat Feb 21st – 21+@ Neumos
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