Seattle Subsonic - November, 2009
The xx Stirs It Up
- I got nothin’ but shitty pictures.
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The xx must have some sort of ‘x-factor’. No, really. The sold out crowd, at Neumos to see the tender London trio’s first stop in Seattle, was—other than druuunk—rowdy, raucous, and rambunctious. The three R’s of interactive audiences. But mostly with their voices, as if they ostensibly took on the same method the band themselves employ, where vocal-driven soul/rock/r&b ballads have a way of charming one’s pants off. All of this disquiet and good-natured cat-calling felt somewhat odd, though, given the soft and subdued complexion of their music. I, frankly, didn’t expect the people to be so riled up. But they were, and the band seemed appreciative of the candor (there was little talk from them).
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I dodged opener Holly Miranda, as well as headliner Friendly Fires, so no report on them. But it was plainly evident from my vantage point that many of the tickets were sold simply to ride the new wave that is the xx, and I’d wager the crowd was at its numerical peak when the surging second band played the first notes of “Intro”. Just as it does on record, it set a heavy goth-romance tone. “VCR” came next, and then “Basic Space”, which might’ve elicited more hoopin’ and hollerin’ than any other song, save for maybe “Crystalised”. As expected, Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim’s voices weren’t as crystal clear as the recordings, but it didn’t matter. “Shelter” led me to the realization that many of the xx’s songs are built on the slow, often creeping upwards in a crescendo. The elevation on this song was more intense than any other.
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They played “Islands”, with Croft’s plucky little giddy up guitar combining nicely with her pillowy voice. I suppose if you really paid attention, you might’ve noticed the absence of departed guitarist/keyboardist Baria Qureshi (Sim even warned us they might “fuck up”), but I thought the group did a nice job of filling in the gaps. Particularly when “Night Time” came on. Sim’s bass went straight to my knees and provided a bit of a corporal thrill. Is anyone else reminded of the lazy riff from Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” when listening to “Infinity”? Lord knows I am. It was the last of eight songs they played, as they skipped “Heart Skipped A Beat” and “Stars”. And with that, the set ended. Far too soon.
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Speaking of “Stars”, DJ IV Legend sent us this downloadable dance remix of the song. I can see where this might become a common occurrence.
More P Smoov to Scrunch Your Face
If you haven’t seen/heard this yet on any number of other local blogs, please do yourself a favor and download a free mixtape from Mr. P Smoov, local steamrolling hip hop producer extraordinaire. Face Scrunchers, Vol. 1 is thirty-nine minutes of innovatin, stutterin, booty-shakin, quick burstin bump-ready tech-rap commotion. You heard right. In “true mixtape” form, short snippets and breakneck changes define the 1-track mp3. Macklemore, Truckasauras, Sir Thomas Gray, GMK, Radjaw, Rik Rude and Darwin all make quick radio-announcer cameos. Get it while it’s hot, these things don’t last fuhevah. This should not have been free.
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You can also catch P Smoov and scores of other rappers at the Crocodile this weekend for Go! Machine. Champagne Champagne, Mad Rad, Fresh Espresso (check the tight new “Big or Small” video here), They Live!, the Physics, Fatal Lucciauno, Thee Satisfaction and others will be performing over two nights in a who’s-who-type showcase. Plus Spencer Moody is hosting. So there’s that. Get more deets here, and GET WITH IT.
Wolfmother At The Paramount
The first time I listened to Wolfmother’s latest album, Cosmic Egg, I felt that this was a band that knows how to progress, and take the talent that put them on the map in the first place to even greater levels of creativity. I’ve seen Wolfmother twice in the past few years, and each time I was amazed at the power and energy they delivered in their live performance. This was when Chris Ross and Myles Heskett were in the band along with Andrew Stockdale, and they had more of a triad style of writing music and performing live. I had known the original Wolfmother lineup broke up in August of 2008 due to ‘irreconcilable differences’, but still, I was really excited to see a band bring back the magic of psychedelic heavy metal that’s been lacking in the music scene for a long time.
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On Friday Nov 20th at the Paramount, the band took the stage opening with a blictering rendition of Dimension from their self titled debut album, and really didn’t let up at all for the entire show. Instead of the traditional three-piece rock set, Andrew Stockdale is now joined by bassist and keyboardist Ian Peres, rhythm guitarist Aidan Nemeth and drummer Dave Atkins. There were plenty of new songs from Cosmic Egg that sounded even better live than they did on the album, including Sundial and 10,000 Days, which demonstrate how intense guitar riffs can drive the energy of a good rock performance. The crowd was mostly younger, and I must admit watching them slam dance in the mosh pit brought back some good memories of electrifying band performances I saw when I was in my early twenties. And during the band’s final encore performance of The Joker and the Thief the youngins really got charged.
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There is no doubt that Wolfmother in its current form can still deliver a solid set and give people looking for a great rock and roll show a good time. However, the synergy from performances I saw in past years was just not there. The shows with the original lineup were more about the band as a whole and how the combined talent of each musician contributed to an excellent performance. These days, it seems the band is more about Andrew Stockdale. The band was set up on stage so Stockdale was in the spotlight, and the new band was more off to the side. I don’t even recall a single instance where Stockdale would jam, or even acknowledge the rest of the performers in the band, which really affected the overall performance. The energy delivered by a band is successful only if there is harmony among the band members and that just wasn’t evident at this show. I’m sure Wolfmother will still continue to make great music in the future, but they really need to give some extra attention to their live performances.
The Curious Mystery, Others @ the Greenhouse
From a Greenhouse myspace bulletin:
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Yes, our final show of the year is upon us, then it’s time for some serious hibernation. I have been putting on these events here for 4 and half years, and boy do I need a rest! Not to say it hasn’t been worth it.
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But yeah, this is our final show of the year, and then we will ‘re-open’ in April 2010 for the final Greenhouse shows… These shows I am calling, ‘The Greenhouse ‘Best of’ Series.’ Basically, we will be doing 2 shows a month until the end of the summer, our final show being Carousel Festival 5.
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So yes, this is it. Your last chance to experience a fun and exciting show at the Greenhouse! And who doesn’t love a fun and exciting show at the Greenhouse?
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Anyway, next Sunday we are hosting a Food Not Bombs Benefit, and a pseudo- K Records Showcase (of sorts). Not only that, but it’s an ‘official’ Post-Thanksgiving Potluck! Bring your Thanksgiving leftovers that you have too much of, and bring them to the Greenhouse to share with lovely, hungry people! You can also freshly prepare a dish if you like, or just bring a canned good for donation!
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United Underground Presents….
Sunday, November 29th @ the Greenhouse!
Post-Thanksgiving POTLUCK and FOOD NOT BOMBS BENEFIT!
featuring!
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The Curious Mystery
Your Heart Breaks
Adrian Orange (PDX)
Angelo Spencer (OLY)
Whitney Ballen
+ special guests!
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Potluck starts @ 6pm.
Doors @ 7pm.
Show @ 8pm.
ALL-AGERS!
$7 without food item. $5 with Thanksgiving leftovers, freshly prepared dish/ baked good/ etc., or canned food item.
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GREENHOUSE!
2515 S. Charles St.
Seattle, WA 98144
The xx's xx is xcellent
If you’re “on the internet”, you’ve likely heard many folks singing their praises for this budding band out of London, the xx. “Subtle and sexy” you’ve maybe heard, or “naked soul” perhaps. As with most British bands these days—thanks to the UK press corps’ astounding affinity for slamming superficially fleeting bands down our throats based on a single hook—I glared from afar with a skeptical eye. But when I gave it a chance (or succumbed to the curiosity), I, too, found myself drawn to its stark and sparse infinite night time rock ‘n soul.
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The band was started by lifelong pals Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft all the way back in 2005 and, given ample time and space by their label (Young Turks), developed a sound and concocted their first album, xx. This name they’ve chosen is not a reference to some idealistic statement against band names, an underground art movement, or even algebra variables. Instead it refers to the Roman numeral for 20, the age each band member reached before their record was finally released. Yes, they are young. But the music has an air of sophistication and restraint not often seen in a music landscape saturated with audacious and extroverted rock star wannabes. They’re friends with and toured with Micachu & the Shapes (“Basic Space” even sounds a bit like a sedate Micachu song), if that provides any context to you.
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In sound, the music is defined by Sim and Croft trading flirty, pillow-soft vocals (I prefer her endearing Londoner lisp to his sleepy schoolboy singing) over his plucky, unfettered bass lines and her lonesome, crystal-clear guitar melodies. The same kind of hi-pitched somber melodies made popular during the early 80s post-punk scene. The usual accoutrements of romantic synths and background drums round out the rest of the ear candy. The first half of the album is quite revealing, with “VCR”, “Crystalised” (watch a great live video of this song on KEXP’s blog) and “Heart Skipped A Beat” impeccably introducing the xx’s minimalist MO. But it’s the final three tracks— “Infinity”, “Night Time” and “Stars”—that really click, creating a pitch black, wide open lover’s lane that slowly seeps into the deep, never to return again.
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The band, who has admitted to a less than stellar stage presence, play Neumos this Friday, November 27th, with middling disco-rock outfit Friendly Fires. It’s sold out, so if you don’t have tickets, you might get to the Sonic Boom in Ballard well before 3pm to catch their scheduled in-store. Below are some of my favorite songs. Immerse yourself in the vast spellbinding space dreamt up by the xx.
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The xx @ Neumos
If you’re “on the internet”, you’ve likely heard many folks singing their praises for this newish band out of London, the xx. “Subtle and sexy” you’ve maybe heard, or “bare naked soul” perhaps. As with most British bands these days—thanks to the UK press corps’ astounding affinity for slamming superficially fleeting bands down our throats based on a cough or an eyelash bat of a one-hit wonder—I glared from afar with a skeptical eye. But when I gave it a chance (or succumbed to the curiosity), I, too, found myself drawn to it’s stark and sparse infinite nighttime rock ‘n soul.
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See the band at Neumos with middling disco-rock outfit Friendly Fires. John in the Morning really likes them.
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Doors at 8pm
$12 ADV
Advance tickets on sale now at: www.ticketswest.com SOLD OUT
Viva Rose City
When did this record come out? May? Jeez Louise, it really takes some time to get around to these things. I meant to pick up Viva Voce’s Rose City when it was released, but I never did; and not until after their excellent show at the Seattle Center Mural was I finally compelled to get my grubby little paws on it. I think you’ll be glad I did. Or, at least, I’m glad I did. Can’t really say what you’ll think.
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I had a hard time choosing which songs to focus on and that’s because this album is so astonishingly solid. No track-skippers here. If you find yourself drawn to splendid songwriting (minus the frills), heavy crackerjack guitars (sometimes clear, sometimes hazy), dual male-female vox, and slow psych rock jams interspersed with swift, agile boot-rock, then give this record a spin. You can try a couple on for size below.
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Kevin and Anita Robinson are the masterminds behind Viva Voce, and, as the more countrified psychedelia of previous records might suggest, hail originally from Alabama. They’ve called Portland, OR home for most of this millennium, and found it so fit that they decided to write a song about it. “Rose City” is a swaggerin’, struttin’ fast-paced homage with some incredibly nimble—and often nasty—guitar licks. Anita, whose alluring, comfortable coo often provides a nifty counterbalance to her brash and fiery axe-swingin’, sings “I wanna go back where it’s grey and green / and the protest songs have tambourines”. As a former Portland resident, I get giddy listening to this line.
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The two opening tracks put the listener on notice. Kevin, responsible for the rhythm of the record, starts “Devotion” off with some shifty drum work and a bullet-fired bass, while Anita’s jetplane guitar does a Jesus & Mary Chain fly by. It marches into the aftermath on a well-worn path, to paraphrase the lyrics. I’ve read where critics derided this song as an unwelcome departure for the band, but I say bring it the fuck on. Same goes for “Die A Little”, likely the rowdiest and most spirited tune the duo has penned. How can you not love that echo-y elastic guitar riff and the “ooo OOO ooo” refrain? Absolute spitfire. Finally, “Red Letter Day” brings the band back to what made them successful. It’s a woozy walk through a vintage lovesick daze, complete with sleepy soothsaying vocals, wheezy, washed out guitars, and that intoxicating 60′s rhythm chug.
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Get stoked for one of P-town’s best bands. Quick, before the year is out!
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Wanna Win a Wuggie!?!?
Rivers Cuomo is either really into infomercials or is a huge fan of Sky-Mall (and who isn’t?!). One product in particular has apparently piqued his interest. He and the rest of the Weezer gang have become the #1 advocate for Snuggies. They like the snugglie blankie so much so, Cuomo recently performed in a custom leopard-print Snuggie in CA and now they have decided to put their own fleecie product out there dubbed the “Wuggie.
” As Rivers puts it, “A Wuggie is basically exactly like a Snuggie, except it says Weezer on it.” Wow.. crazzzzy right?
Well, just as a coincidence, Weezer also recently released their 7th album, Raditude on Nov 3rd. The title alone would lead you to believe it’s… um, rad, but you can decide yourself here
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Now if you’ve gotten this far, you’re looking for the payoff in all of this. Yes, my friend here’s your chance. Wanna win an official Weezer Snuggie AND a copy of Raditude. (did I mention we have a WEEZER SNUGGIE?!?!?) Just send me an email here (info at Seattlesubsonic.com) with WUGGIE in the title and tell me just what kind of mischief you’d get into in your Wuggie.
Winner will be drawn Monday the 30th of Nov. Plenty of time before xmas. Ready.. GO!
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UPDATE! Congrats to Ashley!
Virgin Islands – "The Age of Anxiety"
Uhmemba the Cops? That frenzied, Clash-loving, back-alley punk band? They disbanded at the end of last year. I wept (internally). Not one to sit on his laurels, scrappy guitarist/vocalist Mike Jaworski—who also owns and operates local label Mt. Fuji Records—has created a new band: Virgin Islands. It’s a lot like the Cops, but even dirtier and more frenzied. Jagged, even. Whoa and double-whoa. The new EP is called The Age of Anxiety and the title track was put up for a free download. You can get it below. Or you can stream the 4-songer on myspace (I really like “100 Year Apology”). Or you can buy it here.
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And, lest you forget, check our calendar for the deets on the upcoming Mt. Fuji Records showcase, this weekend at both the Tractor and the Sunset. Holy Ballard!
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Bradford Cox: Fleet Foxes Are Not A Put-On
Pretty good interview with the Deerhunter/Atlas Sound frontman. Post-pneumonia bed-riding, Cox runs through Logos song by song for the first time, along with some other good anecdotes (“I am asexual”). Check my thoughts against THE GUY WHO CREATED IT here.
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http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/7726-atlas-sound/
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via Pitchfork
