Saturday, March 31, 2012

Live Review - Revival Tour @ Bowery Ballroom





The famous phrase, "If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life," never seemed so true than when it was displayed at the 2012 Revival Tour. The Revival Tour, which began in 2008, under the idea of taking singers and songwriters, normally in punk bands and stripping them down and showing unity on an unplugged outing among friends in the field. The 2012 tour, currently on the road, features Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music, Tommy Gabel of Against Me!, Dan Adriano of Alkaline Trio, Cory Branan and others, including special guests in each city.

It was a punk-rock ho-down in the first of two back-to-back shows in one night at Bowery Ballroom. As special guest, Dave Hause of The Loved Ones opened the night, it was immediate that this show will be an ongoing night of surprises and wonderment. As Hause was on stage, Dan Adriano would come on and sing a few tunes with him, then would Cory Branan and followed by Chuck Ragan and the rest of the people on the tour joining up for a sing-a-long of The Loved One's "Build and Burn." Hause, who is a character in his own right, showed off his passionate songs and lyrical style and would become a benchmark for the rest of the night.

After Hause was punk/country/folk singer Cory Branan. Branan, who was introduced by Hause as "The best songwriter in this room," humbly took the stage and sang his songs of love, loss and drunken nights in the middle of nowhere. Much like the set played by Hause prior, the guests of the tour would come right out and perform alongside Branan. The interesting thing about the show was that there was no time wasted on set changes, every person's instrument was right on stage and allowed for everyone to run up, grab an axe, get in front of a mic and sing-a-long. 

While Branan brought a new sound to the room full of punks, it was Dan Adriano, who would change the mood and bring both comedy and drama to the stage. Adriano, known for his songwriting style of "doom and gloom," and self-loathing brought that to his acoustic set, yet, also showed how to have fun with those feelings. As fans screamed various Alkaline Trio songs to be played, he would oblige and also jump right into his own solo music. While his typical black-on-black attire was ditched for a blue skull cap and casual wear, Adriano's vocal style still sounded as on-point and meaningful as ever. Much like his show mates ahead of him, Ragan, Hause and Branan would join up and sing with Adriano. At this point, the crowd knew the deal of what to expect for the night and the joy and smiles on the paying customers faces would not drop all night.

Just as Branan played his final note, Tommy Gabel was brought to the stage. The Against Me! front man is know for playing loud, pulse pounding punk, yet he proved he could still do it unplugged. Gabel's vocals are as if a drill sergeant is shouting at you but it also has a tender Neil Young sentiment to it. Unlike his other touring mates on this year's Revival Tour, Gabel only has one solo record out, so much of his set was spent on his work with Against Me!, which of course made fans go nuts. While Gabel was off for most of his on his own, Ragan would join him and bring two very distinct voices and vocal styles of punk together. 

While the amazing night of amazing musicians rolled into its final solo set, brought to us by Chuck Ragan, who is set to have a big year as his main band Hot Water Music will release their first album of new material in eight years, Ragan is a seasoned veteran of this acoustic solo shows, as he has released more solo albums than the rest of the men on the bill. His latest record, the brilliant and soulful, Covering Ground, was released last year, Ragan and his backing back (which would support the other men of the night), a fiddle player and upright bassist, Ragan plowed through songs from his solo work and Hot Water Music. His voice, which sounds like Joe Cocker smoked a pack of cigarettes, swallowed a handful of sand and washed it down with a bottle of Jack Daniels, is unique and abrasive to say the least, yet, Ragan, who is one of the best songwriters this generation has, brought passion and fire to the stage. After his set, the entire crew of Revival Tour 2012 came on stage for a mass band and jig that would bring the audience to beg for more at the end. As the house lights went up and everyone retreated out of Bowery Ballroom, the staff cleaned up, the bar restocked and the musicians took a deep breath, for an hour later they would have to do it all over again. 

While each member of the tour did 25-30 minutes on their "own," the revolving door of musicians would come in and out and show the unity of this tour. It was something special to admire, while most of these appearances and duets are completely unique to just this tour and will never be repeated again, it was a beautiful thing to witness as each person on the bill would wait in the wings and watch their friends on stage. The camaraderie and brotherhood displayed by these gentlemen is unheard of these days, with bands competing for attention and bashing each other in the press, The Revival Tour showed how you could do it and get by with a little help from your friends.

 Dave Hause above / Cory Branan and Chuck Ragan below

 Ragan and Dan Adriano
 Tommy Gabel
 Hause and Ragan
 Ragan
Gabel and Rangan's backing band

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Quick News

The annual UK loud rock festival, Sonisphere has been cancelled by organizers. The event organizers said in a statement on the festivals website: "Putting the festival together in what is proving to be a very challenging year was more difficult than we anticipated and we have spent the last few months fighting hard to keep Sonisphere in the calendar. Unfortunately circumstances have dictated that we would be unable to run the festival to a standard that both the artists and that Sonisphere’s audience would rightly expect." Ticket holders will receive a full refund, the festival was to feature Queen + Adam Lambert, KISS, Faith No More, Incubus, Wolfmother, The Darkness, Refused, Mastodon, Andrew W.K. and more.

The Walkmen have confirmed the title of their seventh album. The record, Heaven will be released on June 5. Take a look at the cover below:

Snoop Dogg and Major Lazer (Diplo and Switch) are working on a reggae album together. Diplo confirmed the news to MTV. It is the first album that the mega-producer has executive produced and the first non-rap album for Snoop. It should arrive later this year.

Paul Simon will release the 25th anniversary editions to his groundbreaking album, Graceland. The editions vary from a collectors box set, CD/DVD edition, vinyl, and a ultra-deluxe box-set which Simon autographs a poster. These are all expected to arrived on June 5, the same day his documentary Under African Skies, the making of Graceland arrives on DVD.

Jonah Matranga is never one to stay away from social issues. Now he is adding to the chorus of outcries against George Zimmerman, who claims it was self-defense that he shot and killed, unarmed teenager, Trayvon Martin in Florida. Matranga has written and recorded a special song called, "The Lonesome Death of Travyon Martin," you can hear the song and download it HERE.

Confirmed via their blog, Gaslight Anthem have finished recording and mixing their new album, the record will be out later this year.

Hot Water Music have released the tracklisting to their first album in eight years, Exister. Take a look at the tracklisting below:

1. "Mainline" 
2. "Boy, You're Gonna Hurt Someone"
3. "State of Grace"
4. "Down in It"
5. "Drag My Body"
6. "Safety"
7. "Exister"
8. "Wrong Way"
9. "Take No Prisoners"
10. "Pledge Wore Thin"
11. "No End Left in Sight"
12. "The Traps"
13. "Paid in Full"

Donovan on Conan!



 The legendary Donovan was on Conan this week and performed, "Sunshine Superman" and "Season of the Witch," take a look!

The Dig Cover & Tracklisting


On May 29, New York space-rocker's The Dig return with their sophomore album, Midnight Flowers. Take a look at the cover and tracklisting below and listen to the first single, "Red Rose in the Cold Winter Ground," below.



01. Red Rose in the Cold Winter Ground
02. Black Water
03. Already Forgot Everything You Said
04. All Tied Up
05. Hole In My Heart
06. Animal Screams
07. Break The Silence
08. Police Car
09. Clouds and The White Noise
10. Glass Horse




In 2010 we interviewed the band just as they released their debut album, take a look at that interview HERE.

Paul McCartney Joined By Ronnie Wood, Rodger Daltrey, Paul Weller



Earlier this week at a special concert at The Royal Albert Hall, Paul McCartney brought out three very special guests: Rodger Daltrey of The Who, Paul Weller, and Rolling Stones Guitarist Ronnie Wood to perform The Beatles classic, "Get Back." Take a look!

Band of Skulls on Letterman



Watch Band of Skulls perform "Sweet Sour" on Letterman last night.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

OFFICIALLY A PODCAST Ep. 7


Officially A Yuppie Owner Salvatore Bono speaks with Gary Jarman of The Cribs about the band's forthcoming new album, In the Belly of the Brazen Bull, working with Steve Albini and if there is any sibling rivalry between the three brothers that make-up English rock band. 
Take a listen:

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Playlist

As we bring down March, here is a playlist of tracks for our monthly playlist.

- M83 - "Reunion"
- Wilco - "Art of Almost"
- Everything But The Girl - "Before Today"
- SebastiAn - "Embody"
- Speakers - "Bass"
- Caveman - "Old Friend"
- The Weeknd - "What You Need"
- The Horrible Crowes - "I Believe Jesus Brought Us Together"
- The Rapture - "Blue Bird"
- Pulp - "The Professional"
- Pearl Jam - "Blood"
- James Blake & Bon Iver - "Fall Creek Boys Choir"
- Charlotte Gainsbourg - "Terrible Angels"
- The Parlotones - "Push Me to the Floor"
- fun. w/ Janelle Monae - "We Are Young"
- Siouxsie & The Banshees - "Hong Kong Garden"
- Noel Gallagher - "AKA...What A Life"
- Grouplove - "Colours"
- Warm Ghost - "Claws Overhead"
- Joy Division - "Passover"
- Katy B - "Easy lease Me"
- The Heartbreaks - "Delay, Delay"
- Fucked Up - "Turn of the Season"
- Belle & Sebastian - "Like Dylan and the Movies"
- Sage Francis - "I Was Zero"
- Blur - "Tracy Jacks"

Get most of this playlist on SPOTIFY by clicking HERE.


Get other playlist from us on SPOTIFY:
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The Boss Pays Homage to Trayvon Martin



Florida, the state currently under National media siege and scrutiny after an unarmed teenager, Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by a neighborhood watch member George Zimmerman, in what Zimmerman claims was self-defense. The killing has sparked outrage since Zimmerman was never arrested.

Last Friday in Tampa, while Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band were on tour, the Boss broke out a rare song, "American Skin (41 Shots)." A song he wrote for murdered, New York City resident Amadou Diallo, who in 1999 was shot by four different police officers as he reached into his pocket to pull out his wallet, while the officer's claimed he was pulling out a gun. 41 shots were fired in total at the unarmed Diallo. Springsteen performed the song for the first time at his reunion gigs with the E-Street band in 2000.

Here in this video, Springsteen pays a 9-minute tribute to Martin, who died in similar conditions.

Quick News

Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi has taken to his website to update fans on his cancer treatments and condition as he battles lymphoma. Iommi said, "I've had the last dose of chemotherapy so hopefully my body will start to get back to normal soon. The steroids were the worst. I've now got three weeks of radiotherapy coming up which I'm told can be very tiring, so we'll see." In January, just two months after Black Sabbath announced their reunion, Iommi was diagnosed with lymphoma, the same cancer that took the life of Joey Ramone in 2001. Black Sabbath still have plans to record a new album with producer Rick Rubin.

As we mentioned earlier in the week that R&B and soul legend Bobby Womack was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, he has been released from the hospital after a successful treatment for pneumonia.

Maximo Park have announced details of a new album. The record, The National Health will be released on June 11. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
'When I Was Wild'
'The National Health'
'Hips And Lips'
'The Undercurrents'
'Write This Down'
'Reluctant Love'
'Until The Earth Would Open'
'Banlieue'
'This Is What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted'
'Wolf Among Men'
'Take Me Home'
'Unfamiliar Places'
'Waves of Fear'

VINTAGE CLIP - Nine Inch Nails on Dance Party USA



On Wednesday, rare and vintage footage of Nine Inch Nails performing on late 80's dance show, Dance Party USA surfaced via Nine Inch Nails Hotline's message board. The show which helped launch the career of Kelly Ripa, had the band perform their first single, "Down In It," this had to have been the band's first televised performance.

Also, please take note at the scrunchie in now Oscar® winner Trent Reznor's hair.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tallest Man on Earth Cover & Tracklisting


Swedish indie-folk favorite Kristian Matsson aka The Tallest Man on Earth revealed details about his sophomore album. The record, There's No Leaving Now will be released on June 12. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below:


01. To Just Grow Away
02. Revelation Blues
03. Leading Me Now
04. 1904
05. Bright Lanterns
06. There’s No Leaving Now
07. Wind and Walls
08. Little Brother
09. Criminals
10. On Every Page

Quick News

On a small street that made major rock and roll history, British authorities in London unveiled a plaque on Tuesday on Heddon Street, 40 years after David Bowie stood on the spot for the cover of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Bowie was not present for the unveiling, but the plaque will remain forever, just as the album, as a benchmark for rock and roll history.

The Stone Roses have announced support acts for their reunion gigs in Heaton Park in England this summer. On Friday June 29: Primal Scream, The Wailers, The Vaccines, Kid British will support. On Saturday June 30: Beady Eye, The Wailers, Professor Green, Hollie Cook and on Sunday July 1: Plan B, The Wailers, The Justice Tonight Band (feat. Mick Jones, Pete Wylie & The Farm), Dirty North will lend their support. All three comeback gigs are sold-out.

File under - Weird and also, under the title - "Only the Flaming Lips," the Okalahoma indie legends will be releasing a special record for Record Store Day entitled, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends, however, singer Wayne Coyne told MTV Hive that he will be collecting blood from all the collaborators on the record and will be sold in a very exclusive and expensive package. Coyne said, "What I'm going to try to do - and I'm collecting stuff for it as we speak - is I'm going to try to make a record that has every person's blood in the record." He has admitted that he has not gotten blood from everyone yet, but is trying. Collaborators on the project include; Bon Iver, Nick Cave, Ke$ha, Neon Indian and Erykah Badu.


Aesop Rock Cover & Tracklisting


After a five year wait, Aesop Rock will release his new album Skelethon on July 10. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below:


1. Leisureforce
2. ZZZ Top
3. Cycles To Gehenna
4. Zero Dark Thirty
5. Fryerstarter
6. Ruby '81
7. Crows 1
8. Crows 2
9. Racing Stripes
10. 1,000 O'Clock
11. Homemade Mummy
12. Grace
13. Saturn Missiles
14. Tetra
15. Gopher Guts

Monday, March 26, 2012

Quick News

Sad news to report, legendary soul singer Bobby Womack has been diagnosed with Colon Cancer. The news was released by his friend Bootsy Collins via his Facebook page. Womack is gearing up to release his new record in June, The Bravest Man in the Universe which was co-produced by Damon Albarn and Richard Russell. We wish Mr. Womack as speedy recovery and all the best.

After years of speculation and hiatus, Australian garage rockers Jet have officially called it quits according to Billboard magazine.

Texas rockers The Sword have confirmed they are entering the studio in June to record a new album. The band hope to have it out by the fall.

Liars have confirmed they will release their yet-to-be-titled new album in June.

Legendary DIY punks, Mission of Burma will release their new album, Unsound on July 9.

Regina Spektor has released the tracklisting for her forthcoming record, What We Saw From The Cheap Seats on May 29. Take a look:
01. Small Town Moon
02. Oh Marcello
03. Don’t Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
04. Firewood
05. Patron Saint
06. How
07. All the Rowboats
08. Ballad of a Politician
09. Open
10. The Party
11. Jessica

Sigur Ros Cover & Tracklisting

On May 29, Sigur Ros will release their first new album since 2008! The album, Valtari which translates from Icelandic to English as "Steamroller," is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below and listen to the new single, "Ekki Mukk," below.



1 Êg Anda
2 Ekki Múkk
3 Varúð
4 Rembihnûtur
5 Dauðalogn
6 Varðeldur
7 Valtari
8 Fjögur Píanó

Sigur Rós - Ekki múkk from Sigur Rós on Vimeo.

New Glasvegas Demo



Glasvegas took to social networking this weekend and directed fans to their Soundcloud page where they posted a demo of a new song called "If," take a listen!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

EXCLUSIVE! Jim Ward INTV!

Earlier this year a reunion happened that no one in the music world thought ever would. El Paso, Texas post-hardcore legends At The Drive-In announced they were reforming after nearly 11 years apart, the band announced they would be playing at this years Coachella festival and now the reunion has really taken shape, with more festivals in Europe added to the bands schedule. In the wake of the At The Drive-In break-up of 2001, two bands formed - The Mars Volta which was led by singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, the other band was Sparta which was guitarist Jim Ward taking on front man duties, drummer Tony Hajjer and bassist Paul Hinojos. While both bands competed against each other in the presses eyes, for years they were all in cahoots with each other. While all the members of At The Drive-In remain to be a creative force as a group, they were also a creative force on their own.

We spoke with Jim Ward, who during the hiatus of Sparta went on to form his country-folk one-man-band, Sleepercar and his experimental music under his own name. Ward also started Tembloroso, a website that features his blog, music, musical tastes, and artists he sponsors from the El Paso area. Take a look at our interview with Ward about his career, Sparta's new plans and At The Drive-In's mega-reunion.

In your long musical career, what is the greatest piece of advice you would give to an aspiring musician today?

Do it because you love it and you won't be disappointed- tour- be confident but humble.

What influences you to still make music?

Everything I see everyday I am alive makes an impression on me one way or another, music is my release, always has been- so living I guess.

After being in the industry long enough, what are your thoughts on the music industry today?

I think we are in the midst of a real slow and painful evolution- the money aspect of music is gone in a lot of ways and people are being forced to work other jobs and play music and I think that is just fine. We will all land on our feet if we love what we do.

With Sparta hitting the road again, will fans be able to hear new music?

We are writing, but things will coem when they come- we may be working on new songs at soundcheck but I doubt they will appear live for a few more months.

Is a new album in the works for Sparta?

Yes, in some form.

From all of the projects that you have been involved in – At the Drive-In, Sparta, Sleepercar, and your solo material. What has meant the most to you and why?

Fans. I love that people care about music I make. It is incredibly humbling to think that someone takes their hard earned money and buys a ticket or a record. I am indebted for life to the fans.

You released your solo debut last year and was a different approach to you style and sound, what was your major influence in making that record?

I think being home for a bit and slowing down from years of touring gave me a new approach. I tried very hard to cultivate that and grow in a different direction. It was a joy to work on.

With At the Drive-In reuniting this year, are you excited to be hitting the road again with the band?

I am very excited.

How did the reunion come about?

It took a lot of hard work and personal time to reconnect. I am so glad we did, there has been a tremendous amount of healing between us and we love each other dearly.

When the announcement was made, it took everyone by surprise, after all these years apart how does it feel to be back? Were you surprised as to how everyone reacted?

I was surprised at the amount of attention. I knew it would be big, but things are bigger than I thought. We are taking our time and devising our course as we see fit. We will not be rushed nor forced into any situation we don't wish to be in. We are 100% in charge and that is awesome.

Will we ever get a new At The Drive-In record?

We have no period but a question mark on the future.

You also reached the new media world by blogging with your site, Tembloroso and displaying news, thoughts, projects and things that interest you. Do you feel this is a great way to connect to you audience aside from the music?

It serves my short attention span well. We are in the process of some exciting developments at tembloroso.com that I look forward to a lot- keep checking in!

After the At The Drive-In and Sparta tours, what is next for you?

Couldn't tell you- we'll see when we get there.










Dr. Dog on Fallon



Dr. Dog hit up Fallon last night, take a look!

Sleeper Agent on Fallon



Sleeper Agent hit up Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this week, take a look!

The Heartbreaks Cover & Tracklisting

In May slick English rockers The Heartbreaks will release their debut album, Funtimes, the album was produced by Edwyn Collins of Orange Juice. Take a look the cover above and the tracklisting below:


Liar, My Dear
Delay, Delay
Hand On Heart
Winter Gardens
Remorseful
Jealous, Don't You Know
Gorgeous
POLLY
Save Our Souls
I Didn't Think It Would Hurt To Think Of You

In 2011 we interviewed the band on two separate occasions, take a look at our interview with drummer Joe Kondras HERE and bassist Deaks and singer Matthew Whitehouse HERE at their New York debut.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Quick Spins


TribesBaby
The London band’s debut is filled with serious riffs, catchy hooks and enough to keep asking for more. Tribes are a band that our London correspondent, Linn Branson mentioned to us in her list of British bands to look out for in 2012, she has not disappointed. The bands sound is very Britpop inspired – think later Stone Roses meets Blur but with a Pulp twist (if that makes sense), instead of ripping off those bands, they take serious inspiration from them and hone in on topics we all know and arefamiliar with – religion and relationships. Baby is a stellar debut and a serious contender for Top 10 of the year potential. With the new influx of British guitar bands – The Vaccines, The Maccabees, The Heartbreaks, Sulk and more breaking through, we can now add Tribes to that list.
FINAL GRADE: A

CeremonyZoo
The California hardcore heroes go for post-punk of their latest. You have to think of Ceremony the way you would think of hardcore legend Ian MacKaye’s career – starting off screaming your face off in a band like Minor Threat then slowing things down but becoming much more melodic and just as intense with Fugazi (We will skip Embrace for this example), Ceremony is much like that – they started off brutally hard in the new school of dark hardcore bands like Flats, Throats, Gallows, Dillinger Escape Plan and now went for the much more melodic and focused. Zoo is a very concentrated release and smart record that is not for the fait of heart but for the eager listener.
FINAL GRADE: A


Action Bronson / Party SuppliesBlue Chips
Queens rapper Action Bronson and rising producer Party Supplies link up for a mixtape that plays like a full album of smart lyrics, masterful beats and slick production. Blue Chips maybe a mixtape showcasing Bronson and Supplies but it plays off like a movie trailer to the epic film you cannot wait to see – if this partnership continues, the big picture will be unreal.
FINAL GRADE: A


The ShinsPort of Morrow
After five years away, James Mercer returns with a whole new Shins line-up and delivers more great music. Port of Morrow is the band finding a perfect balance between simple and seductive harmonies and arena size pop music. With many of the songs combining jazz and folk influence, the band’s atmospheric sound is still as present and abundant as it has been in the past, but has matured in all the right ways.
FINAL GRADE: A-

VCMGSsss
Depeche Mode’s original core of Vince Clarke and Martin Gore reunite after nearly 30 years since Clark left the band to form bands like Yazoo and Erasure. VCMG is the debut record from these two electronic pioneers and with the current DJ and club craze hitting the mainstream, they show the kids really how it is done.
FINAL GRADE: B+


Electric Touch Don’t Look Back
In the post-SXSW hangover a real bandfrom Austin, Texas are breaking out and making a name for themselves. Electric Touch are a straight-up, no frills, balls-to-the-wall, rock and roll band that are on the crusade to prove that the genre is far from dead. The band’s second release, Don’t Look Back is a testament to the notion of their power and belief that amps should go to 11.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Morning Parade
The Essex five-piece have been building a strong buzz for sometime in England and now have released their debut to live up to the hype. While they shook the ground in NYC recently opening for The Kooks, Morning Parade displayed their perfect pop-rock power to an audience who had never heard of them before and they were sold on the band. Morning Parade’s sound is a hybrid of contemporary British acts Coldplay / Elbow meets Kaiser Chiefs / The Wombats. They can get loud when they want and melodic when they have to and their debut displays all of their best intentions and introduction to their sound.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Paul Weller Sonik Kicks
The modfather returns with another record, yet while his last album, Wake up the Nation hit you in the gut straight away, Sonik Kicks needs time to marinate. Sonik Kicks hears Weller dabbling more into keyboards and electronic hooks, while incorporating his signature loud riffs and post-punk sound. Still singing about the current state of the global union, the former Jam frontman has nothing left to prove but still shows he can make quality music.
FINAL GRADE: B

NnekaSoul is Heavy
The hip-hop soul singer returns withalbum number three and it is her most brutally intense yet. Never one to stray away from a tough topic or global issues, Nneka speaks her mind and presents her beautiful voice with the precision and poetry we have come to admire about her through the years. For Soul Is Heavy she incorporated more a full band sound and sounds as if she is fronting a group and really making music rather than presenting her words over beats or a drum track. With guests like Ms Dynamite, Black Though of the Roots, Wura Samba and Mohammed – this record is one to really seek out.
FINAL GRADE: B


Esperanza SpaldingRadio Music Society
She came into our hearts and eyes at the 2011 Grammy Awards winning Best New Artist and now Esperanza Spalding releases her third album and its perfect for the café’s and lounging out. There is something so calming about Esperanza Spalding that it is hard to resist her music and style, its jazz and its also neo-soul and its R&B. Radio Music Society is a taste of all things that represent her.
FINAL GRADE: B-

WZRD
Kid Cudi and Dot da Genious team up and bring the rock. WZRD is the group featuring normally a hip-hop line-up but in the vein of N.E.R.D., WZRD does the trick of blending rock, rap and alternative for an interesting listen.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Good Old WarCome Back as Rain
The indie-folk-jam band returns with a new record of the same sonic sounds they have served up in the past. Come Back as Rain may have a better production than past Good Old War albums, yet the band themselves have not done much to enhance their character as artists.
FINAL GRADE: C+


The Magnetic FieldsLove at the Bottom of the Sea
The British indie darling return with a new record and after three records of their “no-synth” policy, they go back to the sound that has made them as popular as ever, yet with a new release that sounds very tired.
FINAL GRADE: C+


The Ting Tings Sounds from Nowheresville
The Ting Tings were a band that started off with such promise, a very hyper-charged pop / electro duo that made very catchy songs but their second release hears them trying to repeat the same formula. The redundancy of Sounds from Nowheresville is just as annoying as modern pop radio; it’s the same thing over and over again.
FINAL GRADE: D

Live Review - Gold Fields @ Mercury Lounge

In the SXSW hangover, it feels like nearly every band makes their way to either Los Angeles or New York City immediately after the festival and both cities have an abundance of bands more than usual. Just as hard it is to stick out at a massive showcase like SXSW, it is just as difficult to make a mark in the big cities the days after. For most bands, that difficulty can be a factor in reassessing themselves as a live band or realize they could just be too tired to keep on going. As someone who has seen this happen to bands nearly every year after Austin's favorite festival, it is a bit difficult to give a proper review or allow some amnesty, that is, unless the band is someone like Gold Fields.

Gold Fields are an electro-rock / neo-New Wave band from Australia that combine elements of New Order, Two Door Cinema Club, Friendly Fires and Duran Duran. In the wake of SXSW, the Aussie band made their maiden voyage to the Big Apple for two shows - on Tuesday night at Brooklyn venue Glassland and Manhattan's Mercury Lounge. As their set started at 10:15 p.m., it was as if a bomb went off in the venue and immediately, Gold Fields proved they were unlike any band you had seen play the intimate venue before. With the packed room moving as if it was a Saturday night at the cities biggest and best club, the showmanship Gold Fields have on stage is simply uncanny. If one could bottle their energy and sell it, they would make a fortune. Drummer Ryan D’Sylva is simply a lunatic as how he plays his set, with his body moving as fast as the speed of sound it is amazing he does not pass out of exhaustion behind his kit. The band's charismatic singer Mark Robert Fuller knows how to get a crowds attention dancing and running around on stage as if his life depended on it. Yet the band's dance-oriented sound is far too grand and massive for small venues like Mercury Lounge and that is thanks in part to guitarist Vin Anadar, bassist Luke Peldys and percussionist / keyboardist Rob Clifton. Together Gold Fields are one of the most impressive live band's I personally have ever witnessed and one of the most impressive bands you will ever experience. In a set highlighted by their music and their sound, Gold Fields also performed a superb cover of Underworld's classic "Born Slippy," that had everyone in the room in awe. With only a four song EP under their belt, it will be a grand anticipation to hear what they have next.

Marley Trailer



On April 20, (4/20 ironically) the documentary Marley will hit theaters and Video on Demand, it is of course, the film based on musical and social legend Bob Marley. Take a look at the trailer above.

The film is directed by Kevin MacDonald but was originally to be directed by Martin Scorsese, who had to drop the project due to too many prior commitments.

Paul Simon "Under African Skies" Trailer



This past weekend at SXSW, Paul Simon's documentary, Under African Skies, about the making of his legendary 1985 album, Graceland won the Audience award at Austin, Texas festival. The film is directed by Joe Berlinger and is currently making is run through the festival circuit before hitting theaters later this year.

Quick News

Rapper Rick Ross has released the title of his new album, the record God Forgives, I Don't will be released later this year.

Odd Future enigma member Earl Sweatshirt made his live debut with the hip-hop collective Tuesday night in New York City. The groups Wednesday night gig in Boston was shut down by police.

Neil Young and Crazy Horse will team-up together again for their new album, Americana out on June 5.

Slash has confirmed that Guns N' Roses will not be playing at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month.

The Beatles will rerelease Yellow Submarine on Blu-Ray and DVD on May 29 in a new restored version of the band's classic animated film.

Actor Michael K. Williams has been tapped to play Russell Jones aka Old Dirty Bastard aka Dirt McGirt aka Big Baby Jesus in an upcoming biopic on the legendary late rapper's life. The film will be the directorial debut of longtime industry Cinematographer, Joaquín Baca-Asay.

Beach House have revealed the cover to their forthcoming record, Bloom. Take a look at the cover below, the album arrives early this summer.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sharon Van Etten on Conan



Sharon Van Etten hit up Conan last night to perform "Tornado," take a look!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

LiveReview - The Shins @ Ed Sullian

It has been five years since we last heard from The Shins, in that five years much has changed in the world around them and the world within them. In 2008 the band had fulfilled their contractual obligations with Sub Pop and front man James Mercer started his own label, Aural Apothecary, in 2009, nearly everyone in the band had been replaced by Mercer and finally in 2012 on the day their latest record, Port of Morrow. The band showcased their new tunes, new line-up at the famous Ed Sullivan Theater for a special Live on Letterman webcast.

Opening their set with "Caring is Creeping," off their brilliant 2001 debut, Oh, Inverted World, The Shins had locked their audience attention straight away. Then it was into the fan favorite, "Australia," before kicking into their new single, "Simple Song," where it became a joyous occasion for viewers from the get-go. "This is off our new record, Port of Morrow, out today. I cannot believe it! Finally!, "said Mercer to the audience, as he said it, it seemed as if a giant weight had been lifted off his shoulders. In the time away from The Shins he formed Broken Bells with producer Danger Mouse and released their debut in 2010, but The Shins are still Mercer's baby and he, like fans, only wants the best. Playing a majority of songs off Port of Morrow, the band's fourth record, it was for many in the audience and at home watching online, the first time they had heard many of these songs. The new album sounds just as atmospheric and lush as the past records from the band, but very focused. Many of the new songs like "September," "Bait and Switch," "No Way Down" and the album's title track, "Port of Morrow," have jazz and folk influence and sonically show a progression in the band.

After an hour on stage, the band retreated to the wings and with the audience not satisfied until they got an encore, they returned to the stage for the epic, "Sleeping Lessons," which was the perfect way to close out the night. In a venue with perfect acoustics such as Ed Sullivan, hearing and seeing The Shins, like most bands there is a treat and privilege.

The Naked & Famous on Kimmel!





New Zealand's The Naked and Famous were on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night and performed "Punching in a Dream," and "Young Blood." Take a look!

Esperanza Spalding on Letterman



Esperanza Spalding performed "Radio Song," last night on Letterman last night. Take a look!

Monday, March 19, 2012

New Mumford & Sons

As SXSW came to a close this weekend, Mumford and Sons performed an surprise concert for fans at the screening of their tour documentary, Big Easy Express. Fans caught the band's post-screening concert on cell phone and take a look at potential new songs for their forthcoming record. The songs "Lover Eyes," which fans know has been apart of the bands set for the last year and the new song, "Ghost Still In You," is very fresh.




Sunday, March 18, 2012

EXCLUSIVE! OFF! INTV!

While the glory days of punk and hardcore maybe dead or a memory of the past. In 2009 a supergroup of sorts formed with the idea and esthetics of punks prime, that band was OFF! Featuring Circle Jerks / Black Flag member Keith Morris, Burning Brides guitarist Dimitri Coats, Redd Kross bassist Steven Shane McDonald and Hot Snakes / Rocket From the Crypt drummer Mario Rubalcaba. The band quickly turned heads to those who may have thought that what was in the past would be locked away in memory for good. The band released their debut album, a compilation of their first four EP's entitled, The First Four EP's. Taking to the early days of punk and hardcore OFF! stuck to the basic DIY principles that made the genre grow and gain respect. As the band is set to release a new record this Spring and head back out on the road, we spoke with Dimitri Coats about the bands formation, acclaim and if punk is dead.

The band formed with each of you having similar ideals and backgrounds, how did the initial set up and formation go for OFF!? How did the ball get rolling?

Keith and I started writing songs for a Circle Jerks album I was producing. The whole thing crumbled and we decided the material was too good to go to waste so we started talking about who we'd wanted to form a band. Steven and Mario were the first choices and luckily they wanted in. Everything happened pretty organically and fast after that.

Do you consider yourselves a supergroup?

I consider us a group that's super. I guess we look pretty good on paper. Not a bad pedigree but ultimately it comes down to the album and the live show. The proof is in the pudding.

The past year has been a whirlwind for the band, how does everything feel?

Pretty insane. For whatever reason we've been accepted by a wide audience. At our age it's a hoot being a buzz band.

With each of you being in the music business for so long, does this feel like starting all over again?

Not really. It's more of an extension of what we've all been doing for years but it feels pretty badass to make this kind of music at this point in our lives. It's for sure a reinvention for all four of us that's somewhat unexpected.

One thing that has caught the buzz of the band again is your use of social networking and using the internet to speak to fans. Do you feel it is necessary in today’s world to do so?


Absolutely. Instead of pasting flyers all over town like the old days, you now post information online. It's a great way to get the word out. Some would argue Twitter isn't very punk but if more people find out about what we're up to and spread the word because of it then great. That's the point.

Your music has a sound of frustration and anger. When playing it – whether it is recording or performing feel therapeutic because you are releasing those emotions?

There's a physical commitment to what we're doing that you can't fake. It's intense. You have to grab the bull by the horns and go for it. The music is stripped down to the bare essentials. Less is more. There's a lot to be pissed off about. We're not interested in writing love songs. That being said, there's joy in expressing anger. You can dance to a few of our tunes.

With those high emotions, playing the songs night in and night out, is it tiring to take yourselves back to that place of pain and anger?

Not really because the fans go apeshit and have a blast when we play. It's a dark party and those who can relate are gonna have a great time. It's a high for us and for them.

You seem to be having a pure blast doing this, will OFF! stick around for while?

That's the plan. We just started writing a new album. There's a demand for it now so we might as well see how much we can get away with.

With each member of the band coming from very strong punk backgrounds and ideals, given the current state of music, how do you feel about the music industry crumbling?

I feel bad for my friends who work in the music business. A lot of them aren't landing on their feet the way they used to. As for bands, there are just so many these days. It's harder to get noticed. We had an advantage because we weren't coming out of nowhere but we worked hard at telling our story our way. DIY has been key for us and that's where the industry has headed. Labels aren't going to hold your hand and throw money around like they used to.

Your political stance is also very strong and hailing from California, did the economic downfall of the Golden State influence your writing?


It's where we live but the issues we address are more worldwide. We just got back from Europe and those kids can totally relate to the same problems and social issues. We seem to have hit a nerve with people that are fed up.

The genre of music you are playing has changed so much and you have brought it back to its raw roots, do you feel you are a wake up call to bands today because there is a ton of crap without substance around?

Punk has changed over the years. Most of it we can't relate to. It's either too commercial and watered down or too metallic with little regard to melody. We're about getting back to basics and relying on earlier influences that are more rock than punk. Keith helped invent early hardcore but he'd probably take Blue Oyster Cult over the Dead Kennedys.

Recently Anthony Kiedis has been wearing your merch and really supporting the band. Has the idea of a collaboration between OFF! and Anthony ever been discussed?

We wouldn't be surprised if they offered us a support slot at some point. Flea was in the Circle Jerks and all those dudes go way back to the LA party days. It makes sense because of the history.

Do you feel that punk is dead?

Yes but you can summon ghosts to do your bidding.




Saturday, March 17, 2012

Joy Formidable on Kimmel!





The Joy Formidable hit up Jimmy Kimmel Live this week to perform "Whirring" and "A Heavy Abacus" off their brilliant 2011 debut, The Big Roar. Take a look!

Live Review - EMA @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

While SXSW is taking place in Austin, Texas, one of the festival's break-out stars from 2011, EMA headlined Music Hall of Williamsburg to a pack but not sold-out audience on Friday night. With a stage decorated with color changing lanterns, and backed by a band that consisted of a drummer, programmer / violinist and guitarist, Erika M. Anderson aka EMA brought her subtle and sexual sound to North Brooklyn.

In support of her 2011 sophomore release, the acclaimed, Past Life Martyred Saints, EMA took the stage as if it was her home and displayed the raw emotion and power that she has gotten her the praise that has helped her career. Her minimal sound with Lou Reed-eque lyrical delivery coupled with her etherial voice, EMA captivated and hypnotized the audience in Brooklyn. While each song would build and build into its climax, it represented the type of music EMA makes and performance, in so many ways watching her perform and hearing her sonic delivery is parallel to making intimate love - it builds and builds and climaxes then comes down, yet, for EMA it happens with every song. Songs like "The Grey Ship," and "Butterfly Knife," are the perfect examples of this. Her songs themselves speak of sexuality, small towns and celebrity and trying to be comfortable in your own skin, with an audience that seemed to be thriving on those concepts, EMA was a hit. In between songs EMA would banter about her lighting design and lanterns, while the audience would do their best to respond to her off-beat jokes and dark humor, it was the music that they were their for and what they wanted.

Great Soundtracks - Romeo + Juliet

The year was 1996 - Pop culture was in a flux; grunge was dying, Britpop was rising and two of America's biggest rising stars were about to get thrust into the spotlight for the generation they represented. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes were Romeo and Juliet in Baz Luhrmann's modern day adaptation on the Shakespeare classic. While the idea of the film was risky, it ended up proving to be a hit but all these years later, while the film has gone on to help the next generation understand a story of forbidden love, the soundtrack of the film has gone on to be one of the best of the last 20 years.

With artists like Radiohead, Butthole Surfers, Gavin Friday the soundtrack appealed to tastemakers of the time. The soundtrack also appealed to commercial audiences and achieved success with artists Garbage, Des'ree, Everclear and the breakout single and band, The Cardigans with their song, "Love Fool." An interesting fact, while the film itself closed with "Exit Music (For a Film)" from Radiohead, the song was not featured on the soundtrack but did appear a year later on their brilliant and groundbreaking album, OK Computer, given the title of the song, it alludes that the song could have allegedly been written directly for Romeo + Juliet. While it combined two audiences and styles, the soundtrack to Romeo + Juliet was one of the most celebrated when it was released and even spawned a second volume of music on a separate disc, which ended up just featuring the score of the film with music from The Dust Brothers, Butthole Surfers, Munday and more. In 2006, the studio released a 10-year anniversary for the soundtrack and featured bonus songs with Baz Lurhman and Craig Armstrong, and more.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Springsteen & Guests Cover Woody Guthrie

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - "This Land Is Your Land" (Woody Guthrie cover) from Consequence of Sound on Vimeo.

Thursday night in Austin, Texas during the closing finale of an intimate SXSW performance, Bruce Springsteen invited Tom Morello, Alejandro Escavedo, The Low Anthem, Win and Will Butler and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire and Joe Ely on stage to perform Woody Guthrie's classic, "This Land Is Your Land." Take a look!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

NEW FIONA APPLE!





Fiona Apple made her live comeback at the famous Stubb's during SXSW on Wednesday night. Take a look at Apple perform two new songs, "Anything We Want" and "Every Single Night." Her new album is out sometime this year.

Quick News

Elton John spoke to Rolling Stone to confirm he will release a new album this fall. The album titled, The Diving Board is being produced by T. Bone Burnett and John said, "My new album is my most exciting record in a long, long time."

Confirmed on Seattle radio station, KIRO, longtime R.E.M. collaborator Scott McCaughey has confirmed he is working on R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck's solo record. McCaughey mentioned that Buck will sing on the record, but not in concert and the album may only be released on vinyl.

The musical adaptation of The Flaming Lips' classic, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots will open at the La Jolla Playhouse this November.

After singing about beers and being a fan of craft beers, Hold Steady front man Craig Finn now has his own craft beer. The East London company, Signature Brews will make "Clear Heart," beer taken from the title of Finn's solo debut, Clear Heart Full Eyes. Watch a video of Finn talking about the beer below:

The Crystal Method on Kimmel!



The Crystal Method along with Martha Reeves performed "I'm Not Leaving" on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night. Take a look!

The Ting Tings on Letterman!



The Ting Tings hit up Letterman last night to perform their new single, "Hang it Up," take a look!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

QUICK NEWS

Passion Pit took to Twitter on Wednesday to confirm that work on their new album is done. The band hope to have it out by June.

While 2012 maybe the year of The Rolling Stones 50th anniversary, the legendary rockers will tour in 2013 to celebrate. Keith Richards told Rolling Stone magazine, "Basically, we're just not ready. I have a feeling that's [2013] more realistic." He then went on to justify touring then by saying, "The Stones always considered '63 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts, drummer] didn't actually join until January. We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year."

While The Hives have confirmed the release of their fifth record, Lex Hives for June, the band's singer Howlin' Pete told NME "It's been a terrible couple of years for the band. We're out of the dark ages now though, but we've had a lot of problems. Problems of all kinds. Rock 'n' roll kind of problems, but we're ready to go now." The Hives make their US return next month at Coachella.

Mad Decent, the label founded by DJ / Producer Diplo is starting a subscription service similar to that of Spotify. The site, Mad Decent Premium is said to be an "Exclusive Club," to subscribers where they can hear all of the labels music ahead of street dates, also included in the "Club" are remixes, mixtapes, live sets, videos, a discount at their merchandise store and a membership card. The membership runs $10 / month and for more information go HERE.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Live Review - The Black Keys / Arctic Monkeys @ MSG

In January of this year, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney told Rolling Stone, "Rock & roll is dying because people became OK with Nickelback being the biggest band in the world. So they became OK with the idea that the biggest rock band in the world is always going to be shit – therefore you should never try to be the biggest rock band in the world. Fuck that! Rock & roll is the music I feel the most passionately about, and I don't like to see it fucking ruined and spoon-fed down our throats in this watered-down, post-grunge crap, horrendous shit. When people start lumping us into that kind of shit, it's like, ‘Fuck you,' honestly."

Over a month later, Foo Fighters Dave Grohl defended rock and roll at the Grammy® Awards and told everyone that music does not need to be perfect and needs to come from the heart. With Foo Fighters selling-out the world's most famous arena - Madison Square Garden in fall of 2011 and on Monday night, The Black Keys played the first of two sold-out shows at MSG, while Nickelback is struggling to sell-out the same venue when they play in a month from now speaks volumes. Carney was right and from that moment on, people have become more aware of what is being forced on their musical taste buds.

Opening with "Howlin' For You," The Black Keys immediately set a fire in the audience's hearts and with their thunderous playing and backed by a bassist and keyboardist / organ player, the bands sound filled out the famous arena without any issue. Standing front and center singer / guitarist Dan Auerbach was howling to the crowd as if his life depended on it. To his right was his long time companion and drummer, Patrick Carney who beat on his drums from start to finish, the way Rocky whaled on Ivan Drago. Standing in front of various screens and lights, The Black Keys usual bare-bones production was kicked up a notch. For the first half hour of their set, The Keys were in full form with their backing band. Then it was time to take it back-to-basics with just Carney and Auerbach performing; "Thick Freakness," "Girls on my Mind," I'll Be Your Man," and "Your Touch." While half of the band may have been on break, the main powerhouse of The Black Keys proved that with their style of early blues rock, garage and soul, its not strength in numbers, it is strength in skill and the power of playing.

With the 90-minutes The Keys were on stage, the guys from Akron, Ohio, who played the Garden before - opening for Pearl Jam in 2010, stood tall and proud by the shows end. After years of playing dive bars and clubs, their time has come and it could not be more welcomed. Seeing The Black Keys in concert is like driving the finest Mustang or Camaro - they are 100% pure American muscle.

Opening the gig or in many aspects it could be looked at as co-headlining were England's Arctic Monkeys. For the hour they were on stage, they not only delivered one of the best performances of their career but also had the difficult job of warming up a dull New York crowd. Dressed as the cast of The Wild One, they opened with "Brianstorm" and "This House is a Circus," singer Alex Turner, looking like Elvis these days with his new pompadour haircut, spoke to crowd and said "Madison Square G! We are the Arctic Monkeys from Sheffield, England! Are you excited for The Black Keys?!" With the crowd hardly responding, Turner would then respond and say, "Wake the fuck up!" It was hard hitting hit after hard hitting hit during The Monkeys performance. Turner has become rather suave on stage and seemed to enjoy playing at the venue as he danced around, got to his knees to play his guitar and ran around like the great frontman he is, he commanded that stage. Deeper into the performance, you could see the Garden filling up and more and more people turned onto what they were doing. In a set that included all their hits, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor," "Cryin' Lightening," "Brick by Brick," and "Florescent Adolescent," Arctic Monkeys proved they have the chops to even headline MSG themselves one day. Sounding pitch perfect, they even dug deep in their catalogue and played "She's Thunderstorms," "Evil Twin," and "Still Take You Home," the band even closed with the new single, "R U Mine." With two bands with this much high octane power, if anyone was ever afraid or even quested that rock was dead, they were your answer.

Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys
The Black Keys 3/12/12 Madison Square Garden Set List:
Howlin' for You
Next Girl
Run Right Back
Same Old Thing
Dead and Gone
Gold on the Ceiling
Thickfreakness
Girl Is On My Mind
I'll Be Your Man
Your Touch
Little Black Submarines
Money Maker
Strange Times
Chop and Change
Nova Baby
Ten Cent Pistol
Tighten Up
Lonely Boy

Encore:
Everlasting Light
She's Long Gone
I Got Mine

Arctic Monkeys 3/12/12 MSG Set List:
Brianstorm
This House Is a Circus
Still Take You Home
Library Pictures
Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
The View from the Afternoon
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Pretty Visitors
Teddy Picker
Crying Lightning
She's Thunderstorms
Fluorescent Adolescent
If You Were There, Beware
Evil Twin
Brick by Brick
R U Mine?

**Photos by correspondent Le-La Cloutier.


For the full album of pictures, LIKE us on Facebook:

Quick News

Scissor Sisters have announced the details of their new album. The record, Magic Hour will be released on May 28 in the UK and the following day in the US. The album features contributions from Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams, Diplo, BoysNoize's Alex Rihda and Azealia Banks.

The Gossip have announced details of their new album. The band's fifth record, A Joyful Noise will be released on May 22. The album was recorded in England and Portland, Oregon and was produced by Brian Higgins (Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud).

Hot Water Music have shown off the cover to their first new album in eight years. Take a look at the cover to Exister below:

Regina Spektor also released the cover of her new record, What We Saw from the Cheap Seats. Take a look at the cover below, the album arrives in May.

Bouncing Souls Cover & Tracklisting

On June 12, legendary New Jersey punks Bouncing Souls will release their new record, Comet. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting, as well as the new single "Static," below:


01. Baptized
02. Fast Times
03. Static
04. Coin Toss Girl
05. Comet
06. We Love Fun
07. Infidel
08. DFA
09. In Sleep
10. Ship In A Bottle




In 2010 we interviewed the band, take a look at that HERE.

Keane on Kimmel!





Keane performed "Silenced by the Night" and their classic "Somewhere Only We Know" on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night. Take a look!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

EXCLUSIVE! WYLDLIFE INTV!

New York City rejoice - punk is back and its as loud, fast and furious as ever. Wyldlife, New York's four piece are making waves and marks in the city that never sleeps and will be reaching a town near you this summer. Signed to Mike Dirt of The Bravery's Merrifield Records, Wyldlife have been thrashing their way around the boroughs for sometime and with their own brand of D.I.Y. aesthetic, Wyldlife are creating their own future and blueprint as to how they want to do things on their own terms. We spoke with singer Dangerous Dave about the bands influences, New York and the interesting spelling of their name. Take a look at the interview below.


How would you describe your sound to someone that has never heard of you before?

We're sweet and tough but we try not to take ourselves too seriously. Have you ever seen the episode of "Hey Vern, It's Ernest!" Where Ernest is hosting a costume party and he's serving punch out of a leather boot? That's what we sound like. We're a 1970s-inspired punk/powerpop band.

Who are some of your influences?

All of the dudes from the late 70s are hugely inspirational to our band like The Ramones, The Dead Boys, The Saints, Iggy Pop, The Undertones, The Only Ones, The Buzzcocks plus all of the Stiff Records guys like Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Wreckless Eric, etc. There are too many to name! The Exploding Hearts were one of the best bands that could've been, even though they were way more recent. As a lyricist, I would say Paul Westerberg and the Replacements are crucial to me. We all love the Rolling Stones, especially how they can make an awesome rock and roll track and then switch it up and make a great honky-tonk song.

The band formed out of SUNY Purchase College, many great acts have come from there – Jenny Owen Youngs, Regina Spector, Fireflies, Dan Deacon. Do you feel you need to live up to the Purchase legacy?

Not to mention Wesley Snipes! Nah, I don't feel that we have to live up to any sort of legacy, but you're right that there has been a large amount of successful bands coming from Purchase. If we can attain the level of popularity those bands have, we'd all be psyched, but we do not feel any sort of pressure. We're all happy to be asked to come back and play there, which we are doing this October.

Who came up with the spelling of the bands name and how did it come about?

I have a feeling we're going to get a lot of questions about the spelling in future interviews. I believe the spelling was orginally conceived by Sam and me. What's funny is now every time I see the word "wildlife" I think that it's spelled wrong. I guess we're too reckless for correct spelling.

The bands sound is very raw and very harsh, do you consider yourself punk or straight rock and roll?

I used to tell people we were just a straight rock and roll band but because everything is so niche-oriented, I can't say that too easily anymore. It somehow caught on and people started calling us a punk band, which in a way is true but only in the way that those aforementioned bands were punk. But really, all those guys were just writing pop tunes that happened to be a bit louder and faster. I'd like to think we're doing the same thing. I like things to be raw, I don't think everything has to be so polished. If people want to call us punk, they can.

You just released your debut LP, what was that experience like?

It took a damn long time! What's funny is that S.W.A.K. and "(She's Makin' Me) Nervous" were written within days of our recording deadline. Each of us helped out in some way or another. Sam mixed and produced all of the tracks in his bedroom, Spencer did the artwork, Russ researched mastering studios. It was a cool group project. My job is to take care of the vinyl, which I'm still working on. There was a time when I thought, "Wow, once we submit this for review it is up to other people to judge and criticize what we've created." That is a scary thought, but we do want as many people to hear this thing as possible and I believe we've put out something worth hearing.

You released it via Mike Dirt of The Bravery’s Merrifield Records. What is it like to be working with Dirt and be part of the Merrifield label?

Mike Hindert is the fucking man! He is such a supportive dude, and will sometimes just randomly text me from tour to talk to me about Pawn Stars or random crap. He is also an excellent bowler and a sharp dresser. We're all psyched to be on his team. Merrifield is rad, too. I like to think of it as more of a social club than a record label, but Mike and everyone else works their asses off to make sure people are listening.

How much fun are you having going on stage and having the time of your lives?

Like you said, the time of our lives. It's even better when there's no stage, really. One time I separated my shoulder hopping on top of a bar and singing down into the crowd. We didn't stop though because it's all so fun. When my shoulder finally came back into place, MAN did it feel good! We love crowd interaction. Were like the cats from that musical... I think it was called, Cats. Licking random chicks' faces, drinking beer and getting all sweaty, it's a righteous thing. I have to say that I hate between-song banter because I am terrible at it. It's a curse that we play the way we do because when a song ends, unless we're going right into the next one, the brief silence kills me. We just want to play our songs and move because that's all we know how to do.

What is it like to play in front of a room of faces that may or may not have heard of you before? Do you go any different or do you work harder to gain their attention?

I don't know if we work harder. The most important thing with any band is that the music is good and that the sound is tight. You can lick beer off the floor all night but if your songs suck and you don't sound good as a collective unit, then you just look stupid. Luckily, Sam is a great songwriter and we practice together before our shows. After that, we just play as we always do and try and have fun. All the other "attention-grabbing" shit comes natural to us and we hope people like it.

Where do you see Wyldlife in a year?

After some thought, I'd like to still be licking beer off of floors, just hopefully bigger and better floors. Maybe tour Europe, that would be incredible. I see us working on another EP or maybe even another LP. We'll have a couple music videos and we'll be telling stories from a U.S. tour we did. I'm not expecting us to be huge overnight like how it works for some bands. What I can envision is that somewhere in America, some DJ will be playing our record to a group of friends saying, "Dig this band." That's what we all want: for more people to know who we are, to keep playing, and to keep having fun.