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Sonic Snogg Live @ Fun Fun Fun Fest: Mates of State
The Fun Fun Fun Fest Orange Stage upped its indie pop and cuteness factor by at least a factor of ten the moment Mates of State launched their set at 3:30 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Mates of State formed in 1997, when Kori Gardner (keyboards/vocals/synthesizer) met Jason Hammel (drums/vocals/synthesizer) while they were both were playing in the band Vosotros in Lawrence, Kansas. Since then, the two have been inseparable. In 2001, after relocating to San Francisco, Hammel and Gardner married, were signed to indie darling label, Polyvinyl, and headed out on tour with Superdrag and The Anniversary. Thereafter, Mates of State released their second LP Our Constant Concern (Polyvinyl 2002), which served up sticky-sweet synth rock combined with equally sugary, starry-eyed lyrics. After taking a hiatus, The Mates of State moved to Seattle-based label Barsuk, beginning with the release of their fourth album Bring it Back (Barsuk 2006), illustrating stylistic maturity and adding greater dimension to their sound after the inclusion of guitar and bass. With the release of Re-arrange Us (Barsuk 2008), the Mates of State officially expanded their line-up to become a quartet, adding Lewis Patzner and Anton Patzner of Judgement Day to play various instruments. 2010's Crushes: The Covers Mixtape includes the Mates’ take on artists that may not often covered: Girls, Tom Waits, The Mars Volta, and Daniel Johnston, to name a few. The Mates of State recently released and have been touring to promote their sixth studio release, Moutaintops (Barsuk 2011), with their two adorable young children in tow.
From the moment the Mates of State start to play, the audience is immediately transported into an indie rock/pop-synth circus. Looking around, there is not one face in the crowd that isn’t smiling and not a single person who isn’t moving to the beat even as the misty rain comes down. Throughout the set, the unparalleled rich male/female harmonies showcase Gardner and Hammel’s intense and confident vocal style, neither afraid to swing into their upper registers. Lyrically, the Mates of State deliver supremely honest and often romantic musings, “I had a dream last night we lost the fight,” during “You are Free” off the Re-arrange Us album. The highest point in the set is the moment Mates of State deliver “Goods (All In Your Head)," off the All Day EP (Polyvinyl 2004) unleashing one of the most sing-a-long friendly indie songs and a dull roar of “duh, da, da, da, da, da, daah, ah,” ensues. Hammel closes out the set by sincerely saying, “We are the Mates of State. Thank you for listening and have a good festival!” As I walk away from the stage, I keep singing “it’s all in your head,” in my head and know it’s already been a great festival thanks, in part, to Mates of State.
Wed Nov 23 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg Live @ Fun Fun Fun Fest: We Were Promised Jetpacks
It’s Sunday, November 6, 2011 and Scottish lads, We Were Promised Jetpacks, storm the Orange Stage, appearing unphased in their challenge to rock the faces off the exhausted and hung over audience barely awake even at 2:30pm on day three of Fun Fun Fun Fest. Kicking off the set with the first song off their newly released record, In the Pit of the Stomach (Fat Cat Records), “Circles and Squares,” the foursome deliver forcefully melodic riffs that melt over the male-dominated crowd like butter. One of my favorite We Were Promised Jetpacks’ songs “Quiet Little Voices,” off These Four Walls (Fat Cat Records, 2009), comes mid-set, instantly energizing the sluggish mob with its infectious and repeating chorus, declaring “I’m young again.” New tracks off the Stomach LP are intermixed with older tracks throughout the set. We Were Promised Jetpacks play their fast-paced and drum-heavy single “Medicine” played early in the set. New track “Act on Impulse” is the set’s peak despite its uniquely slow pace and delicate sound. This song’s complex and instrumental segments calm only for moments at a time, allowing crisp, confident vocals to creep in. The overall effect of this performance is near perfection. As the band finishes playing their final note, pure delight with a shot of adrenaline emanates from the formerly weary faces in the crowd, now appearing prepared to greet the final day of Fun Fun Fun Fest.
Mon Nov 21 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg Live @ Fun Fun Fun Fest: M83
It’s 5:30 pm on Saturday, November 5, when M83 enter the Fun Fun Fun Fest Orange Stage, instantly greeted with grateful applause. The opportunity to see M83, fronted by Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez, certainly doesn’t come around too often and the audience anticipation resonates accordingly. Gonzalez settles in behind a waist-high, black gear rack, adorned with florescent pink and green embossing as his lovely band mate, Morgan Kibby, draws equal attention from behind her keyboard, clothed in gold shoes and a fly-away black tank. M83 kick off their set with “Reunion” off their new LP, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute Records, 2011) and the tone is set- upbeat, electro synth-pop that forces your body into involuntary, continuous motion. “Kim and Jessie” off the album, Saturdays = Youth (Mute Records, 2008) is the third song in the set and M83 waste no time serving up one of their most admired (and 80’s-inspired) sing-a-long singles. A few tracks later in the set, M83 declare, “it’s coming…it’s coming now,” during the dreamy track, “We Own the Sky.” I recall first hearing M83’s new single “Midnight City” while sitting through previews at the Alamo Drafthouse and falling instantly for the song’s airy vocals and infectious beats. Since the first listen, I have been wildly obsessing and thinking that all movie previews would automatically better if synched to this track. When M83 finally plays my favorite song near the end of their set, I can barely contain myself and I am not alone. The crowd sways to the beat as the set comes to an inevitable end, leaving no body unmoved and no mind unsure their high expectations have been thoroughly met.
Mon Nov 21 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg Live @ Fun Fun Fun Fest: Girls
Girls enter the Fun Fun Fun Fest Orange Stage just before dusk, on Saturday November 5, 2011 and are immediately showered with warm applause. Girls includes permanent, founding members Christopher Owens (lead vocals, guitar) and Chet “JR” White (bass), as well as recording and/or touring members, Ryan William Lynch, Garett Godard, Matthew Kallman, Darren Weiss, Dan Eisenberg, and John Anderson. Owens, formerly a member of the Children of God cult, grew up with very little access to secular music, forming Girls in 2007 departing the cult, moving to San Francisco, CA, and meeting band mate White. Owens and White released Girls’ first effort, Album on True Panther Sounds in 2009, which received unexpected, enthusiastic media praise, including being named one of the ten best albums of 2009 by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Spin. After touring with big names like Smashing Pumpkins and Julian Casablancas, Girls returned to the studio to record their second LP, Father, Son, Holy Ghost (True Panther Sounds, 2011), which has also garnered critical acclaim.
When Girls take the stage, decorated in floral trimmings, at dusk, it is hard not to notice Owen’s Kurt Cobain-like appearance. However, as soon the first song begins, it’s clear that Nirvana hasn’t audibly influenced Girls’ original retro, lo-fi pop sound. Early in the set, Girls play crowd-favorite, “Laura,” just as the sun is setting behind the Austin skyline that served as the stage backdrop. A romantic, yet tragic vibe resonates over the fixated crowd as Owens sings, “reach out and touch me, I’m right here and I don’t want to fight anymore.” Sincere, relatable lyrics prevail throughout Girls’ set and perfectly set off the steady, velvety musical arrangements. This is especially apparent during the performance of new single, “Honey Bunny.” When Girls plays one of my favorite singles of 2009 and the highlight of the set, “Hellhole Ratrace,” I can’t imagine a single person in the crowd not being able to relate to Owen’s declaration, “I don’t want to cry my whole life through, I want to do some laughing too, so come on…and laugh with me.” Girls close out the set with “Lust for Life,” off Album and new song “Vomit” off Father just as the sun fades to black.
Sun Nov 20 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg Live @ Fun Fun Fun Fest: Ty Segall
On November 4, 2011, just after 5pm, Ty Segall and his band take the Fun Fun Fun Fest Black Stage, enveloping the crowd in a cloud of dusty, filthy vintage punk. After performing throughout Orange County and San Francisco, including in garage revival band, The Epsilons, Ty Segall (vocals, guitar, drums) officially launched his solo career in 2008. Now, three years later, at the ripe young age of 23, Segall tours with band members Mikal Cronin (bass), Shayde Sartin (guitar), and Emily Rose (drums) and so far, has released four LPs as well as numerous singles/EPs.
After playing a short (yet sweet) set at the Mohawk for Fun Fun Fun Nites the night before, Ty Segall and company start their Friday evening set with a clear intention to throw down dirty garage rock like it’s 1965. In front of a Danzig backdrop (already up for the Black Stage headliners), Ty Segal begins the set with upbeat songs “Goodbye Bread,” and “You Make the Sun Fry,” off the newly released LP Goodbye Bread (Drag City 2011). As the set progresses, the pace picks up considerably, unleashing Segall’s ferocious screams and irate guitar. “You’re Not Me,” also off the new album is clearly the highlight of the set and is also the moment the mosh pit at the front of the stage starts to kick up so much dirt, my eyes start to burn. At the close of the set, Segall says he never wants to see his guitar again and hands it off to an elated young fan. So, Ty Segall did not give me a free guitar and my eyes are itchy after the set, yet I walk away from the stage feeling euphoric like my mind just got injected with a lethal dose of awesome.
Sat Nov 19 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg Live @ Fun Fun Fun Fest: Yacht
Yacht takes the Blue Stage at Fun Fun Fun Fest on Friday, November 4th just after 4pm, entrancing the crowd with body-rocking electro-pop. Originally formed in Oregon in 2002 by Jona Bechtolt, Yacht became a duo after adding permanent member Claire Evans in 2009. Yacht has since expanded to include current touring members Rob Kieswetter (vocals, bass, keyboard), Jeffery Broadsky (drums, percussion), and Katy Davidson (guitar, keyboard, vocals).
Amazingly, the first glimpse of Ryan Gosling filming with director, Terrence Malick, onstage during Yacht’s Fun Fun Fun Fest set barely even distracts the captive spectators from pursuing a righteous afternoon dance party. Not even an A-list heartthrob could compete visually with the ever-enchanting Evans, clad in a skin-tight, partially see-through white mini dress and sporting her signature Annie Lennox-inspired, cropped hair. Evans vocals remain unbelievably flawless throughout the set as Bechtolt and company expertly deliver Yacht’s supremely synth-heavy dance-pop, never failing to energize the pulsating crowd. Musical highlights during the set include the moments Yacht performed the ever-infectious “Psychic City” off the album See Mystery Lights (DFA, 2011) and the equally catchy “Dysopia (the Earth is on Fire)” off the newly-released LP, Shangri-la (DFA, 2011). During both songs, audience participation was so prevalent that Evans could have easily decided to take a microphone break. Luckily, the only break Yacht takes is at the close of their set, when Fun Fun Fun Fest patrons return to reality in time to recall Ryan Gosling’s presence and shift their frenzy accordingly from the front to the back of the Blue Stage to catch a glimpse.
Thu Nov 17 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg: Fun Fun Fun Fest Artist Profile – M83
M83 embark on the American leg of the international tour in support of the newly
released epic double album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute Records, 2011).
Named after a spiral galaxy, Messier 83, M83 was formed in 2001 by frontman Anthony
Gonzalez and former member Nicolas Fromageau in Antibes, France. Fromageau
parted ways with Gonzalez following the completion of the tour for their second album,
Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts (Gooom/Labels France, 2003). Anthony
Gonzalez now mainly records on his own, but often with the help of his brother, Yann
Gonzalez, along with Morgan Kibby (vocals/keyboard), and Loïc Maurin (drums). Following the release of their critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Saturdays
= Youth (Mute Records, 2008), M83’s popularity began to pick up considerable speed
internationally with the singles “Kim & Jessie” and “We Own the Sky” showcasing the 80’s
electronic pop theme of the album. This new-found esteem, resulted in M83 joining three huge
tours in 2008 and 2009, Kings of Leon, The Killers, and Depeche Mode.
The first time I encountered M83 was through their remix of the Block Party track, “The
Pioneers” and you might say it was music crush at first listen. Thereafter, I sought out other
M83 remixes that only furthered my infatuation including, “Black Cherry” by Goldfrapp, “Suffer Well” by Depeche Mode, “To the Sky” by Maps, and “Fall” by
Daft Punk, just to name a few. It was just a matter of time before I sought out
their original material, where I became thoroughly smitten by the fusion of expertly layered
ambient electronic dream pop with reverb-heavy and airy vocals. Bold statement time: so far, “Midnight City” is my pick for best single of this year and consequently, I can honestly say there is no band that I am more excited to see play live for the first time. M83 will be playing
at Fun Fun Fun Fest on Saturday, November 5th on the Orange Stage, TBA.
Wed Oct 19 2011 · Posted in Daily
Sonic Snogg: Fun Fun Fun Fest Artist Profile – Black Lips
Black Lips have been hailed by major media outlets as one 2011’s biggest indie buzz bands after teaming up with Deer Hunter guitarist, Lockett Pundt, and celebrated producer Mark Ronsen to record their latest LP, Arabia Mountain (Vice Records, 2011). Ronsen, well-known for his work with Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Adele, and Ghostface Killah, takes the band in a “New Direction,” which is also the first single of the new album. The Black Lips began humbly in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999 and initially garnered notoriety for their outrageous and often disgusting onstage antics, including fighting, vomiting, urination, and nudity during their live performances. Their previous albums, Good Bad Not Evil (Vice Records, 2007) and 200 Million Thousand (Vice Records, 2011) received impressive critical accolades and their fanbase picked up considerable pace after their performance on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”
and having their songs featured in indie films 500 Days of Summer and Scott Pilgram v. the World. The current line-up, Cole Alexander (Vocals/Guitar), Jared Swilley (vocals/bass), Ian Saint Pé (guitar), and Joe Bradley (vocals, drums), have revealed The Black Lips’ complex, more refined, flower punk sound, which provides some distance from their notoriety for onstage debauchery, yet without compromising their signature, rough around the edges
style.
While the tag certainly fits, to characterize The Black Lips simply as a garage/punk band is a bit
inane. Often drawing comparisons to fellow lo-fi enthusiasts like The Black Keys and Jay Reatard, The Black Lips have demonstrated a standout presence within this subgenre by effectively infusing R&B, doo-wop, psychedelic, country, gospel, and even hip-hop into their signature throw-back style. The Black Lips have also embraced the vintage concept of releasing split EPs. In the past few years, The Black Lips have released an impressive number of splits, including with The King Khan & BBQ Show, The Dirtbombs, YACHT, and Subsonics. I first caught The Black Lips live during SXSW in 2007 at Beerland and was instantly taken with their raw, confrontational intensity. After their set, I recall being unable to shake the song “Bad Kids,” out of my head. I have not had the chance to see them play since, so luckily, The Black Lips will be playing at Fun Fun Fun Fest, on the Black Stage on Sunday, November 6th, TBA.
Tue Oct 18 2011 · Posted in Daily
Sonic Snogg: Fun Fun Fun Fest Artist Profile – We Were Promised Jetpacks
We Were Promised Jetpacks are currently on tour to promote their second full-length studio LP, In the Pit of the Stomach (Fat Cat Records), just released earlier this month. The quartet’s latest album follows up their first album, These Four Walls (Fat Cat Records, 2009). We Were Promised Jetpacks formed in 2003 after Adam Thompson (vocals, guitar), Michael Palmer (guitar), Sean Smith (bass), and Darren Lackie (drums) won a “Battle of the Bands” competition at their school in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since then, We Were Promised Jetpacks have attracted a considerable following and critical success opening up for fellow Scots and label mates, Frightened Rabbit, as well as for US bands Bad Veins, Bear Hands, and Jimmy Eat World. We Were Promised Jetpacks’ music has music has been showcased on television shows and in feature films. The song “An Almighty Thud” appeared on an episode of the television show Sons of Anarchy and the single “Quiet Little Voices” was also featured in the 2011 Owen Wilson comedy, Hall Pass.).
I was able to catch We Were Promised Jetpacks and Frightened Rabbit play The Scottish
Arts Council Showcase at The Parish during SXSW 2010 and these
shows were two of my highlights. I would not usually consider myself a fan of indie pop/
post-punk bands, but We Were Promised Jetpacks is the exception to this rule. I suppose
I am easily smitten by commanding vocals, infectious melodies, crystal clear riffs, and lyrics
that invite everyone to sing and jump along. I’m particularly partial to songs, “Medicine”
and “Burning Buildings” off their latest release and cannot wait to see We Were Promised
Jetpacks perform them live. These charming lads are set to perform at Fun Fun Fun Fest on Sunday, November 6th on the Orange Stage, time TBA.
Mon Oct 17 2011 · Posted in Daily
Sonic Snogg: Fun Fun Fun Fest Artist Profile – Reggie Watts
Reggie Watts: one part comedic genius, one part exceptional musician, one part peculiar performance artist, and all parts awesome. Hailing from Seattle, WA, Watts gained considerable mainstream notoriety after opening up for Conan O’Brien during his 2010 "Prohibited From Being Funny on Television" tour. Also in 2010, Reggie Watts released his debut comedy cd/dvd Why Shit So Crazy? (Comedy Central Records). Watts continues to promote his recent release, Live at Third Man Records (Third Man Records, 2011), following up his previous EP, Pot Cookies (Normative Records, 2008) and LP, Simplified (Non-Linear Productions, 2004).
Reggie Watts fits firmly in the space between comedian and musician and is perhaps the only live performer I can imagine seamlessly transitioning between beat-boxing/rapping songs like “Shit Fuck Stack” and stream of conscience spoken-word narration in an affected British accent that morphs into German without skipping a loop-track beat. I thoroughly adore Watts’ absurdly-named tracks like, “Do You Like Pterodactyls?” and “Smurfs is People Too,” but I also don’t expect to hear any track as recorded during his live show, as each set is organic, surreal, and even slightly disorienting. Watts’ unpredictability and off-beat timing is precisely what captivates the audience. Catch Reggie Watts’ Fun Fun Fun Fest performance at the
Yellow Stage on Friday, November 4th, time TBD.
Thu Oct 13 2011 · Posted in Daily
Sonic Snogg: Tim Kasher @ The Mohawk [9.5.11]
Tim Kasher graces the inside stage at the Mohawk with his presence in promotion of the newly released EP, Bigamy: More Songs From the Monogamy Sessions (2011, Saddle Creek), which is currently available for sale exclusively on the current tour and on the Saddle Creek website. Following the release of his first solo LP, The Game of Monogamy (2010, Saddle Creek), Kasher toured last year, opening up for Minus the Bear , but this current tour is his first solo headlining effort to date. While technically a solo project, as Kasher explains during the show, his set is not just him with an acoustic guitar; Tim Kasher performs with a full band. Tim Kasher’s backing band includes fellow Cursive member, Patrick Newbery (trumpet/keys), Sara Bertaldo (bass/
backing vocals), and Dylan Ryan (drums).
For more than a decade, the charismatic Tim Kasher has sustained critical success and an ever-growing flock of die-hard enthusiasts while fronting two well-known indie bands: Cursive and The Good Life. Cursive has typically been Tim Kasher’s outlet for exploring the darker side of post-hardcore rock through intricate and aggressive guitar riffs counter-balancing dramatic vocals. The Good Life, which began as a solo project before evolving into a secondary project, provided Kasher with a much-needed outlet to experiment with pop tempos and earnest, minimalist vocals underlying gloomy
lyrics. The debut of his first solo effort launches Kasher in yet another direction musically by opting for a delicate, stripped-down folk sound, employing various classical instruments to achieve the desired effect. Whichever musical direction Tim Kasher may be headed in at any given time, brutally honest, poetic lyrics that examine highly-relatable themes like heartache, social expectations, religion, monogamy, and aging remain unwavering constants.
Tue Sep 20 2011 · Posted in Daily, Reviews
Sonic Snogg: The Appleseed Cast @ The ND [8.20.11]
The Appleseed Cast charmed an Austin crowd for the first time since SXSW 2011 on Saturday, August 20 at ND at 501 Studios in support of the recently released EP, Middle States (Graveface Records). The new EP follows up the band’s 2009 full length release, Sagarmatha (Milita Muzik), and further demonstrates the Appleseed Cast’s progression towards full-bodied, intricate post-rock with limited vocals.
The current line-up includes frontman Christopher Crisci (vocals/guitar), John Momberg (drums), Nathan Whitman (bass), Lucas Oswald (backing vocals, multi-instruments), and newest member, Ted Stevens (guitar), who is also a current member of Cursive. Originally formed in 1997 and hailing from Lawrenece, Kansas, the Appleseed Cast initially garnered comparisons to similarly heavy Emo bands like Sunny Day Real Estate and Mineral. Since 1998, the Appleseed Cast have released seven LPs and four EPs, showcasing their emergent style at each juncture. Despite their continued evolution beyond their Emo roots, the Appleseed Cast manages to satisfy devoted fans while also attracting new admirers.
Fri Aug 26 2011 · Posted in Reviews
Sonic Snogg: The Wooden Birds @ The Mohawk [7.20.11]
The Wooden Birds stop in at the Mohawk on a Wednesday night for the final stop on their tour promoting the recent release of their second full-length album, Two Matchsticks (Barsuk Records). The current lineup for The Wooden Birds includes bandleader, Andrew Kenny (lead vocals), Leslie Sisson (lead guitar/vocals), Sean Haskins (drums), and Matt Pond (guitar). Having collaborated on other projects- Kenny, Sisson, and Haskins on the American Analog Set and Sisson and Pond on Matt Pond PA- the members of The Wooden Birds bring to this project the collective experience on par with other indie rock collaborative groups like, The New Pornographers , Mister Heavenly , Monsters of Folk, and Broken Social Scene, who have often included Kenny as a performing guest artist .
Mon Aug 8 2011 · Posted in Reviews
Sonic Snogg: The Coathangers @ The Mohawk [7.17.11]
Sunday night? Check. 12:45 am? Check. Badass riot grrl/garage rock? Che-eck! The
Coathangers, a four-piece girl band from Atlanta, Georgia, throw down new tracks off their latest release, Larceny & Old Lace (Suicide Squeeze) as well as selected older material at the Mohawk inside stage. The ladies of the Coathangers, Julia Kugel (guitar/vocals), Stephanie Luke (drums/vocals), Candice Jones (keyboard/ vocals), and Meredith Franco (bass/vocals), formed this band five years ago, even before considering themselves musicians. Since their unwieldy beginnings, the band has continued to hone their musicianship, without compromising their signature irreverent, in-your-face, post-punk.
At first glance, someone unfamiliar with The Coathangers might see these stunning gals take the stage and expect them to casually play some sticky-sweet power-pop songs about being in love or boys breaking their hearts. Au contraire, the band begins the set by delivering rough hooks underlying fierce vocals that reveal intentionally un-romantic, brooding lyrics, like “just you wait till it gets dark/the time will soon go by/ I'll try to come so quickly lest you die,” from the song, “Johnny.” Kugel and Luke share vocal duties equally with Luke’s deep, forceful vocals providing a nice contrast to Kugel’s high-pitch scream. Throughout the set, The Coathangers thrash their instruments with intention, even as each band member switches places with another, trading drums for guitar and so on and so forth. The first single off Larceny & Old Lace, “Hurricane” gets an approving roar near the beginning of the set and warms up the already fiery crowd. The band’s feral energy completely filters through the room mid-set as Luke sings, “I stayed out all goddamn night just to get into another fight.” From that moment on, the mob sways and bumps to the beat. As the set nears the end, stand-out songs, “Nestle My Boobies,” and “Don’t Touch My Shit,” highlight the band’s humor-infused charisma, leaving the most vocal fans literally begging for “one more song.”
Mon Jul 25 2011 · Posted in Reviews
Sonic Snogg: Explosions in the Sky @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
[All photos by Mary Rehak]
It’s Friday, June 17, 2011 and Explosions in the Sky- arguably one of the best bands to reside in Austin, Texas- proceed to thrill a packed hometown crowd at Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at The Moody Theater. The local heroes have stayed slightly out of the Austin limelight in recent years but since the April release of their sixth studio album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, they have played two sold-out shows in Austin in as many months.
Munaf Rayani (guitar), Mark Smith (guitar), Michael James (guitar, bass), and Chris Hrasky (drums) formed Explosions in the Sky approximately twelve years ago. Following the success of The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place (released in 2003), the band simultaneously secured a loyal fan base and began to attract music media attention. Since then, Explosions in the Sky’s popularity has only continued to swell in the US and internationally, including recent Canadian, European, and Australian tours. After their music was prominently featured on the soundtrack for the 2004 film, Friday Night Lights, and since 2006, on the television show of the same name, Explosions in the Sky has gained increased exposure and even greater accolades. This year, the foursome has also been joined onstage by touring bassist and keyboardist, Carlos Torres, adding yet another layer of performance depth to thoroughly round out the band’s intricate, crescendo-heavy post-rock.
Fri Jul 1 2011 · Posted in Reviews
Sonic Snogg: Joan of Arc Captures the Soul at The Mohawk
Joan of Arc at The Mohawk, 5.19.11
Joan of Arc take the inside stage at The Mohawk on Thursday night promptly at midnight for their 7th show in Austin this year (counting various SXSW performances) in support of their latest album, Life Like, released earlier this year on Polyvinyl. The earnest crowd welcomes the well-known frontman, Tim Kinsella (formerly of Cap’n Jazz and Owls), guitarist Victor Villareal, bassist Bobby Berg, and drummer Theo Katsaounis to the stage with their open arms waving in the air. Joan of Arc certainly delivers poignant lyrics and acutely complex musical arrangements with ease. While gospel or R&B influences may not be apparent in their music, the Chicago four-piece are definitely are not lacking soul. Kinsella and company interrupt delicate melodies and eerie silence with sudden, eruptive bursts of forceful guitar perfectly in unison with equally potent bass and drums. To describe the resulting sound as powerful is an understatement.
Wed May 25 2011 · Posted in Reviews
Sonic Snogg: The Death Set Thrash Red 7
The Death Set at Red 7, 5.20.11
[All photos by Jerry Milton]
It’s 1 am on Friday night at Red 7 and when the classic Jackson 5 song, “I want you back,” comes roaring through the speakers, The Death Set takes the stage with “oh baby, give me one more chance (to show you that I love you). Won't you please let me back in your heart…,” in the background. Johnny Siera (lead vocals, guitar), Jahphet Landis (drums), and Daniel Walker (guitar, vocals) form this Brooklyn-based three-piece. The Death Set could not possibly sound less like the Jackson 5 once their intro music fades out and they unveil their own distinctive fusion of punk, electronic, and rap.
Wed May 25 2011 · Posted in Photo Galleries, Reviews
Sonic Snogg: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Drop A-Bomb @ The Mohawk
Editor’s Note: Our new writer Christa McLintock will be sharing her sonic snoggs on the blog going forward – she kicks things off with her thoughts on the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion show at The Mohawk last Friday. (Photographs by Michael Passman.)
It’s 10 p.m. on Friday, May 6th, and the moment Jon Spencer Blues Explosion takes the outdoor stage at the Mohawk, I am ready for the “Blues Explosion!” that front man Jon Spencer has promised. As I look around, the age-diverse, mellow crowd starts to sway. I know I am not alone in my excitement to see one of the most intriguing bands of the 90s -10s. The seasoned New York rockers, Jon Spencer (lead vocals, guitar), Judah Bauer (guitar), and Russell Simins (drums), immediately seem intent on rocking Austin’s face off tonight. Even in the first three songs, they are already succeeding. Anyone within a reasonable distance to the stage could literally feel each moment the incendiary dirty, rock-blues rifts float out of Spencer’s mysteriously unidentifiable, vintage Japanese guitar and settle in eager eardrums. I have often wondered what it’s like to be thrown up on by some seriously sick guitars and thankfully, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion just answered my question- it’s awesome!
