In Concert : Soft Reeds @ The Brick

Soft Reeds have quickly become a band that I get an insatiable urge to listen to.  Maybe its their ability to put on a great show - always fun, lively, and full of intensity. Their sound marked with intoxicating rhythms, sharp guitar sections, and deep bass grooves.  Or, maybe its just their bright personality that shines through in unexpected sound effects and yelps - the "heys" and the "ohs" - that stretch beyond what any standard lyric could do in that moment. Whatever the reason, Soft Reeds are undeniably rich in character.  And while I await the release of their new album later this fall, for now I will play "This Affair" and "Magic" on continuous loop and read what intellectually, quirky one-liner front man Ben Grimes has posted to the band's social feed.

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In Concert : The Empty Spaces @ The Brick

Under the glam of Mexican doilies, The Empty Spaces took to the stage in release of their second album Party Line (Anyone else want to insert "Excellent!" in a Wayne's World-type reference?).  There is a certain charm to the band with their mixture of fun, cheeky (he said...what!?) lyrics, energetic retro-punk tunes, and the occasional quintessential surf-rock chord with songs reveling in holidays and going to the beach.  The Kansas City trio, led by vocalist and guitarist Mat Shoare, have perfected the art of being serious musicians without taking themselves too serious.

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In Concert : Beach House @ Liberty Hall

In a saturated haze of color, Beach House transforms the old music hall into a post-industrial dream-like landscape.  On tour with their fourth album, Bloom, Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally effortlessly float through a melodic collection of new and old favorites.  Bloom feels more like a continuation within the duo's musical journey rather than a re-invention; staying true to their stylistic signature of androgynous vocals accompanied by a gauzy layering of guitar and organ.  It is to Beach House's ingenuity and creative restraint that they have refined their ability to express a weight and maturity amongst minimalistic lyrics.

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In Concert : Liars @ The Granada

On tour with the release of the band's sixth album, Liars brings a style truly unique to the stage.  WIXIW is at times otherworldly with a mixture of angular and hauntingly experimental beats and synth.  A welcomed artistic view of electronica music, Liars show a lot of progression from their earlier style set in the roots of punk.  If you were a fan of their earlier music, start with the track "Brats" to provide the bridge from their original harder-edged tone into their new matured sound.

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Crossroads Summer Block Party

There's no other way to heat up the summer other than throwing a summer music block party in 104 degree weather.  Featuring a lineup of nine Kansas City bands, it gave the public a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the local music scene. Its all too easy to only pay attention to nationally broadcasted acts, so turn down your radio once in awhile and go out to see whats sonically emerging from your own community.

Here's a run down of some vibrant bands coming out of KC.

Fullbloods

Based in a traditional rock n' roll sound, Fullbloods aren't afraid to infuse their music with a variety of other musical styles.  You can tell that they appreciate the upbringings of rock and have a playful and fun attitude to    creating solid new songs.

Everyday/Everynight

A bit indie rock, a bit pop-punk, Everyday/Everynight is a rich sound of keyboard, guitars, and drums. Performing live, these guys are fast-paced and loud, but in listening to their album material, there is a discovery of intelligence that brings me back to the refreshing and brainy indie music from the early 2000's.

Cowboy Indian Bear

By the size of the crowd amassed before the stage,  Cowboy Indian Bear has a healthy group of admirers. A song or two into their set and its easy to tell why, sweeping and eerie instrumentals are woven through their music creating songs that are rich in melody and rhythm.

Soft Reeds

Upbeat and artsy indie rockers, Soft Reeds closed out the block party in true fashion - electrifying the crowd with insanely danceable beats.

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In Concert : Tennis @ Record Bar

With quick turn around from their 2011 debut album Cape Dory;  Tennis is currently on tour this summer with their second release, Young & Old.  While their first album was a scrapbook documentation of the husband-wife duo Alaina and Patrick Moore's voyage at sea, the second album retains a similar relaxed beach vibe with the addition of scuzzy down-tempo beats.  Teaming up with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys, the influence is heard; expanding Tennis' repertoire from retro 60's surf pop to a more dynamic indie pop.  Upon first listen you are instantly hooked by the catchy beats.  Young & Old is aptly titled - a contemporary spin to an homage of retro sounds.  However do not dismiss its overall depth; it is the storytelling and philosophical questions wrapped within the lyrics that makes Tennis an exciting new band to listen to.  

Game. Set. Match.

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In Concert : Foster the People + Kimbra @ Livestrong Sporting Park

Even after telling the crowd to "Settle Down," I couldn't help but to keep dancing and cheering while watching Kimbra perform.  Alright, maybe Kimbra wasn't actually telling the crowd to settle down, but singing one of the hit singles from her newly released Vows record.  This New Zealander is quickly showing she has some chops with a spirited live show and music that is way beyond ordinary pop, but infused with jazz, funk, and soul.

Later that evening, cut to Foster the People...a band that blew up in 2011 with "Pumped up Kicks" and pretty much any one of the other nine hit tracks off Torches.  They did not disappoint - keeping the energy high, the beats going, and totally morphing the second half of "Pumped..." into an epic dubstep remix.  Other highlight from the show included having Kimbra come back out to sing their infectious and summery collaboration "Warrior." <Insert dance party here.>

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