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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In Concert : Caveman @ Record Bar

There are those people in life you meet for the first time that you swear you have met before and instantly connect with.  This is how I felt when listening to  Caveman's debut album Coco Beware.  Like a thoughtful summer breeze, Caveman brings a welcoming air of songs - brand new but with the familiar comfort as if you have been singing them forever.

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In Concert : Electric Guest @ The Granada

Electric Guest enter in unassuming white tees and jeans, the audience unaware that they are about to be taken on a hypnotic neo-soul pop trip.  Swaggering about the stage, Asa Taccone uses his larger than stature presence to puppeteer the crowd instantly in unison - swaying to deep bass grooves peppered with bright drums beats.  Track after track, Electric Guest's journey through their debut album, Mondo, is a refreshing and youthful rebirth to a genre of music to the likes of Motown Greats.

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In Concert : Cults @ The Granada

Int. Music Hall - Night

An empty stage with the exception of musical instruments. A noisy crowd amasses, pushing their way to the front with anticipation.  The lights are turned down low.

A saturated blue haze illuminates the audience as the CULTS arrive onto a dimly lit stage.  The crowd CLAPS and CHEERS thunderously at first sight of the band.  The stage backdrop transforms with cinematic imagery and a cross faded layer of sound sets way for the band's throwback to retro pop.

On the outer level, the Cult's music is seemingly sweet and cheerful. There is a playful exchange of vocals between lead singer MADELINE FOLLIN and guitarist BRIAN OBLIVION while the TING of Glockenspiel adds charm and character to their songs.  Underneath, their lyrics hold a considerable amount of tension. Their upbeat sound poses a mask for the dark storytelling of drug use and love-gone-wrong arguments, while the mysterious and sultry side of Madeline comes to surface in the slowed down, agony laden song "You Know What I Mean."

A perfect thread weaved between each song, the night ended as the band and crowd sang as one...

CULTS

"I really want to go out, I really want to go outside..."

End scene.

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In Concert : White Rabbits @ Jackpot Music Hall

Massive energy can be used to describe the White Rabbits stage presence.  The group's fiery combination between switching instruments back-and-forth in a musical chair-like tango, lead vocalist Stephen Patterson's rapid-fire pounding on the piano, and having (not one but) two drum sections leading the pulsing charge, shook the stage to a point of near collapse.

Flying low on the radar, this relatively unknown band has recently released their third studio album, Milk Famous.  Translating the energy on to vinyl, their album has a crisp clean presence of seasoned musical veterans.  Definitely a band on the rise to watch out for.  

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In Rotation : Walk off the Earth - Somebody That I Use to Know (Gotye)

Simple, talented, and creative, Walk off the Earth present a stripped version of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" with an interesting twist. Five people on one guitar - its practically an inspirational poster for teamwork.

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In Rotation: Electric Guest

With a steady stream of successful projects with the likes of Broken Bells, Gnarls Barkley, and Rome, the talented musician/producer Danger Mouse has had the Midas touch when it comes to creating great music. The latest band gilded by the hand of Danger Mouse's producing skills is Electric Guest.  With their cool neo-soul/pop spirit, they are surely to turn some heads and some ears with the release of their debut album in 2012.

A little something to kick off the party...

And for later when you want to sit back. ____________________________________________________________________________________

In Rotation : Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams

Upon catching a soundbite of "Coming Down", I was on a music search to find more.  First thoughts were that this was long-lost track from the 90's alternative girl rock era.  Instead my search led to the uncovering of a new up-and-coming band, Dum Dum Girls.  The inspiration behind the band's formation and lead singer Dee Dee (Kristen Gundred) brings a distinct, powerful, and clean vocal presence that is backed by upbeat pop beats and gritty droning guitar.  Their music has influential sounds pulled from 1980's college alternative rock, 1990's grunge rock, mixed with undertones of southern California surf pop.  After listening to their latest release, Only in Dreams, the 6:30 power ballad "Coming Down" became an instant favorite.

Notable Tracks:
1. "Always Looking"
7. "Coming Down"
8. "Wasted Away"
9. "Tear Drops On My Pillow"



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In Rotation : Girls - "Laura"

Last month got my hands on the latest Girls' album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, so while flipping through a rack of cds, thought I'd take a listen to some of the group's earlier work when I came across their 2009 debut called Album.  The second track "Laura" has now been on replay for about a week - something about it is a revamped tale of "Sweet Caroline" in a total California beach bum kind of way.  Perfect for a Valentine's Day posting.


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In Rotation : The Black Keys - El Camino

Thank you for bringing back blues garage rock.  The Black Keys' latest album, El Camino, blends strong drum beats and heavy guitar with just enough grit and a touch of pop.  Soulful throaty vocals mixed with raw metallic guitar balanced against uptempo lively beats, determined bass kicks, and crashing cymbals is what distinguishes the Black Keys from the rest of the crowd.  Their lastest offering does not disappoint - it is just a great album all the way through.

Notable Tracks:
1.  "Lonely Boy"
3.  "Gold on the Ceiling"
4.  "Little Black Submarines"
6.  "Run Right Back"
8.  "Hell of a Season"











Check out the videos for "Lonely Boy" and their work-in-progress for "Gold on the Ceiling".

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In Rotation : Girls - "Vomit"

Lead singer and songwriter of the San Francisco based rock group Girls, Christopher Owens shows off some major skills in his recent song "Vomit." Off the 2011 album Father, Son, Holy Ghost, the song starts with the lone strum of guitar followed by a tortured and breathy, whisper-like of a vocal.  An air builds around the music before bursting in an intense outbreak of unadulterated rock filled with heavy guitar and drums. Pulling back, Owens plays with the listener giving them just a taste before slowing it back down to drag out the longing feeling within the lyrics, continuing to build up for an epic ending that completely encases the song.

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In Concert : JEFF the Brotherhood @ The Midland

Currently on tour opening for The Kills, brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall are bringing their two-man powered group JEFF the Brotherhood to center stage.  With fast drums and scuzzy guitars, JEFF's music is a mixture of psychedelic, grunge, and punk rock.  The band has that appealingly unrefined and gritty sound straight out of their garage.  One standout from their setlist is the 2011 single "Whatever I Want" released on Third Man Records.  The song is highly addictive with its driving beat, psychedelic jam session, and unsuspecting lyrics.

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In Concert : The Kills @ The Midland

Fresh on the beginning of their North American tour, The Kills arrived in Kansas City for their second stop. Like a boxer preparing for battle, Alison paced across the stage getting charged up for an electrifying performance.   The beats were heavy, the guitars bluesy, and the energy alive.  Their music filled the venue with an air of thick humidity, dripping with sex.

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In Rotation : Radical Face - "Welcome Home"

Home, such a simple word with complex meaning.  Typically a place of security and comfort, yet a time comes when we are compelled to leave in search to achieve fulfillment in the idea that there is more out beyond the fence gate.  It is after we leave that it is realized Home is a place we are able to go back and visit, but not truly be able to return to how we remember.  In Radical Face's 2007 release of their album Ghost, Ben Cooper alludes to this notion with a simple feel good melody in "Welcome Home".    


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In Rotation : Gotye - "Somebody That I Used to Know"

Sultry, sexy, seductive.  Gotye has created a modern day tango in his new single "Somebody That I Used to Know" featuring Kimbra.   The song starts out quiet, almost distant in nature, with Gotye hung up on a past love.  The tension builds up to the entangled confrontation with his present lover, who cannot live to up the idolized version of what he remembers and leaves him wanting a future they can never live up to.

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In Rotation : Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - It's a Corporate World

There's an easiness to the music from new band Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr that comes off really organic. "Nothing But Our Love," originally from their Horse Power EP, showcases the simplicity that can go into making a transportively beautiful song. Filled with dreamy vocals and upbeat indie-pop beats, the group's first album, It's a Corporate World, envelopes the listener like a warm blanket. Making sure not to suffocate the listener with said blanket, "When I Open My Eyes" brings a nice relief to the album with a bit more aggressive tones, while "We Almost Lost Detroit" goes into a blues-funk bender which really livens up the mood. Both additions show the exporative side to Daniell Zott and Joshua Epstein's music, adding dimension to the album without going too far outside the sound of the other tracks.


Notable Tracks:
1."Morning Thought"
2. "Nothing But Our Love"
5. "When I Open My Eyes"
11. "We Almost Lost Detroit"
12. "The Fisherman"

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In Rotation : Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Rome

One of the most influential musician/producers, Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) teams up with Italian cinematic composer Daniele Luppi, the result of which is a retro contemporary homage to 1960's Italian Western cinema - Rome.  Rome is a collection of instrumental tracks portraying a hauntingly scene of isolationism such as a lone tumbleweed on the vast open dusty landscape.  The landscape is interrupted by storied moments of featured vocals provided by Jack White and Norah Jones, providing the listener/observer a momentary insight into the lives of those who inhabit this dreamlike world.  The album is intoxicating, a derivation where the cinematic musical composition precedes the filmed picture.

Notable Tracks:
2. "The Rose with the Broken Neck"
4.  "Season's Trees"
7.  "Two Against One"
10.  "Black"
11.  "Problem Queen"

         
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