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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