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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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.  

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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"



_____________________________________________________________________________________

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.


_____________________________________________________________________________________

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".

_____________________________________________________________________________________