Vancouver's progressive/death metal scene is alive and well and if you don't believe me then you haven't met Abriosis. They are self-proclaimedly "Dedicated to touring their asses off, and ripping open ear pussies." These guys roll up in an armoured truck loaded with a shit ton of gear and beer and they begin the laborious process of setting up. Where better to film a band like this then in an old funeral chapel, and that's exactly where we found ourselves (I'm sure this is why they are dressed all in black). We located The Chapel, an actual old funeral parlour in East Van that has been conveniently transformed into a live music venue. After crushing a few warm up tunes and even more beer we are set to roll. These guys are loud enough to raise the dead but what is most impressive is their incredible technique. If you have ugly bare feet then don't watch this video cause it will rock your socks off. Here is Between the Bridge and the Water by Abriosis.
As if that wasn't amazing enough, these guys are currently giving away their brand new album Tattered and Bound on Stereo Killer. It is so "brutal" that it might "crush you balls" and "take the hair off your cat", so go get it already. They will also soon be selling their own Pussy Crusher t-shirts. Thanks again for all the beer gentlemen, I'm starting to get my hearing back finally!
For more great shots and some behind the scenes action from the Tasty Ears shoot check out Shaine Jones Photography.
Late one morning last week I rolled out of bed and down the hall into the office/studio coffee in hand. I do what I do first every morning and check my email. staring back at me from my inbox is an email titled Boba Fett on drums! I rub my eyes and sip some coffee. It's still there. A few more clicks and...
Chicago's Scattered Trees made this video themselves less than a month ago. This is the first release off their upcoming album Sympathy (out April 5th via Roll Call Records). The band had literally "scattered" across the country previous to this album leaving most to question wether Scattered Trees were still a band. Now they are about to play SXSW and were recently in the top 10 on Hypemachine.
Louise Burns and the Moonshiners
This last weekend was a busy one and so much fun. Started Friday night down at the uberhip new Waldorf Hotel Cabaret/Tikibar for an early show with Louise Burns and Shimmering Stars. Louise Burns and The Moonshiners opened (with Debra-Jean) guesting on supporting vocals. A short but very sweet set from her was followed promptly by the Shimmering Stars. They got the crowd on its feet and onto the dance floor with a few songs from last years EP before playing a couple of new tracks and closing with Sabians (from last weeks video). They came out for an encore with a Beach Boys cover to send all the hipsters on their way.
Shimmering Stars
My way was off to the Cobalt for another SXSW send off show. I was too late for No Gold and Teen Daze (which was too bad judging by the very excited crowd). I did get there just in time to catch headliners Basketball. Despite a few technical problems and a (by this point) overly drunk and excited crowd, they rocked a high energy set. Keep an ear out for these guys a sort of Jane's Addiction meets Yeasayer with a sprinkling of Nine Inch Nails. Good stuff.
Basketball
Saturday was the Cold War Kids at The Vogue. I've been a fan since their first album and I'm not really sure about the over produced sound of the new album but I am sure about their live show. It's a very carefully crafted set of old and new and doesn't miss a single song that one would need to hear. Focusing mainly on the latest album of course but not leaving out Mexican Dogs, Audience of One, We Used to Vacation or Hospital Beds. They closed the night with a short encore ending with my favourite St. John. After a perfect set singer Nathan Willett even came out for some handshakes and photo ops. All left very satisfied.
Cold War Kids
Nathan Willett (centre) of Cold War Kids
posing for photos after the show.
Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes posted on Twitter yesterday a download link for three new songs he had written but didn't know what to do with. The first of the three beautiful folk songs is a collaboration with Ed Droste (of Grizzly Bear). If you like either of those bands or folk music then I highly recommend it.
Out today is the latest from Kurt Vile titled Smoke Ring for my Halo. Check out his Don't Look Down video session over at Pitchfork. Check out the track Jesus Fever here. Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever by Pretty Much Amazing
Also out today is much hyped band Wye Oak's latest Civilian. Available on iTunes and appearing live in concert (unconfirmed) at the Media Club March 27 with (an also unconfirmed) Music in the Afternoon set at Zulu Records earlier that day. Here is the title track off the album. Wye Oak - Civilian by cityslang
Currently streaming over at Hypemachine is the highly anticipated, upcoming release from Oh Land. Check it out before you buy it next week right here on Hypem.
A little tease from a favourite band of mine Wild Beasts popped up on many blogs recently is a song called Albatross. The album drops on the same day as another favourite of mine's Antlers new album does (looking forward to that day). Here is Wild Beats new single Albatross Wild Beasts - Albatross by rockfeedback
All upcoming concert listings are now in the sidebar. Go!
Alright, early show at The Waldorf tonight with Shimmering Stars and it's almost go time so I'm going to be blunt. Lots of cool stuff to stream right now online so here goes. Check for Twitter updates from all the live shows this weekend.
The latest from Kurt Vile titled Smoke Ring for my Halo can be streamed at Drowned In Sound here. The newest from the Dodos can be streamed on HypeMachine and the released earlier this week album from Middle Brother can be streamed here at Spinner.
Also tonight at the Cobalt is Basketball, Teen Daze and No Gold. I'm going to try to get there after the Shimmering Stars show if I can find just the right application of cocktails from the Waldorf's new Tiki Bar.
Basketball
Tomorrow I'll be at The Cold War Kids show at the Vogue. Also Saturday night The Red Room is hosting live music with 41st & Home! Miami Device, Redrick Sultan, the Jen Huangs, and the Intruders take over the Railway Club. Also Saturday night The Dears! are at Venue. The Biltmore Cabaret has Asobi Seksu, Brahms, and Kisses. I'm digging Brahms check it
On Sale today were tickets for Okkervil River with my favourite band Titus Andronicus at the Vogue on June 20th. Also today the most epic live and all round awesome band Man Man went on sale for their show May 17 at the Rickshaw.
Man Man
Another couple of shows that were just announced are Jenny and Johnny (Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice) are sneaking away from Sasquatch festival to play Venue on May 29. Just one day after two other Sasquatch bands are at The Commodore. Those bands being Yeasayer and Smith Westerns (which is btw one of the best albums of 2011 (so far)). Here's the track All Die Young from it Smith Westerns - All Die Young by Indie Aufsatz
In more Sasquatch news, at least 3 or 4 more bands have been added this week including Wavves. I can see the argument that maybe there aren't enough "headliners" at Sasquatch this year but I think it's a rad line-up over all. So all the naysayers please feel free to stay home so there can be more room on the hill for me.
Of Montreal and Broken Bells both announced new EP's this week. They drop later this month. Still no word on the new Shins album that was reported for release sometime this year.
The Cave Singers new Album No Witch is out now and shows some pretty serious growth for the band without being a major departure from the music we love. Just more mature song writing and a very defined sense of style. I'm stoked for the show April 21. Just buy the album already. No Witch
Keep Tidy is a relatively new hard core band on the local scene but their new EP Basement Mold sounds more refined then many a debut album (especially in the genre). Actually recorded in a real moldy basement by the band, they really nail the 80's hardcore sound while still managing to sound current. With 7 songs in 8 minutes it's perfect for todays A.D.D. generation of short attention spans but my attention they have (even if it is only a minute at a time). If you don't care for hardcore then this is not for you, if you do then go and check out local hardcore band Keep Tidy's new EP Basement Mold. Download it for free on bandcamp now. For the lazy here is their self proclaimed "number one hit single!" titled Simpson's Quotes Simpsons Quotes by Keep Tidy
Now I've got to do a little beard growing before I can head to the Waldorf! Go!
I am a huge fan of these guys and after many months of email tag and a major line-up change for the band, the Shimmering Stars and Tasty Ears had arranged to do an On Location video. The band is currently rehearsing in the basement of a funky, old, artists space in East Vancouver and we thought that would work nicely for the shoot. When we arrived, Rory asked us how are day was going and assured us it was "about to get worse!" While artists and friends popped in and out of the space to diminish or replenish the beer supply we got set-up. They wanted to do East Van Girls and Sabians for the cameras and we couldn't have been more excited. Despite there tendency for biting fans they are super nice guys and made us feel very welcome... I can still taste the espresso vodka. Make sure to check them out this Friday March 4th at The Waldorf.
The Shimmering Stars have also just released 2 new songs "Dancing to Music I Hate" and "Walk Away". The as yet unnamed LP will drop sometime this summer on Almost Musique. Have a listen to the new singles here.
Shimmering Stars are also making there way down to SXSW this year to showcase their music. If you're heading that way be sure to check them out. I'll be the one at the back of the room telling everyone"I told you so!"
left to right: Rory McClure, Andrew Dergousoff, and (newest member) Brent Sasaki
I also took advantage of the opportunity with Shimmering Stars to ask them a couple of ( well actually 3) questions. It went like this:
TE: 1) What's with the biting at live shows?
SS: Biting is a display of affection towards audience members. Those standing with their ams crossed looking bored are most likely to be bitten or have their drinks stolen. This helps to get them more involved in the show. TE: 2) How has the band dynamic changed with the the new line-up? (3 piece vs. 4)
SS: The new band is definitely different. It's easier to work with fewer people, though there's more space to fill. This line-up is noisier and a little more thrashy than the last line-up, which was more restrained. Also, everyone in this line-up is from Merritt, BC - Country Music Capital of Canada. So we're all on the level. TE: 3) What other local band would you most like to tour with?
SS: Local bands we'd love to tour with include (impossible to limit to one): Manic Attracts on myspace, Dirty Beaches On myspace, Lost Lovers Brigade myspace, Mode Moderne you get the idea.
So the new Radiohead album King of Limbs is out. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of hearing about it. I like it (dibs), but should you care? Not really, listen to it, form your own opinion or don't, but you can't have my opinion cause it's mine. I called it, fair and square. That being said I'm not yet sick of watching the video so here it is.
Update: Portage and Main finished mastering their debut album last week. Mixed by local Georges Couling of Knuckleduster Music Inc. I got to listen to the album the Sunday night and I love it. Can't wait for the CD release party Friday March 18th at the Anza Club. More info here. It's a little bit rock and roll, it's a little bit folk, it's a little bit country, but most of all it's a whole lot of rad. I hear comparisons to Blitzen Trapper and Dr. Dog to Neil Young and The Band. It's a polished and epic first album from a couple of really great and talented local boys.
Update: Shimmering Stars On Location with Tasty Ears will drop Monday morning so stay tuned for that beauty. More here at Shaine Jones Photography Blog. If you're making your way down to SXSW this year make sure and check them out. They are totally rock and roll live. In fact, if you find that you're headed down to SXSW and have way too much room and money, I will let you sponsor me. That's right, I will tag along and spend your money and all you have to do is contact me.
Update: Rock super group Middle Brother are set to release there debut, for pre-sale go here. Speaking of pre-sale The Black Keys tickets for Deer Lake park June 27 go on sale tomorrow for the general public. Since you are not general but very special there are a few ways to get pre-sale tickets right now. If you have an Amex card Live Nation has a pre-sale for you. If you have an iPhone download the Live Nation App and get pre-sale that way or go to The Peak and sign up for there pre-sale offer. Go!
Update: Antony and the Johnsons announced a new EP. Antony and the Johnsons will release the “Swanlights” EP digitally and on 10”via Secretly Canadian on April 26. A CD version is forthcoming. The 10” vinyl will be available on Record Store Day, April 16. The EP includes a remix of the title track by Oneohtrix Point Never as well as two exclusive b-sides. Remember to hit up your local record store April 16 for this and many other special releases.
Music: here are some new tunes for you. TV on the Radio has announced a new album to drop in April here is the first single off that called Will Do. TV On The Radio - "Will Do" by Interscope Records
Lykke Li is streaming her new album over at Hypemachine. While your there make sure to check out the Tasty Ears Hot 100 tracks of the day. For those of you too lazy to click a link here is a track off Wounded Rhymes titled Get Some and a couple of remixes. Lykke Li - Get Some by LykkeLi
J Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr. fame) is releasing a solo album with tons of rad guests soon. Here's a taste. J Mascis - Not Enough by subpop
Upcoming shows: Feb. 25 The Zolas at Performance Works Feb. 27 Debra Jean and The Means at Performance Works Feb. 28 - Wild Nothing at the Biltmore Cabaret Mar. 5 Cold War Kids at The Vogue Mar. 11 Diamond Rings at The Biltmore Cabaret Mar. 16 Miami Device at the BiltmoreMar. 17 Destroyer at the Commodore Mar. 19 Warpaint at The Biltmore Mar. 31 The Dodos at The Rickshaw theatre Apr. 10 The Foals at the Commodore Apr. 21 The Cave Singers at The Biltmore (moved from the Rickshaw) Apr. 21 Tame Impala at the Commodore Apr. 29-30 Fleet Foxes at The Vogue May 3 Zola Jesus at The Biltmore May 4 Mother Mother at the VogueMay 8 The Kills at The Commodore May 17 The Low Anthem at Biltmore Cabaret (check out their new album) May 11 Peter Bjorn and John at Venue May 25 Sleigh Bells at The Vogue May 27 Lykke Li at The Vogue May 31 Adele at The Commodore Wild Nothing Feb 28 at Biltmore
The above headline is true. That being said, Lululemon is one of Oprah's Favourite Things and (thanks to local artist Zoe Pawlak) a Tasty Ears video is looping in their flagship store on Broadway and Cambie in Vancouver. Here's the video! If you've watched the video you know that the song is Unless it Kicks by Okkervil River. Okkervil River has been slowly leaking songs from their upcoming album (including one on Fallon last week). Below is there newest release called Mermaid, check it. Oh, and... Zoe Pawlak is having an opening tonight for her new show, for more information click here. Okkervil River - Mermaid by weallwantsome1
EXCLUSIVE! This just in the Arcade Fire has won the Grammy for Album of the Year with The Suburbs. Yep! You heard it here first folks. No, but seriously this is HUGE! An indie band taking an award that typically goes to a Major Label? I think it was Kanye West who tweeted "Does this mean there is hope for music?" Congrats to the Arcade Fire and their label Merge Records, you totally earned it. Arcade Fire are label mates on Merge Records with a band I've been digging lately Wye Oak. Wye Oak has a hotly anticipated new album titled Civilian dropping in a couple of weeks. Check out the title track from the album here. Wye Oak - Civilian by cityslang
The other Big News that I'm sure we all know but can't go unsaid is that Radiohead "quietly" tweeted on Sunday night "thanks for waiting" and this link to a website where you can pre-order their new album King of Limbs which will be available Saturday! This is the most retweeted tweet I have ever seen (it was well over 4000 retweets... on Monday).
Superstoked to announce that Tasty Ears has finally hooked up with the Shimmering Stars to do another instalment of On Location. The shoot is this weekend so keep it locked for the exclusive video here.
On Monday night Vancouver Is Awesome hosted a Valentine's Day show at Sitka Surfboards called Get Your Heart On. For those of you paying attention, last weeks Tasty Ears On Location video was part of that series. Well, the show had a great turn out and tons of local artists performed. Great show all, check out all the videos that were made to promote this show or download any of the tracks here at VIA.
Tonight at the Rickshaw theatre is Wavves with Best Coast and No Joy. Should be a rad show as all three bands are, well, rad! Here's a new one from Wavves called TV Luv Song Wavves - TV Luv Song by serpentinepadd
Another upcoming show that will be worth your hard earned $14 is Tune Yards at the Biltmore April 29. Here's a, wait for it, amazeballs new track from Tune Yards titled Bizness. Tune-Yards - Bizness by The Wounded Jukebox
More must see shows:
This Saturday at Red Room is Rococode and Bend Sinister with The Racoons
Feb. 27 Debra Jean and The Means at Performance Works
Feb. 28 - Wild Nothing at the Biltmore Cabaret
Mar. 5 Cold War Kids at The Vogue
Mar. 11 Diamond Rings at The Biltmore Cabaret
Mar. 17 Destroyer at the Commodore
Mar. 19 Warpaint at The Biltmore
Mar. 31 The Dodos at The Rickshaw theatre
Apr. 30 Fleet Foxes at The Vogue
May 3 Zola Jesus at The Biltmore
May 8 The Kills at The Commodore
May 11 Peter Bjorn and John at Venue
May 25 Sleigh Bells at The Vogue
May 27 Lykke Li at The Vogue
May 31 Adele at The Commodore
Zach Gray (of The Zolas) and Laura Smith (of Rococode) team up for a Valentine's Day duet of Serge Gainsbourg's song Bonnie and Clyde.
Late one rainy night, in an old stable, lit only by the moon, a solitary horse is serenaded with the tale of the famous, outlaw lovers Bonnie and Clyde. At least that's how it went down last Monday night in Vancouver. The song was originally recorded in French, (in 1967 by Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot) the lyrics based on the the poem "The Trails End" by non-other than Bonnie Parker herself. Laura and Zach use the original poem for the lyrics in this version. As we know Bonnie and Clyde loved two things, robbing banks and each other. Their lives ended the only way they could, in a hail of bullets. Romantic no? Well at least that's what Zach and Laura thought as this video was made as a special Valentine's Day duet for Vancouver Is Awesome.
If The Zolas and Rococode merged would they be The Rococolas or The Zolocode? Or wait, maybe ZoRo? Something deep for you to consider till Monday (gentlemen, Monday is Valentine's Day, don't forget). This year may you all find the love that Bonnie and Clyde had but not the bullets.
Monday night at Sitka Surfboards in Vancouver many of the artists participating in the Valentine's duet project will be performing for free, so get there.
Tomorrow night at Massey Theatre The Zolas are performing with Dan Mangan, Hannah Georgas, and Corina Corina for The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Benefit
February 19 Rococode plays with Bend Sinister at The Red Room
RIP The White Stripes! This has to be the story of the week. Late 2010 there were rumours of a new album in 2011 and now... they're just done. Now, much like the Hotel Yorba, I have a "vacancy" inside, where The White Stripes once were. I failed to see them live. Epic fail!
Good news this week, Fleet Foxes released a new single and tour dates. Pre-sale sold out fast and general admission tickets go on sale today. Don't delay. The show is at the Vogue April 30. If you're sitting on the fence just check out their new track Helplessness Blues
Another big story this week is Exclaim Magazine (online edition) a Canada wide publication, reviews Tasty Ears On Location with the SSRIs.Check it! Okay, maybe not a big story and I really shouldn't toot my own horn (but toot! toot!).
Feb 01, 2011 marks the kick off of a film collaboration between Efterklang and La Blogotheque's Vincent Moon. There are small screenings happening around the globe over the next couple of months (including an already sold out one here). The film is called An Island and is a documentation of Efterklang's musical exploration of an island off the Danish coast.
Another band with ties to Denmark The Raveonettes are releasing a new album in April titled Raven in the Grave. There have already announced some North American tour dates. In further Raveonettes news The Dum Dum Girls have released a new track this week produced in part by one half of The Raveonettes.
The only album release this week that I will address is Young Galaxy's Shapeshifting. Go! Their dreamy, spacey sound fits nicely under the strong, female vocalist. Another gem of a band hailing from Montreal.
Another band from Montreal you may have heard of is The Arcade Fire. I mentioned Vincent Moon earlier in this post (the mastermind behind La Blogotheque) came out this week and called The Arcade Fire and their management "awful, awful people" Pow! The bands manager wrote a letter back accusing Moon of stealing some of their equipment and having a drug problem. Smash! I'm a huge fan of both artists so I'm not going to get involved except to say "Hey Arcade Fire come do a video with Tasty Ears."
The Dodos are back with a new album No Color (their spelling, not mine) on March 14. The Dodos are in Vancouver on March 31, at the Rickshaw. They recruited Neko Case to help out with her amazeballs vocal stylings. Check out the first single Black Night now.
Local indie band Mother Mother are releasing their new album Eureka! Check out their latest Baby Don't Dance. (relax, just give it a sec. it will play eventually)
Another local band Said the Whale is touring with Tokyo Police Club and Dinosaur Bones. They play the Commodore April 23. Here's the latest from Dinosaur Bones titled Royalty
Upcoming shows:
Pineapple plays at Interurban Feb 18
The Zolas are at Performance Works Feb 25
Zola Jesus is at the Biltmore May 3
Peter Bjorn and John are at Venue May 11
I'll leave you with the latest from The Kills, here's Satellite
