The Soft White Sixties

The Bam Team’s 5 Favorite Shows, Albums & Songs of 2018

December 28, 2018 by The Bam Team 2 Comments

David Byrne at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium // Showbams’ Photo of the Year, by Tim O’Shea

We have to be honest: 2018 was kind of a weird year for music. Sure, there were some major highlights — many of them listed below, in fact — but we also saw a serious changing of the guard. The decline of mainstream rock and the continued rise of hip-hop, R&B and pop was more noticeable than ever, from this year’s Coachella lineup to the cancellation of FYF Fest, making us wonder what the next twist or turn will be for the industry now that the demand for EDM has started to cool off following its boom circa 2012. That said, we still listened to a lot of new albums and caught plenty of concerts over the last 12 months, and it’s once again time for us to share our annual “Best of” lists, much like we have done over the past several years (see our 2017 picks here).

So, without further ado, Showbams presents The Bam Team’s five favorite shows, albums and songs from 2018.

See our favorite performances from 2018 here.

Listen to The Bam Team’s favorite songs of 2018:

Jamiroquai at Coachella 2018 // Photo courtesy of Coachella

Josh Herwitt // Los Angeles

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. Queens of the Stone Age at The Forum – Inglewood, CA – February 17th
Just more than two months after his infamous assault on a photographer at The Forum for KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, Queens of the Stone Age leader Josh Homme made his return to the LA arena for a proper, sold-out affair with UK rock duo Royal Blood delivering what proved to be a headbanging opening set. From there, it only got better as Homme and the boys dazzled with a headlining performance that even included Villains producer Mark Ronson sitting in for most of the five-song encore and the band’s live debut of its “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” cover. You can bet Elton John, whom Homme actually collaborated with during the writing and recording of QOTSA’s sixth album …Like Clockwork, would have been proud. I always know when I’ve seen a good rock ‘n’ roll show because my neck will be sore the following day, but after this one, it was sore for the next three days. Ouch.

2. Nine Inch Nails at Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA – December 12th, 14th-15th
3. Jamiroquai at Coachella, Weekend 1 – Indio, CA – April 13th
4. David Byrne at Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA – August 24th
5. Foo Fighters/Nirvana reunion at Cal Jam 18 – San Bernadino, CA – October 6th

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Jungle – For Ever
Unlike previous years, picking a favorite album in 2018 wasn’t quite as easy for me. I’ll admit that I didn’t hear every one that was released this year, but I listened to a lot of them. So, call me boring and short-sighted if you like, but nothing totally knocked my socks off. After much deliberation, it was Jungle’s sophomore LP For Ever that stood the test of time for me (no pun intended). The English soul collective’s follow-up to its 2014 self-titled debut doesn’t veer off in a completely different direction from what came before, but it still moves the sonic needle forward enough. After two full lengths, Jungle have shown a knack for writing catchy, dance-fueled tunes that transport you to a different time and place — even if it’s only for a three- or four-minute stretch.

2. Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo
3. Arctic Monkeys – Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
4. Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
5. Big Red Machine – Big Red Machine

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Nine Inch Nails – “Over and Out”
When I first listened to Bad Witch, I immediately knew this one was my favorite track on the album. But hearing it performed live on the final night of NIN’s “Cold and Black and Infinite” North American tour sealed it for top honors in 2018. Layering a brooding, yet funky bass line on top of a glitchy, experimental beat, Trent Reznor shows that he isn’t just playing it safe and merely saving his creativity for scoring films with bandmate and longtime collaborator Atticus Ross. You can tell Reznor had his late friend David Bowie in mind when he wrote the song too as he conjures up an even deeper baritone from behind the microphone than the one we have come to know over the last 30 years.

2. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
3. Jungle – “Heavy, California”
4. Wild Nothing – “Partners in Motion”
5. The Raconteurs – “Now That You’re Gone”

Molly Kish // San Francisco

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. David Byrne at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – August 16th
In support of his seventh solo album American Utopia, musical virtuoso David Byrne hit the road for one of this year’s most creative and ambitious tours. Over more than 150 dates that spanned the entire globe, the 66-year-old delivered Broadway-caliber performances with a traveling 11-piece band that served as a traveling retrospective of his solo and collaborative work. Meanwhile, the tour also doubled as a platform for him to deliver his “Reasons to Be Cheerful” manifestos on civic engagement, climate/energy, culture, economics, education, health, science/technology and urban transportation. He partnered with HeadCount while encouraging audiences every night to engage in public discourse through social media and their own personal stories on his website. And as a result, Byrne elevated the concert-going experience into more of an interactive, performance-art space that his fans became a living, breathing part of.

2. Young Fathers at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – November 10th
3. Erykah Badu & Thundercat at The Armory – San Francisco, CA – February 14th
4. Beck at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – August 8th
5. LCD Soundsystem with TV on the Radio at Greek Theatre Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – April 27th-28th

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Richard Russell – Everything Is Recorded by Richard Russell
A multi-artist project released as the debut album of XL Recordings founder Richard Russell, Everything Is Recorded is collaborative effort representing the ties between past and present sounds currently shaping the framework of hip-hop, funk and soul. Featuring collaborations with Sampha, Kamasi Washington, Syd, Damon Albarn, Peter Gabriel, Ibeyi, Obongjayar and more, the album also plays as the soundtrack to a 30-minute film, which documents the time each spent in the studio during its conception and is interspliced with archival footage of Gil Scott-Heron and Curtis Mayfield. With its underlying themes of loss and isolation, Everything Is Recorded effectively communicates Russell’s emotional journey as he battles a debilitating autoimmune disease in hope of finding salvation through the shared experience of creating a beautifully mastered piece of art.

2. George Fitzgerald – All That Must Be
3. Pusha T – DAYTONA
4. Robyn – Honey
5. Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
If any song embodied the insanity and collective discontent of 2018, it was definitely Childish Gambino’s epic single “This Is America”. The juxtaposition of an a cappella choir leading into Donald Glover’s soft crooning over island beats and drum samples before staunchly diverting to a menacing base line reminiscent of 90’s gangster rap — as well as the hortative delivery of degrading lyrics about the current state of violence and American ideals — is near-perfect. Of course, the provocative music video that accompanied the track’s surprise release during his “Saturday Night Live” debut was incredible. The song, lyrics, video and marketing campaign could not have been a more flawless “slice of life” reflection of modern American society and justifiably has boomeranged into probably the most important moment of Childish Gambino’s career so far.

2. The Presets – “Downtown Shutdown”
3. Jon Hopkins – “Everything Connected”
4. Jungle – “Casio”
5. Parquet Courts – “Wide Awake”

Kevin Quandt // San Francisco

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. David Byrne at Jazzfest – New Orleans, LA – April 29th
You know what they say: the first time is always the best. With David Byrne’s 2018 “American Utopia Tour” being universally acclaimed as one of the most enigmatic live shows of the year, it’s not surprising to see it top other “Best of” lists. Byrne and his merry band of “unplugged” pranksters created a feast for the eyes and ears, and his daytime set on the Gentilly Stage did not disappoint at all. While his Fox Theater Oakland shows were more intimate and featured some more dynamic lighting features, his performance at Jazzfest back in April was the most memorable for NOLA revelers.

2. Jamiroquai at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – April 17th
3. Polo & Pan at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – June 20th
4. Nine Inch Nails at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – December 4th
5. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever at Primavera Sound – Barcelona, Spain – June 2nd

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo
What a banner year for this Texas trio! Khruangbin have been on a steady rise the past few years as they turn on the masses to their infectious amalgamation of psychedelic soul, Thai surf rock and subtle funk. Having cemented their reputation as beasts in a live setting, Con Todo El Mundo proved their knack for penning tunes of equal strength with its emotive first single “Friday Morning” serving as a clear standout. “Evan Finds the Third Room” has also become a fan favorite, and the accompanying music video only lends to its growing charm. The sky’s the limit for Laura, Mark and DJ, so grab your ticket to fly.

2. Hookworms – Microshift
3. Amen Dunes – Freedom
4. Shame – Songs of Praise
5. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks – Sparkle Hard

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Jonathan Wilson – “Trafalgar Square”
LA producer-turned-frontman Jonathan Wilson churned out one helluva album opener for his third solo LP Rare Birds, as this six-plus-minute romp has all the right pieces for true liftoff. A proper intro leads into a riff so heavy that it’ll break your mama’s back. Top-notch production is key to this track, as Wilson is a wiz behind the boards. As you cruise down the 405 with this whopper blaring, you’d be hard-pressed not to nod along. Extra points for those of you with a 1970’s convertible, too.

2. Tom Misch – “Water Baby” feat. Loyle Carner
3. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
4. Jonathan Something – “Happy Day”
5. Men I Trust – “Seven”

Andrew Pohl // San Francisco

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. The Smashing Pumpkins at Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA – August 27th
The Smashing Pumpkins are the quintessential 90’s arena-rock band, and they fully lived up to that billing at Oracle Arena for their Bay Area stop over the summer. I’ve seen them several times over the years, and although this time it was pegged as a “reunion tour” (minus D’Arcy, sigh), you never know what you’re going to get from them. Billy Corgan led the band through over three hours’ worth of material with some killer stage production to go with it. The show was definitely a marathon, but totally worth being there for. It came to light later that Corgan was also fighting off a bad case of food poisoning, but it didn’t show. It was great to see James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlain back onstage, too — the way it should be.

2. Nine Inch Nails at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – December 3rd
3. Against Me! & Turbonegro at UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA – May 25th
4. Alkaline Trio at The Warfield – San Francisco, CA – October 6th
5. Back To The Beach Festival – Huntington Beach, CA – April 28th-29th

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Shame – Songs of Praise
This album hit me like a ton of bricks in the best way. I had heard a ton of hype around Songs of Praise before giving it a first listen, and usually I am a healthy skeptic, but good Lord, does this record rip. It has a dark flavor and carries with it a lot of angst, and you can’t help but get caught up in the hooks that Shame offer. These five lads from South London simply killed it.

2. IDLES – Joy as an Act of Resistance
3. Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
4. Hot Snakes – Jericho Sirens
5. Snail Mail – Lush

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Shame – “Concrete”
Conjuring up the ghost of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis without sounding like a complete poser is challenging for newer post-punk bands it seems — except for Shame’s Charlie Steen. Paired with some brilliant instrumentation, I just couldn’t stop listening to “Concrete” when I first heard it. I must have listened to the track a solid 10 times in a row on the first go. This song has an infectious quality to it and is a straight-up ripper.

2. The Soft White Sixties – “I Still Love You, San Francisco”
3. Hot Snakes – “Six Wave Hold-Down”
4. IDLES – “Colossus”
5. The Sword – “Come and Gone”

Filed Under: Best of, Best of 2018, Editor's Picks, Featured Tagged With: 311, Against Me!, Alkaline Trio, Amen Dunes, Arctic Monkeys, Back To The Beach, Back To The Beach Festival, Beck, Best of 2018, Big D & The Kids Table, Big Red Machine, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Bon Iver, Childish Gambino, Coachella, Coachella 2018, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2018, Curtis Mayfield, Damon Albarn, David Byrne, Erykah Badu, Fishbone, Fox Theater Oakland, George Fitzgerald, Giggs, Gil Scott Heron, Goldfinger, Greek Theatre Berkeley, hepcat, Hollywood Palladium, Hookworms, Hot Snakes, Ibeyi, IDLES, Jamiroquai, Jon Hopkins, Jonathan Something, Jungle, Kamasi Washington, Khruangbin, Kurt Vile, LCD Soundsystem, Less Than Jake, Mad Caddies, Mark Ronson, Mela Murder, Men I Trust, Mustard Plug, Nine Inch Nails, Obongjayar, Oracle Arena, Outside Lands 2018, Outside Lands Music Festival 2018, Outside Lands night shows, Parquet Courts, Peter Gabriel, Polo & Pan, Primavera Sound, Primavera Sound 2018, Pusha T, Queens of the Stone Age, Richard Russell, Robyn, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Royal Blood, Sampha, Santa Barbara Bowl, Save Ferris, Shame, Smashing Pumpkins, Snail Mail, Stephen Malkmus, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Sublime with Rome, Syd, The Aggrolites, The Aquabats, The Armory, The Forum, The Independent, The Internet, The Interrupters, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The National, The Presets, The Raconteurs, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Soft White Sixties, The Suicide Machines, The Sword, The UC Theatre, The Untouchables, The Warfield, Thundercat, Tom Misch, Turbonegro, TV on the Radio, Wild Nothing, Young Fathers

SF Oysterfest 2017 serves up a stacked lineup of electronic-tinged indie pop

July 7, 2017 by Chandler K Leave a Comment

Photos by Lisette Worster // Written by Chandler Kirkman //

Oysterfest Music Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
July 1st, 2017 //

Fourth of July weekend was just beginning when the 18th annual Oysterfest Music Festival opened its gates in Golden Gate Park. It was a warm day in SF with a slight breeze that led into a beautiful summer day filled with live music, delicious oysters and positive vibes.

Panic Is Perfect got things started on the main stage around 11 a.m., setting the tone for the day with songs like “You’re Alive” and “Go Go Go”. Crowds of all ages walked into Sharon Meadow and found some open space on the grassy fields with blankets and inflatable air loungers before digging into the fresh, succulent oysters that were being sold by dozens of local eateries.

This year’s great attractions included the annual “Shuck & Suck” contest, a silent disco, a live art exhibit, a photo booth, vendors and cooking demos.

Not to mention, the music lineup featured five of the finest artists in electronic indie pop and rock between Panic Is Perfect, The Soft White Sixties, Sir Sly, KONGOS and Passion Pit.

Passion Pit

The afternoon was filled with The Soft White Sixties’ sultry rock as they played songs like “Up to the Light” and “Sorry to Say” before Los Angeles-based indie-pop trio Sir Sly took over and filled the air with their infectious pop hooks.

As the day went on, the crowd enjoyed fresh oysters and the Guinness kept flowing. The city’s young and beautiful crowd indulged in the social scene and the vendor options between sets. When KONGOS took the stage, the crowd was feeling good and it showed as music lovers sang along and danced throughout the set, which included a few of their hit tracks such as “Come With Me Now” and “I’m Only Joking”.

For the final act of the day, President of O’Reilly’s Productions Myles O’Reilly introduced the festival’s headliner, Passion Pit, and the crowd went wild. Frontman Michael Angelakos and his band of Bostonians brought in the cool breeze coming off the SF bay with their collection of electronic-pop songs that included hit singles “Sleepyhead” and “Little Secrets”. Audience members were engaged, rocking out to the Cambridge band’s closing set as another Oysterfest came to an end.

Oysterfest is a hidden treasure in SF’s festival scene as a consistently fun and friendly event. It truly has it all: great live music, food, drinks and a ticket price that is just right. So, what’s not to love?

Filed Under: Featured, Festival Reviews, Festivals Tagged With: Golden Gate Park, KONGOS, Oysterfest, Oysterfest 2017, Panic Is Perfect, Passion Pit, San Francisco Oyster Fest, San Francisco Oyster Fest 2017, San Francisco Oysterfest, San Francisco Oysterfest 2017, SF Oyster Fest, SF Oysterfest, SF Oysterfest 2017, Sharon Meadows, Sir Sly, Soft White Sixties, The Soft White Sixties

The Soft White Sixties, Mahgeetah & Coo Coo Birds rock ‘Showbams Presents’ showcase at Brick & Mortar

February 3, 2015 by Molly Kish 3 Comments

The Soft White Sixties

Photos by Tom Dellinger, Benjamin Wallen & Mike Rosati // Written by Molly Kish //

“Showbams Presents” The Soft White Sixties with Mahgeetah, Coo Coo Birds //
Brick & Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco
January 28th, 2015 //

Capping off a successful month-long residency at Brick & Mortar Music Hall last week, SF’s The Soft White Sixties were joined by opening acts Mahgeetah and Coo Coo Birds in a grand finale of epic proportions, presented by Showbams. Filling the intimate venue to maximum capacity, the sold-out crowd turned the event into a Wednesday night rager.

In combining some equally-enthusiastic fan bases into one room, the show offered a strong portrayal of the Bay Area’s vibrant music scene with three local bands on top of their games at the moment. Showbams couldn’t have been happier to present a night filled with such an impressively-curated lineup of artists — each representing their own unique musical styles — that continue to breach the creative barriers of the indie status quo across the board.

Coo Coo Birds

The three-piece Coo Coo Birds stunned the early-evening crowd, opening the show with their sludgy, psychedelic garage rock. Whether or not it was familiar with the band’s work upon entering Brick & Mortar, the audience quickly filled out the dance floor, drawn in by the trio’s hypnotic set.

Mahgeetah

A highly-anticipated performance from local indie/Americana outfit Mahgeetah marked the halfway point of the evening. By then, Brick & Mortar had already reached full throttle, packed with fans thirsty for their long-awaited live show before breaking out into a lively dance party while Mahgeetah ran through a string of their hits. The performance reached its peak when the band played its raucous cover of “The Seeker” by The Who, prompting a singalong that hit screaming octaves and one that neighborhood residents could easily hear within a few blocks of the venue.

The Soft White Sixties

Lastly, the evening’s headliner and the spotlight artist for their month-long residency, The Soft White Sixties took the stage. Equipped with their own lighting rig and set design, they took full control of the room, making sure that this last performance as the reigning kings of Brick & Mortar was one for the books. Performing for a packed house of friends and family, the band, which started playing together in 2010, brought an intensity and showmanship to the stage that echoed ones of veteran performers.

Coming in hot off the end of a year-long touring schedule in support of their most recent album Get Right, the band seemed as fresh as it was during its kickoff performance last February when it was one of the spotlight acts at Noise Pop 2014.

The Soft White Sixties lead singer Octavio Genera

It’s been a successful year on the road for the TSWS in addition to their many other accomplishments as a band, but this performance was even more special due to the fact that the show was also serving as an unofficial birthday party for lead singer Octavio Genera.

The “Showbams Presents” residency date truly was an amazing night for this website, Brick & Mortar Music Hall and all three bands that we were honored to have perform. It was definitely nothing short of a successful evening and ultimately one huge, epic party to end an amazing month of shows in SF.

The Soft White Sixties

Mahgeetah

Coo Coo Birds

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Coo Coo Birds, Mahgeetah, Showbams Presents, The Soft White Sixties

Showbams Presents: The Soft White Sixties, Mahgeetah & Coo Coo Birds at Brick & Mortar 1/28 (WED)

January 26, 2015 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

Showbams Presents: The Soft White Sixties, Mahgeetah, Coo Coo Birds //
Brick & Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco
January 28th, 2015 //

We’re presenting our first show this Wednesday at Brick & Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco, and we want you to join us. Some of our favorite local SF acts will be blowing the venue doors right off their hinges, so enter below for your chance to GO4FREE.

BUY TICKETS if you know you want to go.

The Soft White Sixties have hit the bricks hard the past couple of years promoting their debut LP Get Right. while introducing “Working Class Soul” to live music fans across the US. Covering the group’s album release show, we wrote, “Octavio Genera commands a crowd like a champion – His enthusiasm is evident, and this bolsters the sound created by his talented band.” In reviewing the group’s Noise Pop show last year, we proclaimed, “This band excels at hard-driving rock, which they delivered in a big way many times throughout the night with well-placed lighter songs to bring things back to earth once in a while. In essence, The Soft White Sixties curate a well-paced show.”

If you’re a fan of music from The Black Keys, Pickwick or Delta Spirit, then head toward the Mission this Wednesday evening for the last show on The Soft White Sixties’ concert calendar.

One of our favorite indie acts from the Bay Area, Mahgeetah, will be teeing up TSWS’ final night of their residency, which has us pretty excited. Take a peep at what we said about Mahgeetah’s live show last summer: “All hail Mahgeetah as they continue to be an important piece in the local music scene. “Creature of Habit” was passionately belted out by guitarist JJ Mellon, a standout on the their LP that has become a treat on stage. Longtime favorite tune, “Long Shot”, was another highlight as the slow build from Fisher and band burst with energy and groove comparable to White Denim. The rhythm section, featuring Tim Tyson on bass and Alex Swain on percussion, has always been a strong suit for this San Francisco act, and tonight showed no exception.”

Grimy psych-rock with a savage, spiritual narrative will be getting our asses into Brick & Mortar plenty early this Wednesday to see Coo Coo Birds. Let’s let the guys from Coo Coo Birds set the stage themselves: “Noted for causing spiritual awakening in the members of their congregation; the band’s live performances are considered by many- even by those outside of the occult- to be a religious experience. Abandoning modern conveniences for a more corporal connection with the Divine, the group is rumored to have recorded their prayers using ancient methods; including magnetic tapes, and primitive amplification.” Sounds good. We’re in.

Join us this Wednesday for free (if you’re lucky) by entering your name and email below. Contest ends Tuesday at 2 p.m. We’ll notify you by mid-day Wednesday if you are going for free.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Coo Coo Birds, Mahgeetah, Showbams Presents, The Soft White Sixties

PHOTOS: The Soft White Sixties at Slim’s 4/25

April 28, 2014 by tom dellinger Leave a Comment

By Tom Dellinger //

The Soft White Sixties with Chicano Batman, A Million Billion Dying Suns //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 25th, 2014 //

One of the most talked about San Francisco bands, The Soft White Sixties, returned for an engagement at Slim’s this past Friday night. The band has been touring steadily since their last appearance at The Chapel in February which included a successful run at SXSW. With the winds of mounting critical acclaim at their back, they sailed into town and demonstrated once again why critics continue to claim, “this is a band to watch.”

Anticipation was in the air on Friday as the two openers, the eclectic Chicano Batman and A Million Billion Dying Suns got things rolling. It was a late night and by the time TSWS hit, the room was packed and ready for the hometown band to strut their stuff, which is exactly what they did. A heavy touring schedule has been kind to the Sixties. They were both fresh and crisp the instant they took the stage. In addition to his vocal abilities, lead singer Octavio Genera is one of the most energetic and charismatic performers around and on Friday, he once again put it all on the line as he worked that stage; delivering a performance as if there would be no tomorrow.

Everyone in the band seemed to have that extra punch in them as they drove through the set with an intensity that was palpable. Joey Bustos on drums was particularly sharp and driving hard as the band responded. At the end of the night one could see those sparkling eyes and smiles on the faces of the fans as they knew they had just experienced something special.

Next month will find the band at BottleRock in Napa. Just as one of the most talked about bands at last year’s event was Vintage Trouble, one can reasonably expect that to be the case for The Soft White Sixties. Much like Vintage Trouble, and their vocalist, Ty Taylor in particular, you simply can’t build a stage too big for Octavio and TSWS. Expect them to explode.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: A Million Billion Dying Suns, Chicano Batman, Slims, The Soft White Sixties

WIN TICKETS: The Soft White Sixties at Slim’s 4/25 (Friday)

April 24, 2014 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Photo by Tom Dellinger //

Enter to win a pair of free tickets to this show below.

The Soft White Sixties with Chicano Batman, A Million Billion Dying Suns //
Slim’s — San Francisco
April 25, 2014 (Friday) //

As part of the promotional odyssey for their debut LP Get Right, San Francisco’s very own The Soft White Sixties will be headlining Slim’s this Friday night. Presented by Performer Magazine, and with support from Chicano Batman and A Million Billion Dying Suns, this local buzz band brings their infectious brand of “Working Class Soul” back to the Bay. Their first hometown performance since their electrifying appearance at the Noise Pop Festival 2014, anticipate a rowdy night with the boys, ready to “get right” in their local haunt. Gearing up for next month’s gig as part of the festival bill for Bottlerock in Napa Valley, this will be the last San Francisco stop on their tour leading up to the festival. Catch your sneak preview of what undoubtedly will be a highlight set of that weekend.

Buy tickets if you know you want to go!

Enter to win if you can attend this show Friday, April 25th at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Submit your full name and email address below.
Contest ends Friday, April 25th at Noon. Winners will be picked at random & notified by email. Your email will be kept private – we will share your email with no one.

Like Showbams on Facebook and follow Showbams on twitter to be eligible to win.

CONTEST CLOSED

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Slims, The Soft White Sixties

Festival Review: Noise Pop 2014

March 6, 2014 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

Noise Pop 2014 has come and gone, and what a jam-packed week of music and merriment it was. This week-long festival event is spread out amongst the 22 finest venues in the Bay Area, making for one of the best extended independent music showcases around.

The Bam Team was on the scene throughout, capturing the many memorable moments — take a look at our show recaps and photos below!

Photo by Kory Thibeault //

Digital Mystikz with DJ Rashad //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
February 27th, 2014 //

This night of progressive dance and bass music was a long time in the making, and the results were not disappointing as those faithful to underground music were treated to this Teklife/DMZ doubleheader. DJ Rashad brought his own style to the stage, presenting the hyped crowd with his own unique brand of dance music that goes by ‘footwork,’ a variant offshoot of juke and ghetto house. The highly rhythmic tracks were a delight to those wanting to show off their fancy dance moves before the “bass bath” that is Digital Mystikz. Though Rashad was killing it, he seemed reluctant to hand over the decks to the duo of Mala and Coki.

Dubstep and bass music fans in San Francisco finally got to experience the heaviness that is South London’s Digital Mystikz after years of waiting (and canned dates). They were rewarded with a straight vinyl set that had the two switching off dubplates every so often. The speakers flexed and breathed as an array of frequencies poured out, showcasing a slower tempo than Rashad. Mala played heavy on roots tracks while Coki spun his characteristic style of aggressive bass. Coki seems to be taking his musical career more seriously as he debuted a handful of bangers that are sure to make their way onto wax and various mix sets. “Anti-War Dub”, a legendary track, demonstrated their agenda as bass music with a message. “Gangster for Life” was a highlight for the amped crowd as many put their hands in the air and sand along to Movado’s vocal sample before dropping into some seriously filthy rhythms and sub-bass. Mala’s “Miracles” was featured towards the end of the set as the faithful were disappointed to see DMZ’s late start not be rewarded on the back end with an extra 10 minutes. -Kevin Quandt

Photo by Tom Dellinger //

The Soft White Sixties, NO (LA), The SHE’S, Cannons and Clouds //
The Chapel – San Francisco
February 28th, 2014 //

After their set of about an hour and a half, it was confirmed that this was one of those performances that will be well remembered. Surely, The Soft White Sixties are destined to launch onto larger stages and broader success as a band. Ready and poised, all the ingredients are there. —Tom Dellinger

READ FULL REVIEW & VIEW PHOTOS

The Fresh & Onlys with Cool Ghouls, Sandy’s, Luke Sweeney //
Brick & Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco
February 26th, 2014 //

The Fresh & Only’s lead singer, Tim Cohen, who is strangely reminiscent of Danny McBride in his humor, cracked jokes between songs. The locally beloved band declared, “We are San Francisco, or we were San Francisco, or San Francisco was us.” The crowd seemed to eat up the commentary on the general culture shift happening around them in the City. -Katy Meacham

READ FULL REVIEW

Papercuts, Vetiver, The Donkeys, EDJ //
The Chapel – San Francisco
February 26th, 2014 //

San Francisco’s Papercuts finished the night with a slightly more subdued set, especially when compared to Vetiver and the Donkeys, and the crowd had thinned a bit as the ‘school night curse’ fell over the headliner. -Kevin Quandt

READ FULL REVIEW

Com Truise with Phantoms, Kauf, DJ Dials //
Mezzanine — San Francisco
February 27th, 2014 //

The 80’s haven’t sounded this good since…well, ever. Com Truise intertwines reworked 80’s synth samples with modern sensibilities and the result induces random outbreaks of dancing in crowds. Buoyed by a new lighting rig that dominated the stage, Truise’s downtempo productions come across as more powerful and engaging than the recordings. Though the west coast leg of his tour is finished, having just released the first part of a planned series albums, hopefully he’ll pop back up sooner than later. -Steve Wandrey

El Ten Eleven with Mattson 2, Pale Blue Dot //
The New Parish – Oakland, CA
February 28th, 2014 //

The self-proclaimed “power duo” from Los Angeles created an immense sound with the aid of a looper and heavily modulated effects. Wielding a doubleneck guitar/bass combo, El Ten Eleven’s experimental sound was polished and fresh, never drifting into monotony, which looper pedals can sometimes do. -Kevin Raos

READ FULL REVIEW

Photo by Sterling Munksgard //

Real Estate with The Shilohs & Dream Boys //
The Independent – San Francisco
February 28th, 2014 //

Real Estate played to a solemn, respectfully immersed Independent Friday for their first full show of their North American tour. Sure the indie-rockers played their yet-to-be released record Atlas in its entirety near their home turf in New York Thursday, but they chose Noise Pop Fest to debut their very square stage setup. -Mike Frash

READ FULL REAL ESTATE REVIEW & VIEW PHOTOS

Cold Cave with Painted Palms, Dirty Ghosts and Happy Fangs //
Slim’s – San Francisco
February 28th, 2014 //

An extensive bill of varied rock flavor, Saturday night’s line up at Slim’s had a little bit of something for everyone. Kicking off the evening, local duo Happy Fangs got the crowd amped with their juxtapositional noise-laden synth pop. Rebecca Gone Bad’s vocals penetrated through the brick walls of the venue, audible to the crowd lined up outside amidst the evenings’ partial showers. Next up to the stage, Dirty Ghosts shredded their way through a set of new material and crowd favorites, calling for their guitar levels to be raised so they can properly “rock the fuck out” of the weekend crowd. Painted Palms, brought a different type of temperament to the line-up, focusing their set around the band’s less dance driven tracks, epically stretching out their material into extended jams driven by cousins Reese Donohue and Chris Prudhomme, backed by a full band. Cold Cave closed out the evening with his brooding set of dark-wave synth pop, debuting new material off of his 2014 album Sunflower and utilizing the show as a warm up for his upcoming summer tour with NIN. -Molly Kish

No Age with Cheatahs, GRMLN, Straight Crimes //
Brick & Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco
March 1st, 2014 //

One of the more hyped, international artists on the Noise Pop bill was the rising stars that are Cheatahs. Though the band was marred by poor sound early in the set, they rallied to crush the second half of their set as the crowd began to open up to their sound. Charging out of LA for nearly a decade, No Age two weave the post-punk sentiment of Fugazi with a wall of sound volume that shakes you to your core. The “adult” crowd got a rare treat as No Age generally play all ages shows that quickly turn into frenetic chaos. -Kevin Quandt

READ FULL REVIEW

Dr. Dog with Saint Rich, Moses Sumney //
The Warfield – San Francisco
March 1st, 2014 //

Saturday night was a much anticipated one as the City descended upon the Warfield to get their dose of Dr. Dog. “Live in the Tenderloin” read a sign on stage, a nod to the neighborhood and a proclamation that they knew more about San Francisco than one would expect. And that is certainly how the night felt — Dr. Dog knew its audience and exactly what they wanted to hear. -Kory Thibeault

VIEW DR. DOG PHOTOS

Mark Kozelek (of Sun Kil Moon & Red House Painters) //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
March 1st, 2014 //

“I don’t give a fuck about Noise Pop,” said surly 47-year-old control freak Mark Kozelek at Great American Music Hall Satuday, one of the first piercing, dry stage banter remarks he made. Always honest and amusing in an odd way, much like his music, Kozelek turned between-song breaks into hilarious and awkward moments as a matter of routine. -Mike Frash

READ FULL MARK KOZELEK REVIEW

Photo by Marc Fong //

Rogue Wave with Trails and Ways, Wymond Miles //
The Chapel – San Francisco
March 2nd, 2014 //

A perfect end to an epic festival, Rogue Wave delivered as a closing act, demonstrating excellent showmanship & exciting crowd interaction, fluidly transitioning out of the daytime hours into what the band had promised to deliver from the start — a performance that “felt like a night show” all along. -Molly Kish

READ FULL ROGUE WAVE REVIEW & VIEW PHOTOS

Filed Under: Featured, Festival Reviews, Festivals Tagged With: Cheatahs, Cold Cave, Com Truise, Digital Mystikz, Dirty Ghosts, DJ Rashad, Dr. Dog, El Ten Eleven, Happy Fangs, Mark Kozelek, No Age, Noise Pop, Noise Pop Festival, Painted Palms, Papercuts, Real Estate, Rogue Wave, Sun Kil Moon, The Donkeys, The Fresh & Onlys, The Soft White Sixties, Vetiver

Noise Pop explodes with The Soft White Sixties at The Chapel

March 3, 2014 by tom dellinger 2 Comments

By Tom Dellinger //

NOISE POP 2014
The Soft White Sixties, NO (LA), The SHE’S, Cannons and Clouds //
The Chapel — San Francisco
February 28, 2014 //

Noise Pop was in full swing Friday night at several venues throughout San Francisco and at The Chapel, on Valencia, the venue was serving up a deep sampling of four bands, featuring local sensations The Soft White Sixties as the headliner.

From the start, the music was strong as things kicked off with Cannons and Clouds, who were followed by the gentler style of The SHE’S. Things again picked up as the LA based band NO took the stage and delivered an excellent, polished set which was then followed by the much anticipated performance from The Soft White Sixties, who exploded onto the stage and gave a flawless, high energy performance to a loud and appreciative sold out house.

There were some sound problems early in the night, but the audio continued to improve as the evening went on and by the time NO hit, it was sounding on point. Good thing too, because this band offers some sensational songs with dense instrumentation. They have a very engaging stage presence as lead singer, Bradley Hanan Carter, intensely works the stage and sings with passion. Backed with a large, multi-layered sound from the band and rich backing vocals, it quickly became evident that this is a band with depth, leaving an intrinsic desire to see and hear them again when they return to SF. They proved to be an excellent lead-in to headliner, The Soft White Sixties.

As TSWS was about to hit, the house became noticeably packed, and the crowd hummed excited with anticipation. Before it started, this evening had the feeling it was going to be one of those more memorable performances. With a SXSW run on the very-near-horizon, this band has serious potential to explode on the music scene, and that feeling was confirmed as soon as they hit their opening note.

Dressed well for the occasion, the band was on fire from the start. Lead vocalist, Octavio Genera was instantly wooing the crowd as he effortlessly danced and sang up and down the length of the stage with explosive dance moves. He has a voice that is both smooth and soulful with an edge of grit and growl. These are vocals that are well suited to their songs, which are reminiscent of some of the best rock and soul from the past.

This band excels at hard-driving rock, which they delivered in a big way many times throughout the night with well-placed lighter songs to bring things back to earth once in a while. In essence, The Soft White Sixties curate a well-paced show. After their set of about an hour and a half, it was confirmed that this was one of those performances that will be well remembered. Surely, TSWS are destined to launch onto larger stages and broader success as a band. Ready and poised, all the ingredients are there.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Cannons and Clouds, NO, The Chapel, The SHE'S, The Soft White Sixties

12 reasons to grab a Noise Pop festival badge

February 14, 2014 by The Bam Team 6 Comments

Written by Mike Frash, Molly Kish, Kevin Quandt & Kevin Raos //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 25th-March 2nd, 2014 //

This time of year can often be a bit slow for live music, but not during Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. This week-long event spread out amongst the 22 finest venues in the City by the Bay makes for the best extended independent music showcase on the west coast. Noise Pop Fest shows offer in-depth evenings — the best thing to do is to show up early and catch emerging artists before they graduate to headliner status.

One great way to get the most value out of the week is with by springing for a badge. The purchase of a General or Super Fan badge gets you into all general admission shows, films, happy hours, NPHQ and more, along with a screen-printed festival poster. There’s also a Noise Pop Fest app to help keep you connected.

The lineup is as good as ever this year — our list doesn’t include top-notch artists Com Truise, Rogue Wave, Throwing Muses, Beardyman, Ladytron, No Age, Shabazz Palaces, Mikal Cronin, Bleached, Trails and Ways, The Fresh & Onlys, The Limousines, The Soft White Sixties, amongst others. Presented here are 12 compelling reasons to consider a badge upgrade, in day-to-day order.

Click artist names to buy individual tickets below, or simply buy a General or Super Fan badge.

Noise Pop HeadQuarters (NPHQ @ The NWBLK) //
All week //

New this year in Noise Pop’s 22nd incarnation, Noise Pop Headquarters at The NWBLK is now the centerpiece of Noise Pop Festival. Festivalgoers can swing by the stunning gallery-turned-multimedia-space to grab a drink, watch a film, get some food, do some shopping, and experience a pivotal part of this year’s festival with friends and artists before heading out for the night’s events. Purchase tickets or RSVP to all free shows, which will grant you priority entry once capacity has been reached. Yet another reason to go big with a badge.

Lord Huron, Superhumanoids //
The Fillmore – San Francisco
Tuesday, February 25 //
SOLD OUT // BUY A BADGE

A coupled bill of indie folk, rich with thick vocal harmonies and dense soulful compositions, Lord Huron and Superhumanoids pair perfectly to cover the modern state of rhythm and blues. Americana based, the Lord Huron dabble in psychedelic and experimental pop elements, which also can be heard in their counterparts Superhumanoids. The Los Angeles-based trio features genre bending soundscapes, delivering a groove-driven journey through layers of pop, soul and electronic musical arrangements. Each band, although unique in their melodious executions, cover a vast array of roots-rock influences while updating the archetypal sounds in their own innovative manners. This sold out show highlights a great pair of bands to kick off the festival and is one worth splurging a bit extra on a badge to guarantee entry. -MK

Matthew Dear Presents Audion Live: Subverticul //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th //

The latest project from Ghostly International co-founder and experimental artist Matthew Dear, Audion Live: Subverticul is an all-encompassing multi-media experience. Teaming up with the innovative crew from LA-based design studio Vita Motus, Subverticul features a live set debuting new material from Matthew Dear. Audion Live promises to be a unique show, fashioned to resemble a moving audio visual sculpture. Composed of multi-layered experimental EDM and dazzling abstract art installations, Subverticul is an impressive feat in both live music entertainment and creative enterprises. Making its Bay Area debut in celebration of the Noise Pop 2014 and playing unreleased tracks off of his upcoming album, Matthew Dear’s Audion Live: Subverticul will undoubtedly be a highlight performance of this year’s festival. -MK

Mistaken for Strangers (Film) //
Roxie Theater – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th //

Let’s not forget that live concerts aren’t the only offering from the citywide Noise Pop Festival as the film series has some gems being screened, including Mistaken for Strangers. This documentary follows budding horror filmmaker, Tom Berninger, embarking on a massive national tour with his brother’s little band that some may know as the National. The ensuing months shows the younger Berninger brother tossed into the indie touring machine as a functioning crew member while keeping focus on his ambitions as a creator himself. -KQ

Papercuts, Vetiver, The Donkeys, EDJ, Vinyl DJ Selections by Britt Govea //
The Chapel – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th //

Artists under brand new label Easy Sound Recording Co. plan on presenting the future of folk at The Chapel during Noise Pop week. Jason Quever’s SF-based Papercuts have a new album Life Among the Savages in the works. The group’s sixth LP is set to release in May, so plan on seeing the group preview new tracks from their forthcoming album. They just released the albums’s lead single “Still Knocking at the Door”, and it’s promising. Vetiver is on the roster, another local group led by Andy Cabic. Their 2011 record The Errant Charm is oh so mellow and excellent, and we expect good things coming soon. The Donkeys are an emerging psyche-garage rock formation from San Diego, blending surf rock and jam sentiments into a bouncy, enjoyable time. -MF

“Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton” Film Screening and Live Show //
The NWBLK (NPHQ) – San Francisco
Wednesday, February 26th (6:30 pm) //

Gain access to rare concert footage, backstage documentation, home videos and intimate portrayals of some of the most influential hip hop artists of our time in this cutting edge documentary brought to you by the iconic Stone Throw Records posse. Featuring appearances by Snoop Dogg, Mike D, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Tyler the Creator and more, this feature length delves into the inner circle of the groundbreaking label to bring you a fresh perspective on the evolution and current state of modern day hip hop. Followed by a Q&A with director Jeff Broadway and Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf, tickets are still available with an additional option to upgrade to a “Film and Live Show Ticket”, granting access to a live performance after party with Peanut Butter Wolf, J Rocc, JonWayne and Knxledge. Happening at the Noise Pop 2014 headquarters NWBLK, this event is a great way to get into celebratory spirit and check out the brand new festival facility. — MK

Bob Mould: 25 Years of Workbook, Zach Rogue, Jon Ginoli //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
Thursday, February 27th //
SOLD OUT // BUY A BADGE

Celebrating the groundbreaking icon’s diversion from his scene-defining hardcore act Husker Du, Bob Mould revisits his first album as a solo artist, Workbook, with help from fellow artists and friends. Mould pushed the boundaries of the independent rock scene with this record whilst mapping out an era of alternative music that influenced generations of artists for years to come. Mould will be joined on stage by longtime bassist Jason Narducy, along with Rogue Wave’s Zach Rogue and Jon Gignoli of San Francisco’s own Pansy Division. Gearing up for the deluxe double-album edition of this seminal record to be released February 25, this show will be the first live revisiting of the material in full since its 1989 debut. One of the first shows of the festival to have sold out, a badge is necessary for entry and in this case is well worth the cost of this once in a lifetime experience. — MK

Digital Mystikz, DJ Rashad //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
Thursday, February 27th //

Sure, Digital Mystikz may be one of the higher listed names you have never heard of, but producers, Mala and Coki, nearly single-handedly built the UK bass-culture scene which eventually was termed, dubstep. This South London duo has been working together since teenagers, while also maintaining solo careers, eventually starting the progressive label, and club night, that goes by DMZ. After a few failed attempts to perform on the West Coast as a duo, it appears the day is almost here for Digital Mystizk to make their big San Francisco debut at 1015 Folsom with DJ Rashad and a slew of local warriors to back ‘em all up. —KQ

Cold Cave, Painted Palms, Dirty Ghosts, Happy Fangs //
Slim’s – San Francisco
Friday, February 28th //

Truly one of the more stacked bills this year will feature LA darkwave mastermind Wesley Eisold, popularly known as Cold Cave. With a release slated for 2014, expect new material that Eisold describes as a “mix between some of the bigger sounds on Cherish and more minimal stuff I’m interested in now.” Local psych-pop duo, Painted Palms are also featured on this bill after the release of a recent album on Polyvinyl. Expect a breezier affair before the headliner with these San Francisco rising stars. Local trio Dirty Ghosts will also be on hand to lend support via their female-fronted take on psych-pop with a tinge of world influence. —KQ

Real Estate, The Shilohs, Dream Boys, Dominant Legs //
The Independent – San Francisco
Friday & Saturday, February 28th & 29th //
SOLD OUT // BUY A BADGE

It wasn’t too long ago that fans of breezy surf-rock were enjoying Real Estate at Treasure Island, but this time we get a pair of more intimate shows over the busy Noise Pop weekend. The recently expanded 5-piece band is prepping their third studio album set for release the first week of March and will go by the title, Atlas. Expect new songs peppered with old favorites for these sold out shows, which will be supported by Vancouver songsters The Shilohs, along with Dominant Legs on Friday and Dream Boys on Saturday. —KQ

An Evening with Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon) //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
Saturday, March 1st //

While Mark Kozelek’s music comes in the form of many groups and collaborations, his new record Benji with Sun Kil Moon will likely solidify this group as his legacy. The lyrics are heartbreaking, the control of his cadence immaculate, and the words often relate to Bay Area locales, a place he calls home — there’s the Night Stalkers’ final victim who lived in San Mateo, barbecues in San Rafael, his Tenderloin summer (when he likely made the album), and going seeing the Postal Service perform at the Greek Theater only to rush to a hot tub-refuge in Tahoe. Billed as an evening with Mark Kozelek, an incredible live artist with throngs of records under his belt with Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon and by his lonesome, expect a varied setlist with a heavy doses of cuts from Benji stealing the show. — MF

Dr. Dog, Saint Rich, Moses Sumney //
The Warfield – San Francisco
Saturday, March 1 //

Dr. Dog make their Noise Pop debut as headliners atop a talented lineup of performers. Road warriors and prolific song writers, these indie rockers from Pennsylvania make the west coast swing in support of their latest album, 2013’s B-Room. Dr. Dog has been making a name for themselves for 15 years, building a loyal fan base and graduating to larger venues along the way. Supported by Saint Rich and Moses Sumney, Saturday March 1st at the Warfield will showcase some of the finest indie rock around. Floor seats may be sold out, but you can still make your way to the dance floor with a Noise Pop badge. Don’t sleep on this show. -KR

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Beardyman, Bleached, Bob Mould, Cold Cave, Com Truise, Digital Mystizk, Dirty Ghosts, DJ Rashad, Dominant Legs, Dr. Dog, Dream Boys, EDJ, Great American Music Hall, Happy Fangs, Ladytron, Lord Huron, Mark Kozelek, Matthew Dear Presents Audion Live: Subverticul, Mikal Cronin, Mistaken for Strangers, Moses Sumney, No Age, Noise Pop, Noise Pop Festival, NPHQ, Painted Palms, Papercuts, Real Estate, Regency Ballroom, Rogue Wave, Roxie Theater, Saint Rich, Shabazz Palaces, Slims, Sun Kil Moon, Superhumanoids, The Chapel, The Donkeys, The Fillmore, The Fresh & Onlys, The Independent, The Limousines, The NWBLK, The Shilohs, The Soft White Sixties, The Warfield, Throwing Muses, Trails and Ways, Vetiver

Outside Lands 2013 beer/artist pairings

June 21, 2013 by The Bam Team 6 Comments

Written by Kevin Quandt & Kevin Raos //

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
August 9th-11th, 2013 //

For the first time last year, Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in SF’s Golden Gate Park introduced “Beer Lands”, a heavenly oasis for brew aficionados and party animals alike. Beer Lands is back for this year’s fest, taking place from August 9th-11th, and the stable of California brewers has somehow grown stronger.

So it got us thinking, with such delicious local brew options (something that virtually no other festival curates … ahem, Coachella), what would be the ideal adult beverage to enjoy during some of our favorite acts?

Indica IPA by Lost Coast Brewery for Willie Nelson // “How’s the glaucoma?”

Nothing will go straight to your head like some Willy Nelson and Indica IPA by Humbolt county’s Lost Coast Brewery. Based in Eureka, Lost Coast brewery has been a staple in the Northern California beer scene since 1986, producing such favorites as Great White, Downtown Brown and Indica IPA. One dose of the Red Headed Stranger washed down with some Indica IPA and you’ll be hanging out with Ranger Dave in the forest after the set. Don’t forget to bring a towel, as you’ll be foaming from the mouth from these delicious beers. -KR

Back in Black IPA from 21st Amendment for NIN // “Dark, rare and slightly dangerous”

21st Amendment Brewery has been churning out some seriously amazing beers over their short history in the shadow of AT&T Park, and Back in Black IPA was lucky enough to make the jump from spout to can, an honor only held by a few of their brews. Don’t be too scared off by the darkness of this beer, as it can go down smooth, sometimes too smooth. So, if you are feeling no pain and need to let off some steam, then Trent Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails headline set is sure to suit the dark beer drinker in all of us. Though the NIN lineup is still in sway after some personnel changes, this set is sure to be the most hardcore of the weekend, so expect moshing, headbanging and the possibility of some scattered mayhem to beloved songs such as “Head like a Hole” and “March of the Pigs”. -KQ

Drake’s Denogginizer Imperial IPA for Pretty Lights // “Mind-melting goodness”

Mix a little Denogginizer Imperial India Pale Ale with little Pretty Lights and your noggin will be rockin’ in no time. Hold onto your head – the bass notes will hit as hard as this mind-melting brew that boasts an ABV of 9.75%. An East Bay beer titan, Drake’s Brewery has been making quite a name for themselves by putting out some of the best beers in the bay. Classics such as 1500 Pale Ale and their Kölsch-Style Blonde Ale anchor a seasonal beer selection that is constantly rotating. Like Pretty Lights’ beats, you might not know what your getting into, but you know it’ll be good. -KR

Honey Saison from Almanac Beer for Jessie Ware // “Sweet but complex”

Almanac Beer Company is another reasonably new brewery in San Francisco whose emphasis is on small batch farm-to-table beers utilizing local producers for the bulk of their ingredients. After only 3 years in the beverage industry, Almanac has crafted some seriously impressive, and environmentally honorable, beverages including a Bier de Chocolat, an Extra Pale Ale with local Mandarin oranges and a celebrated Honey Saison. The latter will likely be on tap this August as this sweet, complex adult beverage is sure to go down smooth while enjoying the neo-R&B powerhouse that is Jessie Ware. Her contemporary sound touches on many genres with one constant; her powerful vocals that cut through so cleanly. She’s already started a successful festival season and is sure to garner more fans at Outside Lands. -KQ

Urban People’s Common Lager by Linden Street Brewery for The Head and the Heart // “Familiar and friendly”

Linden Street Brewery is going back to the roots of brewing, paying homage to the once bustling Oakland brewing scene of the pre-prohibition days. Differentiating themselves from the “West Coast” style ales, Linden Street is replicating “Old California Style” lagers brewed the way European immigrants did it during the Gold Rush. Their flagship beer, the Urban People’s Common Lager, has it’s own unique flavor while still honoring the tradition of all those that have come before. The Head and the Heart, like the Common Lager, have a comfort to them that traces it’s lineage to the folk rock roots of Americana. They might not be that big of a name yet, but they are friendly, easy going and will never do you wrong. This is a great pairing, especially in the afternoon sun – if the fog decides to subside. -KR

California Lager by Anchor Brewing for The Soft White Sixties // “SF originals you can win with”

Anchor Brewing is the quintessential SF brewery and is well regarded among locals and out-of-towners, alike. Almost 120 years of brewing experience has led to a string of successful beers over the past century, most recently released is the California Lager, which many attendees are hopeful to imbibe at Beer Lands in the coming months. What better nod to the local brewery and their tasty new creation than enjoying one, or two, during local breakout band The Soft White Sixties. The distinct golden hue and creamy head should pair perfectly with a breezy summer set of the Sixties’ patented soul-drenched Cali-rock. A recent sold out record release show not far from Golden Gate Park is a sure sign this set will be highly attended. -KQ

Big Daddy by Speakeasy Ales & Lagers for Paul McCartney // “Who’s your daddy?”

Sir Paul McCartney, arguably one of the biggest acts in live music right now, and one of the biggest song writers of all time, is headlining the biggest music festival in the Bay Area this year. The ultimate ‘big daddy’, Paul McCartney pairs too perfectly with the robust citrusy hops of Big Daddy IPA from Speakeasy Brewery in San Francisco. Familiar, kind and good for almost any occasion, you can’t go wrong with either Big Daddy IPA or Mr. McCartney. Don’t know what to listen to? Put on the Beatles. Don’t know what to drink? Make it a Big Daddy. -KR

Check out 10 sets you won’t want to miss this year at Outside Lands.

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals, Outside Lands Tagged With: 21st Amendment Brewery, Almanac Beer Co., Anchor Steam, Drakes Brewing, Jessie Ware, Linden Street Brewery, Nine Inch Nails, Outside Lands, Outside Lands Music Festival, Paul McCartney, Pretty Lights, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, The Head and The Heart, The Soft White Sixties

SF locals The Soft White Sixties start the summer strong at The Indy

June 17, 2013 by Kevin J Quandt 4 Comments

Photos by Marc Fong ~ Written by Kevin Quandt

There isn’t much of a better manner to release a new album than by selling out a heralded room in your hometown, and that’s exactly what the Soft White Sixties pulled off this past Friday. Since making waves at SXSW this year, the Sixties have got their aim set on success this summer, and the release of their latest effort, Get Right, is sure to garner further buzz. The band’s sound is dubbed ‘Working Class Soul’, an amalgamation of classic R&B/soul vocal sentiment layered over a driving pop-rock formula with tinges of funky grooves and mild psychedelia, a winning formula in a town like San Francisco.

Octavio Genera commands a crowd like a champion – his stage presence will likely be a big factor in their impending summer, as well as the success gained from a sizable Western US tour schedule, starting tonight and ending with Outside Lands in August. His enthusiasm is evident, and this bolsters the sound created by his talented band, roughing the edges of their pop sound, just enough. A responsive, dedicated crowd stayed till the last notes, and Genera never slowed down, obviously hoping for this night to not fade away too quickly. This show at The Independent was a clear sign that the Sixties have arrived, and are willing to take it to the next level.

Other local up-starts, Sioux City Kid, took the honors of officially opening for their fellow City brethren, performing an energetic set of patented whiskey-soaked, boot-stomping modern Americana. It was clear that a great percentage of the crowd were already familiar with this act, and the band took advantage of the captive crowd, likely winning over new devotees with a rambunctious play on countrified blues-rock. Expect a big season from this lot.

Quote-Worthy: “We’re trying to make it feel like our backyard. Come on over.”
-Octavio Genera from The Soft White Sixties, in reference to the stage design.