Featured – Showbams

Coachella releases 2015 set times for both weekends

April 7, 2015 by Josh Herwitt 4 Comments

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival //
Empire Polo Club – Indio, CA
April 10th-12th & April 17th-19th, 2015 //

The wait is finally over for Coachella attendees wondering what their biggest lineup conflict might be at the Empire Polo Club.

The three-day, two-weekend music and arts festival released this year’s set times as soon as the clock struck 7 p.m. PT tonight, and as always, there are some tough choices to make.

WEEKEND 1 SET TIMES

UPDATE: After Florence Welch announced on Facebook that she broke her foot jumping off the Coachella Stage during Florence + the Machine’s Weekend 1 performance, the band’s set was reduced from 55 minutes to 30 for Weekend 2.

WEEKEND 2 SET TIMES

But if you’re feeling a little adventurous with your music selection this year, make sure to check out our list of artists who will likely premiere new music on the polo fields.

Happy Coachella!

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: Coachella, Coachella 2015, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2015, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2015, Empire Polo Club

Toro y Moi – What For? // Community Review

April 7, 2015 by The Bam Team 4 Comments

Toro y Moi – What For? //

After Toro y Moi performed in SF a couple a weekends ago, the question was asked, “Is Toro y Moi now a man or a band?” Surely this is Chaz Bundick’s vehicle, but a greater emphasis has now been put on a collective rock sound. What’s been most interesting so far about Toro y Moi is the outfit’s rapid evolution. Bundick morphs his sonic center-point about every two years; first he was the Godfather of the chillwave movement, then he moved onto a dance aesthetic — now he’s pivoted once again…

Comment with your thoughts on What For? to win free tickets to shows in SF this week.

BAM TEAM RATING:

Coming off a recent project near the end of 2014 under the electronic pseudonym Les Sins, Chaz Bundick has shown that his style as an artist cannot be contained to a single genre. What For? is a throwback — a poppy, fun, yet short break from his four-on-the-floor production style of last year. Coming in at 36 minutes, the album leaves much to be desired but nonetheless shows a wide array of skills in creating a sound that stays in tune with, yet expands upon, previous work under the Toro y Moi brand. As summer in San Francisco approaches, you can bet you’ll hear this album booming from Bluetooth speakers by Dolores Park frequenters as they enjoy the sunshine. -Brett Ruffenach
3 BAMS // Top Song: “The Flight”

When you listen to Toro y Moi’s latest creation — in this case, their fourth full-length album What For? — it’s hard not think about how much Tame Impala Chaz Bundick has been listening to in his spare time. From the opening track “What You Want” through the record’s first single “Empty Nesters” and beyond, it’s almost undeniable how close some of Bundick’s music now sounds to Kevin Parker’s. Had Parker and Tame Impala not been occupying a similar space in contemporary rock ‘n’ roll already, it might be easier to see Bundick’s new work in a different light. That’s not to say all of What For? is simply a replica, of course. There are still some moments where Bundick’s songwriting shines, whether it’s the disco-funk party that comes to life on “Spell It Out” or the slick 70’s guitar riffs that surface midway through the ensuing “Half Dome,” but they aren’t quite as frequent when comparing this effort to the group’s 2013 success Anything in Return. -Josh Herwitt
3 BAMS // Top Song: “Spell It Out”

Chaz Bundick launches his fourth album in a summery flash back to the 70’s psychedelic mood and careless 90’s rock disposition. The album opens with the sound of racecars flying down a steamy track and brings to mind a life of leisure as he sings, “I can get you what you want.” The next track, “Buffalo”, recalls “Charlie’s Angels”-like smoothness and David Bowie narration with “Cause you love it all / And you’ll find a way / To keep on.” Suburban detachment can be found in the song “Ratcliff”, which is about a doctor, canceled meetings, cookie cutter housing, and a life that is too simple. The song “Lilly” really gets down with some psychedelic guitar, reverb and that woman who just has it. In all, it’s the perfect summer album with all the psychedelic guitar riffs and lazy lyrical innuendos. -Bridget Stagnitto
3.5 BAMS // Top Song: “The Flight”

In 2013, I named Anything in Return as my album of the year. Now, two years later, Toro y Moi has released the next in a line of funky-fresh, neo-disco records, this time with What For?. Does it live up to the previous effort? Not quite, but it isn’t too far off either. This album is terrific, though a little on the short side, clocking in at a mere 36 minutes over 10 songs. Paying homage to 70’s funk and 80’s disco while layering synthesizers has always been a trademark sound of Toro y Moi, and not much has changed with What For? Dig deep into this album, and you will hear pearls of auditory pleasure sprinkled throughout through the use of vintage gear, analog synths and a dozen different guitars. I’d love to see a gear list for instruments used on this record — my feeling is that it’s fairly extensive. This album satisfies the craving I’ve been having for more Toro y Moi music, and there’s no doubt this will get a lot spins this year. -Kevin Raos
3.5 BAMS // Top Song: “Empty Nesters”

What do you think of Toro y Moi’s What For?? Keep the conversation going below with your quick review or comment! If we like your reply, we’ll hook you up with a free pair of tickets to your choice of show this week in San Francisco.

Write to ShowbamsSubmit@gmail.com if you’d like to write for Showbams and contribute quick reviews.

Filed Under: Community Review, Featured, New Music Tagged With: Community Review, Toro Y Moi, What For?

Ibeyi emerge in SF, live up to SXSW hype

April 6, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Photos by Diana Cordero // Written by Rachel Goodman //

Ibeyi with Flo Morrissey //
The Independent – San Francisco
April 2nd, 2015 //

Ibeyi, the much-hyped South by Southwest band from Paris, have finally emerged in SF.

The group’s name, meaning “twins” in Yoruba, had to be the most adorable twin sisters I have ever seen perform. I guess one word that kept coming to mind while I was watching them was “precious.” And their set was just that, which is not to take anything away from how brilliant they are.

The sisters came out at The Independent to a crowd that was beyond excited to finally be seeing them perform. They knelt down and picked up the candles on the stage and lit them before starting their first African chant. Add some traditional Cuban drums, and the beats came alive with Naomi Diaz keeping a consistent beat throughout the show. Coupled with sister Lisa-Kaindé Diaz singing in Yoruba (a bygone Nigerian and Santeria language), and the show was already that great.

The show felt at times voyeuristic as we watched the sisters perform chants and folk songs for the Yoruba gods. Lisa-Kaindé talked a lot about the gods, who they were and how they were a part of the songs. It felt like we were almost invading this sacred world, but the way they made the audience a part of it was nothing short of special.

The blend of Afro-Cuban, French music set to drum beats was a minimalist sound but simple and beautiful. With the piano playing of Lisa-Kaindé against Naomi’s drum beats and the strong vocals, it was so easy to get lost in the music. The sultry dance moves as they glided across the stage just added to the ambiance of their music. As the twins went into their single “River,” they dedicated it to the gods (possibly Oshun and Shango, as one was definitely for the water and the other earth) and had the crowd sing along to “wash my soul again” as they sang “I will come to you river.” The end result was just beautiful as the crowd became a part of their show.

Speaking of which, the crowd was filled with lots of very polite women (someone even complimented Lisa-Kaindé’s dress), who would apologize each time they bumped into you or wanted to squeeze in and take a picture of the band. And it felt all too fitting with the two sisters on stage, who had that same vibe to them. They were all too thankful to be playing and so excited that the crowd was so into them. The audience was electric and sang along to most of the songs as well as continued with the clapping as instructed. Songs like “Oya” stood out with gorgeous piano playing and simple rhythms keeping the beat to warm, strong vocals. Meanwhile, “Ghosts” is nothing short of spectacular. You can just feel the pain in their voices as they harmonize and come together as one — the pianos and drums with their chanting and vocals just makes for a beautiful song.

In short, this is a band to see. While their music itself is simplistic, it’s really something beautiful and magical when the two sisters perform together. They come together as one and take us into a world that we rarely get to see. It’s usually hard to translate that into a live performance, but they’ve managed to do just that. In a nutshell, it’s precious and will take you out of your own world and life for a bit.

Before Ibeyi took the stage, opener Flo Morrissey came out to a very loud audience. She was soft-spoken and picked up her guitar to play a short acoustic set. She had some good songs and her vocals are nothing short of impressive — strong and powerful — but she just couldn’t compete with a crowd that was far louder than her. It seemed most the time you could barely hear her singing, but I’m sure in the right venue she would be pretty awesome to hear.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Flo Morrissey, Ibeyi, The Independent

Which 2015 Coachella artists will premiere new music on the polo fields?

April 6, 2015 by Josh Herwitt 1 Comment

Photos by Marc Fong // Written by Josh Herwitt //

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival //
Empire Polo Club – Indio, CA
April 10th-12th & April 17th-19th //

The 2015 festival season gets kicked into high gear this Friday when the first weekend of Coachella takes over the Empire Polo Club. With a lineup featuring headliners AC/DC, Jack White and Drake among a myriad of other high-profile acts, there is so much good music that one can’t possibly see it all over three days in the desert. If you’ve already seen alt-J perform songs from This Is All Yours live, you might not see a need to catch their Saturday early-evening set, for example.

So, that got us thinking: who will likely be premiering new material this weekend in Indio?

We dug through the lineup and looked at which artists have recently released new tracks or albums prior to their set at Coachella, as well as artists planning to release new material later this year. Happy Coachella!

*All set times below are in PT.

ALABAMA SHAKES

New album: Sound & Color
Release date: April 21
Playing Coachella: Friday, 7 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

The Shakes will be making their Coachella debut in a big way this year with their sophomore LP Sound & Color slated to be released two days after the festival’s second weekend. The four-piece performed new singles “Don’t Wanna Fight” and “Gimme All Your Love” on SNL last month and should give fans a strong preview of the album before it officially drops.

ALESSO

New album: Forever
Release date: May 26
Playing Coachella: Friday, 11:35 p.m. (Sahara Tent)

Swedish DJ/producer Alesso (formerly Alessandro Lindblad) has come a long way in a few years and will finally drop his first studio album Forever toward the end of May. In February, he premiered a new track featuring Roy English entitled “Cool”, which reached as high as No. 21 on Billboard’s U.S. Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.

BUILT TO SPILL

New album: Untethered Moon
Release date: April 21
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 4:15 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

Indie-rock stalwarts Built to Spill will celebrate the release of their first full-length album in more than five years with their first-ever appearance at Coachella. So far, the band has released “Living Zoo” and “Never Be The Same”, but fans can expect to hear a lot more from Untethered Moon during their Sunday slot.

CLOUD NOTHINGS

New album: No Life For Me with Wavves
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Friday, 1:55 p.m. (Gobi Tent)

After turning the corner last year with Here and Nowhere Else, Cleveland’s Cloud Nothings have already jumped back into the studio, but this time it’s to make a collaborative record with San Diego’s Wavves. With no release date pinpointed yet, it’s possible Cloud Nothings singer/guitarist Dylan Baldi could bring out Nathan Williams during their set and give fans a taste of what’s to come on No Life For Me.

DESAPARECIDOS

New album: Payola
Release date: June 23
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 4:35 p.m. (Gobi Tent)

Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst said in an interview last summer that his emo-garage side project plans to release its second full-length album this year, marking the band’s first in 13 years (check out new song “City on the Hill” above). Though the Nebraska band has disbanded and reunited a number of times, its current stretch together marks the longest since forming in 2001.

DRAKE

New album: Views from the 6
Release date: 2015
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 10:15 p.m. (Coachella Stage)

With plans to release his fourth studio album this year, Canadian rapper Drake takes his first swing at Coachella with a headlining slot on the festival’s final day. In the meantime, he’s kept his fans on their toes by dropping a fourth mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, in mid-February.

DUKE DUMONT

New album: TBA
Release date: 2015
Playing Coachella: Saturday, 8:20 p.m. (Sahara Tent)

UK deep house producer Adam George Dyment, who performs under the stage name Duke Dumont, put out a new EP and a couple of singles, including one featuring fellow Brit Jax Jones, last year. This year he’s already dropped a new single entitled “The Giver (Reprise)”, and there’s a strong possibility that we will hear more new tracks from the Blasé Boys Club record label owner on Sunday.

FKA TWIGS

New album: EP3 EP
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Saturday, 9:35 p.m. (Gobi Tent)

Tahliah Debrett Barnett, aka FKA twigs, made a big splash when her debut album LP1 peaked at No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 30 on the U.S. Billboard 200 last year. The British singer-songwriter, who recently became engaged to actor Robert Pattinson, announced in November that she had begun work on a third EP, and just last month she released the first song “Glass & Patron” from it.

FLORENCE & THE MACHINE

New album: How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Release date: May 29
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 8:50 p.m. (Coachella Stage)

It’s only been three years since Florence Welch last played Coachella, but this time it will be with a new album’s worth of material to perform. The band’s third studio album will release in late May, and a couple of singles have already been shared over the past two months, including “What Kind of Man” and “St Jude”.

FLYING LOTUS

New album: TBA (as Captain Murphy)
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Friday, 10 p.m. (Mojave Tent)

Steven Ellison took his game to a whole another level last year with You’re Dead! as he continues to work and collaborate with some of today’s brightest and most talented artists in hip-hop, jazz and electronic music. Ready to take his rap persona Captain Murphy into the studio for a new album this year, FlyLo just might drop some rhymes as well as beats for his fans who show up to his Friday set.

GHOSTFACE KILLAH

New albums: Twelve Reasons to Die II & Supreme Clientele Presents… Blue & Cream: The Wally Era
Release dates: 2015
Playing Coachella: Friday, 5:45 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

After coming out with his 11th studio album 36 Seasons last year, Ghostface Killah is expected to release two more albums in 2015, Twelve Reasons to Die II and Supreme Clientele Presents… Blue & Cream: The Wally Era. Scheduled to perform with his Wu-Tang colleague Raekwon, who also has a new album on the horizon, the duo’s set should feature plenty of new material from both of their upcoming albums.

JAMIE XX

New album: In Colour
Release date: June 1
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. (Gobi Tent)

Jamie Smith of The xx jumped into the electronic world with his 2011 remix album We’re New Here, and now more than four years later, the English producer will unveil his first proper LP in June. So far, he’s released singles “Loud Places” (featuring The xx’s Romy Madley Croft) and “Gosh”, but Smith could give fans a more in depth preview of In Colour when he performs Sunday.

KASKADE

New track: “Never Sleep Alone”
Release date: April 6
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 7:25 p.m. (Coachella Stage)

Superstar DJ and record producer Ryan Raddon, aka Kaskade, has dropped a brand-new track just in time for his huge Sunday night performance at Coachella. While it’s unclear right now if “Never Sleep Alone” will make it on to Kaskade’s new album (no title or release date announced yet), it’s a safe bet that he’ll be unleashing this one when he takes the stage.

KYGO

New tracks: “Stole the Show” feat. Parson James & “ID – Ultra Music Festival Anthem”
Release date: March 15
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 11 p.m. (Mojave Tent)

Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, who goes by his stage name Kygo, has been one of EDM’s fastest-rising stars in the last year. After remix collaborations with Chris Martin and Avicii propelled his career to the next level, the 23-year-old producer from Norway dropped his second single “Stole the Show” last month and will hit the polo fields for the first time ever this spring.

LIL B

New album: TBA
Release date: 2015
Playing Coachella: Friday, 3:10 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

Brandon McCartney, professionally known as Lil B, has been called many things, from rapper to author to motivational speaker. The 25-year-old from Berkeley hasn’t put out any new music since 2011, but with his sophomore LP scheduled to come out at some point this year, he’s sure to perform some new tracks during his Sunday set at Coachella.

MAC DEMARCO

New album: TBA
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 3:05 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco earned critical acclaim for his full-length album Salad Days last year, and fans of the “blue wave” rocker got some promising news over the weekend when he shared a compilation video that includes pieces of five new songs that are currently being mastered in the studio. Knowing his tendency for the unpredictable, fans could very likely hear some of those tracks live for the very first time this weekend.

MARTIN SOLVEIG

New track: “Intoxicated” (with GTA)
Release date: January 19
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 4:50 p.m. (Sahara Tent)

It’s been a while since Martin Laurent Picandet, aka Martin Solveig, has released a proper studio album. However, the French electro/nu disco producer dropped a new single with Laidback Luke last year, and he’s started this year off working with GTA on a brand-new track entitled “Intoxicated”.

NERO

New album: TBA
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Friday, 9:35 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

NERO took home a Grammy in 2013 for their remix of “Promises” with Skrillex, and the British electronic music trio has remained relatively quiet since then. That’s supposed to change this year with the group planning to drop its follow-up to 2011’s Welcome Reality, but there’s been no official announcement regarding the album or a tour, making its Coachella performance that much more special.

R3HAB

New track: “Phoenix” (with Sander van Doorn)
Release date: March 9
Playing Coachella: Friday, 7:10 p.m. (Sahara Tent)

Fadil El Ghoul drops singles, not albums, and he’s been doing it consistently since 2009. The Dutch DJ is signed to Afrojack’s Wall Recordings imprint, and he collaborated with fellow countryman Sander van Doorn on his latest single “Phoenix”, which just came out last month.

RAEKWON

New album: Fly International Luxurious Art
Release date: April 28
Playing Coachella: Friday, 5:45 p.m. (Outdoor Theatre)

It’s taken Raekwon almost two additional years to drop his sixth studio album, but the Wu-Tang Clan member will finally do just that later this month after two weekends at Coachella. In fact, the record’s first two singles — “All About You” and “Soundboy Kill It” — were released toward the second half of 2013, while the third and most recent one, “Wall to Wall”, came out less than two months ago.

RATATAT

New album: TBA
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Saturday, 11:15 p.m. (Sahara Tent)

It’s been almost five years since Ratatat put out an album, and it’s safe to assume one of the reasons the New York City duo is playing Coachella this year is due to the fact that it has a new album in the works. While not much is known about the record right now (although some fans believe it will be titled LP5 to follow appropriately after 2008’s LP3 and 2010’s LP4), this is one set that should showcase plenty of new music from Mike Stroud and Evan Mast.

SQUAREPUSHER

New album: Damogen Furies
Release date: April 20
Playing Coachella: Friday, 10:50 p.m. (Gobi Tent)

It’s been quite a while since Tom Jenkinson last played Coachella, but the UK native is primed to play the festival again this year with his 14th studio album on the horizon. Squarepusher has released three tracks, including “Stor Eiglass” (listen above), from his upcoming Damogen Furies at this point, so fans should surely hear plenty of new material from the IDM pioneer.

TAME IMPALA

New album: Currents
Release date: TBA
Playing Coachella: Friday, 9:15 p.m. (Coachella Stage)

Making their third Coachella appearance in the last five years, Australian psych rockers Tame Impala continue to soar under frontman Kevin Parker’s direction. While both SF and LA fans got to hear the band experiment in between songs during its fall mini-tour (read our reviews of the SF show and LA show), Tame Impala should have some more focused new material to share from their upcoming LP Currents, which the band only officially announced two days ago along with new single “‘Cause I’m a Man.”

TODD TERJE AND THE OLSENS

New album: N/A
Release date: N/A
Playing Coachella: Friday, 9:20 p.m. (Gobi Tent)

Norwegian DJ, songwriter and record producer Terje Olsen, better known as Todd Terje, made a big first impression last year with his debut LP It’s Album Time, and while he may not necessarily be debuting brand-new material at Coachella, he’ll be performing with a live band called The Olsens (from his label Olsen Records), much like he did at the 2014 edition of Oya Festival. So, although festivalgoers may not hear new songs from Terje per say, they’ll definitely be in for a real treat when he joins the party on Friday.

TORO Y MOI

New album: What For? (read our review here)
Release date: April 7
Playing Coachella: Saturday, 4:20 p.m. (Mojave Tent)

Chaz Bundick has stayed busy over the past year between his electronic side project Les Sins and writing Toro y Moi’s fourth studio album What For?, which drops just days before the band plays Coachella. And as we learned from the band’s recent show in SF, Bundick has incorporated more of a 70’s psych-disco-funk sound into the Toro y Moi repertoire.

TOUCHÉ AMORÉ

New album: Self Love (split with Self Defense Family)
Release date: 2015
Playing Coachella: Sunday, 1 p.m. (Mojave Tent)

Touché Amoré have long been known for splitting EPs with other post-hardcore bands, and that’s what they plan to do on Self Love with New York’s Self Defense Family this year. What it could mean is some new songs being debuted at Coachella, which is one of just four shows that the LA group has planned right now.

TOURIST

New track: “Holding On”
Release date: May 25
Playing Coachella: Saturday, 12:20 p.m. (Mojave Tent)

London-based artist William Phillips has slowly been climbing the ranks, but he’s already done some big things in 2015 after winning a Grammy for helping Sam Smith co-write his hit single “Stay With Me”. Since then, he’s released a new track entitled “Holding On” that features Australian artist Josef Salvat and American singer/pianist Niia before he plays at Coachella for the first time.

VIC MENSA

New album: Street Lights EP
Release date: 2015
Playing Coachella: Friday, 1:20 p.m. (Coachella Stage)

U.S. hip-hop recording artist Vic Mensa is a former member of Kids These Days and a founder of the hip-hop collective SAVEMONEY with Chance the Rapper. The Chicago native, who serves as a featured artist on Kanye West’s new track “Wolves”, plans to follow up his 2010 EP Straight Up this year with another EP by the name of Street Lights and should have some surprises in store at Coachella.

YELLOW CLAW

New album: Blood For Mercy
Release date: 2015
Playing Coachella: Saturday, 4:45 p.m. (Sahara Tent)

Amsterdam DJ trio Yellow Claw started winning over fans back in 2010 by mixing trap, hip-hop, dubstep, hardstyle and moombahton into their sets. With a number of EPs already out, they’re getting ready to release Blood For Mercy but have yet to officially release any tracks from the album.

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of Coachella artists who will likely perform new material:

FRIDAY
Alabama Shakes
Alesso
Cloud Nothings
Flying Lotus
Ghostface Killah
NERO
R3hab
Raekwon
Squarepusher
Tame Impala
Todd Terje and the Olsens
Vic Mensa

SATURDAY
Deorro
FKA twigs
Ratatat
Toro Y Moi
Tourist
Yellow Claw

SUNDAY
Built to Spill
Desaparecidos
Drake
Duke Dumont
Florence & the Machine
Jamie xx
Kygo
Lil B
Mac DeMarco
Martin Solveig
Touché Amoré

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: Alabama Shakes, Alesso, Built To Spill, Cloud Nothings, Coachella, Coachella 2015, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2015, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2015, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2015, Deorro, Desaparecidos, Drake, Duke Dumont, Empire Polo Club, FKA twigs, Florence & the Machine, Flying Lotus, Ghostface Killah, Jamie xx, Kygo, Lil B, Martin Solveig, NERO, R3hab, Raekwon, Ratatat, Squarepusher, Tame Impala, Todd Terje and the Olsens, Toro Y Moi, Touché Amoré, Tourist, Vic Mensa, Yellow Claw

JEFF the Brotherhood beef up with expanded touring band

April 6, 2015 by Pedro Paredes Leave a Comment

By Pedro Paredes //

JEFF the Brotherhood with Bully, SCRAPER //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 29th, 2015 //

Nashville-based JEFF the Brotherhood are usually a duo, but they beefed up their sound with two additional touring members in support of their new LP Wasted on the Dream. Even though their sonic style reminds you of some rock and metal bands from the 70’s, these guys sound fresh as fuck. While they were playing, I looked around to notice everybody with a big smile on their faces. We all knew we were getting a real rock ‘n’ roll/heavy metal concert experience, and we were all digging it.

To have this type of experience, not only does the band needs to do their part, but also the audience. And since both of the parties were bringing it, the result was awesome. On the band side, there was a lot of hair, guitar riffs, rock power poses, beer drinking and drum diving — Jake Orrall jumped into the drums helmed by his brother Jamin toward the end. On the audience, I witnessed a lot of “air guitar solos,” crowd surfing and mosh pitting. There was one drunk guy that took the mosh pitting too seriously, which almost started a fight, but since he was being a drunk asshole, the rest of the peeps sided up and got rid of him.

Even though they are from Nashville, second opener Bully sounded distinctly “Californian.” Polished and melodic, their music reminded me of Best Coast. Frontwoman Alicia Bognanno seemed very shy in the way she interacted with the crowd, but whenever they started playing, it was like she transformed into a rock-star queen.

They had some fans in the crowd that knew all of their songs, and it feels like this Bully are going places, especially when you consider Bognanno was invited on stage with JEFF the Brotherhood for a song.

The first opener of the night, SCRAPER, was a nice surprise. The three-piece (guitar, bass, drums) punk band from SF are raw, gritty and unpolished, and their stage presence, song lyrics and guitar riffs could not help but remind me of The Ramones. The interaction with the crowd was mostly through the music. Between songs the most the lead singer would say was “Thank you very much!” in a very heavy-metal type of voice, which was kind of funny. The highlight of their set list was a song called “Lick Me”. Yes, that’s right. “Lick me”.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Bully, JEFF the Brotherhood, SCRAPER, The Independent

Tame Impala flash back to 80’s pop on new single

April 5, 2015 by Josh Herwitt Leave a Comment

Australian neo-psych rockers Tame Impala are in the process of recording their third LP Currents, which is scheduled to be released later this year on Interscope Records, and continue to show why it will be one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2015.

Just hours after announcing the title of the new record, the group revealed a new single, “‘Cause I’m a Man,” on its Facebook page early Sunday morning in the U.S. (consider it a little present from the Easter Bunny if you want).

Frontman Kevin Parker has recently said that the band would be taking a new approach to its songwriting for Currents, and the four-minute track sure isn’t anything like what we’ve heard from Tame Impala before. Right from the start, Parker injects a heavy dose of 80’s pop, taking us for a smooth ride before eventually turning to lines like “‘Cause I’m a man, woman / Don’t always think before I do / ‘Cause I’m a man, woman / It’s the only answer I got for you” during the song’s chorus.

With Tame Impala set to play Coachella next Friday, there’s a decent chance fans headed to Indio will get to hear this one played live for the first time ever, unless Parker and company decide to lay that honor on their Southern California fans in Pomona next Wednesday night when they kick off their two-month-long tour across the U.S.

While the new single doesn’t quite reach “Purple Rain” stature, even Prince might dig it.

Let us know what you think in the comments section after you listen to the track here:

You can also check out the music video here:

Filed Under: Featured, Music Story Tagged With: Currents, Tame Impala

Mac DeMarco appears to have a new album on the way

April 4, 2015 by Mike Frash 3 Comments

Mac DeMarco’s fourth studio album appears to be on the way. Mac shared a compilation video on Friday afternoon that includes snippets of five new songs being mastered in the studio — along with a variety of wacky faces.

https://instagram.com/p/1BxPPnpvrt/

Ever the king of keeping it loose, this mini-preview of new material sounds like a natural extension of Salad Days, one of our favorite albums of 2014.

Does this mean Mac will have new material to tout on the road this year, including stops at Coachella & Outside Lands? That would be nice.

Filed Under: Featured, Music Story Tagged With: Mac Demarco

Death Cab for Cutie are still my guilty pleasure after all these years

April 3, 2015 by Josh Herwitt Leave a Comment

Photos courtesy of Kathryna Hancock & Kevin Winter // Written by Josh Herwitt //

Death Cab for Cutie //
iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles – Burbank, CA
April 2nd, 2015 //

Everyone has a guilty pleasure band. You know, that band you’ve listened to so many times that you’ve memorized most, if not all, of its lyrics, yet would never openly admit such to your friends?

Well, maybe you don’t. But I do — and that band happens to be Death Cab for Cutie.

Believe it or not, Death Cab are only a couple years away from their 20-year anniversary at this point. Much like their other indie-rock contemporaries from the Pacific Northwest (i.e. Built to Spill, Modest Mouse), they strayed far away from the now-famous Seattle grunge movement that was slowly on the decline by the late 90’s.

Eighteen years later, and the Bellingham, Wash., group now boasts an impressive catalog that runs eight albums deep after the release of Kintsugi on Tuesday. It’s another full-length effort that most Death Cab fans should come to enjoy, even if the songwriting follows much of the same formula that the band has employed on its previous seven studio albums.

Yet, that doesn’t mean nothing has changed for frontman Ben Gibbard and his bandmates. Founding guitarist and producer Chris Walla has moved on, officially leaving the band last summer, and while he still manages to leave his imprint on Kintsugi, the band’s producing duties have been turned over to an outside force, otherwise known as the highly regarded Rich Costey (Muse, Sigur Rós, Foster the People, Chvrches, Phantogram, Young the Giant).

Gibbard has always been known for making “pretty” music whether it’s with Death Cab or his electronic-leaning side project The Postal Service, and that’s certainly still the case on Kintsugi despite the record receiving some rather ho-hum reviews this week. Because even with Gibbard being divorced from actress-singer Zooey Deschanel for a couple years now, it’s hard to not think of Deschanel when he sings lyrics like “I guess it’s not a failure we could help / And we’ll both go on to get lonely with someone else.”

But if creating a mood is what music is supposed to be about, then Gibbard is still doing a fine job in that regard. Sure, it may not be the happiest mood that’s being fashioned — and seemingly it’s always been that way for Death Cab — but it’s still one fans can relate to, as evidenced by the long line that stood outside the iHeartRadio Theater for the band’s special invite-only show last night in LA.

Performing material from Kintsugi in front of a live audience for just the second time after Wednesday’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Gibbard and company reminded us that they’re not just a bunch of sappy chaps. Instead, they breathed new life into staples like “The New Year” and “Soul Meets Body,” providing a newfound energy that absorbed much of the somberness you get when you listen to these songs on 2003’s Transatlanticism or 2005’s Plans.

Then there was “Black Sun,” the first single off Kintsugi, a slow burn that reached its apex with a gritty guitar solo from touring member Dave Depper. It quickly sent me back in time to 2011 when I watched Death Cab headline Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco and became thoroughly impressed with how lively and almost upbeat their show actually was. Once again, these were sad songs that didn’t feel nearly as melancholy as they had at one time or another.

And even if they did, Death Cab would still be my guilty pleasure band.

Setlist:

The New Year
The Ghosts of Beverly Drive
You Are a Tourist
Black Sun
Soul Meets Body
No Room in Frame
Little Wanderer
Photobooth
Crooked Teeth
Transatlanticism

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Built To Spill, Death Cab For Cutie, iHeartRadio Theater, Modest Mouse, The Postal Service

James Murphy makes statement on LCD Soundsystem four years to the day since last show

April 3, 2015 by Mike Frash 2 Comments

It’s been four years since LCD Soundsystem broke up, something that seems to be weighing heavily on the mind of the captain, James Murphy. He posted this on the LCD Soundsystem Facebook page on Thursday:

it’s been 4 years to the day since the last show. so, if “post lcd” was college, we’d be graduating from “post lcd” now. assuming we didn’t get an incomplete in, say, comparative lit, and need to turn in a paper later in the year. it’s been a fun four years for everyone, all the music from New Build, Museum of Love, nancy doing stuff with The Juan MacLean, The Crystal Ark, tyler’s tropical techno nights on Berlin Community Radio. i miss everyone being in one room, of course, but it’s been a wonderful 4 years of freedom for everyone, i think. thank you guys for listening to us, and for continuing to care. it means a lot.
james

Murphy tends to post on the LCD Facebook page regularly, helping to promote Pat Mahoney’s project Museum of Love, post nostalgic TBT-like items and engage with fans directly — so this shouldn’t be taken as a harbinger for an imminent return. Murphy is living the dream now. It costs 30 bucks to listen to him spin obscure records from the 70’s. He takes on fun projects like Subway Symphony, where he turned the “beep” sound you hear when going through the NYC Subway turnstile into an aurally pleasurable experience. The success of LCD Soundsystem has created a world for Murphy where he can do whatever he wants.

If there were to be a reunion or even another album, it would have to be relatively soon, right? The end of the band seemed pretty resolute in Shut Up and Play the Hits, and the final tour was explicitly billed as just that — the end. But if LCD did come back, they’d be surefire festival headliners and could bank cash quickly without relentlessly touring.

It reminds me of another band with a fervent fan base: Phish. Phish frontman Trey Anastasio was done in 2004, flaming out in a spectacularly drugged-out mess (quite the opposite of LCD). But Phish resolutely called it quits with their extended hiatus, and they were gone for four-plus years.

Upon returning, Phish toured much less, playing maybe 25 shows a year in three-week spurts. They bring along their families, and each member has their own bus — and they do it sober. Most importantly, they returned on their own terms. LCD Soundsystem can have this.

In 2012, Murphy told SF Weekly, “Health is a big reason [to end LCD]. Life is a big reason. I didn’t live a normal life for a long time. I toured and made records and toured and made records. I didn’t want to be stuck being in a professional band and not having a life.”

The most memorable part from Shut Up and Play the Hits is his thoughts on going gray from touring, then pondering, “What’s going on inside? I don’t want to, like, die.”

The tone of this Facebook status update from Murphy exudes the feeling that he misses LCD Soundsystem. We miss you, too. Please come back on your own terms when you’re ready.

Filed Under: Featured, Music Story Tagged With: James Murphy, LCD Soundsystem

I heard the new My Morning Jacket album and it’s amazing

April 1, 2015 by Pete Mauch 6 Comments

By Pete Mauch //

On the eve of April Fools’ day, My Morning Jacket invited about 50 people to a listening party of their new album The Waterfall. Sonos Studio in Los Angeles began to fill up with everyone from Hollywood executives, interns, photographers and a few die-hard fans like myself who just happened to win the Louisville-bred rockers’ Roll Call contest.

Huge projectors throughout the room displayed the album’s cover of psychedelic waterfalls amongst bean bags, cushions and fancy couches, adding to the evening’s chill atmosphere. Did we mention there was free beer, too?!?

MMJ frontman and primary songwriter Jim James (lead vocals, guitars) addressed the audience after arriving with Bo Koster (keyboards, percussion, backing vocals) and explained that he first fell in love with waterfalls in Portland, Ore. The album’s artwork, however, depicts Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park. MMJ plan on having murals painted all across America using the image, with the first to come in the Venice neighborhood of LA. For those Angelenos out there, it’s on Lincoln Blvd. and Vernon Ave.

After having the distinct opportunity to hear the group’s forthcoming seventh studio album ahead of its release on May 4th via ATO/Capitol Records, we broke down each track below. You can pre-order The Waterfall here, and check out MMJ’s tour dates here.

1. “Believe (Nobody Knows)”

The initial track could have been an extension of the recent Jim James solo LP, Regions of Light and Sound of God. We find out later this was the last track he wrote for the album, and James feels it gave the whole album credibility and cohesiveness. The lyrics are uplifting, especially the prose of “Roll the dice, sail the ship, and all doors will open,” which I took as “take a chance, and you will be rewarded.”

2. “Compound Fracture”

This is a bass-heavy, fast-rocking tune that jumps right out of the gate and doesn’t let up. This song is made for the live setting, and I’m sure many people will compare it to the style MMJ use on 2008’s Evil Urges. Koster really stands out on this track, as he wails on his keyboard towards the end with James belting out “how long till the mix runs dry” or something of the sort. This one’s a keeper.

3. “Like a River”

The album was mostly recorded in Stinson Beach, Calif., and Koster was very quick to point out that “Like a River” is the song that captures the time they spent there best. It’s a slow “streaming” folk song that makes us recall the At Dawn era of My Morning Jacket, which is never a bad thing. In fact, it’s an amazing thing. James flexes his vocals on this one, which reminds you how a voice can be a damn great instrument.

4. “In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)”

The title track might have the best section in the whole album during the breakdown. The song starts off slowly, then builds and builds until it climaxes into pure bliss. I can’t wait for die-hard Jacket fans to hear this one. James explains The Waterfall is a metaphor for people who have so much shit on their plate that they wish they could just stop time and slow it down. He goes on to explain he’s been infatuated with wanting to stop the flow of a waterfall just to watch it stand still. And he wishes humans can do this with their own hectic lives. The chorus is a beautifully uplifting lyric that reads, “I stop the waterfall by finally feeling / I stop the waterfall by just believing / I gotta stop the waterfall.”

5. “Get the Point”

“Get the Point” is the breakup song on the album, and it’s a fine one at that. James very openly states, “The feeling is gone, but I wish you all the love in the world.” He doesn’t love this gal anymore, but he still wishes her well. I think we can all relate to that. After this song, James explained that all the songs on this album are live takes, with overdubs added after the fact.

6. “Spring (Among the Living)”

On the sixth track and second single, James states that he’s ready for the change of season and that he’s “done hibernating.” Patrick Hallahan leads the charge with a strong drumbeat that carries the song forward until it reaches a magnificent climax that once again showcases James’ always amazing vocals and Koster’s sick keyboard work.

7. “Thin Line”

“Thin Line” is the oldest cut that MMJ decided to unearth for The Waterfall. The story goes that Tom Blankenship (bass) was handed a very short demo by James around 2001 and remembered that it would fit perfectly into the song they were working on. The end result is a pure rocker led by wailing axe work from James and Carl Broemel (guitars, pedal steel, saxophone, backing vocals) that closes with a seriously amazing ending as James screams “between love and a waste of time.” Seems like quite the thin line to me.

8. “Big Decisions”

“Big Decisions” is the song that Jacketeers already know, as the crowd present in LA got a little more into the experience. James said this song is about wanting to make decisions for your friends. Everyone has a friend who complains that they hate their job or they hate where they live, and this song is about wanting to be able to make that decision for them.

9. “Tropics (Erase Traces)”

The penultimate song starts with a ripping guitar solo, then mellows out as James starts to sing, “first time in a long time.” This song could very well be my personal favorite after one listen. The ending is beautiful chaos full of fuzzy guitars, loud keyboards and serious drumming to please any rocker.

10. “Only Memories Remain”

“Only Memories” brings the album together with another Stinson Beach-like vibe featuring some slinky guitars by James and Broemel. It’s a slow chiller that creeps up on you, particularly the poignant lyrics “names of places have all changed, but the identity has stayed the same.”

After the final track finished, James and Koster returned to answer questions from the audience. I told them upon first listen that I felt The Waterfall reflects on the days of old Jacket albums like their 1999 debut Tennesseee Fire and 2001’s At Dawn and asked if there was a conscious effort among them to bring back a folk vibe as opposed to the avant-garde style from 2011’s Circuital.

James answered with a resounding “YES!” before elaborating how he never goes back and always tries to push forward, but that it’s difficult to stay away from the basic guitar. After the interview ended, James and Koster hung out and mingled with the crowd, sticking around until everyone got to meet them. They were gracious enough to sign my poster that I had brought and even took a picture with me (see above). What an awesome time with an amazing band!

Want to tell your music story? Contact us to join The Bam Team here.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Music Story, Show Experience Tagged With: My Morning Jacket, Sonos Studio, The Waterfall, Yosemite National Park

Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell // Community Review

March 31, 2015 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell //

Is there a bigger indie darling than Sufjan Stevens? If there was any doubt, the 12th addition to his cannon, Carrie & Lowell, should cement this legacy.

What do you think of this record? Comment below for the chance to win free tickets to shows in SF this week, and keep the tissues nearby if you haven’t listened to this one yet.

BAM TEAM RATING:

Sufjan Stevens has a uniquely complex body of musical compositions, from the historical and geographical Come on! Feel the Illinois! to his exploration of the zodiac personalities through sound and the musical dedication to the BQE. Stevens has created his anomalous oeuvre that reflects his intelligent, playful, philosophical and melancholy sound. The album that he has just launched, named after his mother and stepfather, has more emphasis on the melancholy, shedding his exploration of epic arrangements like on his 2010 solo album Age of Adz and turning toward feathery method of songs like Seven Swans. A more thoughtful and delicate nature to the music is required to reflect the unfortunate reality of the death of Stevens estranged mother, Carrie, as Stevens uses his ability to weave fiction and reality to journey into the human elements of loss, love, want, and faith. Each song is a carefully created letter to the lost soul of his mother and at the same time, a general consensus of the human condition, so take the time to give this one a good listen, mediate on life’s purpose and fragility. -Bridget Stagnitto
3.5 BAMS // Top Song: “John My Beloved”

Sufjan Steven’s masterful new album isn’t just about grappling with the death of someone close, but it’s about the slow motion details of grief. There are fragmented memories (“…she left us at that video store”) and elements of creative nonfiction to fill those holes, regret (“I should have wrote a letter…”), the search for ways to cope (the creation of this album itself), and self harm (“There’s blood on that blade/ Fuck me, I’m falling apart”). The aural approach thrives in its simplicity and stark beauty, but lyrically it contrasts the acoustic aesthetics and cuts deep like a knife — in devastating fashion, the way only a musical master can pull off. The feeling of looming demise is like the last week spent with a loved one, beside their bed at the hospital, waiting. But Stevens pulls out a mirror for the listener with “Fourth of July”, the centerpiece of Carrie & Lowell, reminding us “we’re all going to die.” Stevens is attempting to find meaning in his absent mother’s passing, but certainly it’s an effort that we can all apply to ourselves, that it’s ok to acknowledge your own mortality and find truth in illumination. -Mike Frash
4.5 BAMS // Top Song: “Fourth of July”

Of the very little Sufjan Stevens material I’ve heard in the past, I never connected with it, but I was instantly hooked on my first full listen of Carrie & Lowell. He wastes no time laying his emotions flat out, effectively making me feel like I’m witnessing an old friend face the death of his mother and his own immortality with little more than a few strings and some keys. Stevens confronts grief with an enormous amount of grace, layering light, breezy melodies with dark emotional content (illustrated profoundly on “The Only Thing”). Despite the often haunting lyrical undertones, Carrie & Lowell brings an aural calm similar to that of Fleet Foxes’ Helplessness Blues. -Rochelle Shipman
4 BAMS // Top Song: “Eugene”

Sufjan Stevens leaves the listener buried in emotion, toppled like the weight of sand and yet feeling light as a feather. There’s something poetic about his song structures, like they could be decoded into an equation on how to feel. Carrie & Lowell, a title attributed to his Mother and Stepfather, resembles the sentiment and elegance of 2004’s Seven Swans, and features an eerie swell on such tracks like “The Fourth Of July” and “Blue Bucket of Gold” that makes it feel as if Stevens has been hanging out with Thom Yorke. Stevens continuously proves that he can do anything he wants without being bratty, experimenting with hip-hop and electronica on his last couple albums, and flawlessly circling back to impassioned form. -Anthony Presti
3.5 BAMS // Top Song: “Should Have Known Better”

What are your thoughts on Carrie & Lowell? Keep the conversation going below with your own quick review or comment below. If we like your reply, we’ll hook you up with a free pair of tickets to your choice of show this week in San Francisco.

Help us decide which album Showbams will co-review next week.
Watch videos from our options this week, then vote.

Write to ShowbamsSubmit@gmail.com if you’d like to write for Showbams and contribute quick reviews.

Toro y Moi – “Empty Nesters” from What For?
Listen to this album now at NPR Music.

Mew – “Water Slides” from + –

Waxahatchee – “Air” from Ivy Tripp
Listen to this album now at NPR Music.

The Mountain Goats – “The Legend of Chavo Guerrero” from Beat The Champ
Listen to this album now at NPR Music.

Filed Under: Community Review, Featured, New Music Tagged With: Carrie & Lowell, Community Review, Sufjan Stevens

Outside Lands daily lineups are out!

March 31, 2015 by Mike Frash 1 Comment

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
August 7th-9th, 2015 //

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is ahead of the curve this year, selling out general admission three-day tickets in 45 minutes.

Now the single-day lineups are out, and we can breath easily knowing that the good people at APE and Superfly have not pitted Elton John versus Kendrick Lamar (thank you). One more request: Please help us avoid a D’Angelo vs. St. Vincent conflict.

Mumford & Sons will be up against Wilco (or maybe D’Angelo) to get the fest started, and you’ll have to decide between The Black Keys and Kendrick Lamar on Saturday.

Will Sam Smith open for Elton John or go against him at the Twin Peaks Stage on Sunday? Logic would dictate that Smith will open for Elton John, perhaps even duet with each other, and dance acts will take over Twin Peaks on Sunday with AXWELL Λ INGROSSO headlining. It’s easy to imagine many upset three-day ticket holders if Elton John and Sam Smith are at the same time.

Take a look at the full daily lineups here at the Outside Lands website, and below. If you planon getting single-day tickets, be sure to be ready at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Buy your tickets here.

FRIDAY, August 7th

Mumford & Sons
Wilco
D’Angelo and The Vanguard
St. Vincent
Porter Robinson
Chet Faker
First Aid Kit
RL Grime
Lake Street Dive
George Ezra
Iration
Lindsey Stirling
Glass Animals
Robert DeLong
Broods
Leon Bridges
Alvvays
The Family Crest
The Revivalists
Strand of Oaks
Speedy Ortiz
Natalie Prass
The Sam Chase

SATURDAY, August 8th

The Black Keys
Kendrick Lamar
Tame Impala
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Billy Idol
G-Eazy
Milky Chance
Toro Y Moi
Mac DeMarco
Angus & Julia Stone
Laura Marling
Django Django
Classixx
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Misterwives
Langhorne Slim & The Law
Hurray for the Riff Raff
Giraffage
Twin Peaks
WATERS
Fantastic Negrito
Devon Baldwin
The Tropics

SUNDAY, August 9th

Elton John
Sam Smith
Axwell & Ingrosso
Slightly Stoopid
Hot Chip
Caribou
The Devil Makes Three
Nate Ruess
ODESZA
DJ Mustard
St. Paul and The Broken Bones
James Bay
Green Velvet & Claude VonStroke: Get Real
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Sky Ferreira
SZA
Allah-Las
Shakey Graves
Dan Deacon
Benjamin Booker
Ryn Weaver
GIVERS
METZ
DMA’s
Alex Bleeker & The Freaks

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: Outside Lands 2015, Outside Lands Music Festival

of Montreal consume SF fans at Slim’s with Da Vinci angels, boxing stripper dogs & an Abraham Lincoln Spiderman

March 31, 2015 by Nik Crossman Leave a Comment

Photos by Pedro Paredes // Written by Nik Crossman //

of Montreal with Yip Deceiver, Springtime Carnivore //
Slim’s – San Francisco
March 24th, 2015 //

For the last 20 years, Kevin Barnes has led of Montreal down the yellow brick road of psychedelic mischief. Their journey transcends the decades and weds the sounds of the 60’s and 70’s with modern music production, presenting a unique, can’t-help-but-move sound.

At Slim’s in SF, of Montreal continued to impress and engage the crowds with their psychedelic mix of pop, funk and electronic glam. Their stage performance matched their instrumental prowess, consuming us with Da Vinci angels, Abraham Lincoln Spiderman and boxing stripper dogs. The two-hour show led us down a journey through time and space, embracing us with loving arms along the way.

of Montreal’s latest album Aureate Gloom dropped in February and contributes to their dynamic discography. This album evolves their sound and presents a more personal side of Barnes, making it more relate-able than most.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Of Montreal, Slims, Springtime Carnivore, Yip Deceiver

Toro y Moi pivots to psych-disco-funk & a greater sense of band unity

March 30, 2015 by Mike Frash Leave a Comment

Photo by Sam Ortega // Written by Mike Frash //

Toro y Moi //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 28th, 2015 //

Much has changed for Chaz Bundick and his project Toro y Moi since playing The Independent two years ago. Keyboardist Anthony Ferraro was added to the touring band, Toro y Moi then graduated to performing at the much larger Fox Theater Oakland, and Bundick once again reset and pivoted toward a new beat for his fourth album under the TYM moniker.

The fourth Toro y Moi album, What For?, is set to release April 7th, and you can listen to it now at NPR Music.

But there’s another new element that emerged from witnessing Toro y Moi premier new tracks over the weekend in SF at The Independent. It’s becoming more and more ambiguous whether Toro y Moi is Chaz Bundick, or is Toro y Moi the five-piece group that impressed in such a spectacular, unhurried way Saturday night with 70’s-influenced psych-disco-funk. Granted they can be both at once, and Bundick is the sole creative song-crafting force, but it must be asked now: Is Toro y Moi a man or a band?

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An intense wall of sound began the show with “What You Want,” the first track off the new LP, pushing the soundboard into the red with all instruments swirling on the high side, jarring the shit out of me. Yes, it was the opposite of chill, but it acted as a palate cleanser, bringing an “I am here” mentality to the moment. The band and sound team may have still been acclimating to each other, but it more likely was an intentional sonic slap to the face. And once the second single “Buffalo” took over next, the sound was tight and dialed in for the duration of the 90-minute show.

There is less focus on Bundick as the centerpiece of the outfit compared to before, with more attention being paid to the unit’s loose cohesiveness that ultimately creates a wandering, exploratory sensibility.

Bundick is now positioned all the way to stage left, as opposed to being front and center at the podium, which was the touring setup in support of the electronic-leaning Anything in Return. When Bundick took to the keys during the encore, he crafted an interlacing synchronicity with band key player Anthony Ferraro that had the two locked in sync. A focus on group solidarity appears to be the centerpiece now.

Selections from Anything in Return got the biggest reaction out of the SF crowd (most notably “Rose Quartz”, “So Many Details” & “Say That” to end the night”), but each cut transitioned into funk grooves, getting a coat of paint from the mindset of the new album. Les Sins seems to be Bundick’s electronic vehicle now, while Toro y Moi delves into heady instrumentation in the vein of Underneath The Pine.

Now a Bay Area resident out of Berkeley, Bundick morphs and changes in some way with each new output — that much is clear. And Chaz Bundick deserves all credit as the creative force behind Toro y Moi, but with this step toward group unification, perhaps it makes sense to dub Toro y Moi as a band instead of a stage name.

Setlist:
What You Want
Buffalo
New Beat
High Living
Half Dome
Lilly
Rose Quartz
So Many Details
Grown Up Calls
Low Shoulder
Still Sound
The Flight
Ratcliff
Spell It Out
Empty Nesters
Campo
Yeah Right

Encore:
Why feat. Nate Salman (Les Sins cover)
Say That

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Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Les Sins, The Independent, Toro Y Moi

Quantic branches out with diverse set at The Roxy

March 27, 2015 by Josh Herwitt 1 Comment

By Josh Herwitt //

Quantic with DJ Vadim //
The Roxy Theatre – West Hollywood, CA
March 25th, 2015 //

For well over a decade, Will Holland has been the brains behind Quantic, one of his many projects as a musician, DJ and record producer. This past fall, we caught Holland and his Quantic sidekicks performing inside a tiny church in Echo Park for Culture Collide Festival (read our review here). At the time, Holland said the show would be Quantic’s last one for a while after touring the world in support of 2014’s Magnetica. But less than six months later, the UK native was back in LA on Wednesday night for a KCRW-sponsored event, hitting the decks and showcasing a variety of Latin genres — everything from cumbia to salsa to bossa nova — while mixing in a handful of reggae and hip-hop grooves. DJ Vadim kicked things off with his own set of turntables and was joined on stage by a couple of guest vocalists.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: DJ Vadim, Quantic, The Roxy Theatre

Deap Vally start their week off by rocking The Chapel

March 27, 2015 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Deap Vally with L.A. Witch, Creep Beat //
The Chapel – San Francisco
March 23rd, 2015 //

Los Angeles female rock duo Deep Vally made their way north to SF for a Monday night gig at The Chapel. The twosome comprised of Lindsey Troy (guitar, vocals) and Julie Edwards (drums, vocals) met at a crochet class in Silver Lake and have been rocking music venues ever since. L.A. Witch and Creep Beat opened the show.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Creep Beat, Deap Vally, L.A. Witch, The Chapel

OK Go throw one big party at The Warfield

March 27, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Greg RaMar //

OK Go with White Arrows //
The Warfield – San Francisco
March 21st, 2015 //

With the release of their fourth full-length album Hungry Ghosts last year, alternative rock band OK Go are in the midst of an extensive North American tour. The four-piece originally from Chicago and now based in Los Angeles headlined The Warfield last Saturday, covering the venue in confetti at one point during their set. LA psych-pop outfit White Arrows, which also put out a new record in 2014, opened the show.

Setlist:
Upside Down & Inside Out
You’re So Damn Hot
The Writing’s On the Wall
I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe
Obsession
This Too Shall Pass
There’s a Fire
(Vocals and percussion only)
Last Leaf (acoustic performance by Damien in audience)
Needing/Getting
I’m Not Through
Get Over It
The One Moment
Skyscrapers
Do What You Want
Black Dog (Led Zeppelin cover)
Turn Up the Radio

Encore:
Fake It
A Million Ways
White Knuckles
I Won’t Let You Down
Here It Goes Again

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: OK Go, The Warfield, White Arrows

Widespread Panic keep it tight during three-night run at Fox Theater Oakland

March 25, 2015 by Steven Wandrey Leave a Comment

Photos by Sterling Munksgard & Steve Carlson // Written by Steven Wandrey //

Widespread Panic //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
March 19th-21st, 2015 //

Jam band giant Widespread Panic brought the heat to the Fox Theater in Oakland for three straight nights. Panic kept things fresh and new with live debuts of “Cease Fire” and “The Poorhouse of Positive Thinking” as well as classic covers of Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Mak’er” and Grateful Dead’s “Cream Puff War.” It’s easy to see why this six-piece from Athens, Ga., has been touring steadily for years and still sound as tight as ever.

March 19th setlist

Set 1: Sell Sell (Alan Price cover), Holden Oversoul, You Got Yours, Christmas Katie, Let It Rock (Chuck Berry cover) with Oh Susanna & Johnny B. Goode raps, Barstools and Dreamers, Honky Red (Murray McLauchlan cover), Climb to Safety (Jerry Joseph cover)

Set 2: Pigeons, Thought Sausage, Can’t Get High (BloodKin cover), Saint Ex, Blight (brute. cover) > jam, Pilgrims, Rock > jam, Drums, Proving Ground, Chainsaw City (Little Women cover)

Encore: Tail Dragger (Howlin’ Wolf cover)

March 20th setlist

Set 1: Let’s Get the Show on the Road (Michael Stanley Band cover), Old Neighborhood, Jack, Street Dogs For Breakfast, Airplane, Stop Go, Me and the Devil Blues (Robert Johnson cover), For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield cover)

Set 2: Let’s Get Down to Business (brute. cover), Chilly Water, Cease Fire > jam (live debut), Driving Song > jam, I’m Not Alone > jam > Driving Song reprise, Bust It Big, Ain’t Life Grand

Encore: Porch Song, City of Dreams (Talking Heads cover), Love Tractor

March 21st setlist

Set 1: Waitin’ for the Bus (ZZ Top cover), Jesus Just Left Chicago (ZZ Top cover), Space Wrangler, Tall Boy, C. Brown, Dyin’ Man, The Poorhouse of Positive Thinking (live debut), Good People > jam, Conrad

Set 2: North (Jerry Joseph cover), Sharon (David Bromberg cover), Aunt Avis (Vic Chesnutt cover), Cotton Was King, Mercy, Drums with Sikiru Adepoju, Drums and Bass with Sikiru Adepoju, Fishwater with Sikiru Adepoju, Red Hot Mama (Funkadelic cover) with Sikiru Adepoju > Fishwater reprise with Sikiru Adepoju

Encore: Expiration Day (brute. cover), D’yer Mak’er (Led Zeppelin cover), Cream Puff War (Grateful Dead cover)

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Fox Theater Oakland, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic

How to Dress Well reinterprets ‘Pour Cyril’ with orchestral backing // LISTEN

March 25, 2015 by Mike Frash Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong & Sterling Munksgard // Written by Mike Frash //

Tom Krell is as close as you can get to a male siren — his voice is simply that beautiful and hauntingly dynamic.

And now we get to listen to a highlight from How to Dress Well’s “What is This Heart?”, “Pour Cyril”, stripped down with assistance from local luminary Minna Choi (from Magik*Magik Orchestra). It’s gorgeous — listen here.

Also, listen to the most recent episode of Song Exploder, in which How to Dress Well deconstructs “Pour Cyril” and tells the story behind the song. This was recorded at Swedish American Hall during Noise Pop.

Filed Under: Featured, Music Story, New Music Tagged With: How to Dress Well, Magik*Magik Orchestra

Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit // Community Review

March 24, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit //

Has the time come for Courtney Barnett to break out big? Perhaps, she was on “Ellen” last week. Find out what the BAM Team has to say, and leave your own comment/quick review below for the chance to win tickets to shows this week in SF.

BAM TEAM RATING:

It’s always satisfying when a young artist with a quality first album (or a couple EPs in this case) follows it up strongly. Courtney Barnett is now further reassured in her long drawling style of narration. The feel and tone is more widely ranged with Barnett rocking more on the heavy side as compared to A Sea of Split Peas. The album flows nicely from track to track and often sits in a juxtaposition of nonchalant vocals and heavy, poppy guitar riffs (“Aqua Profunda!”). This balance is delightfully unassuming and charming, lending the album to lots of repeat plays. Barnett is sure to start ripping up festival sets and rising up lineups. -Steven Wandrey
4 BAMS // Top Track: “An Illustration of Loneliness”

Courtney Barnett often finds poignancy amongst the mundane, connecting lines of poetic prose that sometimes boarder on non-sequitur logic, and there are also moments of brutal honesty that expose a history of personal crisis as she nakedly exclaims, “I used to hate myself but now I feel alright” on “Small Poppies”. Barnett has created a dynamic work that sequences wisely, bunching together similarly paced songs. “Elevator Operator” and “Pedestrian at Best” knock down the front door with a sledgehammer, then the next set of tracks slow things down and end with the beautiful “Depreston”, which possesses the tone of a would-be Real Estate song. Back come the galloping rock tracks for four songs before “Kim’s Caravan” aids in a post-rock slow burn right into a lullaby that puts the record to bed. The title is appropriate, matching the roller-coaster pacing of this introspection-meets-exhibition work of art. -Mike Frash
4 BAMS // Top Track: “Depreston”

From time to time, the discussion of whether rock ‘n’ roll is dead rises to the surface as there are great shifts in what the music-consuming public will support. For those who buy into that argument, take heart as there are many new artists breaking on the scene to breathe new life into the genre and most prominently Courtney Barnett. The first thing you notice is her vocal style, which is sometimes called “deadpan,” and that would cover part of her charm, but there’s much more to tickle the ears — there is also her songwriting. These tracks are infused with smart and often funny lyrics that flow from her like an endless stream of consciousness. This is a very full and satisfying album stylistically that takes us into many corners of rock ‘n’ roll, from the hard driving of the aforementioned tracks to the sweet pop sounds of “Debbie Downer” and many points between. -Tom Dellinger
4.5 BAMS / Top song: “Kim’s Caravan”

What a fun album! Courtney Barnett’s blend of stream-of-consciousness lyricism over crafty pop hooks makes for a good listen. I haven’t had the first two tracks of an album hit me like that in a while — very infectious. There is certainly a heavy 90’s alt-rock influence, in all of the best ways (think Matthew Sweet, Elastica and some Mazzy Star on the less pop-driven tracks). Perfect for your drive to the beach. -Andrew Pohl
3.5 BAMS // Top Track: “Pedestrian at Best”

What do you think of Courtney Barnett’s Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit? Keep the conversation going below with your quick review or comment! If we like your reply, we’ll hook you up with a free pair of tickets to your choice of show this week in San Francisco.

Write to ShowbamsSubmit@gmail.com if you’d like to write or contribute at Showbams.

Next Week: Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens.