Discover New Music // Show Reviews + Photos // Experience California's Music Scene and Beyond
Photos by Sam Heller //
The Barr Brothers with Leif Vollebekk //
The Chapel – San Francisco
December 10th, 2014 //
Following up their 2011 self-titled debut, Montreal folk quartet The Barr Brothers dropped their second album Sleeping Operator in early October and have recently been on the road in support of it.
Hitting SF on a Wednesday night, they played the intimate Chapel and we were there to catch the action after Leif Vollebekk opened the show.
Photos by Justin Yee // Written by Molly Kish //
Ghostface Killah //
The Independent – San Francisco
December 7th, 2014 //
A mere two days before his brand-new album 36 Chambers dropped, Ghostface Killah gave a packed audience at The Independent a career-spanning performance of a lifetime. Running through nearly 20-plus years worth of genre-defining material, the hip-hop legend slayed an enthusiastic crowd full of Wu-Tang soldiers and solo fans alike. Dropping hit after hit with fellow clan members and getting the crowd involved with his signature call-and-response flow, Ghostface kept the venue ablaze throughout his entire two-hour performance.
With Ghostface’s latest LP out less than a week after the release of Wu-Tang’s new album A Better Tomorrow, we can only hope that there will be plenty of more Wu-related performances in the near future. If Sunday’s show was any indication, the Bay Area is definitely ready to have some more Wu members come through soon.
Photos by Pedro Paredes // Written by Kevin Quandt //
Thee Oh Sees //
The Chapel – San Francisco
December 5th, 2014 //
This past week, the City was graced by a pair of sold-out shows from former SF music royalty. John Dwyer’s Thee Oh Sees returned to the Mission to pummel old fans and the new kids with a mix of old and new. This reasonably new trio (Tim Hellman on bass and Nick Murray on drums) configuration has their chops well dialed-in at the moment as they blazed through favorites like “I Come From the Mountain” and newer tracks such as “Encrypted Bounce”.
As any savvy local fan could deduce, there was a cavalcade of the usual rowdy antics that accompany this show. Some highlights were a crowd surfer who may have been collecting Social Security checks and bartenders showering those lucky enough to be in the back with assorted carbonated beverages. Dwyer rewarded attendees with a wide smattering of new, unreleased material that was plentiful in the driving guitar sound that has recently put him on the map. San Francisco loves, and misses, Thee Oh Sees.
By Benjamin Wallen //
EOTO featuring special guests Tea Leaf Green and Leftover Salmon //
The Independent – San Francisco
December 5th, 2014 //
EOTO came back to the Bay Area with their 100-percent improvised show following a full set of super chill, downtempo music from Bluetech at The Independent. This duo of drummers, also from the percussion section of The String Cheese Incident, make up EOTO.
While their sound has evolved over the years by fiddling with many genres of electronic music, hard-hitting beats, high energy and lots of dancing always come in hot for Michael Travis and Jason Hann.
This night brought special guests from Bay Area favorite Tea Leaf Green and friends from Colorado jam band Leftover Salmon. Leftover Salmon was in town for the Rex Foundation’s “Standing on the Moon” dinner and performance the next night at The Fillmore, but EOTO fans got to taste some of that magical talent a night earlier with almost three sets of music — and to say the least, the vibe and sounds were spectacular.
Accompanied by an amazing light and laser show, it was a night not to be missed, reminding everyone out there the true talent of real musicians, the evolving nature of what we like to call “instruments” and the never-ending evolution of influence and style.
By Diana Cordero //
Sky Ferreira with Cherry Glazerr //
The Independent – San Francisco
November 25th, 2014 //
She said it herself: “this jacket is so fucking hot”, followed by a shouting wave demanding to “take it off!!” But she didn’t. It almost looked like it was her lucky blanket, her shield, but against what?
It was Sky Ferreira’s third (due to popular demand) and last show at The Independent — the first two were sold out — and few tickets were left for the ending night. People were certainly looking forward to being there, but Sky seemed cold (literally) and distant, often standing under that foggy low-key light behind her bandmates, riding the “eccentric, unapproachable, misunderstood rock star” wave, which was unnecessary, but then again, it could all have been due to exhaustion after all that touring. She did get an ulcer caused by stress while touring with Miley Cyrus this past summer.
On the bright side, Ferreira played a new song titled “Guardian”, which already has fans wondering about the route of her new album, although no official statements have come from the singer.
LA trio Cherry Glazerr kicked off the evening with a short set of lo-fi pop rock.
By Scott Martin //
X Ambassadors with Grizfolk, DOE EYE //
The Independent – San Francisco
November 19th, 2014 //
On this night at The Independent, the weather outside was wet and cold. But inside, it was hot thanks to the X Ambassadors, a four-piece band from Ithaca, N.Y. Frontman Sam Harris told the crowd how excited he was to be playing in SF, and it showed throughout the night.
Setlist:
Down With Me
Free & Lonely
Love Songs Drug Songs
Stranger
Shining
Giants
Unsteady
Litost
The Business
Jungle (Jamie N Commons cover)
Encore:
Lowlife
Unconsolable
By Benjamin Wallen //
STS9 with Michal Menert //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
November 22nd, 2014 //
Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) returned to the Bay Area last Saturday to rock the Fox Theater Oakland with their high-energy, electronic-infused show.
To kick off the night, the Santa Cruz five-piece booked Colorado electronic producer Michal Menert, whose music pairs fairly well with STS9’s. Repping his label Super Best Records on his T-shirt and exhibiting a sound reminiscent of his childhood friend and colleague Derek Vincent Smith (aka Pretty Lights), Menert got the audience warmed up before STS9 hit the stage for three hours.
With STS9’s newest member Alana Rocklin driving home the bass, there was something about the band that felt different, yet strangely familiar. Having attended many STS9 shows before, this one felt a tad heavier on the electronic side than in previous years, but the quintet dialed it down a few times to transition into some rock jams that had me forgetting I was listening to STS9. As someone who toured with My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James during his 2013 solo tour, Rocklin’s command of her instrument, along with her stage presence, seemed to fuel the group’s path throughout the night.
The old Sound Tribe is still there, but the fresh format is sparking a creative revival — and you can hear it in the music. During STS9’s second set, drummer Zach Velmer and percussionist Jeffree Lerner broke out into a drum battle using a Cajon, a wooden percussion instrument, and a single drum. The flow and energy of the band’s rhythm section was a highlight for me, as I’ve never seen such a cool moment at a Sound Tribe show.
The crowd was friendly all around — hugs and happiness abound. With the band members smiling from ear to ear and spreading such good, happy energy throughout the venue, it reminded me of why I love seeing STS9 live. Even though we may never hear another token “What’s up, San Francisco?!?! How ya’ll feeling tonight?!?!” from former bass player David Murphy, Rocklin has far surpassed what I was hoping for in breathing a new, rich beam of light into one of my favorite bands.
Set 1: New Dawn New Day, Golden Gate, Ramone & Emiglio > Monkey Music, Poseidon, Walk to the Light, Frequencies Peace 2 > 3, World Go Round
Set 2: Dance > Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) > Dance, Vapors, Only Light Remains, Kamuy, Orbital > Hubble, Abcees > No Quarter (Led Zeppelin cover) > Abcees > No Quarter > Abcees
Encore: Circus
By James Nagel //
Cold War Kids with WATERS, Avid Dancer //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
October 21st, 2014 //
Friday night’s show began with fans trickling in as the first opener, Avid Dancer, took the stage. Stoic front man Jacob Dillan Summers gave a solid performance that held the attention of the crowd, and even garnered loud cheers as the band returned to the stage after the set to retrieve their equipment. They seemed a bit stiff though, sticking close to their mic stands like a baby cub to its momma bear. This was especially evident as Summers concluded the show with a The Who-inspired guitar slam, which looked more like an apathetic drop. That said, they were still entertaining.
Local talent-on-the-rise WATERS was up next and actually drew more media to the photo pit than Cold War Kids. Flowers embellished the stage as the SF locals woo’ed the audience with their engaging banter. Towards the end of the set they led a sing along, encouraging fans to literally ‘Woo” to the tune of “I Feel Everything” – it was a nice touch. It was also a great set, and fun to shoot.
*Side note, someone left a water bottle on the stage so I tried to get the band and the bass drum in a shot together. See for yourself below. I thought it was super clever, though some may disagree.
After some time between sets, fans pried their eyeballs from their cellphones to take in the experience provided courtesy of Cold War Kids. The stage featured a backdrop of a giant Skeleton, which changed colors throughout the show. Things really picked up with “Hang Me Out to Dry”, which was played about halfway through the set.
Subsequent songs were met with loud cheers, which might lead one to believe the half-full (or half-empty, depending on your disposition) venue was actually sold out. For those who did make it out to the Fox Theater – Oakland on Friday night, they got exactly what they wanted.
Editor’s Note: James Nagel is a Bay Area Photographer that writes from a mostly visual POV because, well, that’s what he enjoys.
Photos by James Nagel & Sam Heller // Written by Mike Frash //
Tame Impala with Delicate Steve //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
October 15th, 2014 //
One of the greatest bands currently creating new music and going out on epic tours, Tame Impala put on shows Saturday and Sunday at Fox Theater Oakland. So why did our favorite Aussies launch a mini-tour without any significant differences in their show since they last visited San Francisco and Oakland just over a year ago?
Saturday’s show featured the heady songs semi-inspired by the psychedelic movement of the 1960’s that we’ve come to love, and they’ve perfected the art of the improvisational interlude (when Tame Impala puts a song to bed, only to explode with two more intense minutes of the same song). These extended jams aren’t on record, but they help to spice up the group’s live experience.
RELATED: Tame Impala unveil new jams in LA despite faulty PA system
One new element to the show on Saturday was enhanced visuals — the background screen extended from the floor to the ceiling, and Kevin Parker turned away from the audience to face the screen multiple times to concentrate on creating visualizations from his lead guitar playing. Parker’s instrument was represented on screen by a green line that circled, zigged, zagged and gets completely chaotic based on what notes he plucked and how intense they were struck. Granted these visuals look like something out of the first version of a Winamp visualizer, but it was still exciting and noteworthy.
Also, Parker ain’t afraid to represent. He was sporting swag that Tame Impala were selling at the merchandise booth. Next time Tame Impala come to town, I suspect it will be with a fresh scoop of new material.
Delicate Steve gave an exciting, powerful set steeped in emotive instrumentals that nicely set the stage for Tame Impala.
Mariachi El Bronx with Tijuana Panthers, Pounded By The Surf //
The Independent – San Francisco
November 8th, 2014 //
The world needs more mariachi bands. Matt Caughthran and crew know how to throw a party, which they proved at the sold-out Indy on Saturday. Classic mariachi tinged with an LA punk feel that’s easy on the ears. Horns, violin, accordion = fun. They’re an amiable band that’s grateful to be where they are, showing graciousness to the SF crowd even though they are still proud Dodgers fans.
By Scott Martin //
GWAR with Decapitated and American Sharks //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
November 5th, 2014 //
The Regency Ballroom hosted the triumphant return of the mighty GWAR. This show was the first the band has done in the Bay Area since the death of their longtime leader and vocalist Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus).
The crowd was ready for a BLOODY good time, and that’s what they got.
Setlist:
Fly Now
Madness at the Core of Time
The Years Without Light
Hail, Genocide!
The Private Pain of Sawborg Destructo
Tormentor
I, Bonesnapper
Black and Huge
Hate Love Songs
Saddam a Go-Go
Bloodbath
Horror of Yig
Metal Metal Land
Let Us Slay
Mr. Perfect
Encore:
The Road Behind
West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys cover)
By Marc Fong //
Julian Casablancas+The Voidz with Connan Mockasin //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
November 9th, 2014 //
Julian Casablancas+The Voidz stormed The Regency Ballroom on Sunday with an 80’s look and a refreshingly sweaty, fun sound. Casablancas, best known as the frontman for The Strokes, stayed mostly hidden in the shadows, but that didn’t keep him from putting on a great show. He slithered around in the dark and bathed in the shade as he sang tracks off the recently released Tyranny.
While Casablancas’ distinctive voice is present like it is for The Strokes, it didn’t dominate the project’s overall sound. You knew you weren’t listening to The Strokes, but there was definitely a hint of them in there somewhere. There’s no question Casablancas exudes a more experimental, noise-rock sound for his solo performances that’s rowdy and all over the spectrum, yet still remains a damn good break from the polished alt-rock vibes of The Strokes.
The band — which you would certainly call the cops on if they were hanging out at your kids’ park — were brassy and grimy, invoking a sweltering New York summer afternoon that was not only authentic and dirty, but also well-executed. And even if they looked a little creepy, The Voidz were fun and paired well with Casablancas.
If you’re expecting to hear The Strokes, I don’t recommend a Julian Casablancas+The Voidz show. But if you want something with more punch and dirt, you will find it here with Mr. Casablancas and the gang.
Just make sure to leave your kids at home.
Digitalism (Live) with Big Wild, MPHD //
The Independent – San Francisco
Friday November 7th, 2014 //
Digitalism returned to The Independent with a much bigger production compared to a year and a half ago. Projected lights lit up a semitransparent curtain, creating a wall of images at times, while other times the DJs were lit up to show through. “Pogo” was a big hit with the crowd as always to end the night, with everyone singing along in the confines of the sold out room.
Opener Big Wild barely coaxed a head bob from the crowd that anxiously awaited Digitalism’s live set.
By James Nagel //
Foster the People with Sylvan Esso, Soko //
Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
November 8th, 2014 //
It was a night of slick pop, both established and emerging, in Oakland on Saturday.
Tight production, awesome lighting, dynamic and colorful. These descriptions dutifully describe Foster the People 2.0. Mark Foster has come a long way from writing commercial jingles. And now he sports blond hair à la Bart Simpson as he leads the People in continued support of the group’s second effort, Supermodel. Foster The People are as glossy as it gets in 2014, and the photos below help to inform this opinion.
2014 breakout act Sylvan Esso opened for FTP for the first time on Saturday at The Fox, and just as when they opened for tUnE-yArDs and headlined at The Independent, show goers responded without hesitation throughout, as Amelia Meath’s dancing inspires replication. Producer and passionate nob-turner Nick Sanborn flipped off the crowd in the middle of the song for no apparent reason — perhaps to elicit some kind emotive response.
Openers Soko were a bit awkward between songs, and the crowd of late teens seemed hesitant to embrace the unfamiliar early on in the night.
By Steve Carlson //
Bleachers with Wild Cub //
The Independent – San Francisco
November 6th, 2014 //
Jack Antonoff, most well-known as the guitarist and songwriter for the Grammy-winning band fun., brought his acclaimed side project Bleachers and its rollicking, energetic live show to The Independent last Thursday, and the sold-out crowd was in the palm of his hand from the first notes. Antonoff deftly led his band through nearly every track off the debut album Strange Desire (only the Yoko Ono collaboration “I’m Ready To Move On” was thankfully omitted), and he even threw in a couple of covers to pad the setlist, including Tom Petty’s “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and an acoustic rendition of Steel Train’s excellent song “Bullet” from their 2010 self-titled release.
Other highlights included an extended, Springsteen-esque jam of “You’re Still a Mystery”, featuring a saxophone solo that would’ve made the late Clarence Clemons proud, and an abundance of manically entertaining stage banter between songs. There was no mention of fun. this night, and judging by the crowd’s tendency to sing along with every song, nobody minded that at all. Antonoff suggested that Bleachers will announce a return to the Bay Area sometime in 2015, undoubtedly to an even larger audience.
Opening the show was Nashville’s own Wild Cub, who surprised a few in the audience with an energetic, tight performance. Seven songs and one marriage proposal later (the band was kind enough to pause and bring the house lights up for the lucky couple before launching into their hit single “Thunder Clatter”), Wild Cub made it clear to the packed house why they’re a band worth keeping an eye on. They return to the SF Masonic on December 15th as part of the KFOG Concert for Kids, in what will be their third Bay Area appearance since August.
Written by Molly Kish //
Outside of the killer two day festival that took place on Treasure Island last Saturday and Sunday, TIMF 2014 extended the good times with an onslaught of night shows and after parties throughout the week. Getting several venues, a museum and even a luxury yacht involved in the action, Noise Pop and Another Planet Entertainment made sure that the 8th annual Treasure Island Music Festival maximized its party potential.
View the 21 best and worst things we saw at Treasure Island Music Festival 2014.
Photos by Mike Rosati //
BADBADNOTGOOD with Saint Pepsi //
San Francisco – CA Academy of Sciences
October 16th, 2014
Photos by Justin Yee //
SBTRKT with Goldlink at the Fox Theater
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
October 17th, 2014
Photos by Marc Fong //
The Bold Italic and Shanti Project present Rock The Boat party boat aboard the San Francisco Spirit with DJ sets by Matt Haze, Dj Rapid Fire, King Most and MPHD.
Rock the Boat was without contention, the absolute best way to get to and from the island this year. Beyond saving you from skyrocketed rideshare fares, bumper to bumper exiting traffic and shuttle lines from hell, the RTB yacht kept the party going in hassle free luxury. Three separate levels of fully stocked bars, complimentary buffets and ample booth seating for festival weary travelers, accommodating those not inhabiting the bottom deck’s ballroom dance floor with rotating DJs. Sailing its passengers to and from downtown San Francisco, offering sweeping views of the city skyline and both the old and new undercarriages of the Bay Bridge, Rock the Boat was a scenic, glamorous and incredibly carefree alternative transportation for TIMF attendees pre and post festival.
By Marc Fong //
Wu-Tang Clan //
The Warfield – San Francisco
September 27th, 2014 //
Wu-Tang Clan took on The Warfield in SF last weekend to do what they do — drop some of the illest rhymes in the history of music, pop bottles, eat potato chips and spread the good vibes. Feast your eyes on some snaps from the show.
By Pedro Paredes //
Old Crow Medicine Show with The Deslondes //
The Masonic – San Francisco
September 20th, 2014 //
Old Crow Medicine Show’s music has been called many things: bluegrass, country, folk, mountain style and so on. As someone who is rather new to the whole bluegrass scene, I wasn’t quite sure how to define it myself.
I will admit my senses were a bit confused, and not only because of all the beers ingested previously to the show: my ears heard the sweet sounds of an Americana string band, but my eyes saw the energy of a punk-rock band taking over the stage and audience.
My feet were standing in SF’s Nob Hill at the newly renovated Masonic Center, but my mind was wondering through the green pastures of Tennessee. Even the venue’s security people got a bad case of the Southern charm.
At one point near the end of the show, when an overly enthusiastic fan invaded the stage, one of the bouncers could not resist his dancing feet and decided to start his own country “kicker dancing” session to the delight of the band and whole venue. Definitely a show to be remembered.
Photos by Marc Fong //
The Rosebuds with El May //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 26th, 2014 //
Raleigh, N.C.-based indie rockers The Rosebuds have been going at it strong for more than 10 years now with multi-instrumentalists Ivan Howard (vocals, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and programming) and Kelly Crisp (vocals, keyboard, drums, guitar and accordion) leading the way. Releasing its sixth and newest full-length album Sand+Silence earlier this month on Western Vinyl, the duo brought its beautiful, yet haunting melodies to The Independent on Tuesday night. El May, featuring Australian musician/composer Lara Meyerratken (currently based in Los Angeles), opened the show just hours after dropping their sophomore LP The Other Person Is You on British indie label Lojinx. Marc Fong was back at work, capturing The Rosebuds do their thing from start to finish.
By Sam Heller //
Jack Johnson with Bahamas //
Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA
August 26th, 2014 //
Returning to the Greek Theatre in Berkeley for the sixth time, surfer-turned-musician-turned-headliner Jack Johnson delivered a setlist on Tuesday that highlighted just how many popular hits he’s had over the years, while also stitching in a handful of covers.
Sam Heller was there to capture the moment.
Setlist:
Hope
Taylor
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
Middle Man
Inaudible Melodies
You and Your Heart
Radiate
If I Had Eyes
Never Fade
Breakdown
Flake
Answering Machine Message
Tomorrow Morning / Bubble Toes
Not Fade Away (The Crickets cover)
Mudfootball
Wasting Time
Constellations
Upside Down
Rodeo Clowns (G. Love & Special Sauce cover)
Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover)
Tape Deck
Banana Pancakes
Shot Reverse Shot / I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend (Ramones cover)
Staple It Together
At or With Me / Crosstown Traffic (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Good People
I Got You
Do You Remember
Better Together
BAHAMAS
