Sylvan Esso continue breakout ascent at The Independent

August 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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By James Nagel //

Sylvan Esso with Dana Buoy (of Akron/Family) //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 23rd, 2014 //

One of the biggest breakout acts of the year, Sylvan Esso returned to SF over the weekend to headline a massively sold-out show at The Independent. The electropop duo elicited a palpable crowd reaction when it opened for tUnE-yArDs in June at The Fillmore, but it’s still surprising to see tickets selling for over $100 on the secondary market for Saturday’s show. Sylvan Esso’s meteoric rise in popularity should have them headlining theaters in no time, and they’ll be back to open for Foster the People at Fox Theater Oakland in early November.

If you haven’t heard their hypnotically addicting self-titled freshman effort yet, give it a listen and view photos from Saturday’s show below.

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Curtis Harding’s ‘slop n’ soul’ fusion is a recipe for success

August 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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By Justin Yee //

Curtis Harding (Opening for Jack White) //
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
August 22nd, 2014 //

Curtis Harding kicked off the first of 2 shows at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium this past Friday as the opener on Jack White’s headlining tour. Based out of Atlanta, one could describe his sound as a fusion of soul, blues, gospel and rock. However, when asked to describe his own music, he uses the term, slop n’ soul. Slop, being a southern term for leftovers, and how he incorporates the ‘leftovers’ of different musical influences into his songs.

Harding’s early career included work as back-up vocalist for Cee Lo Green on the road, adding vocal tracks to the albums Cee Lo Green & His Perfect Imperfections and The Lady Killer, and co writing material with Green.

He is also one half of a collaborative project, Night Sun, with Black Lips guitarist, Cole Alexander, which blends the sounds of garage rock with R&B.

On this night, it was all about Harding’s solo efforts and he definitely held his own in front of a growing and eager crowd. Standout songs included “Next Time” and “Keep On Shining” from his debut album, Soul Power, which released earlier this Spring. Be sure to keep an eye on him because he seems poised to do big things.

Setlist
1) Soul Power
2) Drive My Car
3) Next Time
4) Heaven’s On The Other Side
5) Castaway
6) Beautiful People
7) The Drive
8) Keep On Shining

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Outside Lands superjam features comedic guests, MC Hammer

August 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Superjam_postBy Marc Fong //

Kool & the Gang with special guests //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 10th, 2014 //

Sunday night’s Kool & the Gang show at The Independent promised a slew of special guests, and most were of the comedic variety. Barbary Tent standouts from Outside Lands — Craig Robinson, along with the stars of Silicon Valley, Thomas Middleditch and T.J. Miller — helped get things going. Robinson got in on the musical action, and the Bay Area’s very own MC Hammer helped throw it down with Kool & the Gang.

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PHOTOS: Mikal Cronin at The Independent 8/7

August 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment

mikal-cronin_postBy Patrick Kelly //

Mikal Cronin with Bears Hands //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 7th, 2014 //

Mikal Cronin, the man and the four-piece band, did at The Independent last Thursday night as they always do: They stepped on the backdrop-less, unadorned stage, said hello and played as loud as the venue could stand.

While the show was only at half capacity, mercifully it was missing the half of the crowd, which usually accompanies Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival‘s late-night shows, that has no interest in the band they came to see. Everyone was into it, and everyone was rewarded; they played a slew of favorites –- “Apathy”, “Situation”, “Shout It Out”, “See It My Way”, “I’m Done Running From You”, an acoustic version of “Don’t Let Me Go” — and a couple of their deeper cuts.

After the band blew through much-appreciated solos, rechristened themselves as “Snakes!” (the exclamation point is important) and dropped the ol’ sad “this weekend’s shows are our last for a while”, the night was complete with a happy crowd, content on drifting toward a hazy festival weekend with a sweet-ass head start.

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PHOTOS: Shabazz Palaces at The New Parish 7/29

August 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Shabazz PalacesBy Kory Thibeault //

Shabazz Palaces //
The New Parish – Oakland
July 29th, 2014 //

Shabazz Palaces dropped by The New Parish this week for two nights to celebrate the release of their second-full length album Lese Majesty. Serving as an unofficial record release party, Tuesday night’s headlining show marked an important moment for the experimental hip-hop collective out of the Pacific Northwest. After catching the attention of the renowned Sub Pop Records back in 2011, Ishmael Butler — who some may know as “Palaceer Lazaro” or “Butterfly” during his time with Digable Planets — and Tendal “Baba” Marair have built a fan base that has grown far and wide since its 2011 debut Black Up. Kory Thibeault was in Oakland to catch the duo’s second show before Butler and Marair headed north for their native Seattle.

Shabazz Palaces

Shabazz Palaces

Shabazz Palaces

Shabazz Palaces

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PHOTOS: Eliot Lipp at The Mint 7/23

July 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Eliot LippBy Josh Herwitt //

Eliot Lipp //
The Mint – Los Angeles
July 23rd, 2014 //

The Mint in LA’s Carthay Square neighborhood has long been a home for underground blues, jazz, funk and jam bands, but it’s also becoming a space for up-and-coming electronic artists, particularly those signed to Pretty Lights Music, of late.

Back in March, Brooklyn-based electro/hip-hop/bass duo Break Science wrapped up its Seven Bridges tour at the diminutive club (read our show review here), pleasing the small, but vibrant crowd that came ready to dance.

Then, on Wednesday night, another PLM act by way of New York stopped by The Mint, as Eliot Lipp stepped onstage and laid down a number of grooves spanning from hip-hop to techno to jazz fusion.

We were there to capture Lipp’s 90-minute set, highlighted by a couple of tracks off his 2012 album Shark Wolf Rabbit Snake.

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PHOTOS: Slightly Stoopid, NOFX and Stephen Marley at the Greek 7/18

July 24, 2014 by 1 Comment

Slightly StoopidBy Marc Fong //

Slightly Stoopid with NOFX and Stephen Marley //
Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA
July 18th, 2014 //

San Diego’s very own Slightly Stoopid continued their 21-date “Summer Sessions Tour 2014” at the Greek Theatre, as the seven-piece band melded funk, hip-hop, reggae and rock into one electrifying set. Punk pioneers NOFX and five-time Grammy winner Stephen Marley were also on hand, as Marc Fong was there to catch all the action from the photo pit.

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Craft Spells fill the Chapel with their magic

July 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Craft-Spells_postPhotos by Pedro Paredes // Written by Kevin Quandt //

Craft Spells with The Bilinda Butchers //
The Chapel – San Francisco
July 17th, 2014 //

A sold-out crowd greeted the return of once-local band Craft Spells to the heart of the Mission for a stellar evening of post-new wave tunes – new and old. Leader of the pack, Justin Paul Vallesteros, came out swinging with quick jabs, playing with a rabid enthusiasm on his meticulously crafted songs from most recent release, Nausea (Captured Tracks), as well as old favorites peppered in. It was evident that the majority of the room were familiar with these cuts, and showed their adoration to this rising star.

A recent move to Seattle was a shock to fans, but on this night, it was as if Vallesteros was the current local rock hero, never missing a beat. His sound was infectious to those who were new to Craft Spells as he wove the classic sound of Robert Smith and the Cure with more contemporary acts such as DIIV and Beach Fossils. Expect to hear more from Craft Spells as they settle back into a regular routine of touring.

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PHOTOS: Blue Sky Black Death at The Independent 7/11

July 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Blue Sky Black DeathPhotos by Marc Fong //

Blue Sky Black Death //
The Independent – San Francisco
July 11th, 2014 //

Futuristic hip-hop beats entranced The Independent last Friday, as Seattle-based production duo Blue Sky Black Death headlined the intimate venue, putting its unique mixture of live instrumentation and sampling on full display. It’s been almost a year since Kingston Maguire (better known as just “Kingston”) and Ian Taggart (aka “Young God”) last performed in the City, merely just weeks before releasing their fourth full-length album Glaciers in October. Yet, the twosome has kept churning new tracks out, including an unofficial remix of Frank Ocean’s 2012 single “Pyramids” in mid-February. Marc Fong took in the crowded show, capturing the best moments of the night.

Blue Sky Black Death

Blue Sky Black Death

Blue Sky Black Death

Blue Sky Black Death

Blue Sky Black Death

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High Sierra returns to Quincy for its 24th edition

July 11, 2014 by 1 Comment

High Sierra Music FestivalBy Justin Halgren, Benjamin Wallen & Kory Thibeault //

High Sierra Music Festival //
Quincy, CA
July 3rd-6th, 2014 //

The latest edition of High Sierra Music Festival — the 24th installment, believe it or not — took place over the Fourth of July weekend in the mountains of Quincy and welcomed headliners Widespread Panic (two sets), Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lauryn Hill and Beats Antique to its main stage.

The four-day event also featured performances from a long, eclectic list of other talented acts, including Trampled By Turtles, Lord Huron, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Lettuce, Greensky Bluegrass, The Polish Ambassador and Thao & The Get Down Stay Down to name a few. With photographers manning the grounds, Showbams captured plenty of memorable moments from the holiday weekend.

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PHOTOS: Steve Winwood at Fox Theater Oakland 6/26

July 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Steve WinwoodBy Sterling Munksgard //

Steve Winwood with Cris Jacobs //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
June 26th, 2014 //

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Winwood returned to the Bay Area last month, headlining the Fox Theater in Oakland as part of his latest West Coast tour. Famous for the many years he spent playing in Traffic, The Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith and Go, Winwood proved at the Fox that he’s still got it at the age of 66.

Cris Jacobs of Baltimore’s The Bridge opened the evening with a solo acoustic set, and we were on hand to capture the action from Winwood and his bandmates.

Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood

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PHOTOS: NO, Yann Tiersen at The Regency Ballroom 6/17

June 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment
NO performing at The Regency Ballroom

NO performing at The Regency Ballroom

By Tom Dellinger //

Yann Tiersen with NO //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
June 17th, 2014 //

Featured earlier this year at Noise Pop, NO returned to San Francisco on Tuesday night as they opened for Yann Tiersen at The Regency Ballroom. Playing to a near capacity crowd, the band focused on their most recent release, El Prado. Large, expansive sound is typical of their style as they comfortably rolled through their set and no doubt picked up many new fans along the way.

Breton multi-instrumentalist Tiersen served up a sonic journey that covered a broad range. A long history of film scores behind him, he’s possibly best known here for his soundtrack on the film, Amélie. Supporting his most recent release, Infinity, it was a night of rich, multi-layered soundscapes.

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Sage Francis gives positive vibes among politically-charged rhymes

June 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Sage-Francis_postBy Marc Fong //

Sage Francis with B. Dolan //
The Independent – San Francisco
June 16th, 2014 //

Paul “Sage” Francis was, per usual, full of high energy at The Independent on Monday. The hip-hop artist appeared in his Sage Francis cape (it’s a flag with the Li(f)e album cover). He wore a ball cap that he took off a couple songs in. He also sported a veil of spiky black hair, which he took off later in the set, revealing his glorious bald head with black sharpie lines that feigned a comb over.

Ever the animated spitter, he crossed the stage what felt like a million times to make sure he addressed everyone. He emits a positive vibe, even though his lyrics are politically charged and thought-provoking. He plays up to and with the crowd, at one point getting lost in the flame of a fan’s lighter, and another fan held up his fake leg at one point.

Touring in support his new record Copper Gone (listen below), it was a pretty rad show, with B. Dalton fully delivering as the opener. One of the most important lessons of the night still lingers in the air: “Slow and steady wins the race fuckface.”

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PHOTOS: Crystal Fighters at the Indy 5/29

June 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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By Pedro Paredes //

Crystal Fighters with Wunder Wunder //
The Independent – San Francisco
May 29th, 2014 //

Last Thursday night, San Francisco welcomed back british band Crystal Fighters, who performed at a sold-out Independent after a year since the last time they played in the Bay Area. Even though their return was not accompanied by new material (their last release was Cave Rave, 2013) their show was anything but old news. Crystal Fighters have established a reputation for their energized live performances, and Thursday night was no exception, with an upbeat crowd that danced and sang along to the electro-folk sounds of a band that the Bay Area will probably be seeing again.

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PHOTOS: Elbow at Fox Theater Oakland 5/27

June 2, 2014 by 1 Comment

Elbow_postBy Sam Heller //

Elbow with John Grant //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA
May 27, 2014 //

British quintet Elbow performed at the Fox Theater Oakland last week with Colorado singer-songwriter John Grant, formerly associated with the Denver-based alt-rock band The Czars. Sam Heller was on hand to capture the moment.

READ OUR REPORT FROM THE LOS ANGELES SHOW.

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Zion I, MKSMTH, 1-O.a.k. bring genre-bending hip-hop back home

May 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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By Benjamin Wallen //

Zion I with MKSMTH, 1-O.a.k. //
The Independent – San Francisco
May 16th, 2014 //

Genre-bending hip-hop, in many ways, is what the Bay Area eats up, and for good reason. 1-O.a.k., playing with a live band, revved the house up on point — the music felt super tight throughout. MKSMTH then took the stage with special guest Daghe, bringing a number of explosive hip-hop tracks with bangin’ beats. Bay Area locals Zion I took the stage shortly after to a pumped-up Independent, and a packed crowd was giving the energy back to all the performers. Zion I’s presence on stage is undeniable, and their vibe is as contagious as ever. Combine that with incredible flows, and it was a connected performance filled with plenty of UMPH!

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Chet Faker’s soulful performance takes the short road to body & soul

May 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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By Pedro Paredes //

Chet Faker with Sweater Beats //
The Independent – San Francisco
May 26th, 2014 //

A sold-out Independent gave Memorial Day weekend a smooth farewell last Monday night, as an eclectic crowd danced their troubles away to the soul-influenced sound of Australian producer Chet Faker. Arriving to San Francisco by the hand of Built on Glass, his first LP, Faker delivered a solid performance that made some of us fall back in love with R&B, as the notes coming from his Rhodes piano took the short road toward your body and soul. Starting the show on his own and ending as a 3-piece band, the native from Melbourne kept the audience energized and engaged until the very last moment, when it was time to go and say goodbye to a Monday that felt more like a (groovy) Friday.

READ OUR REPORT FROM THE LOS ANGELES SHOW.

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Holy Fuck showcase new material at The Roxy

May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Holy Fuck #7By Josh Herwitt //

Holy Fuck //
The Roxy Theatre – West Hollywood, CA
May 22nd, 2014 //

Canadian electronic outfit Holy Fuck played their first LA show in quite a while, headlining the latest installment of Red Bull’s Sound Select series. Despite its most recent studio album Latin coming out more than four years ago, the Toronto quartet unleashed a handful of new songs during its hour-long set at The Roxy Theatre. Josh Herwitt dropped by the renowned Sunset Strip venue last week to take it all in.

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Damien Jurado takes the solo road in SF

May 28, 2014 by 1 Comment

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By Sam Heller //

Damien Jurado //
The Independent — San Francisco
May 20th, 2014 //

Damien Jurado wooed the completely captive crowd at the Independent last week with his mesmerizing tunes and acerbic banter. The Seattle-based singer-songwriter said there was no way he could replicate his excellent 2014 record Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son live, so he decided a solo acoustic tour was the best alternative (listen to the album below). In a rather unusual but revealing move, Jurado conducted a Q&A with the audience. He was asked about his most expensive purchase, which he denied to answer, and if there were any hopes of acoustic albums in the future. He responded by labeling acoustic albums “boring”, and that he would unlikely make one.

Sam Heller was on the scene to capture the moment, saying he had “never seen a sold-out Indy show so quiet and attentive.”

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PHOTOS: Cool Ghouls, Mr. Elevator & The Brain Hotel at The Chapel 5/15

May 28, 2014 by 1 Comment

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By Benjamin Wallen //

Cool Ghouls, Mr. Elevator & the Brain Hotel with Mane //
The Chapel — San Francisco
May 15th, 2014 (Thursday) //

San Francisco’s rising rock ‘n’ roll outfit Cool Ghouls were ‘Ballin’ at The Chapel a couple weeks back for their co-headlining gig with Mr. Elevator & The Brain Hotel. Mane slashed away to get things going early, and Benjamin Wallen was on the scene for the snaps.

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