In the Mix Archives - Page 10 of 55

Preview: Summer Sendoff @ Bootleg in L.A. w/ The Decoders, Mystery Skulls, Harriet, Moses Sumney and more!

LA’s ‘go-to’ for the best local live music, The Bootleg, is throwing a “Summer Sendoff” bash this Labor Day, September 2nd! The party starts at 3pm and runs all night with free entry until 8pm ($10 after). Festivities will include a beer garden, food trucks, vendors, and a ton of music on three separate stages with performance from past residency artists and other local favorites like The Decoders, Mystery Skulls, Harriet, Moses Sumney, Francisco the Man, Grizfolk, DJ Anthony Valadez (KCRW)…B3SCI DJs and many many more to be announced.

Come join us for this great, homegrown day fest. You can find more details at the official event and Facebook links below. See you there!

Bootleg Theater (Info) (Facebook Event)

reviewed by b3

08-26-13

MMX – Only

In the Mix Nighttime Records Pop

“Only” is the latest track from Oxford UK band MMX. Carefully layered (we’re really into the dynamic between the song’s kinetic multi-dimensional rhythm track and the drama of the song’s guitar atmsopheres) and yet still quite anthemic in many ways, “Only” as a tune ticks many of the same boxes of quality of band’s that occupy a much higher profile and popularity; we don’t expect either of those things to disinclude MMX for much longer. MMX’s “Heir” EP is out soon.

MMX (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

08-21-13

Lapland – Unwise

Electronic In the Mix Nighttime Records

“Unwise” is the Claude Debussy-meets-Air single from Brooklyn-based bedroom producer Josh Mease a/k/a Lapland. As inventive as it is lovely, “Unwise” is beautiful and comforting in its repetition and its groove. It’s also evocative and impressionistic in its tone and atmosphere. A very special track indeed.

Raccoon Fighter (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

reviewed by b3

08-14-13

Review: FOALS @ The Wiltern in Los Angeles on 8/9/2013

In the Mix Live Show Reviews Rave's Faves

The Foals’ festival of raves have continued throughout the Summer of 2013: Coachella, Bonnaroo, Download (which they headlined), Glastonbury, Lollapalooza–all of which have lauded Foals as weekend highlights. This past Friday night we witnessed a relatively more intimate show from Foals at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. The band did not disappoint, as they brought their festival game-faces and intensity to the smaller capacity venue. Their energy was off the charts, the playing was precise, and the lighting during the show was equally excellent. Guitarist Jimmy Smith raised eyebrows with heavier sounds on their most recent Holy Fire album and make no mistake about it… this was a serious rock show.

Garage-punk Drowners from the UK opened the night with a high energy blast. The sound didn’t do them any favors, but this band’s long-term potential did shine through. Leader singer Matt Hitt (great name) has star qualities. I also loved that they covered Love’s hit from the 60’s, “My Little Red Book”. LA’s Cayucas filled the middle slot on the evening, having gotten nice traction with their “High School Lover” single. Based on that track, one would expect a rather festive set. They were mostly low-key in a breezy, tropical, pina colada kind of way. A style that works well for those wanting the vibe of a mellow afternoon at the pool, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more espresso in the mix.

What seemed like a beefed up version of their “Prelude” song opened Foals’ performance and perfectly set the tone for the remainder of the evening. Holy Fire highlights included “My Number”, “Providence,” and “Inhaler”. The crowd also responded warmly to “Late Night”. The band added a surprise extension to “Providence”, which doubled the pleasure for a song that deserves more profile than it has received from most North American press. The guys played a nice blend of old and new songs. “Spanish Sahara” from Total Life Forever provided a sweet change of pace on the night. Lead singer Yannis Phillippakis was not a man of many spoken words, saying very little until he thanked the crowd for being “fucking awesome” before the band finally launched into “Inhaler”. “Two Steps Twice” perfectly closed the festivities.

The 2013 festival blitz for Foals may be further indication that the band is positioning themself to be headliner status for most major events. And I’d argue that there is a dire need for such fresh blood atop these mega line-ups. What we saw on Friday night at the Wiltern Theater indicates that Foals might be ready to attain that elite status if their next album is equally killer as its predecessors. A friend of mine remarked that they might be the next Muse. I wouldn’t yet go that far but I have to admit that their machine-like intensity did make me think of Muse on a few occasions.

Review and Photo by Bruce Rave

Foals (Official)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

08-13-13

Rave’s Fave: Jane’s Addiction – Another Soulmate

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

Jane’s Addiction is a band I’ve respected more than I’ve loved. “Another Soulmate” just dropped in advance of their upcoming tour and I feel it’s their best track in years. If you’re a fan, you’ll be pleased. We’ve gotta give them kudos for having the fire they still have after all of this time.

Jane’s Addiction – Another Soulmate (Official)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

08-10-13

Rave’s Fave: MGMT – Your Life Is A Lie

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

Here’s the second song and first official single to drop from MGMT’s self-titled September album. This is huge for the band. While they like to march to their own beat, their commercial momentum will depend heavily on how this album does for them. “Your Life Is A Lie” is definitely more straight forward than what we’re used to from them, and it also is less of a tune you can dance to. My calling this a “fave” might be a bit of a stretch after a couple of listens, but the song is definitely catchy and deserves to be heard. Tell us what you think of it?

MGMT – Your Life Is A Lie

MGMT (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

08-06-13

Rave’s Fave: The Strypes — What A Shame

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

Ireland’s Strypes have been gigging around the UK nonstop, having played over 200 gigs. Their debut album finally drops in the UK this September, and it’s produced by the legendary Chris Thomas (Sex Pistols, Pretenders, Roxy Music, Pulp, so many more). Their new track “What A Shame” is consistent with the high-speed garage music we’ve heard from the band so far, but with just a bit more polish. It’s also one of their catchiest originals so far. Expect this new album to contain the a few cover songs, as the band continue to pay homage to many of their favorite songs and artists. The plan is for The Strypes to hit US shores early in 2014. Keep an eye out, because they’re one of the best new live bands. I hung out with the band in England back in May during TGE. Check out our chat here.

The Strypes — What A Shame

The Strypes (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

08-03-13

Interview with The 1975 in Los Angeles 7/24/13 [Audio]

blahblahblahscience In the Mix Interviews

The 1975 made their Los Angeles debut known last Wednesday night at the world famous Troubadour in West Hollywood. The band were dialed-in that night and performed an inspiring, airtight, confident set; consisting of tracks from the ’75s four EPs (all released within the past year) as well as new material from their forthcoming Mike Crossey co-produced self-titled debut album (due in September via Vagrant/Interscope). Highlights from the night included “Head.Cars.Bending”, “The City”, “Sex” and set closer “You” as well as new album cuts like “Girls” which singer Matt Healy describes as (like much of the album) ‘made to sound like an 80s movie’.

Unbeknownst to the ’75 (or not), the guys are making moments. Whether winning over the likes of Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, or turning heads at Glastonbury, The 1975 are poised and ready to take over the world; and they are doing so on their terms first. Prior to the band’s sold-out Troubadour set, we talked with Mr. Healy; discussing everything from the band’s history and philosophy, to their current state of mind and, finally, what fans can expect from their new album. Listen to the interview below and have a look at The 1975’s new video for their forthcoming single “Sex”.

The 1975 (Official)(Facebook) (Read more about The 1975 on B3SCI)

reviewed by b3

08-02-13

RAVE’S FAVE: Pet Shop Boys – Love Is A Bourgeois Construct

Electronic In the Mix Rave's Faves

Electro tastemakers are calling Electric the most impressive Pet Shop Boys album in decades and I’d agree. Their #3 debut on the UK album charts might not surprise you, but their #26 US debut was their best in twenty years. “Love Is A Bourgeois Construct” shows the guys still capable of a hooky dance romp that could have come during their prime in the 80’s, with deep lyrics to boot. By Bruce Rave

Pet Shop Boys – Love Is A Bourgeois Construct

Pet Shop Boys (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

08-01-13

RAVE’S FAVE: The Jim Jones Revue — Where da Money Go

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

You know that you will always get 110% from The Jim Jones Revue, whether it’s live or in studio. Even the one-note piano intro on this song will stop you in your tracks, and that’s only the beginning. Check it out, but not right before bedtime because it will probably keep you up. “Where da Money Go” comes from their new album This Savage Heart. By Bruce Rave

The Jim Jones Revue — Where da Money Go

Jim Jones Revue (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

07-30-13

RAVE’S FAVE: The Vaccines – Everybody’s Gonna Let You Down

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

The Vaccines’ first album was titled What Do You Expect From the Vaccines. Years later and two new tracks from their upcoming Melody Calling EP, things appear to be nothing at all what we’d expect. Those ace melodies are still calling, but the delivery is much softer. While the title track on Melody Calling is getting most of the attention so far, “Everybody’s Gonna Let You Down” to me is one of their best-written songs to date. Singer Justin Young has talked about how the band’s success hasn’t changed much in terms of his mental outlook on things. Here he sings, “I just burn all night, it’s a lonely life. A lonely ride.” By Bruce Rave

The Vaccines – Everybody’s Gonna Let You Down

The Vaccines (Official)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

07-27-13

Dashius Clay – Jezebel

Electronic In the Mix Nighttime Records

Dashius Clay suggests you sample his latest track a 2013 quiet storm re-imaging of Sade’s “Jezebel” as “the finishing touch to a glass of wine and good company.” So sample the track while we break the seal on this 2008 Malbec.

Dashius Clay (Facebook)

Rating 8

reviewed by b3

07-24-13