our seattle friends sports dropped something rad in our inboxes this morning in the form of the track for every world is a world of your own. ladies and gentlemen, behold the freshly minted banger.
Sports – Every World Is a World of Your Own
also today is the track for be my animal by uk band the good natured. the electro trio get it in with some sick chorus hooks and memorable melodic lines.
The Good Natured – Be My Animal
Sure we’re not the first to say it, nor will we be the last, but LA needs a music festival that holds up to SXSW, NXNW, In The City, CMJ, etc. We’re not talking street fests, FYF or Muse Expo, we’re talking like a downtown LA Artwalk of music. just check the Artwalk each month… the crowd is there, the scene is there, the food is there, but only on occasion the right bands are there – but never all at once. Last weekend FILTER Magazine put on the first official Culture Collide Festival at various eastside and downtown LA venues. The festival showcased their choice selection of established and emerging artists from around the world over a period of four days concluding with a free outdoor festival on the last. And so blahblahblahscience has put together an overview of our favorite moments for those who may have missed it:
Electro-pop collective KAMP! (Poland) were a pleasant surprise at the Echoplex. ‘Euro’ blends of synths, live instrumentation, and vox (not short on David Bowie homage) paints a pretty good picture. Not your typical ‘yeah were an 80’s new wave flashback here to prove something’ group, but rather it’s like KAMP! share their take on 1980’s dance parties into the future, the near future. A young band that does what they do well, and worth their notice.
3 piece Kordan (NY), has a pretty good sound on tape. That being said low-fi, electro-pop bands should hit up their producer ASAP. The trio lurped their way through a rough set. We here at b3sci are all for sloppy and simple musicianship, as long as it’s got a soul to it, and there’s a tune there. but not this time, sorry guys… write some tunes and do some rails if you must. Other disappointing acts included City Riot (Australia), and The Boxer Rebellion (UK)… who btw we were pretty stoked for (Union has some good tunes on it).
Black Lips (Atlanta) closed the Echoplex opening night with a set that proved difficult for any to live up to the following days. The band came out sporting t-shirts, button downs, and ever classy K-mart, native american’esque ‘half-zip’ fleeces (circa ’95). These dudes played fucking LOUD. Their songs translated live and they were tight, but when they weren’t it didn’t matter… because of the sheer passion they played with. Not many bands can pull off ‘everybody sings in our band’ with such non-contrived class. The band tore through their set of strat-jangled pop jams with early Beatles/Quarrymen craft and a shameless new born CBGB mentality. Black Lips are a group with seemingly substantial influence on many punk inspired Indie acts of the day, and they showed why they’ll remain relevent.
Other highlights and honorable mentions during the 4 days of Culture Collide include:
Casiokids (Norway) with their take on obscure dance-pop that seems to live somewhere between The Rapture and a toned down Friendly Fires, just add nice pianos and jonsi-ros vox.
White Lies (UK) continue to deliver 5-piece layered synth and guitar based rock done right. The band split their set with tracks from To Lose My Life.. and their forthcoming LP due in January (which a listening party on Monday proved material worth another spin or two in our books).
Phantogram (NY) who continue to deliver great ideas with a mid-90’s Cardigans like sensibility, though their fill-in drummer still didn’t seem to be doing them any favors.
Amusement Parks On Fire (UK) are worth keeping an eye on, with a nice aggressive layered-guitar sound, but they are young and have some growing to do in terms of chemistry and performance.
Cass McCombs (California) was a pleasant listen, debuting some of his new material while Darker My Love bassist Rob Barbato backed as part of the band.
Tokyo Police Club (Canada) once again proved they should be the official college pizza-party band of the decade! Their catchy Pop/Rock with just the right attitude, energy, and touch obscurity is hard to deny. Dudes know how to have a good time. Even Jeff Apruzzese from Passion Pit showed up to rock the bass and join the party on “Your English Is Good”. Conclusion, if i worked for Pizza Hut then my commercials would have/sound-like TPC songs.
Sunday headliners and last minute additions, Jenny and Johnny (Los Angeles) closed the outdoors part of free festival day. Like true Indie Rock royalty, Siverlake Darling, Jenny Lewis and the crew arrived 40 minutes late. They opened with “Committed” closing track and personal favorite from the Im Having Fun Now LP, and closed with “The Next Messiah” off Jenny’s Acid Tongue LP. Still things were testy… there were sound issues, and during one of the band’s 2-3 minutes of nothingness in between songs a fight in the crowd began causing Jenny to intervene. All in all, Jx2 were great live and if all of Im Having Fun Now was as good as “Scissor Runner”, “Big Wave” and “Committed” then we’d have ourselves one of our choice albums of the year.
our final highlight from Culture Collide is Fran Healy (Scotland), front man of late 90’s and early oughts darlings Travis. Rather influential to my musical coming of age, it was incredible to not only shake Fran’s hand that night but to also watch him perform his Shakespeare-like pop/love songs in such an intimate setting. Perhaps the most witty songwriter I have ever seen perform live, Fran owned the over-capacity church of standing room only, and line outside the door. Telling jokes, timeless stories about, and tricking the crowd into believing that major collaborators from his new debut solo effort Wreckorder were there to perform with him (namely Neko Case and Paul McCartney). Having seen Fran perform with Travis several times before, his voice wasn’t in top form, which could have had something to do with the 90 degree non-air/conditioned/stuffy church, or the sound problems, but regardless Fran made his way through a set that included Travis tracks like “Writing To Wreach You”, “Sing”, and “Driftwood” in addition to new solo material like “Buttercups” and standout Wreckorder favorite “Sing Me To Sleep“. His set ended with a standing ovation, and one well deserved for one of the best songwriters of the last 15 years.
In conclusion, FILTER’s first Culture Collide fest proved a succesfull showcasing of emerging global talent. Should be interesting to see how the fest evolves, and is recieved by LA next time around. If you missed it this year be sure to hit it up next.
…And the last band left standing shall receive the spoils, but these are metaphysical spoils, which shall not be quantified by ticket sales or legions of fans, but rather by the knowledge that your music inhabits a space within the sinuous web of rock and roll, and that every afternoon new bands are forming everywhere, inspired by a specific set of your songs…
Few bands over the past 25 years exhibit the level of influence wielded by Pavement or Sonic Youth, and we would have to go back a half-decade and across the sea to find bands like Joy Division, Gang of Four, and The Clash, who lay claim to a greater circle of followers.
That being said, the September 30th Pavement / Sonic Youth show at the Hollywood Bowl was a lineup for the ages, at one of the most beautiful venues in the world, a venue almost out of antiquity, so complementary with its natural surroundings that it couldn’t be man-made, or at least originally conceived by the father of the great Frank Lloyd Wright, who was called simply Lloyd Wright.
The up-and-coming Los Angeles band No Age opened the show. They are about to embark upon a European tour, which will be followed by an American tour, including a show at Cleveland’s Grog Shop, an old b3sci stomping ground. This is a band to watch. From what I’ve heard, they’re still in the process of amalgamating their influences, but their measures of experimentation show a band without a clearly defined ceiling, for whom the sky’s actually the limit, creators of music which belongs to “no age”.
Sonic Youth played for about fifty minutes, and they absolutely slayed it! Kim Gordon is 57 years old. She’s the hottest rockin’ grandma I’ve ever seen! The tightness of this band is unbelievable, the result of long periods of incessant, generally uninterrupted touring. They’re like Phish, where even if you’re predisposed against the style, witnessing their live performance is enough to baptize the neophytes. They stopped playing at approximately 9:35, waving and leaving without an encore, to the dismay of thousands of old and new converts.
My friend and I walked around the structure during intermission. Except for the steep incline up to the nosebleeds, there isn’t a bad seat in the whole bowl, thanks to the convex arrangement of seats. The consensus is that the new shell, added between the 2003 and 2004 season, has greatly improved the sound quality. Also worth noting, Heineken costs eight dollars at the Hollywood Bowl… we should’ve gone to a liquor store beforehand.
Pavement took the stage a little before ten o’clock. They opened with “Cut Your Hair”, which was the song they played on Leno back in ’94 (watch below). When we see the popular disregard in Malkmus’ falsetto, it’s easy to understand why they weren’t invited back for a second performance. Still, with its hooks and harmonies, “Cut Your Hair” could’ve been a single on the level of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly”, if only it had a Spike Jonze directed memorable music video. Other highlights included “Gold Soundz” (which was voted top song of the 90’s by Pitchfork) , and the transition into Shady Lane. Other set highlights included “Summer Babe” and “Range Life”.
Malkmus had a wry smile as he trotted off the stage, and I figure they’d be back in 90 seconds for an encore, which of course would include “A T & T”, my favorite Pavement song. But the house lights went up immediately, along with some barely audible PA music, a not-so subtle way to tell the masses to exit the premises. Sadly, the band were hoping to play an encore, which would’ve included “A T & T”, but couldn’t due to time constraints.
It was a fantastic show, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. But Pavement only played 17 songs, totaling an hour, as opposed to their NYC concert, where they played 27. Hopefully I’ll still see them play “A T & T” someday.
Contributed by: Christopher Gedos
Melbourne, Australia’s wonderboys The Temper Trap continued their worldbeating tour of nonstop jams this past Wednesday at Boston’s House of Blues. The band rolled into the burger and fries venue accompanied by NYC duo The Hundred in the Hands and UK Mancunians Delphic.
We love NME hype bands so much it isn’t even funny. So when we heard NME it girls Delphic were on this bill, we were super super psyched. Their debut LP Acolyte is one of our favs of the year. The band’s brand of synth-driven Manchester-driven rock dance pop came off tremendously well live, suprisingly so. The interplay/coordination between various band personnel was phenomenal, between synthesizers and drum machines, guitars and bass, frontman James Cook’s killer vox and keyboardist Rick Boardman’s equally killer backup vox. The band was really really solid, on top form. Due to their still relative obscurity in the States outside the circles of serious NME hype loving anglophiles like us, Delphic hit the stage to maybe 80% crowd indifference but left it to near total venue admiration.
The Temper Trap have crazy fans and their numbers seems to grow exponentially by the day. The band’s potential is unlimited. These guys could totally be a Coldplay-level band in 5-7 years, they’re that kind of band. This was my first time seeing the band, and wow. All I can really say is wow, I was that impressed. The band, itself, sounded massive. Singer Dougy Mandagi is totally a star. The band’s brand of thoughtful, hopeful, artful pop just straight up destroyed I think everybody in attendance. Think about the word choice in that sentence thoughtful, hopeful, artful & destroyed. The Temper Trap are that kind of band. It’s truly remarkable what these guys are doing. Highlights for me from the set were second song Fader with its mega, dare I say Hutchence-esque, hooks and killer rhythmic elements and mid-set jam Love Lost which does sort of sound like what the aforementioned Coldplay might sound like if they were still hungry.
Potential. Potential. Potential. Both The Temper Trap and Delphic have a veritable shitload of it; Delphic, likely, more so in the UK but really with The Temper Trap, its’ worldwide. They’re that kind of band.
The Temper Trap: Info / Purchase
Delphic: Info / Purchase
The UK duo, Mount Kimbie, made their Los Angeles debut Sunday night at the Downtown Independent, an indie film theater which doubles quite nicely as a concert venue. After a chill on the venues rooftop patio, began the evening’s run of five plus hours of electro, experimental, urban, dub, and pop inspired acts. Classic mob’esque and big band sample-saavy MC’s, 5 O’Clock Shadowboxers, got things started sporting gun holstered costumes and some notable ‘Dharma Initiative’ references. Other support worth mentioning includes Sahy Uhns, Strangeloop, and Shlohmo; all who gave inspired performances.
Mount Kimbie hit the stage near midnight for their self-proclaimed first ever gig in LA. Experiencing first hand Mount Kimbie’s manipulation of electronic and live-instrumental (guitar, drum/symbol, and vox) sound layers offered an exciting glimpse at this duo’s potential, and that of a growing niche of electronic acts. What sets Kimbie’s compositions apart is the group’s ability to take the sonics apart, stretch them, ply them, break each of the sounds they produce into their simplest nuances. Less visually focused than any of the acts earlier that night, their songs and brilliant transitions lead to an inspiring set from an aspiring young group.
While the duo seemed concerned about some minor monitor issues, the sound was rather good and the crowd was no doubt pleased, and familiar, with the set consisting mostly of material from Mount Kimbie’s Maybes and Sketch on Glass EPs and their most recent LP Crooks & Lovers. The second to last track of the set, and released single, “Field” became the clear standout song of the night. A faint electronic texture looped with crescendo as a simple electric guitar lick sneaked in to build an hypnotic atmosphere.. when suddenly gears shifted, and another world of composition began. A basic progression of loud, driven guitar chords played out until electronics entered to bring the song back to a level reality; showcasing an ideal sound marriage of innovative electronic music and straight forward rock and roll. Other highlights of the set included their performance of the track “Would Know”, some interesting improv on eastern world melodies, as well as a next level-type manipulation of a “don’t go and tell my baby” vocal line.
In conclusion, Mount Kimbie’s first show in LA seemed to be, by their account a gracious one. Fans with open minds found their solace. The night served as yet just another shimmering example of music evolution across the pond. A duo with much more to them than any niche they fall into, Mount Kimbie prove, in their own way, that simple ideas can still lead to musical innovation.
rating:
here at blahblahblahscience, yes, c is for cookie, no doubt. but j is for jams! and, yes, we’ve got a brand new swath of fresh jams to fuck your shit up. here goes!
The xx – VCR (Four Tet Remix)two b3sci favs link up for this four tet remix of the xx. this mix of vcr is top notch, classy, patron shit.
Corinne Bailey Rae – Is This Love (Bob Marley Cover)our uk homegirl corinne is back on her b.s. with this cover of is this love. ms. rae straight arethas the bob marley classic giving it a extra bit of that easy buttery soul.
Drake – Fancy (Remix) (Feat. Mary J. Blige and Swizz Beatz)drake and mjb make good on their vma collab and cut this official remix to the thank me later jam.
If that headline got you as psyched as we are for this show, then you, my friend, are in the right place. Two of the coolest bands in history are headlining the Hollywood Bowl THIS THURSDAY and YOU, blahblahblahscience reader, have the shot at two free passes! Yeah! Just be the first rock and roller to tell us whether Stephen Malkmus or Thurston Moore has the better hair and the tickets are yours. Its that simple! We do have a definite opinion on this matter, but here at b3sci, we are gentlemen and never tell.
If you don’t win this giveway, keep cool, fool, you can still score some tickets here. get it girl!
b3sci hood fam! check it out! two powerhouse forces of indie rock and roll collide this sunday @ the hollywood bowl! in one corner, hed kandi aficionados beach house and in the other sharp-dressed guitar combo vampire weekend! are you psyched yet? we are! lets hear it! YEAHHHHHHHHHH! bet we could get you even more psyched! how does 2 free tickets sound? pickin up what we’re puttin down? be the first rock and roll beatnik to hit our email and the tickets are yours. its that simple! now if you don’t win this contest, you might find yourself a bit bummed. but no need to feel down charlie brown, you can lace yourself up with some tickets here. and be on the lookout for an upcoming giveaway to the sep 30 sonic youth/pavement show @ the bowl!
Sunday Sep 26: Vampire Weekend/Beach House/The Very Best
tickets
Thursday Sep 30: Pavement/Sonic Youth/No Age
tickets
if you’re like us and Robert Rodriguez’s Machete wet your Viva Mexico! palette, then get your full fix this Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl with an A-List line-up of Mexican-American music including sets from Calexico, Ozomatli, and MORE! stoked?!? we are, and in fact we’re so psyched about the gig that we’re gonna spread the love and share some free tickets with you guys! just be of the first to shout us here and give us some espanol – ie. ME GUSTO CALEXICO, HOLA B3SCI, blahblahetc… and we’ll hook you up!! simple as that.
if you don’t score the tix from this us time around, you can still get your paws on some here. also be sure to check out these other happenings at the Hollywood Bowl as summer winds down and stay tuned to B3SCI for more ticket giveaways to come:
Sept. 18th: Phoenix/Grizzly Bear/Girls
tickets
Sept. 19th: Viva Mexico!
tickets
Sept. 26th: Vampire Weekend/Beach House/The Very Best
tickets
Sept. 30: Pavement/Sonic Youth/No Age
tickets
expiring away the moments of life that come between mad men episodes, we’ve got two sunday night jams c/o mos def; some old fav remixes with mos man spitting cool shit. def need to get mos on more primo beats.
Craig David – 7 Days (DJ Premier Remix) (Feat. Mos Def)
on deck today, three fresh tracks from the golden state and one from the uk. LA’s trek life does right by a Mainframe beat on wow. the track features some cool additional cuts by DJ buddy. trek’s new LP everything changed nothing is one of the dopest hip hop records of the year. seriously. check it out. b3sci fav b.lewis is back with the full release of his la semaine record. in addition to last night is just one of a number ill shit on it. check mr. lewis’ bandcamp ASAP. seriously, open new tab that shit and d/l it HERE. third up is bay area MC MED, he hooks up with fellow stones throw labelmate aloe blacc on where i’m from. beat is super sick. get into it. and on loan from the uk is this killer marco del horno track we heard on the mistajam programme last week. it appears zane lowe was the next bbc domino to fall a few days ago when he minted the song his new hottest record in the world. so of course, blahblahblahscience is next. and yes, we’re here. domino down.
Trek Life – Wow MED – “Where I’m From” Feat Aloe Blacc by Some Kind of Awesome
clouds over the pacific sampler info
Marco Del Horno – Ho! Riddem (DJ Swerve Remix) (Feat. P Money) by Marco Del Horno
due for an oct 11 uk release, “all the eastern girls” is the new single from recent loog records signees chapel club. the band released this breton remix as an appetizer to the new track’s release. the song is produced by paul epworth (cee-lo green, primal scream, jack penate, flo/machine) so you know its already awesome. we’re psyched. are you psyched? find out by pushing play!
[Download] Chapel Club – All the Eastern Girls (Breton Remix)rating: 8.2
<
