Consider this an introduction, partly because many of you may have never visited nor even heard of the lovely Brudenell Social Club. The main reason for this is because it is in Leeds, England, where I, DJ Ones, am currently stationed for my year on exchange. I found myself looking for great music clubs in this fine city and stumbled across the Brudenell Social Club, where I learned that KNC favorite  Megafaun had played a handful of days before my arrival in the U.K. When I heard that Male Bonding would be playing a couple of days later on Oct. 1, I grabbed a new friend with a funny accent and headed over to the Brudenell.

After the doors opened at 7:30 p.m. and four local bands played with mixed reactions from the crowd, Male Bonding finally took the stage in this modestly-sized baseball field-shaped club.

Coming off of the release of their new, cleaner sounding album Endless Now I wondered how their new material would translate to the scruffy sound of their live shows. The show itself highlighted the best of this relatively new band’s already impressive two albums. A mixture of sounds from their previous two records leaned towards the fulfilling and more abrasive rock sound of their debut Nothing Hurts. This combined with the scrappy tracks of their debut produced a cohesive and enjoyable rock experience.

About halfway through the set I realized what was at the heart of some of their best material: the percussion section. From the visceral bass introduction to songs like “Weird Feelings” to the faster drums of “Year’s Not Long,” the sound came across with both style and substance. Fast-paced, upbeat, and to the point, Male Bonding put on one hell of a live show filled with few breaks and constant excitement.

It was with the last song, “Year’s Not Long,” that ended the night on a high note. Male Bonding provided a set full of controlled chaos: a fine balance of frantic instrumentals and cohesive songwriting. The sound in the Brudenell was great, Male Bonding was a bottle of energy, and their set was satisfying and memorable as a first for myself in the U.K.

 

This week on WKNC, we’re giving you tons of free stuff, or schwag (as DJ MollyPop says). We’re giving away mega CDs, such as:

We’re also giving away tickets to Brooks Woods’ Band on June 26 at the Pour House, and tickets to MC Chris at Cat’s Cradle on June 26. Stay tuned this week, for these giveaways as well as others!

The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

This is one of my favorite releases so far this year, a folk record of warm, intimate intensity and raw, earnest emotion.  You’ll positively get lost in this record. It’s impossible to talk about this record without referencing Bob Dylan, both in Kristian Matsson’s effortless, poetic wordplay and his ragged, commanding voice.

Nada Surf- If I Had a Hi-Fi

In this album of covers, Nada Surf is able to execute on almost every level imaginable. They are able to take great songs and add their own high energy sound to each one in a way that respects the original and brings it a whole new life.

Walter Schreifels- An Open Letter to the Scene

Simple lyrics with one guy harmonies that create a sweet rock album from a guy who wouldn’t normally be associated with sweet rock. Heartfelt ballads that will appeal to people looking for a good laid back album with some kick to it.

Medications-CompletelyRemoved

Pop/rock that isn’t overly compelling but keeps the pace up enough to keep one interested. It’s the kind of music that people enjoy could enjoy because it’s easy to listen to but the kind that critics tear apart as well.

First Aid Kit- The Big Black & the Blue

Imagine Swedish female Fleet Foxes No lie that’s what this sounds like and it’s totally awesome. These girls emphasize long lost love and it’s heart wrenching to get through the entire album.

Avi Buffalo- Avi Buffalo

With vocals that seem lonely on top of romantic lyrics, Avi Buffalo present sweet harmonies on top of the dysfunction between vocals and lyrics. Guitars punctuate and compliment vocal heavy songs and add elaborate elements to the tracks.

The Kissaway Trail- Sleep Mountain

Bombastic, almost dreamy pop (ie Pains of being Pure at Heart) that creates rather large sounds. Although there isn’t much here distinctively unique, the formula they stick with works for the most part.

Male Bonding- Nothing Hurts

Psychedelic laced west coast punk rock similar to Vivian Girls. Heavy 80s sounds with fuzzy vocals and heavy drums that carry a fast pace.

The Sadies- Dark Circles

Traditional rock and roll with a bit of a southern twist. Slower burning songs get topped off nicely with guitar solos and generally have darker undertones. The faster stuff sounds like something from the 70s.

The Hold Steady- Heaven is Whenever

Nostalgic storytelling that stick alongside anthemic choruses standard rock sounds. However, they do make attempts at diversifying the soundscape and this adds another layer to the album’s tone, but it’s still pretty similar in terms of sound of past Hold Steady albums.

Annuals- Sweet Sister EP

Annuals experiment with a wide variety of non traditional rock percussion to add a whole new level to their sound. They bring a quirky pop mentality that justifies these upbeat, sun-soaked tunes that are easy and fun to listen to. Good warm weather album.

Sugar & Gold- Get Wet

Think flamboyant 80′s new wave mixed with a little bit of disco. These boys know how to get you moving with feel-good tunes that will make you want sashay all the way home.

Frog Eyes- Paul’s Tomb: A Triumph

Gritty, fuzzy, full of depth and bombastic rock that seriously tugs at all of your emotions. Signature howls echoes throught the whole album. This shit is amazing. Play if you enjoy Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, and Tapes ‘N Tapes.

Living Sisters- Love to Live

This band combines the female singers from The Bird and the Bee and Lavander Diamond to create another great retro 60′s girl group. Mixing together a little bit of doo-woop, country, and pop, this will bring joy to your life.

Fol Chen- In Ruins

Reminds me of a more experimental old-skool Madonna with lots of synth beats in the background. This EP  includes a bunch of great remixes of this song that can be played to spice any radio show.

Flugente- 2

Lo-fi Bob Dylan. I mean, this is pretty good.

The Consulate General- Person Number

Remember Postal Service and Her Space Holiday? Well, this guy is pretty much like that BUT BETTER. Multi-instrumentalists guy blends all forms of music to make a dreamy electronic soundscape. Enjoy

Blunt Mechanic-World Record

The guy from Kind of Like Spitting comes out with his debut solo album. Sounds like 70′s sunshine pop mixed with 90′s grunge rock. Super addicting and catchy.

Lali Puna- Our Inventions

Absolutely beautiful electronic album from members of The Notwist and other notable electronic bands. Mixing laptop beats with real instruments creates an atmospheric circle jerk for the masses. I am really into this album.

Caribou- Swim

IF you didn’t already realize it now that we have the new Caribou, well know you know for sure. This album is probably in my top 3 greatest albums of the year. Absolutely amazing experimental rock/electronic music.

The Knew- Pulperia

Looking at these guys I would have passed on this album immediately. However, the music was pretty catchy and decent. It is a perfect blend of grungy garage rock and southern rock.

Lou Rhodes- One Good Thing

The singer from the band Lamb comes out with a folk inspired album. Pretty much a replication of Joni Mitchel, Joanna Newsom, and Nico. Still pretty decent.

Horse Feathers- Thisled Spring

Gorgeous folk arrangement from this Portland band. If you like Iron and Wine or Andrew Bird you are totally going to dig this!

Dosh-Tommy

Dosh is absolutely amazing. Chaotic, intense, and charming electronic fused post-rock sort of deal.

Unnatural Helpers- Cracked Love & Other Drugs

Pretty much another garage rock band with half shouting, half singing/welping vocals and a bass that drives most of the songs.