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New Album Review

Now Playing 4/30

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.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qdM8WdTfH4

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.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7npwari81xQ

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.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vioMLy9MoZ8

Medications-Completely Removed

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.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uap_-wP4lfw

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.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNaSEQERGz0

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.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLSUY1zagck

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.

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Music News and Interviews

American Aquarium Interview 5/1/10

This morning on Americana Blues & Co BJ Barham from Raleigh band American Aquarium came in for about 20 minutes to chat about the band’s fifth album release in four years.  The album is titled Small Town Hymns and is a much slower down and less rock n roll album than their last release from a year ago, Dances for the Lonely. BJ played some live tunes for us as we talked about the recording of the album, the band’s hectic tour schedule, and the album release party which is going on tonight at the Pour House Music Hall.  Jamie McClean and Sons of Bill are also sharing the stage.  In addition, the first 50 people to get inside will be given a free pint glass courtesy of Big Boss Brewing Company who created a special brew for the band called American Aquarium Ale.  Take a listen to the interview below:
American Aquarium Live on Americana Blues & Co. 5/1/10

Categories
Concert Preview

TRKfest returns for third year

Trekky Records has announce the initial lineup, as well as date and location, for it’s third annual TRKfest. The festival will take place Saturday June 26, once again at Piedmont Biofuels in Pittsboro, and will feature several of the Triangle’s best bands, including the experimental folk of Megafaun, the muscular indie rock of Hammer No More the Fingers, and the hauntingly beautiful folk rock of Mount Moriah. Admission will be a $10 suggested donation (and there is really no reason you should shell out less than that) and there will be a variety of activities going on throughout the day, including a coffee sack race, yoga, and free haircuts. You can check out more info here

Full lineup (with more acts to be announced May 16):
Megafaun
Hammer No More The Fingers
Mount Moriah
Embarrassing Fruits
Midtown Dickens
Veelee
Butterflies
Ryan Gustafson
Vibrant Green

Categories
Music News and Interviews

DJ Ones’ Five Music Facts from the past week

1. Record Store Day 2010 broke records (get it?) as being the biggest one yet. Stores across the country reported their biggest sales dates of the year. (via Pitchfork)

2. Xiu Xiu wants your hair. Yes, the art-pop band wants locks of your hair for their upcoming music video. The idea is that you hand them locks of your hair at shows and get some swag from the band. Currently the band is planning on filming themselves lighting the hair on fire while saying the name of the person who the hair had belonged to and inhaling the smoke. Yep. (via Pitchfork)

3. The Kills report that they are three-fourths of the way complete with their follow-up with to 2008’s “Midnight Boom.” The band is planning on completing the album when Alison Mosshart finishes up touring with The Dead Weather. (via NME)

4. Guitarist Johnny Marr has unveiled plans to compose the soundtrack to the upcoming film by Tony Kratz, “The Big Bang.” (via NME)

5. Front man of The Decemberists, Colin Meloy, is set to expand his writing career with a new deal with Harper-Collins. He is set to write three novels that are intended for a adolencent audience, much like his previous work books. (via Pitchfork)

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Music News and Interviews

H-Town on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” 5/1

Tonight, on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B”, the legendary R&B group and kings of slow jams, H-Town will be calling in to 88.1FM WKNC, to discuss their new music and latest projects.

Tune in from 9 to 11 p.m. to hear the now-duo explain their six-plus year absence from the industry, thoughts on todays R&B music, dealing with the passing of member Dino and more.

Best known for their hit singles "Knockin Da Boots", “Emotions” and "Part Time Lover", the multi-platinum 90’s group is poised to make a comeback with new single “Knockin Your Heels”, from their forthcoming album, Child Support.

For more information on H-Town, visit here and on twitter.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

Categories
Concert Review Local Music

4/29 LBLB Photos

Photographs taken by WKNC photographer Katie Hill

The Moaners

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Raised by Wolves

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

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DJ Highlights

Local Beat Preview 4/30/10

I am finally getting used to being on the air again after minimal Local Beat programs this spring due to NC State Baseball.  Last week we had relatively unknown local band Whiskey Kills the Butterflies and this week are going to continue that trend with Durham group Jordan and the Sphinx who has moved from Arkansas to join our music scene.  The band is also getting set to release a brand new EP in the middle of May so I am sure we will have plenty to chat about.  The Local Beat starts at 5pm and will last until roughly around 6:15.  Be sure to tune in for what will be a great show!

After the Local Beat be sure to keep listening as NC State Baseball will be taking over the airwaves as the Pack takes on the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech here in Raleigh.  Our Wolfpack is fighting for a post season playoff berth while the Jackets are currently ranked #6 in the nation.  Needless to say it should be a great ballgame!

Categories
Concert Review

The quest to see The Tallest Man On Earth

And so it began, on a gusty Monday afternoon…

Riff Raff was perusing concert listings for the last week of April and stumbled across an unexpected gem.  Without delay she messaged her beloved co-host, Hot Tamale, and shared the joyous news.  Immediately

Hot Tamale cried out, “Can this be?”

“Yes, Hot Tamale, it is so!” replied Riff Raff.

And so they departed without hesitation or fear, despite the fact that they were headed straight into the dreaded land known as Chapel Hill.  They were on the quest to find The Tallest Man On Earth.

Captivation.  That word singularly sums up the experience of watching The Tallest Man On Earth live.  In  a small auditorium that could house maybe 200 people, the talented musician gave the kind of performance that makes you feel as if you are experiencing something that will never happen again.  Despite the fact that you were surrounded by others, you couldn’t help but feel that he was solely singing to you; it was this connection that allowed Kristian Matsson to silence the whole room with little more than a whisper.

Playing almost his entire first album, Shallow Grave, Matsson wowed the crowd with the popular track, “I Won’t Be Found,” and jealous narrative, “The Gardener.”  You could feel those around you holding their breath, not daring to break the spell that his musical tales cast.  As he fitfully moved about the stage, the audience as a whole moved with him.

With his birdlike mannerisms and sudden bursts of passion, often accompanied by bellowing vocals or even stomping, The Tallest Man On Earth captured the attention of the audience.  It was understood that there was never any chance, or hope, of escape.  Continuing his 90-minute set, he performed favorites off of his newest release, The Wild Hunt, including “King of Spain,” “Burden Of Tomorrow,” and “Love Is All.”

In a recent interview, Kristian Masson shared that one of the current albums he was listening to was Gather, Form & Fly by the local band Megafaun.  He also praised the music of the Avett Brothers and the Bowerbirds – which is fortunate since Phil Moore and Beth Tacular were taking pictures of him from the third row.

In conclusion, if you ever get the chance to have an encounter with the legendary Tallest Man On Earth, prepare yourself for an encounter with something much bigger than the name.

Categories
New Album Review

Cannibal’s Corner III: Borknagar and Amon Amarth

The heavyweight band is back with their latest album, and I won’t try to sweeten any of what I have to say about Borknagar’s latest. There are times when it really does take a knife to the intestines and lets out that nice fine ooze, but I felt that for much of the album I had to repeatedly dive headfirst into any bricks I came across. And if you didn’t know, there’s a mighty ton of bricks here at N.C. State.

I’m sure my colleague and fellow metalhead-in-crime Noobhammer wouldn’t object to calling this piece of work “progressive” in some way, but I’m not a man of labels. I just know that past Havoc and Reason, the guitars aren’t grinding my elbows to dust. Once I even took a flier from those folks on campus gathering attention for their cause by handing out dead tree pulp just so I could papercut my tongue with a pentagram

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate how they give those cuddly-type of music people their teddy bears and skin-moisturizing lotion, and I thoroughly enjoy black metal artists, but by the end I feel like this is a softer “Aealo” from Rotting Christ. Rotting Christ delivers the rot, Borknagar does not.

Now the Amon Amarth concert this past Tuesday was quite disembowling– or satisfying in layman’s terms. The first band to play was Pandah, and they did a good job getting the crowd worked up on chewing through their own cheeks. They were a refreshing mix of deathly speed and blackened keyboard gore. Next to play was Holy Grail, remnants of 80’s speed metal both in sound and the singer’s tight pants. His shrill was fierce, and we all enjoyed the feeling of leeches feasting from within our ear canal.

Both bands’ styles, however, stood at a contrast to Týr and Amon Amarth. Their songs, based upon Nordic mythology and Scandinavian tales of viking warriors led some in the crowd to produce hammers and bash people’s skulls inside out. Many wound up with a Hammer Smashed Face.

Týr did not disappoint, playing beloveds such as By The Sword In My Hand, Hail To The Hammer, and By The Light Of The Northern Star. Their stage presence was a nice menacing beast through which many lost pints of blood, fluids, and bile. By the time Amon Amarth arrived, the concrete floor was coated with a nice slippery mix of stomach acid, disfigured severed limbs, and organs. Nothing like free food.

Amon Amarth brought quite a light show with them, causing peoples’ eyes to become hyperactive and either explode or pop out and dangle by that stretchy optic nerve. They opened with Twilight Of The Thunder God, where fans immediately lost all sense of self and began destroying each other in a mosh pit of flying gore. Johan, the singer, kept repeating between songs about how rockin’ the people of Raleigh were. If only he could see the floor, where half the crowd was scattered about.

They wound up playing many bloody songs such as Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags, The Fate Of Norns, Down The Slopes Of Death, Cry Of The Black Birds, Under The Northern Star, Live For The Kill, and Guardians Of Asgaard to just name a few. Their destructive power, the packed venue, and the madness-inducing lights created an environment where it was impossible to not headbang and give Johan the horns. I could keep on describing the concert, but instead have a look (that is, if you’ve got eyes to spare at the moment) at the concert pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words, but these blurry pictures are worth the wading through pools of excrement and gore.

Categories
DJ Highlights

Local Beat Recap 4/23/10

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Last Friday on the Local Beat was once more an abbreviated show as NC State Baseball played Boston College for the opening game of a three match series was broadcasted on WKNC.  However the one hour we did have was put to good use as Fuquay-Varina band Whiskey Kills the Butterflies stopped by to chat and play some live tunes.  WKtB is a relatively unknown band, having been around for just a little over a year but are currently in the process of recording their debut EP which should hit the streets in the next couple of months.  We chatted about that new EP as well as the history of the band while touching on the bands overall sound and evolution since the fellas came together.   The guys also played five songs for us which you can hear and download through the Local Beat ReverbNation page and the music player on the right.  If you want to see WKtB you are in luck: the band is playing two local shows in May on the 15th at the Berkley Cafe and May 27th at the Six String Cafe in Cary.  Below is the interview as well as the videos from all the songs:
Whiskey Kills the Butterflies on the Local Beat 4/23/10

The Local Beat w/ Adam Kincaid: Whiskey Kills the Butterfly “The Exchange Rate Stomp(Live)” from Wolf TV on Vimeo.