The Divebomb Honey and Maps Of Norway played the last Radio K "In The Garage" show at the Dinkytowner on Sunday. Also playing was Superdanger who I missed but have heard good things about.
I've always thought these two bands needed to be on a bill together. The Divebomb Honey are great new wave and always entertaining. Vocals are strong and the keyboards are very fun. Maps of Norway as always was rockin. Rebecca's vocals are outstanding. Matt's bass playing sets a great tempo and the guitar gives them a sound that sets them aside from a lot of local bands. I'm really hoping these guys put out a record soon.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Midnight Evils @ First Ave
For their second to last show the Midnight Evils played the First Ave Mainroom. Also on the bill were Death To Our Enemies, Seawhores, The Deaths and Chariots.
I missed Death To Our Enemies but was blown away by Seawhores sound. They were the loudest band of the evening and you felt their it run through you. I think that loudness may be covering something up but I'll have to check them out again as I it was something I couldn't get past to focus on the music as much as I should.
The Deaths were a very slow rock band and didn't seem to fit the bill at all. I spent the majority of their set going between the Entry and outside. It was beautiful night to hang out.
Chariots I've seen once before and that was for their CD release show in the Entry. I was a little concerned that the big stage wouldn't work well with this band. Being that the singer also does some keyboard playing, their set up works perfectly on the Entry stage creating a smaller pocket for the singer to thrash around. But the band sounded very good coming through the speakers of the mainroom and I was glad to see them do well. I think quite a few people got into it. They really warmed things up for the Evils.
As always, the Midnight Evils did not disappoint. It was a really fun night of rockin music but also a sad reminder that this will soon be done. I'll never get sick of hearing that band rip through their cover of Muddy Water's Got My Mojo Workin or the song Twin Cities Lights which is almost impossible to not rock out to. I of course, did in fact, rock out.
I missed Death To Our Enemies but was blown away by Seawhores sound. They were the loudest band of the evening and you felt their it run through you. I think that loudness may be covering something up but I'll have to check them out again as I it was something I couldn't get past to focus on the music as much as I should.
The Deaths were a very slow rock band and didn't seem to fit the bill at all. I spent the majority of their set going between the Entry and outside. It was beautiful night to hang out.
Chariots I've seen once before and that was for their CD release show in the Entry. I was a little concerned that the big stage wouldn't work well with this band. Being that the singer also does some keyboard playing, their set up works perfectly on the Entry stage creating a smaller pocket for the singer to thrash around. But the band sounded very good coming through the speakers of the mainroom and I was glad to see them do well. I think quite a few people got into it. They really warmed things up for the Evils.
As always, the Midnight Evils did not disappoint. It was a really fun night of rockin music but also a sad reminder that this will soon be done. I'll never get sick of hearing that band rip through their cover of Muddy Water's Got My Mojo Workin or the song Twin Cities Lights which is almost impossible to not rock out to. I of course, did in fact, rock out.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Movies and Music In The Park
Monday night was Arcwelder in Loring Park for Movies and Music in the Park. Arcwelder is a great rock band who mix it up quite well. By that I mean they switch off vocals with the guitarist and drummer ala Husker Du. Also the Guitarist and Bassist take turns on each instrument. As far as vocals go I think the drummer has more of a Bob Mould sound to him and the guitarist more like D. Boon. I love their bass heavy sound and how the bass seems to lead the melody. I wish this band would play more often being that the last time I saw them was opening for Shellac this past spring. I realize that bands gain more by not playing as often and therefore getting a bigger crowd, but every couple of months would be nice. Either way, I can't get enough of them. And it was so beautiful out last night in MPLS that it was just the perfect setting. The movie playing was Johnny Guitar but I didn't stick around due to a friends birthday and cheap PBR night at the Tower.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Sunday Evening at the Triple Rock
Last night (8/21) was Six Six Crush, Mitra and Red Desert at the Triple Rock. I arrived a bit too late to catch anything other than the last few cords for Red Desert.
Mitra features ex member's of Speeddealer andwas definitely along the same lines. Their sound is tinkering a bit close to nu-metal but the fast pace kept my head bouncing. I'm really not sure what was going on with the singer, he seemed to have started the show with a raging hard on and I believe end up pissing himself before the set was over. I guess he was just that into it.
Six Six Crush, well yeah. Love the band, and I don't know what I can say that I haven't said before. I go to pretty much every show they play and will not stop doing so. Its sad there were so few people at the show, the band is so good and should have a larger crowd. It will happen, time will tell.
Mitra features ex member's of Speeddealer andwas definitely along the same lines. Their sound is tinkering a bit close to nu-metal but the fast pace kept my head bouncing. I'm really not sure what was going on with the singer, he seemed to have started the show with a raging hard on and I believe end up pissing himself before the set was over. I guess he was just that into it.
Six Six Crush, well yeah. Love the band, and I don't know what I can say that I haven't said before. I go to pretty much every show they play and will not stop doing so. Its sad there were so few people at the show, the band is so good and should have a larger crowd. It will happen, time will tell.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Its about time!
The return of the Amish Armada. They haven't played in minneapolis in two years. The bill as odd as it was, consisted of great bands. The object of many gushing posts, Six Six Crush, were the openers. They sounded so good last night at the Triple Rock. As do most bands, the rooms got a great sound. They switched the set up on me a little bit, which I guess was good, but when I walked into the venue and heard the song they normally close with I thought I had missed the show.
Next up were two bands that fit the bill with each other but not so much with Six Six Crush or the Armada. They were good bands, just different sound. After Six Six Crush was The Lonely Assassins Club. Their songs are a bit long for my taste but the sound is really good. I met the singer and she has a great deep voice and is a very stellar bass player. Its a slower rock, but definitely rock. I'd describe them as maybe a Maps of Norway/Kontrol Panel mix. I KNOW I'll be checking this band out again.
After LAC was this band from Salt Lake City called UME. I was very impressed with this band. Great female vocalist and guitar player. Had a Carly Simon look and sound. But the music was loud, quick and hard. I'll be looking for more info on them and should I ever again have money, pick up a release of theirs.
And the headliners, the fucking Amish Armada. What can you say about this band other than that they're all over the place. The stage has around 10 people on it or more at any given moment. And when the extra hands aren't on stage singing they're all over the place beating each other up and wrestling, with fake blood a plenty. The vocal stylings of "Elijah Damned" are never to be missed but back up when the hammer comes out, some computer is going to be no more. And to end the set, a tarp is set out, drenched in fake blood and the guys all do a slip and slide type action to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. And people wonder why I go see this band?
Next up were two bands that fit the bill with each other but not so much with Six Six Crush or the Armada. They were good bands, just different sound. After Six Six Crush was The Lonely Assassins Club. Their songs are a bit long for my taste but the sound is really good. I met the singer and she has a great deep voice and is a very stellar bass player. Its a slower rock, but definitely rock. I'd describe them as maybe a Maps of Norway/Kontrol Panel mix. I KNOW I'll be checking this band out again.
After LAC was this band from Salt Lake City called UME. I was very impressed with this band. Great female vocalist and guitar player. Had a Carly Simon look and sound. But the music was loud, quick and hard. I'll be looking for more info on them and should I ever again have money, pick up a release of theirs.
And the headliners, the fucking Amish Armada. What can you say about this band other than that they're all over the place. The stage has around 10 people on it or more at any given moment. And when the extra hands aren't on stage singing they're all over the place beating each other up and wrestling, with fake blood a plenty. The vocal stylings of "Elijah Damned" are never to be missed but back up when the hammer comes out, some computer is going to be no more. And to end the set, a tarp is set out, drenched in fake blood and the guys all do a slip and slide type action to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. And people wonder why I go see this band?
Evil Block Party
Sat 8/13 -- The Midnight Evils played the Pizza Luce Block Party. Started the evening off with 241s at the Leaning Tower and headed down to Luce around 6. When I arrived it was just as Die Electric was finishing up, fun generic rock band who I would probably see again. Especially if its free like this block party. Next up was Ouija Radio. I think this band has some good potential. Its takes me a while to get into the vocalist but when she puts forth the effort it sounds really good. Though I'd have to say they should cut out the cover of Boris the Spider. Just doesn't sound as good with a high pitch voice. Next up, the Midnight Evils. Rockin as always. And even better that it was outside on a beautiful night. The crowd was huge and very into it. Never get sick of hearin those boys cover of Muddy Waters' Got My Mojo Working. Between bands there were performances by the ladies of Lili's Burlesque. The guys went nuts, and I love the classy style of it all.
Har Mar Superstar was up after the Evils, and yeah, decided not to stay for that one. Returned to the Tower for more 241s.
Har Mar Superstar was up after the Evils, and yeah, decided not to stay for that one. Returned to the Tower for more 241s.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Triple Rock and Turf Club
Wednesday was the Dillinger Four show at the Triple Rock. The only opening band I caught was Cardinal Sin. I knew I had seen the band before but couldn't remember it until a fellow audience member yelled out "Bastards of Young." One of the band members answered with "we play other songs good too." The guy kept yelling for Bastards of Young and when the band said they had two songs left he asked "is one of them by the Replacements." I guess he pushed to hard because we were denied the Mats cover. Other than that, not a band I would go to a show just to see. They have a bit of that emo punk vibe thats getting oh so popular with the kiddies and is just not for me. Dillinger Four on the other hand rocked the house as the always do. I love when a band has so much energy that you can't help but get into it and jump around. The crowds always very into it at a D4 show which helps as well.
Thursday night back to the Turf for another Maps of Norway show. I really like this band. The vocals are very cool and fit the music so well. I've had an issue lately with seeing bands whose vocals don't seem to match with what the music is doing. The sound behind the vocals of Maps is great. Higher toned guitar and a tight bassline that really keeps everything in line. The have those songs that seem almost like their on the verge of going over the edge, but don't, and I mean that in a good way. Definitely one of my favorite local bands. Looking forward to seeing them play with the Divebomb Honey on August 28th. I think thats a perfect bill.
Thursday night back to the Turf for another Maps of Norway show. I really like this band. The vocals are very cool and fit the music so well. I've had an issue lately with seeing bands whose vocals don't seem to match with what the music is doing. The sound behind the vocals of Maps is great. Higher toned guitar and a tight bassline that really keeps everything in line. The have those songs that seem almost like their on the verge of going over the edge, but don't, and I mean that in a good way. Definitely one of my favorite local bands. Looking forward to seeing them play with the Divebomb Honey on August 28th. I think thats a perfect bill.
The Knitters @ First Ave
What a great show this was on Tuesday night (8/2/05). Dave's guitar playing was so great. John Doe said "Dave Alvin plays the guitar so hard that my guitar is out of tune." So true. Those two were flat out ON last night. And Exene's voice sounds beautiful singing these country songs. They have never been to mpls and I hope they come back.
One of the night funniest moment last night. They were introducing their bass player Johnny Ray and he's from MN. He said he was from "Minnetonka Beach." Anyway some drunk girls started yelling:
Drunk girls: I LOVE BIG ISLAND!
John Doe: Big Island, whats Big Island? Is that a place young girls go and get drunk and shout stuff??
Exene: Well I never..!
Some highlights for me were:
Poor Little Critter On The Road
Walkin' Cane
Rank Stranger
Poor Old Heartsick Me
Cryin' But My Tears Are Far Away
Call of the Wreckin' Ball
Skin Deep Town
Give Me Flowers
Someone Like You
Burning House of Love
and the smokin guitars on Rock Island Line
One of the night funniest moment last night. They were introducing their bass player Johnny Ray and he's from MN. He said he was from "Minnetonka Beach." Anyway some drunk girls started yelling:
Drunk girls: I LOVE BIG ISLAND!
John Doe: Big Island, whats Big Island? Is that a place young girls go and get drunk and shout stuff??
Exene: Well I never..!
Some highlights for me were:
Poor Little Critter On The Road
Walkin' Cane
Rank Stranger
Poor Old Heartsick Me
Cryin' But My Tears Are Far Away
Call of the Wreckin' Ball
Skin Deep Town
Give Me Flowers
Someone Like You
Burning House of Love
and the smokin guitars on Rock Island Line
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
An oddity of shows
So kind of a different week for me as far as music goes.
Thurs 7/28 -- Hit the Uptown Bar for the free show of Spank Ray and Sofa Kingdom. There were a couple of other bands but I honestly wasn't paying the most attention. Saw half of Spank Rays set and its up beat guitar rock. Should have watched more. Sofa Kingdom is a good live band but I had a CDR of theirs and wasn't as impressed. Only caught a couple of their songs before leaving but have seen them more than a few times. Overall could have been a pretty damn good free show if I concentrated a bit more. I don't usually spend more time socializing outside htan in front of hte band, but thats kind of what happened.
Fri 7/29 -- Teenage Fanclub at First Ave. This band can get a pretty loud sound for being a pop band. Never get tired of the in between song banter because I love the scottish accent. I actually prefer Raymond's voice to Norman's but all three are very talented. Highlights of the show were Alcoholiday, Sparky's Dream and Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From. All the new stuff sounded great and it was defintely worth the ticket price.
Sat 7/30 -- Two shows actually. Started out at the free show at the Foundry. There I was able to catch Falcon Crest, RentMoneyBig (aka Supergender) and the Stnnng. Because of the time I thought this was going to be an outdoor show. I was wrong, they just set up in this cool dive bar and the regulars had to cross the bands to hit the bathroom, a couple of accidents almost happened. Falcon Crest always puts out a great sound. That band is always on and I enjoy catching them any chance I get. I'm a fan of RentMoneyBig and they are the main reason I went. Out of Lincoln, NE they have a great sound, lots of energy and an overall great preformance every time I've seen them. Wish I had more money to finally pick up the CD, one day it will happen. The Stnnng was the last act I saw and while I don't like them as much as the other two bands their still an act to catch. Chris is always all over the place with his vocals and energetic demeanor. The drums and guitar are very tight.
The Foundry show was an early one and was done around 10. From there I caught the last of Mark Mallman's 7 nights at the Hexagon. Again another free show only this one was packed. With them was Vicious Vicious. Both bands are the power pop type. Vicious Vicious' singer has a voice that reminds me of a cross between John from Cake and Kevin from Better Than Ezra. The vocals are good but the backing music is pretty bland for my tastes, though I see why people really enjoy their sets. Their show starts out a bit slow and eases into some more rockin songs that show the true potential of the band. Now if they can just take that and run with it, they could really make something of themselves. Mark Mallman puts on a pretty good show for that type of music. Climbing around while still playing piano and really pushing all he's got into it. I'm glad I was able to check out one of his nights despite being around a bunch of people that you could tell pretty much just wanted to be seen there.
Thurs 7/28 -- Hit the Uptown Bar for the free show of Spank Ray and Sofa Kingdom. There were a couple of other bands but I honestly wasn't paying the most attention. Saw half of Spank Rays set and its up beat guitar rock. Should have watched more. Sofa Kingdom is a good live band but I had a CDR of theirs and wasn't as impressed. Only caught a couple of their songs before leaving but have seen them more than a few times. Overall could have been a pretty damn good free show if I concentrated a bit more. I don't usually spend more time socializing outside htan in front of hte band, but thats kind of what happened.
Fri 7/29 -- Teenage Fanclub at First Ave. This band can get a pretty loud sound for being a pop band. Never get tired of the in between song banter because I love the scottish accent. I actually prefer Raymond's voice to Norman's but all three are very talented. Highlights of the show were Alcoholiday, Sparky's Dream and Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From. All the new stuff sounded great and it was defintely worth the ticket price.
Sat 7/30 -- Two shows actually. Started out at the free show at the Foundry. There I was able to catch Falcon Crest, RentMoneyBig (aka Supergender) and the Stnnng. Because of the time I thought this was going to be an outdoor show. I was wrong, they just set up in this cool dive bar and the regulars had to cross the bands to hit the bathroom, a couple of accidents almost happened. Falcon Crest always puts out a great sound. That band is always on and I enjoy catching them any chance I get. I'm a fan of RentMoneyBig and they are the main reason I went. Out of Lincoln, NE they have a great sound, lots of energy and an overall great preformance every time I've seen them. Wish I had more money to finally pick up the CD, one day it will happen. The Stnnng was the last act I saw and while I don't like them as much as the other two bands their still an act to catch. Chris is always all over the place with his vocals and energetic demeanor. The drums and guitar are very tight.
The Foundry show was an early one and was done around 10. From there I caught the last of Mark Mallman's 7 nights at the Hexagon. Again another free show only this one was packed. With them was Vicious Vicious. Both bands are the power pop type. Vicious Vicious' singer has a voice that reminds me of a cross between John from Cake and Kevin from Better Than Ezra. The vocals are good but the backing music is pretty bland for my tastes, though I see why people really enjoy their sets. Their show starts out a bit slow and eases into some more rockin songs that show the true potential of the band. Now if they can just take that and run with it, they could really make something of themselves. Mark Mallman puts on a pretty good show for that type of music. Climbing around while still playing piano and really pushing all he's got into it. I'm glad I was able to check out one of his nights despite being around a bunch of people that you could tell pretty much just wanted to be seen there.
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