Latitude 32° music = culture

The Silent Comedy- Self Titled EP

2009-12-08T17:01:00.001-08:00

Local Boys. Love them local boys. The Silent Comedy, recent winners at the San Diego Music Awards for best pop artist, is our This time around featured artist this time around. And rightfully so. Not just for the award they've won, we could honestly care less about SDMAs.

We've chosen them for showing us honest talent as a hard working group of guys. Musically these boys are pretty on top of their game. Its hard to mash together violins, mandolins, pianos, banjos, bass, guitars, drums and percussion and everything else theyve got and make it sound good and coherent. But they pull it off quite well. The bands current self titled EP is short, sweet and to the point with some ballets and rock out songs. But the thing you need to do is catch them life. Similar aesthetics to the Builders and the Butchers, the band is a corky throwback to the 1930s or so, coats, ties, vests, hats and..mustaches, all very authentic looking and overall just fantastic.

I personally love these hodge podge bands, the mix and match of sounds and instruments and noise to make the rhythm and rock. Again however they're EP just doesn't do them justice as to their live performances, at least at the moment, since the band is hard at work in the studio for their next full length album. Im sure the album will be fantastic and guess what? There is a way for you, the fans, to get involved in helping this fine group of guys.

If you havent heard of their campaign, Mustache Mayhem, look into it cause its a pretty spiff thing theyre doing. Its a simple concept. If you've got a wicked mustache take a picture of yourself, pay 10 to 200 quid and get on the cover of their new album. Its a great way to help these guys out in producing a rightfully good full length album and a fun way for their fans to get involved with the band. If you check out their website, http://www.thesilentcomedy.com, you can read all about it. So check them out, their cause and their live shows, definitely a local band which deserves your support.

Dirty Sweet- Of Monarchsand Beggers

2009-09-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

Simply. The best. Of the best. Of any rock band in San Diego. Period. That is how we here at Latitude 32° shall introduce to you our This time around Featured Artist, Dirty Sweet, and with their critically acclaimed album, Of Monarchs and Beggars. And really, what did you expect from such a mix of great local talent coming together to produce this straight forward dirty rock blues powerhouse. Ryan Kootz (volcals), Nathan Beale (Guitar, Vocals), Chris Mendez-Vanacore (Drums, Vocals), Mark Murino (Guitar) and Christian Schinelli (bass) make up this fantastic group of musical talent. Some of these names you may of recognize if you know your local San Diego scene, such as Christian of the talented jazz band Pocket, Nathan Beale of Lady Dottie & The Diamonds, and Chris and Mark formally of Lovelight Shine. Put them in a studio and you get something so pure it simply monumental. At first listen you feel like is a band you've been listening for years. And possibly something that your mom or dad may have listened to during the 60s and 70s, its a feel good get down and dirty rock album from start to finish. And apparently its not their best work, even though it is absolutely fantastic. According to front man Ryan Kootz the band hand finished their second album but is holding out on us for good reason as they search for a label to help finalize and distribute the album. But if the single they've released, Marionette, along with the music video, which you can see on www.dirtysweet.com, is any indication of what's to come then it will not disappoint. We caught up with Ryan at the Elemental Experience Festival and got the skinny on what's going on with the band. Honestly there is a small San Diego curse when it comes to bands in our fine city. Just like our sports teams, well always make the playoffs but just cant seem to win the whole thing. With our music it seems you need to travel and move 2 hours north to break out of this town, but I've got a feeling that the boys in Dirty Sweet have what it takes to break that curse. Watch out for these guys, you cant miss them.

Passion Pit- Manners

2009-08-08T16:01:00.001-07:00

Now when you think of the Boston music scene, what exactly comes to mind? I mean honestly I’ve no idea with the exception of the obvious, Boston and Dropkick Murphys. And this could all be the product of my own ignorance of the Boston area, but regardless we’ve come across a group that we really didn’t see coming out of there. Passion Pit. A band hailing out of Cambridge which formed a few years ago in late 2007 is this crazy little electro pop rock band which just blew me away. Two keyboards, a synth, bass player and drummer (Michael Angelakos, Ian Hultquist, Ayad Al Adlhamy , Jeff Apruzzese and Nate Donmoyer in the order above) make up the band. Kind of a weird mix of last names one would have to think. Together make pretty much the warmest and happiest electo sound you’ve ever heard to date. And isn’t that the point of a good electro-pop song anyways? Coming out of the gate with their EP, “Chunk of Change,” the band slowly but surely started to earn their merit in the musical community. Sleepyhead, one of the first singles to come out, was noticed and used in a Canadian PSP ad of all things, then featured on a variety of other media outlets such as MTV’s “What the Flip?” campaign, Pitchfork’s top 40 music videos of 2008 and then the BBC’s Sounds of 2009. And let me tell you, from what I’ve seen and heard, the Brits love them. Released through indie label, Frenchkiss Records, (harboring such artists as The Hold Steady, Les Savy Fac, Sean Na Na, The Dodos and others) “Manners,” the band’s first full length album, has steadily been growing in popularity since its debut in May 2009. Gaining attention to the point where the band now tours and opens for such acts as Death Cab for Cutie, Girl Talk, and DJD2 and are currently touring independently through the UK, Canada and have been booked for such festivals as Lollapalooza, Leeds and Redding festivals. The album is fantastic and takes you on a warm fuzzy cloud of noise where you find something new about the tracks after each listen. The single from the album, “The Reeling,” is accompanied by a creative music video and is worth the watch. All in all it will be hard not to miss this group as they grow and grow, especially when your favorite local bar DJ gets a hold of them. Perfect for the indie hipster scene, but that’s not always a bad thing. Keep listening and hopefully they’ll come round our fair city. Review by: Will Overbaugh

Stellastarr*- Civilized

2009-08-08T16:00:00.001-07:00

It’s been about 4 years since the boys and girl of the New York based band, Stellastarr*, came out with a new album, but yeah, it was worth the wait. ‘Civilized,’ the title for the latest from the band, shows us that four years can do a lot with a band. If you compare to their previous release, ‘Harmonies for the Haunted’, you can feel and tell how the band has matured and settled into something of a new sound for them. It’s really is hard to put your finger on what sound that is, something forged out of choice and maybe slight physical challenges with lead Shawn Christensen, who was coping with throat problems making it necessary to change up his manner of singing. No more the long bellowing melodic sounds like something out of The Cure, The Editors, The Bravery, or any other slew of British mod-alt rock sounding groups. Although that isn’t totally gone, it’s less, and it shows in a good way, feeling like everyone involved had to find their own voice as well. Just comparing the singles, Sweet Troubled Soul from ‘Harmonies for the Haunted’, and Graffiti Eyes from ‘Civilized,’ there is a dramatic difference in style, a more cut up, poppy, dare I say….with the times sound? It’s…happy yet serious, melodic yet chaotic. But Graffiti Eyes is something of a standout within the album, which truly is an ecliptic mix of old sounds from their previous work with newer, louder, twangy, nue-aged riffs, electo dance like beats and of course a dash of straight up rock. Overall it’s a fast, catchy, driven up and down ride of an album. Something that, despite any problems the group might have had to overcome, must of had fun making and we’re sure will be fantastic live. I mean honestly, any band with a song called “zombie prom,” just has to be fun. Plus we get to hear more of Amanda’s ominous eerie yet strangely soothing voice. It’s literally one of those albums that the kids won’t know what to do with, bob their heads while standing about, or dance dance go crazy too. I feel the band can’t loose with this new direction. Its serious fun and also an accomplishment, having produced the album entirely on their own under their own record label, Bloated Wife Records (we’ll be sure to ask how that name came to be). The band is currently on tour and will be rolling through San Diego on July 30th at the one and only, Casbah. And we’ll be sure to be there as well. Otherwise, check the album out, this is a band you won’t be disappointed with and deserves a listen. Check them out at www.stellastarr.com and of course the myspace at www.myspace.com/stellastarr, where you can check out some of the latest tracks including the single “Graffiti Eyes.” Review by: Will Overbaugh

of Holiday Shores- “Columbus’d the Whim,”

2009-08-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

The opening lines of Holiday Shore’s new album, “Columbus’d the Whim,” bring to mind a poor man’s Chris Martin with a tinge of King’s of Leon’s Caleb; soulful yet down to earth and bluesy. Talahasse natives Holiday Shores have created an album that is extremely listenable and jubilant. The first song, Reruns, is a standout track that starts inauspiciously then delves into clangy, quick drums, ukulele & tambourine and then trails off (as do many of the tracks) into slurred and seemingly heartfelt lyrics. From there, “Phones Don’t Fued” picks things up with a 50’s surfer style peppy beat and walking bass-line. The vocals sounds like they were recorded in a far-off, sun lit garage by the beach, while the drummer plugs away along with the discordant guitar licks. The lyrics are unintelligible at times, but the energy, pathos and overall creativity more than make up for this obscurity The creativity only spirals on from there, with “Dens” starting off with chords from an organ layered under another peppy drumbeat. The trippy, far off vocals combine with the instruments to evoke a sense of being on a trip to an outer space church. The album delves further into an update, bluesy beat with “Edge of our Lives,” a tune which you can’t help but bob your head and tap your feet to. Definitely an album that gets better with each listen, Columbus’d the Whim sounds like someone put Modest Mouse, the Pixies & Kings of Leon in a blender and then handed the results over to a bunch of surfer kids from North Florida. In a good way. This is the band’s debut LP and definitely deserves a good listen. You can check out more at their myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/holidayshoresmusic, featuring current tour dates as well. The album, “Columbus’d the Whim,” drops on August 4th on Twosyllable Records and currently have a new video out for their single, “Phones Don’t Feud,” which you can check out on the label website, http://twosyllablerecords.com. Review by: Vivien Treacy

Heavy Glow

2009-07-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

You ever go pub crawling and just run into one of those fantastic bands that is just pure and straight up rock and roll? Something you’re not really looking for but just by pure happenstance run into and fall in love with? Well that’s what the guys from Heavy Glow are; just pure and simple rock music. Catching them at the Radio Room the other day, playing to a rather undeservingly small crowd for a Saturday night, still managed to blow me away while I was sipping my traditional rum with a dash of coke. They managed to be one of those bands that just makes you want to tip the brim of your hat way down low and bob your head as the guitarist, Jared, fingers away and his mates Joe (bass) and Dave (drums) keep a steady driving hard beat. Now there are a lot of bands in San Diego. A lot of great bands, a lot of solid tight sounding bands but Heavy Glow is one of the few that you really want to keep an eye out for. Their six track self titled EP is simply amazing is transitions into a fantastic live performance. You know how some bands are great on the tracks and are kind of “so so” in the live aspect, or vice versa? Well these guys managed to capture some of that live attitude to their recordings. And no wonder, having recorded and produced their EP with local guitar great Stevie Salas, if you don’t know him look him up kids. A little deeper into the bands style, if you listen closely you’ll find a literal hodge podge of sounds and influence, as reflected on their myspace page (www.mypsace.com/heavyglowmusic). You’ve got a guitarist/singer (Jared Mullins) who captures a late 90s alt rock spirit but plays like a literal bat out of hell. You’ve got one of the quickest drummers (Dave Rollans) I’ve seen who brings a very funky yet heavy side to the mix and a basest (Joe Brooks) who just brings it all together in a progressive stream. Honestly an impressive lineup of talent that has yet to be recognized in the state, but apparently the mates down under have taken notice, having signed to an Australian distribution label, Stockxchange Music. Go figure that one out. To put it bluntly in the end though Heavy Glow is pretty much everything you look for in a solid rock band. A dynamic driving force of riffs both old school and progressive, a dash of experimental and over all straight up soul. It’s a band you have to check out, a CD you have to pick up and just a sound you have to love.

Eulogies- here anonymous

2009-07-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

As I drove up to Los Angeles, Eulogies hometown, I could not help but ponder why the band had chosen a name with such strong implications and then made their album title “Here Anonymous.” I instantly saw myself giving a Eulogy with a paper bag over my head…I’m here giving one of the most important speeches of my life, but not really…then I realized that I needed to start the album over and actually listen. This was when the album and band name actually started to make perfect sense and became an allegory alluding to the bands style. Walking the borderline between indie rock and emo music, the album has a moody upbeat tempo with cathartic, melancholy lyrics. What makes this album work though, is its honest attempt to capture an untainted portrayal of the human condition. I felt like I had time warped back into my junior year of high school when I was too hormonal to put my feelings anywhere but out in the open. This is why I could totally relate when singer Peter Walker says, “Eulogies for me is not about talking about someone who’s dead. It’s saying those things that someone would say only at that moment but wish they had said right now. That’s what I’m preaching to myself-don’t be quiet. I can’t survive down that road.” The first few songs on the album set the stylistic tone, upbeat pop rock with weighted heartfelt gloomy lyrics. Of this more common style of song I found “The Fight (I’ve Come To Like)” the most enjoyable and the most danceable. I could see myself waiving my arm around at the upcoming show on May 22nd at San Diego’s own Casbah. Some surprising tracks that strayed a bit from the stylistic norm included “Two Can Play” which features Nikki Monninger from the recent Coachella playing Silversun Pickups. The song has a soft dreamy sound that brings a sweet downbeat change to the albums more upbeat instrumentals. My personal favorite song, also the most experimental on the album, comes towards the end of the LP with “Stranger Calliope.” This song features a Casiotone keyboard over a live flute player, which creates an ethereal sound that brought me images of riding a candy colored carousel on a cloud. The album definitely grew on me the more I listened and deserves a couple spins through before you make your judgments. I appreciate the honesty of the album, which does a great job of remaining simple and direct. Sometimes an easy to listen to album becomes the perfect cure for being caught in LA traffic. Review by: Tara Rose Gladstone

Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz!

2009-06-29T17:26:00.001-07:00

The trio from that tiny town of New York have done it again alright. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs latest work, “It’s Blitz!” has to be their most progressive work to date. But then again what did you expect? “It’s Blitz!” is simply a 4-4 beat synth rock dance party from start to finish, something that even the scenestery of kids will enjoy, while still pleasing those who have been faithful fans from 2002 and beyond. So break out your white V neck undershirts, tight jeans, leather jacket and get on the dance floor. But honestly “It’s Blitz!” is a fantastic album, with heavy influence from its producers David Sitek (who did work on the last two albums but is also a member of TVOTR) and the legendary Nick Launay. Also with some of the contributors of the album, saxophonist Stuart Bogie (of TVOTR), YYY’s touring mate Imaad Wasif and Greg Kurstin of the Birds and the Bees; All in all very much so an excellent contributing force in the studio. When you listen to the album a few times and then shoulder it up to the latest work from TV on the Radio, you get sense that maybe there’s a bit too much of that outside influence, but then you hear Karen O. ring out and forget all about it. All in all this newer sound is a progressive step from what we’ve heard from in the past two albums from the YYYs. It truly is one of the better produced albums I’ve heard in a long time. The band is currently on tour out across the pond in the land of Europe, only coming state side for Coachella and All Points West festivals, no word that we’ve heard of yet when they’ll land state side to blow our minds, but hold fast and steady and start putting money in the ticket fund jar. And in the mean time go out and buy the album, you won’t be disappointed.

Franz Ferdinand- Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

2009-04-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

So if you didn’t know Franz Ferdinand is back and, after about a four year hiatus, has finally put out a new album entitled: “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand.” Now back in the day, if any of you remember 2004/5 that is, I really liked Franz Ferdinand. They were another Brit Pop invasion band (well technically Scottish, but who keeps track of that stuff) with attitude and style with that high and tight twangy sound that the kids loved back then. This was the era of reformed garage bands like The Hives and Kaiser Chiefs and others. But it’s a new age of music and has Franz kept up?

The answer would probably be yes, another case of an older band growing up with the times. The base of their new album is, well, very Franz but they sprinkled a little of what the kids like these days. Like a lil keyboard electro-dance rock. But when you peal that away and actually listen to the band you realize that they haven’t lost a step in their time off. It’s poppy and aggressive, and swinging and shouty, and raw on some tracks. Everything you like to find in a UK band really. I was afraid at first when I popped into the ol’ CD player that it would come out over produced, or fake. Something that Simon Cowell would invent in his basement. I was worried that since they’ve been underground for so long that they would need some hot shot producer to come in and mix it all up turning them into a band that they just weren’t. But again I was presently surprised and very pleased with the results. I mean, I better be good considering they’ve been working on it since 2007.

The band hits the states this year on April 13th up in Seattle and the closest they’ll get to San Diego is this year’s Coachella Valley music and Arts Festival on the 17th of April. I do believe that Franz Ferdinand will return to the lime light with great success. I mean come one, they’re featured on an iPod commercial, and we all know what that can do for your musical career.

Local Band- The Old In Out.

2009-04-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ok. The Old In Out. They are…..a band. A band of the rock punkish variety. They have a singer, a couple guitarists, drummer and bassist. The songs are….ok, they’ve got some click………ok The Old In Out sound like every other San Diego dive bar punk band around. Yes they can get the kids hopping around after they’ve had a few but is there really anything special about them? If there is I just can’t find it. I guess if you had to put it some way they’re a bunch of really nice guys who play in a band and gig around the city. They’ve got a fan base of lil indie punk rock kids with they’re tattoos showing and nerd glasses on with they’re thick beards or "Vintage" garb on.

After getting a hold of their music I gave it a good listen for a few weeks. At first I liked them, they seemed to have a pretty good vibe around the, but then I was poking around myspace and switching out some other local band CDs and realized it’s the same. And that kind of made me a bit depressed. When I look for a good local band to get my feet off the ground I’m looking for their signature, the little thing in the music that makes you say, “F**k Yeah Man!” But I couldn’t find it in this particular instance. If you stack them to some of the really good local punkers and rockers that are blowing up or have already made local rock gods status you can probably see what I’m talking about. Bands like The Creepy Creeps, Wild Weekend, Scarlet Symphony and so forth. They’ve all got an act, they’ve all got a sound, and they’ve got something memorable about them. Something that keep you from saying “yeah there was a band playing that night, who were they again?” Vice “Yeah man, *insert band name* were freaking crazy.”

But I digress and to sum it up The Old In Out are decent. They may even have potential if they pull together and find something to help them stand apart. Again they aren’t bad, they have a pretty decent live performance they just have some room to grow and soul searching to do in my opinion. And as we like to say around the office, we know someone out there’s gotta like em.

The Deadly Syndrome- The Ortolan

2009-04-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Innocent. Really innocent sounding. At least that’s what comes to mind when I listen to The Deadly Syndrome’s debut album, “The Ortolan.” Starting out with the ping of a small piano sound the likes of a children’s song and breaking in with some whiny yet soothing vocals is all something just so pleasant. It’s weird because you can compare them to other sounds from other bands but at the same time you can’t because they’ve got such a “put together-ness” about them that you’d swear they were the original. Not quite that California country happy sound like The Elected, but not quite the acoustic mellow yet happily depressing sounds of Death Cab and all mixed with other accent sounds and melodies. It really is fantastic. All this coming off Dim Mak Records, the guys who brought you Foreign Born, Sean Na Na, Whitey and others.

Consisting of Christopher Richard with vocals, William Etling on guitar, Jesse Hoy on drums and Michael Hughes on keys the four of these guys apparently put on quite the rock show for their style of music. Granted it’s not all melodic soothing music, a few of the tracks are very much the head banger sway back and forth genre. The album all in all is well rounded and progressively phenomenal, starting out like stated, something out of a children’s book read with piano in the background and ending with an all out keys and noise big sound boom at the temple of some 1980s video game. It really is outstanding and definitely something you and your children and your children’s children should check out. Keep a look out for these guys. Oh and keep an eye out for Mustachio.

The Ting Tings- We Started Nothing

2009-02-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

Once again kids, if you wanna get far in the music industry get your single out on an apple iPod commercial. It’s the fast track to stardom. Just like for the UK band…The Ting Tings.

This girl/boy duo has had an interesting past before they formed. Front girl Katie White used to be a part of the short lived girl pop group, TKO, remember them? I didn’t think so either. Back up dude, Jules De Martino, started out playing in Christian bands in London, then mobbing to Manchester and starting a little known band called Dear Eskiimo, a Portishead inspired band who signed with Mercury, but then broke up, figure that one out. After that the two met in Manchester and the rest is, well you know.

So the music, yes the music. It’s definitely part of the new obsession among the youngsters and their indie-pop dance music. Their single, “Shut Up and Let Me Go,” off their debut album, “We Started Nothing,” was featured in an Apple iPod commercial and is part of an album that I hate to say is becoming part of a generic sound. Something for the barely 21 scenesters that hob nob at the Beauty Bar or Live Wire would love to jump and down to. And what sets them apart from their counterparts such as CSS or The Faint, or any other electro pop dance routine? Well I guess you’d have to admire the way they play live. You have to realize that they are just a duo. Katie on the microphone, guitar and bass drum (yeah interesting), where as Jules is primarily drums, but also backs up guitar and vocals.

So overall it’s a Brit band, with the sound of the new age coming over to America and selling products for Apple. I mean it is a catchy album, it does make you want to move some and I’m sure after a few pink martinis you’ll be doing just that. It’s pure fun, and annoyingly it’ll grow on you. Cheers to The Ting Tings.

Death Cab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs

2008-07-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Their back!

Oh those Sub Pop darlings from the rainy town of Seattle are so back. That’s right Death Cab for Cutie have released their latest gem “Narrow Stairs.” And as expected it’s nothing short of progressive and amazing. As where Plans was a bit more depressing then anything Narrow Stairs has a little more angst to it. A little stronger and slightly more dark. Kind of after the break up and your past missing them but now for some reason irrationally hating them and their new boy/girlfriend but your still civil about it. They’ve also included the longest song ever recorded by them, the 8 minute and 35 second long single “I will posses your heart,” with about five minutes of intro and three minutes of lyrics and song. But it’s simply fantastic.

To put things into perspective on the album you’d have to reference a quote by Mr. Walla back in ’07 while they were in the studio. Simply stating: "thus far it's pretty weird and pretty spectacular; lots of blood. It's creepy and heavy... we've got a ten minute long Can jam, and had you suggested that possibility to me in 1998, I'd have eaten your puppy's brain with a spoon." And that’s exactly what it is and most likely what you’d think as well when Death Cab when they entered the scene back around ’98.

This is by all means the best work that Death Cabs ever done thus far and I can only wait to see them live. Honesty the album is so amazing that as I type I find it really hard to describe what I really feel about it. In fact I can’t. So get off your bottoms and go out and buy the bloody thing already. And do I really have to tell you the links. Seriously though, an outstanding piece of work by these guys.

Flobots- Fight With Tools

2008-07-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Viva La Revolution!......Out of Colorado?

Yeah that’s right you may or may not of heard of them yet but we’ve a new addition to the political revolution. Flowbots, a six piece rap/rock band out of Denver Flowbots have been round since about 2005 with their first EP of sorts, “Platypus” and now with their full album “Fight With Tools.” Now when you think rap/rock your probably say, “oh joy, another Linkin Park or; what was that 90’s band that started that craze?” Well, your wrong. Flowbots is an amazing blend of, well, rap/hip-hop, rock skaish, funky and…..classical? Yes on top of the usual 3 or 4 piece band they’ve added horns and a violinist to the mix producing a very unique and tight sound. So with that being said who are they again?

Jonny 5- Emcee, Vocals (as stated on their “Space”

Brer Rabbit- Emcee, Vocals

ANDY “ROK” Guerrero- Guitar, Vocals

Mackenzie Roberts- Viola, Vocals

Jesse Walker- Bass

Kenney Ortiz- Drums

So when the album starts out you hear the typical-ish political stance rap, war, media control, etc. But it’s got a shine to it. It’s….well polished, well rehearsed, Jonny 5 backed by classical and strings, horns like it’s the saddest song in the world. And then it explodes. And it’s not like Rage Against the Machine or Linkin Park, it’s well produced, the lyrics are powerful and back with meaning and substance. And it glides along the musical spectrum, from something indie sounding, something jazzy and upbeat, something hard and forward, and something beautiful and full of four piece soulful harmonies. This is for the everyday man’s revolution. Something that all people can enjoy and appreciate rather than an “in your face” impeach happy, *uck Bush, attitude.

“Handlebars,” the band’s single to come off of “Fight with Tools,” is an amazingly powerful song that can get you off your seat chanting against the establishment. The album’s message isn’t monotone either, it touches on world events, US political happenings as well as 9/11 and other hot topics per say. In short this hodge poge of politically influenced rappers, violinists, trumpets makes for an amazing album. You can check out more on their “Space” at myspace.com/flobots or their website at www.flobots.com. Word.

Coconut Records- Nighttiming

2008-07-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Who knew?

Apart for the ol’ Phantom Planet who knew that Jason Schwartzman, possibly the sexist man alive with a Jewish last name, had a side project of sorts? Coconut Records. No not a label, a band, even less of a band a solo project by Schwartzman. Formed, per say, in 2006 under what is presumably his label, Young Baby Records, Coconut Records has released “Nighttiming.” And what can I say, it’s really bloody good. Yes, yes it’s got some Phantom Planet..ish qualities, but what did you expect from the former drummer of the band?

The album itself is as indie as you can get. Filled with acoustic ballads, funky dance along songs and overall feel goodie-ness. Not bad for a guy who did, well, everything on the album (with a little help from the likes of Mike Einziger and others). And to add that special touch of lovingness each album ordered through the website usually comes with something. First starting out with Polaroids of JS himself, in the end Coconut Records has turned into something of a fashion statement. Now producing handmade Coconut Records dog collars and tote bags.

But yes in the end the album is quite brilliant. Well worth the listen and the few quid you’ll spend on getting it. Really you come out on top if you buy it and get a surprise. Check out his “Space” at myspace.com/coconutrecords or the website at www.youngbabyrecords.com.

Honeycut- The Day I Turned To Glass

2008-06-09T01:53:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing what a mac commercial can do for you.

It’s done wonders for the band Honeycut. With their debut album, “The Day I Turned to Glass,” the three piece electro-funk band is making a very quick name, especially after signing on with such a renoun label as Quannum Projects, harboring the likes of DJ Shadow, Lyrics Born and Blackalicious, among others. Two San Francisco natives and a Frenchman Bart Davenport, RV Salters (the French guy) and Tony Sevener) get together and create some of the most funky, rhythmic and soulful electro-pop on the planet.

They’re sound is so unique, and has definitely carved out a niche. Not quite hip-hop, or pure electric. The DJs I’m sure will go nuts for it. And it’s always a trip watching mostly electronic band play live. Well let me tell you they put on a really good show, especially with RV and his multitasking keyboard playing while dancing act. Like the Subpop family, the guys from Quannum really support each other, and draw from each other. Honeycut’s album transcends through soundscapes and beat seamlessly and the way Bart delivers is such a mix of soothing vocals it’s so sweet it’ll make you diabetic. It’s an album that any respectable lounge monkey should have in his player for the cocktail party. Definitely check these guys out, support them, listen to them watch out for them.

Switches- Lay Down The Law

2008-06-09T01:51:00.000-07:00

It’s another Brit invasion! We just can’t seem to keep em out can we?

Switches. The latest Brit-pop nue wave thing to come out of the UK has released their debut album “Lay Down the Law.” I gotta say though, the hits keep coming out from across the pond. Switches is one of those bands that’s kind of all over the map when it comes to they’re sound. Almost like there just grabbing whatever thought our sound that comes by their ear. They’ve got an amazing march to anthem sound mixed with a big screaming sound and top it off with a three part harmony vocals which spins off as a little Queen-ish. It’s really fantastic to be honest.

Putting out their EP, “Message from Yuz,” back in 2006 (which they only pressed 500 of) lead to their debut album, “Heart Turned to D.E.A.D,” which was recorded in LA by Rob Schnapf and engineered by Doug Boehm. It tanked. After some touring with a couple bands such as The Automatic the band released its second single on Atlantic, “Drama Queen,” back in January 07 which lead to the re-recording of their current album, “Lay Down the Law.” Fancy that.

So these guys have been through a lot in the past couple years, finally getting some recognition on the Interscope label and currently touring with UK it band The Bravery. The band has a long road ahead of it, but their sound is really unique and catchy enough to start etching out their place. Even with little publicity and air play in the UK “Lay Down the Law” peaked at 64 on the charts with its first release in 2006. So check them out, listen to some of their stuff out and get to like them.

Fono- To Broken to Break

2008-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Fono has to be one of the least known success stories to come out of San Diego. A literal phoenix in the music industry, 8 years after debuting with “Goesaroundcomesaround,” they’re back with “To Broken to Break.” And let me tell you, 8 years and a fire will solidify a band to churn out upstart and straight forward rock.

One could say that Fono has gone where the money is for a bit. Commercial music, having a plethora of songs featured on MTV, sports shows, DVDs, ER and others, but hey you do what you do to pay the bills yeah? You shouldn’t hold anything against these guys. They’ve also got touring success, having toured with the likes of Bon Jovi, Guano Apes, Third Eye Blind, Robert Plant and others. Following that up with overwhelming UK success as well. They’ve been though a lot. After the success of their album and then they’re commercial success along come the California wild fires of 2003, burning down they’re studio and gear.

But pushing through that and now coming out with “To Broken to Break,” which was produced by Chris Sheldon and mastered by Bill Dooley, you get a mix of 90s sounding power rock. Seeing as the two produced and pushed some of the greatest bands of today through the melting pot that was 90s rock. And you know what? It’s fantastic that way. Right now there’s a giant hole in the music industry that was left by that era and it needs to be filled, and Fono is just the band to do it. Something big and loud with a purely energetic driving pounding sound. It's actually kind of funny though when you listen to them and come to the realization that they really do have a solid 90s rock sound to them. The 11 track album has everything from power anthems to buzz ballads and as always the always out of place soft balled. They’re live show is amazing as well even in the smallest of venues, such as the Beauty Bar, where there is such a live energy around them.

Definitely check this band out and catch them live. “To Broken to Break” is definitely a most kick ass album if there ever was one. And to top it all off you can download said album for free at they’re website, www.fono.net.

The Kooks Announce December US Tour Dates

2007-11-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Fresh out of the studio recording their sophomore album with ‘Inside In / Inside Out’ producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air, Belle & Sebastian) in Ray Davies’ legendary Konk Studios in London, The Kooks venture stateside this December to deck the halls.

Dec. 6th - The End’s Deck the Hall Ball – Seattle, WA
Dec. 9th – WRLT Nashville Sunday Night Concert Series – Nashville, TN
Dec. 11th – WTTS Rock to Read Xmas – Indianapolis, IN
Dec. 12th – WXRT VIP Private Show – Chicago, IL
Dec. 14th – KBCO Holiday Concert Series – Boulder, CO
Dec. 15th – KBZT’s Holiday Hootenanny – San Diego, CA
Dec. 16th – Alice in Wonderland - San Francisco, CA

Ah yes the Kooks, that lil brit band has decided to come state side to what seems more like a US radio Christmas show tour. But hey, they're coming to our town, San Diego. Better yet they're playing at the FM 94.9 Holiday Hootenanny with a totally to die for line up including Queens of the Stone Age, The Kooks (duh), local boys Pinback and Louis XIV, Mute Math and Rouge Wave. It'll be an awsome show, I gaurentee it. Tickets go on sale Friday November 15th, go figure a month before the show, but with a line up like this they're most likely run out as quick as the Inde Jam.

Back to The Kooks however, they're a really good lil brit band. One of the few that keep they're accents while singing, go figure. They're debut US album, "Inside in/ Inside out," had done well, and everything on the album is really catch. So catch them on the Holiday Hootenanny, word is they'll be back in the studio for a 2008 release. Thanks to Johhy Kaps for the release.

Moving Units- Hexes for Exes

2007-10-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

In a nut shell I’d have to say that Moving Unit’s latest work, “Hexes for Exes,” must be a scenester’s ultimate break up album. The rock infused electro-pop fuzzy melodic sound mixed with cynical anti-relationship and social satire lyrics is really genius. With song titles such as Paper Hearts, The Kids from Orange County, Pick up the Phone, Wrong Again….well you get the picture.

Formed in 2001 with an EP and LP under they’re belt Hexes for Exes is most definitely part of that “Rock Infused” thing I was talking about. But don’t get me wrong there’s rock in there. Actually listening to the album, no two songs really sound alike. It’s like a mish-mash of The Editors, Strokes and Buddy Akai, which is actually pulled off quite well. The lyrics I would have to say are just as clinically depressing as those from She Wants Revenge. But actually want to make you move. Picking on may social and cultural aspects of “the scene” and giving at least one single for all you kiddles to enjoy. Especially those who frequent the Beauty Bar.

Blake (guitar), Johan (bass), Chris (drums), and they’re latest member Victor (guitar) have really defined progressive punk for the new age. And having already toured with such bands as Hot Hot Heat, The Pixies, blur and opening for Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins they’ve already managed to make a name for themselves and now signing on to Metropolis Records, debuting with Hexes, The band is ready to just explode. Expect Hexes for Exes to drop on October 9^thof this year. This is the type of album that gives you options. If you wanna dance, than dance to it, rock out to it, than rock out to it, make out to it, than make out to it. It’s everyone’s everything album.

Badly Drawn Boy- Born in the U.K.

2007-03-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Since debuting in 2002 with “Hour of Bewilderbeast” Damon Gough, a.k.a. Badly Drawn Boy has done nothing less than amaze during his entire musical career. Now with three albums and a full soundtrack under his belt Damon has returned with “Born in the

U.K.

” which has to be considered his best work yet. Starting out on Indie U.K. record label XL Recordings than forming Twisted Nerve Records, with Andy Votel, which carried him through most of his career Damon now finds himself on big time U.K. label EMI and astralwerks for the U.S.

A proverbial “one-man-band” in the studio, and on stage, Damon is known for playing a variety of instruments including the guitar and piano. His whimsical style of writing and playing draws directly from his past and present experience. Damon, being the very personal guy that he is, draws influences such as “Have You Fed the Fish” drew from his small, but growing, celebrity status, and drops a few names in the album. And “One Plus One Is One” relates to the death a close friend and the loss of his grandfather during WWII. Now with “Born in the

U.K.

” Damon comes back home, portraying life and growing up in, well, the

U.K.

If you’re a fan of Badly Drawn Boy, and happen to have the majority of his albums, you’ll notice the subtle change through the years. The changes of a true maturing artist. This is really how a musician should develop over the years. Born of the

U.K.

brings a more “human” aspect to his music and really brings back a lost art of music. Storytelling. Plain and simple storytelling, reminiscent of the 60s and 70s with that warm full sound. The album is simply epic and classic Badly Drawn Boy. And if you listen closely to a few couple tracks you’ll probably figure out that Damon is a Bruce Springsteen fan.

Despite the somewhat poor critical reviews and low acceptance in the U.S. Badly Drawn Boy still flourishes as a cult favorite. Really he is one of those artists where you have to start from square one to “get” his music. But for what it is, it is nothing short of amazing. So if you’re an old fan you’ll probably have “Born in the U.K.” already. If you’re a new listener give him a try, get his album, listen to I a few times and it’s bound to grow on you. Damon is truly the definition of an artist.

DJ Lumis- Hypothetical Questions and Rhetorical Conversations

2007-01-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ah we love electronic fuck. We really do. Local boy DJ Lumis, who’s real name we obviously don’t know cause that’s a DJ thing I guess sent us his latest solo cut, “Hypothetical Questions and Rhetorical Conversations.” That’s a mouthful. But as the blend of hip-hop and down tempo DJing blends closer and closer together you get guys like Lumis. Cutting and mixing repetitive samples with mellow, melodic beats with an old school touch here and there. So really he’s not just a scratchier like a lot of DJ’s who sit behind their turntables and ride the vinyl. But out there behind the mixing console and keyboard cutting it up.

The man is a busy man as well. Having toured with such acts as the Meg Lee Chin Experience and finding residencies at such clubs as The Gig on Melrose and The Room in LA, Lumis is also working two other projects known as Illadapted and Shotgun Radio, who have both turned out albums.

As a solo artist though I have to say that the man is a prodigy musical genius. Hypothetical Questions and Rhetorical Conversations is a 15 track album with flawless mixing and comes with a really big chill factor. Being solo he’s played a number of the notable venues, The Roxy, The Knitting Factory, House of Blues, Zen Sushi to name a few. He’s also move to production and promotions, starting his website In Life we Spin, where he provides a “one stop shop” for recording, productions, DJ services and promotions for new talent. Apparently there’s also been talk of a clothing line.

Lumis is definitely running on all 8 cylinders and there just seems to be no stopping the man. Constantly gigging every other day of the month as a solo act and with his other two projects he’s really ready to explode to the next level.

Shammy Dee- Transcripted Thoughts

2006-10-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Check it ya’ll Shammy Dee be in the hizzle. But we only try to be slightly ethnic. But seriously, our featured artist this time around is the one and only Shammy Dee, local DJ gone hip-hop artist with his debut CD Transcripted Thoughts. The album has that old school 60’s 70’s soul feel that we all love so much theses days, but with a twist. Hard honest lyrics. This isn’t some hip-hop album rapping about your usual assortment of gansta ho’s and grills. This is intellectual hip-hop/R&B as you’ll ever know it.

The man does everything. Producing and mixing his own cuts while doing vocals which apparently is something for being a DJ makes it hard for one to express his own feelings through words. This full length CD takes you on a soulful trip as he constructs as simpler time before the bling. There are a few guests on the album too, paring up with local artists Zandi De Jesus, Peace Be Free and The Feel Good Choir backing him up.

And this isn’t everything that Shammy Dee does. The man keeps himself busy through out the town. You can find him:

On air with Jazz 88.3 - every 4th Wednesday night from 11:20 to Midnight
The Onyx Room - every Saturday night from 9 - 12 with DJ Sachamo and Mike II Bless
Kadan's - the last Friday of the month
And Illfonix Friday

Shammy Dee is an artist you should definitely check out. And buy buy buy his album. It’ll make you shake your groove thing and all other parts associated with it. And who says San Diego gots no hip-hop game.

Jim Bianco- Handsome Devil

2006-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn born, Long Island raised, Berkley educated, L.A. living, Hollywood loved Jim Bianco. Yeah like we said he's from L.A./Hollywood area. But it's Southern California, and.....we love him. Not since the Royal Crown Revue has anything shook up the L.A. "big band" underground scene. Starting more or less solo, doing some stuff with Tim Davis, another fantastical big band composer, and than releasing "Well Within Reason," Jimmy's first "major" release in 2003 and again now with his new.....er album "Handsome Devil." Ok. So were a little off the release date news, Handsome Devil being released in 2004. Any who....moving on. The album is great. So yeah. Usually that's all we would have to say but it's really great. Heh. Lyrically outstanding along with that raspy voice of his adds a subtle sexiness to the lyrics which, as we've seen live sometimes, can lead to dirty minds "interpreting" them the wrong way. What can we say? Jim wishes he had two tongues.

Moving on. If your board, and in Hollywood at any time you can usually catch him playing at the Hotel CafeBut for the next few months he'll be wrapped up with a tour with them called the 2005 Hotel Cafe Tour; feature a bunch of cool cats like Gary Jules. You can catch everything and anything at Jim's very own webby site. and you can catch him and the Hotel Cafe Tour at The Casbah on Thursday October 13th. So go check his stuff out. Support him, love him, embrace him, and his large nose, hehe, and buy his cd. Cause it's cool. And great to play at cocktail parties.

Buddy Akai

2006-05-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Buddy Akai. Hands down one of the hardest working bands in the San Diego area. Seriously. You may not know who they are, but I bet you’ve seen them. Somewhere, some place, from the Beauty Bar to some hole in the wall in Tijuana. Think of them as The Killers on steroids and crack and a dash of sanka for kicks.

We saw these guys perform during Pop-Rocks at the Beauty Bar one night and said “who the hell are those guys playing on the stage”? Well at least our Producer said that. At any rate, the four piece band, comprised of the following: Memo Rex on the SM-58 and keys/synth, Waly Mayhem on the 6 strings, Rotny on the 4 strings and Alvaro Lazo, aka Pills, on the skins, have been around since late 2004 and have, since then, played nationally and over the border, opening for touring acts and Djs.

They hold true to something that most Brit-pop and poppy alt-rock bands fall short of; which is simply making your “Groove Thing” move on the dance floor. Cause where you get jumpin around and bouncing off each other in a weak pit Buddy Akai will seriously get you dancing like it was the disco in the 60’s.

Releasing their self-titled debut, produced by Uriel Esquenazi, an international DJ/Producer who has worked with various artists like Plastilina Mosh, ZOE and Thievery Corporation, is amazing. Taking you on a melodic emotion ride filled with synth and steady beats to shake it to. Although the synth does make most of the songs sound the same, it definitely fills a void in the beats that would otherwise just not work out.

Watching them live is a crazy experience as well, with Mr. Rex multi-tasking on the keys and mic, as well as the rest of the band backing their lead. If you hooked the band up to an intelligent laser light show it would be sure to star seizers.

Everything combined makes Buddy Akai a must have for your local collection and a must to catch at The Beauty Bar, where they frequent as if they were drinkers instead of a band playing. We’re definitely proud to have them as our “This Time Around” featured artist on Latitude 32°.