Latitude 32° music = culture

2010-04-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

Subtly powerful is the best way to describe the latest work from UK duo Turin Breaks and their latest forthcoming album, ‘Outbursts,’ which drops April 20th here in the states. Some music out there is made to speak straight and true to your soul and not just to the bearded, soft hearted indie kids of the day, but it seems that anyone who puts on a pair of headphones and listens to this album could grow to fall head-over-heels in love with it.

Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian have a long history together, long time mates from childhood to be exact, and formed the group in 1999. Between then and 2003 the two released a few EP records including ‘The Door,’ ‘The State of Things,’ and ‘Fight or Flight.’ All of which are fantastic and lead to their first LP album ‘The Optimist,’ which was released on Source Records in the UK and re-released in the states under known label Astralwerks (AIR, Badly Drawn Boy, The Kooks, Sia, etc.). Since then the band has released several more successful album works including ‘Ether Song,’ ‘JackInABox,’ ‘Dark on Fire,’ and a live album, ‘Live at the Palladium.’

Outbursts is the latest jewel in the two’s stellar catalog so far. It’s a whimsical, light and airy acoustic love affair with a plethora of styling undertones. It’s almost a full 360° evolution of the band returning to its musical roots with everything learned and gained over the years. The single out now, “Sea Change,” has a powerful, driving undertone but is still lightly carried and kept in check by the duo’s soothing voice and the twinkling of acoustic guitars. The music video is just as powerful and quite creative using plastic soldiers and stop motion. You can find the video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fawhVcprjDA. The rest of the album takes you on a ride from lullaby like songs for lovers, more folk-ish sounds with lessons to be learned in the lyrics to more deep, soul driven tracks that come down like a heavy rain in the end. It’s Brit Pop, it’s Folk, it’s rock all wrapped up in to one package.

Turin Brakes is probably the best UK band you’ve never heard of, which is like the Brits to keep their crown jewels to themselves, hidden…usually in a tower. And despite that they’ve had tracks featured on The O.C. and Gossip Girl. Although if your reading this review on our site you probably don’t frequent such television programs. Its music for lovers, its music for your soul and its music you’re guaranteed to fall in love with. Technically Outbursts has already dropped, but in the UK. The official US drop is April 20th on Cooking Vinyl Records and the two are already touring in support of it in the UK with US dates to come. Keep on top of the two by checking out their website, http://www.turinbrakes.com.

Review by: Will O.

Editors- In This Light And On This Evening Album Review

2010-03-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

It's dark...Real dark. Granted the past two albums from Brit Rock band, the Editors, have always been subtly eerie but their new album, 'In this Light and on this Evening,' is a little more heavy then past works. It was so to a point that after the first couple listens I really didnt enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I was ecstatic that the Editors were putting out a new record. I had figured they had a good thing going with that loud, boomy fast paced sound theyve had before. In the end they almost went the other way.

In This Light And On This Hour is toned down a bit, slowed down a tad and has a lot of deep dark undertones mixed with some wicked electo noises. It almost sounds like a bastardised 80s epic movie soundtrack, you know like Running Man or Blade Runner. Admittedly some of the more dark tracks aren't as fun, but when you cut into some of those more uptempo, electro backed tracks you can get moving a bit. Im sure theres some potential on the remix for all you DJs out there.

Overall the album may be an acquired taste to all those new Editors fans. The hard core old ones will probably fall in love with it. I have to admit it was slightly a new direction for them. And so far it's worked. It caught on to me, you just have to switch gears a little to listen to the album, set the mood. I am, however, very excited to see their live performance again, as they never disappoint. Im sure it'll be fantastic. The band tours the states all through the month of February and will be stopping by at the House of Blues San Diego on February 9th.

Mute Math- Armistice Album Review

2010-03-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

Finally, after three years of touring around and riding they're debut album, Mute Math, the boys from New Orleans have produced another gem of an album. Armistice has to be one of the most eclectic albums Ive ever heard in a very long time.

If youre a fan, as you should be, youd notice on their website the entire recording process over the past few years while on the road and in the studio both in Nashville and New Orleans. The apparent long and strenuous process of producing the new album actually prompted tension within the band leading them to bring aboard producer Dennis Herring (producer of Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello, The Hives, Ben Folds and others) to help them bring focus towards the creative process as the band scrapped nearly everything done to the point and starting from scratch which helped them produce 20 or so new songs which would eventually be boiled down into the twelve that make up Armistice.

Armistice in itself is an amazing album from start to finish. You may or may not know that you got a taste back when the film Twilight came out with the bands first single to come out from the new album, Spotlight. Whatever you do, dont base that one song to be the entire album, its an amazing ride filled with Mute Maths patented form of unique art and experimental rock. If you listen closely its you can hear possible influences or just overall different genres of music. Some singles have a hit of radio head with that airy lift you off the ground feel, almost West Indian Girlish. Other singles have a heavy electro poppy feel to it as well. While the rest of the album is filled with strings and brass, including a second cut from the title track, Armistice, which includes back up from the Rebirth Brass Band outta the bands hometown of New Orleans.

Mute Math has to be one of the most creative and hard working bands out there today. They're record music is only seconded by their live performances which never disappoint. If you havent picked up Armistice then there probably is something a little off about you. Otherwise go get and watch out for them to hit a town near you. For us here in the fantastic city of San Diego Mute Math will be hitting the House of Blues on October 11th. Be there or be of the squared variety.

AIR- Love 2 Album Review

2010-03-22T03:24:00.000-07:00

The French have invaded again. Its been about two years since Airs last album, Pocket Symphony, dropped in early 2007, followed by a stellar tour, time off and lots of studio time the French electronic pop duo has dropped their sixth studio album dubbed, Love 2. We got a little snippet of the fuzzy, feel good sound of Love 2 in August of 09 when the first single, Sing Sang Sun, dropped. It set the tone for the rest of the album is probably one of those perfect fit songs.

Love 2 offers us mostly what wed expect from the Frenchmen Nicolas godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. A mystical, whimsical journey through space and time which can really only be enhanced through light drug use and sexual activities. Its definitely a fun album to listen to and at first I thought, well, its Air...and I still love them. But I had another listen, and another, and maybe even indulged in some of the activities above, to try and find the uniqueness of their latest work. I guess vice theyre last work, Pocket Symphony, which was sounded very clean, mellow and down tempo, something you could definitely chill too; Love 2 has done something of a 180° by sounding much more organic. The album has a faster tempo in most songs, its a little more creative chaos and toned back on the electronic as it accents the music less drives the music. And going back the single, Sing San Sung, its just fun and cheerful, something destined for a soundtrack. You want to fall in love to this album. Even the titles of the tracks are somewhat humorous. Be a Bee, Eat My Beat, Tropical Disease, So Light Is Her Footfall, I have to wonder what they were thinking while writing this album. I mean after all, they are French.

Overall if youre a raving Air fan, like myself, youll just love Love 2 in its entirety. Its classic Air to the letter and a joy to listen to, one for the collection. The band is currently on tour in Europe, no plans laid out for a state side stint at anytime yet, however if they do cross the pond I highly suggest you see them live, its an experience, just about life changing...bring a lover. And pick up Love 2.

West Indian Girl- We Believe Album Review

2010-03-22T03:23:00.001-07:00

"Its about finding the best thing in life, be it a wave or a state of mind or a perfect escape," co-founding bassist Francis Ten says.

It has been a summer of highs & lows for LA sextet West Indian Girl. On the heels of their well-received sophomore album 4th & Wall comes the sad news that their female lead singer has departed from the band due to recent life & priority changes. One of said changes may be Mariqueens recent engagement to Trent Reznor, but who are we to speculate?

As posted on their blog, the show must go on and thus West Indian Girl has a full line-up of shows this summer that will be played without interruption including a top-billed performance at Street Scene here in sunny San Diego. According to their blog, they are looking for an immediate replacement for their dearly departed lead singer, so any interested females should contact: info@westindiangirl.com

On a more musical note, West Indian Girls new CD is excellent and absorbing. They have a vintage, acid tinged-feel that combines international and So Cal charms.

The first few songs, To Die in LA, Blue Wave, and Sofia all sound a bit similar, with jangly instruments and trippy, out of this world sound effects over male vocals. The Indian Ocean brings a bit more depth to the album, with sentimental lyrics such as this is our last chance to make it rain over sentimental chords.

Lost Children comes roaring in with a disco beat reminiscent of Jamiroqui, and the album continues to build & surprise from there. Get Up & Rise from the Dead feature howling, classic rock style vocals & harder guitar chords to close things out on a haunting note.

Line up changes or not, West Indian Girl is a band to watch and I for one will be front row & dancing at their upcoming Street Scene debut. We Believe is an excellent album and a must have for any WIG fans out there, a collection of rarity, remixes and b-sides from over the years. Released by indie label, Origami Records (also an excellent vinyl store), We Believe is sure to relax your soul when the day turns to night. You can find out more about the band and their current comings and goings at http://www.westindiangirl.com, and check out Origami Records at http://www.origamiorigami.com.

Muse- The Resistance Album Review

2010-03-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

Muse. They've produced some stellar work in the past. Their debut hit full length album, Absolution, broke records and boundaries setting them as one of the premiere and hardest rocking UK bands out there. Their follow up with Black Holes and Revelations only solidified them as a progressive creative machine. And now with theyre third album, The Resistance, theyve gone and done something that few bands can ever pull off. They have re-defined rock opera. Honestly, whether they intended to or not they did just that. With the bands unique electo-classical music rock mashing and progressive flow from one track to another theyve created some nue age rock symphony.

Muse has always been noted for their involvement of big sound, big noise, big show and The Resistance is no exception. The only real way to describe the sound being blasted into my mind would be simply epic. Its a perfectly produced musical blend of forward rock music with electronic filler and symphonic back up. Something that Muse has done before but only in this album has it really all come together for me. For instance: Absolution was a fantastic album, but it was edgy, it was loud and it was raw. Something to march too and bang your head two, especially with the two hit singles off the track, Hysteria and Time is Running Out. Now, Black Holes and Revelations was also a stellar piece of work. But it was more experimental and a bit poppy with its singles Suppermassive Black Hole and Starlight. Now you take both of these albums and mash them together, progress and experiment and produce the hell out of it until its absolutely perfect in sound and then youve got The Resistance. Its got movie soundtrack production quality and is amazing to listen to, especially the last three tracks which are quite literally a rock symphony.

Briefly on the last three tracks, known as Exogenesis: Symphony, Pt. 1: Overture, Pt. 2: Cross-Pollination and Pt. 3: Redemption, are beautifully produced with Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt being referenced as the influences behind the classical tracks. Although no official symphony or established orchestra was partnered with a group of 40 classical musicians were brought together to form an orchestra with the band. The tracks are a totally unique concept for the band with front man Matthew Bellamy having hinted on its creation in 2008 when entering the studio saying I think the next album Id like to do at least one 15-minute space-rock solo. Honestly its utterly fantastic through and through.

So Blog About It.

2010-01-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

Everyone. Everyone whos part of generation Z and has access to the internet has a blog. Theyre everywhere. Mostly of no consequence, most of them could be considered no more than public diaries for whoever is bored enough to stumble by them. San Diego has its fair share of these. So we dove in and had a look to see whats what, whose writing about what, where, when and should you actually care. Now first we should set out some ground rules as to what actually is considered a blog. Well first it has to be in some form of WordPress format going through such providers as wordpress.org, or blogger.com. For exampleus truly, we are not a blog. We are an actual built website. Aside from that we could really care less. So lets begin, shall we?

The first one that stands out for us has to be the most basic, simple and yet effective blog site out there for the San Diego area. And, to some respects, our main competition. San Diego Dialed In, http://www.sddaledin.com. Founded a couple years ago by local indie scene guru Rosemary, SD Dialed In is actually one of the best sources to find out whats what in the scene. Although youll notice a long list of contributing writers on the right side of the page youll come to notice that along the read that Rosemary is really the only one that posts content. More power to her, the girl has such a low key reputation but can just about go anywhere she wants too. Constantly updating the events calendar, there really isnt much this blog cant provide you if youre looking for where to go on any particular day. If its worthy shell note it. Kudos to SD Dialed In. But you know, keep on tabs with us as well.

Next on the list came to our attention about a month and a half ago or so, give or take a week. Its brand spanking and for better or worse is starting to rock the boat and make the ripples into waves. SD Gossip Scene, http://www.sdgossipscene.com. Ran by a short, dark haired girl, who out of some wayward professional courtesy asked of by our producer and editor, shall be left anonymous. Although we dont know why cause although her plan to keep low key in the scene to us is failing miserably. Maybe she shouldnt pass business cards out, despite they are nameless, and youre passing them out. Aside the point though, you all know her and probably just dont realize who she is. But youll notice that over the past year the San Diego hipster/scenester/indie/electo/dance/cracked out/drunk/ 21-23yro scene has been getting more and more highschool-ish. And this gossip blogger loves to add fuel to the fire. Reporting on just about everything scene, heard, or otherwise rumored about, snapping photos and drawing like a 5 year old on them. The sad part is that people, for better or worse, look at this and then go all OMG, WTF. Its amazing how easily peoples buttons can get pushed in this town. But in some instances, making a break up public, putting people on something of a spotlight just isnt cool. There are scene reports and local event promotions on the site as well, but that doesnt really do justice. We predict that its only time until the mystery girl is made very public and either crucified or accepted in some sadistic way. San Diego has never been a gossip town; the major tabloids even stay out of town. And no offense to anyone out there but reallydo you even think your worth blogging about? But we wish her good luck, and god help her if and when the kettle boils over.

A little known blog, but in actuality a very intuitive blog to us, would be Mintphonic, http://mintphonic.blogspot.com. What is it you ask? Well its a scene specific blog reporting on local and global happenings in the electro scene. Promoting local events and reporting notable DJ acts coming and going through town as well as industry news on that scene. Its not too shabby. Brought to you by local DJ Joseph Maldonado, aka DJ Headshake has also created Ping Pow Zing, a promotional gig for DJ events and producers of Kitchen Time with the #1 Julius, which in itself is an interesting phenomena. Funny to watch most the time, mainly promoting what is coming up event wise and the love of Julius and cooking with beer.

A similar blog, pretty much with the same goals and aims, would be Colour Vision, http://www.colourvisionmusic.com. Created by fellow DJ Corey Hurley, Colour Vision seems to be more of a reposting of events to come and reports been made in the electro scene; Vice its sister blog, Minphonic, which seems to provide us with more of an insight of whats going on with all that noise.

There are others, some such as Insomniac-Rant, http://bre-nice.blogspot.com, maintained by local scene girl Berenice Diaz, is pretty much a public diary for all those who care to see what shes up to and where shes been and is going. Its amusing at times since she is an amusing character herself. Other blogs such as Boots Baby!, http://bootsbaby.blogspot.com, maintained by once local scene girl (gone to college but drives 4-6hrs on the long weekends back home) Brittney Boots Bowels, focuses on more of the fashion and culture phenomena . Oh yeah, did we also mention that she too.is a DJ Brazzabelle. Go figure. Following her, would be EcologiqueSD, http://ecologiquesd.blogspot.com. Created by Andrea Krystine, Ecolgique is her brainchild and baby from start to finish. After putting on a highly successful fashion show exposing designers who are totally green, using reused materials and so forth to create their designs. Saving the world one designer line at a time, we applaud.

Overall though the point isif you wanna get something off your chest, make some waves, wear your heart on the internet or actually report on some legitimate stuffor maybe just to be cool as the reststart a blog.

Review by: The Scensters

The Photographer Made Me Spill My Drink

2010-01-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

San Diegos local hip scene area of North Park, and points beyond, is witnessing another interesting form of invasion. A few have been around for some time now, but have never really been a bother to anyone in particular. Of course back in the day we didnt have this constant lack of soul in the area. If you remember our talk about the overpopulation of DJs in the area youll soon realize that with that came the sudden appearance of nightlife photographers in our quaint little neighborhoods. Once restricted to the downtown area and only shooting for publications such as 944 magazine, Napkin Nights, discoversd.com and others, a new breed of pure freelance photographers has hit the scene in contract with specific venues such as Voyeur, U-31, El Dorado and others.

The phenomena has had us scratching our heads for a bit, wondering why in the world would we need so many and why would we willingly pull off our drunken acts of foolishness in front of them? Is it really marketing? Bars and DJs want them, want to shoot theyre parties and crowds and so forth. To that we saygo ahead, act a fool San Diego and pose for the camera. Sometimes you will notice a difference in style. The ones shooting for publications and so forth come with a little more professional flare, the magazines and top websites dont really want half naked 23 year old guys and gals drinking PBR to represent the higher class and downtown establishments. Less your holding top shelve booze in something no less then prada then youre not getting snapped. But on our just above the poverty line perspective theres a whole different outlook. Show the fun, show the shenanigans. And just who are these overzealous shutterbugs? Norton, DeCamp, Corrigan, Morris, DeJesus and McAdams. These are the names most recognized in our circles. Now whose who?

James Norton, otherwise just knows as Norton, would be the first to come to mind, probably the one whos been on the scene the longest, mayhaps even the grandfather of them all in the particular area. Once hitting places all over as a freelancer for a few named publications now has lost some steam and since then farmed out more and more work to his purposive apprentices. Why he dropped from the scene is up for speculations but those who know the man more than others will comment on some over usage of vice and a slight jump off the deep end. Since then, however, hes slowly started making his presence known again.

Back over a year and some ago another interesting personality came on to the scene joining him. Ben DeCamp, AKA The Style Shark, jumped out with his unusual style of shooting with props, angles and with a kind of 70s style flare. The man also had a slightly unusual obsession with shoes, feet and heels and possessed an uncanny ability to convince young women to pose nude for him as well as the night progressed. Were sure things were on the up and up for their arraignments, or they could have just been stewed to the gills. Either way his unique style ofeverything captured our hearts and we loved him. Why so sad you ask? About two months ago now he made the career decision to move to New York for a term and shoot with famed photographers Richard Kern. We do miss him, although rumor mill spreads the word of a possible return in the near future. Well just have to see.

Jeff Turbo Corrigan. Some would consider him the new kid on the block. When people started noticing him? Not many people really know. Sometime during the beginning of the summer when him and fellow shutterbug Ben DeCamp shared venues at times, and of course if you go around blinding people with a big camera youll bound to get noticed somehow. Thing is the man, through some means unknown (maybe hes just that good), has managed to, in our opinion, taken over the scene per say. Perhaps maybe its because he may be the only photographer out there with a real business sense, hooking up with the local DJs and such, cutting deals and so forth. His work isnt half bad as well. What can we say, the get up kid got up and got it done. Not without flaws however, to be honest and deep down in some respect the only real reason hes gotten to this level may be because the absence of The Style Shark himself. Granted the two had completely different styles of shooting they were a bit of a ying/yang couple, just who propelled who to what level is the question. And being the nature of the game or not the man can develop something of a big head and prowl around as if hes the dogs bollocks, when lest we forget.just a photographer.

Those, in our modest opinion, would have to be the top 3 of the local San Diego Paparazzi mob. The rest? Well Jeff Morris has managed to enter an exclusive thing with local up and coming venue Voyeur. His work, to us, is somewhat armature. Less your going for the streaks of light look, which we cant imagine youd want in every picture, is slightly annoying. The man himself, although a nice enough fellow, can come off as a bit of a creeper with his long jet back hair and all black clothing while hunkered down in corner between walkarounds. Nothing against the man, just a good amount of people we chat to say, yeah, that guy comes across somewhatodd sometimes. Tommy McAdams, rumored apprentice of James Norton, is starting to pop out, his work reflects his master but hell soon enough find his own were sure. Personally we feel if he stays under Norton and is given the bones thrown to him hell never thrive. And finally Isaac DeJesus. Honestly we dont know too much about the fellow. We see him from time to time. We saw him shooting exclusive for HAVOC at The Office Bar for Halloween and have seen about eight photos come out of the, were sure to be hundreds, from that night. What gives? The man seems to do mostly staged shoots less nightlife.

So in the end it seems to becoming a status thing now. The more photographs youre seen in at the more clubs and bars the more you must be a rockstar. Although weve yet to experience a swarm of seeing one particular person youll notice since were a small town that there are certain people youll see flashed upon more than others. We dont think its bias in any way, mostly just coincidence were sure, your thereall the time. So youll be sceneagain. Will this all die out when the live music comes back? Maybe. Youll notice at places such as The Soda Bar, Radio Room and Pink Elephant theses paparazzi are nowhere to be scene. So if you dont want the annoyance then dont go where they are. Otherwiseremember to smileand keep your clothes on.

Review by: The Scenster.

Who Came First? The DJs or the Scene?

2010-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Biggs. Hurley. Delgato. Decade. Vega, Satler, Diaz. These and more are the names on the scene. Electric Feel. Colour Vision. Night Vision, Bombs over North Park, Footdown. These are some of the parties now in effect. Electro Dance Party has apparently become the name of the game in the San Diego music scene and DJs are invading every the nightlife. Once the side acts, the fillers, the off day performers theyve now become the main attraction in most San Diego bars and clubs. And although most of them are pretty cool cats in person the entire concept as a whole has become really bloody annoying. Since the fall of Scolari's Office, the move in of True North and the dwindling live performances of U-31 this scene has been growing in our once hip neighborhoods which bellowed with the sound of rock and punk music during the night. But what came first? The DJs or the Scene?

Ive pondered about the takeover for a while now and still cant figure it out. Perhaps it can be traced to the overall bar scene change in the area, something we should probably examine a little more closely. Lets start with the heart of it all, North Park. Within a period of two years or so five different bars have fell and been reincarnated. The Wolf, now known as The Bluefoot. Buster Dalys, now U-31. Dinos changed into Bar Pink Elephant, and then just into what is now Bar Pink. Shooters, now turned into True North, aka lil PB, and finally the fall of a true legend in San Diego, Scolaris Office, now known simply as The Office. Each bar brings a unique characteristic to North Park, but it seems, with the expectation of one or two, all found themselves costumed tailored to fit DJs at the main attraction.

Bluefoot Bar

The Bluefoot has its own curse; being where it is located the city cannot permit it to have loud live music and shuts its doors early on the weekdays at 12am and is only open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Not that the venue is built for live acts, the bar is a nice place to be in the day, a happy hour bar if anything. And if you actually want to relax a bit and have a conversation during the night then youll most likely end up there as well.

U-31

U-31 (once Dinos) had an early hay-day when it first opened and was managed by Erica Jessup, who by herself is a rock star in the local bar and club. Every club she manages generally turns to gold and then looses its shimmer once she leaves. Bars such as The Beauty Bar, which was a juggernaut of attracting larger band acts in an area of town where no one thought possible to sustain a bar of its measure. Then after moving to U-31 for a stint and bringing her talents along the bar made it in the scene as a decent live music venue. Sadly though after her departure its now primarily become a DJ bar, with a rare live act reserved for the weekdays less the weekend and an out of place Lady Dottie and the Diamonds every Monday night.

Bar Pink (Elephant)

Bar Pink. Once Bar Pink Elephant, but due to a rumored pending lawsuit by another establishment named the same, were forced to change their name. The last stand for North Park Id have to say. Nothing surprising coming from its owners John Reis and wife, Bar Pink is the only venue in the area that consistently promotes and puts on live music events and maintains a clout and reputation for being one of the best place in town to see a live show despite its smaller size compared to its competition.

True North Tavern

Shooters. The once hip little pool house has now turned into the bane of North Parks existence. Owned by the notorious Verant Group, owners of such beach gems as The Tavern at the Beach, Sandbar Sports Grill, and offshore Tavern and Grill, have thought it wise to open up a similar establishment in the heart of North Park. True North Tavern has attracted the rowdiest of the rowdiest to our small, quaint corner of San Diego and has grown progressively worse since its conception. Between Bar Pink and True North there is a line in the sand, drawn by local kids and PB like invaders that generally erupts into some form of scrap in between to two venues. More of a culture clash there never was between the plaid and jean clad tattoo covered indie kids of Bar Pink and the rest of North Park vice the two sizes too small preppy shirt and ball cap wearing Bras from the beach venture into each others territories, prompting a new ever present police force parked across the street near nights end on a Friday and Saturday night. Now admittedly True North, for what the bar truly is, isnt a bad place. If you are looking for a sports bar and place to hang out during the day the off nights you might actually enjoy yourself. Just try to avoid on the weekend nights when the line, for whatever reason, is stretched around the corner.

The Office

The Office, once the crusty, dank and dirty crown jewel of North Park; Scolaris Office (actually originally names The Office) has been transformed into one of the swankest joints off 30th Street.The pillowed leather executive barstools, dark wood, clean lighting and primo bar is the exact opposite of its predecessor. When Ted Lithopoulos (owner of Bar Dynamite) and Joe Balestrieri (formally of The Beauty Bar) took over Scolaris they came at it with a totally new vision of swank Mad Men quality finishes, good drinks, good times, a touch of classy downtown without having to go there. Admittedly when doors opened a good portion of the long time local community didnt want to like the bar. But it sure has grown on people. Featuring primarily DJs the bar has made a conceded effort to sport live music when the occasion calls, although the small size and now classy feel somewhat tone down the, what would have been mayhem of the past, when the walls werent painted and shiny. But overall The Office Bar has become one of the more successful transactions in the area.

So what has this gigantic transition done again to our fine part of town? Has it effectively killed live music in North Park? Will DJs such as Vega, the Coreys, Shark Attack, Turbo Teen and so forth rule the scene for years to come? Its hard to say, due to the fact that the local San Diego music scene may have lost a tad bit of steam over the years, but as chatting with an old friend at Bar Pink made me realize that our scene goes in stages at some points. We all started playing and coming on to the scene at the same time, he said, now a couple years later we need to step back and evolve, write new material cause we cant just keep playing the same thing. Bars however do need to make a dollar, and sometimes at any expense. Some say theres no room for another bar around University and 30th, I feel there is. There is room for a new live act venue, when itll open, who will own it and when it will come only time will tell but I feel we need to make an effort to bring the music back to North Park. The live acts, the energy created is like nothing else. But for now well have to last as is. And with the new mixture of the downtown scene and the kids on the hill going to places like El Dorado and Voyeur who knows how things will progress down the line. At least there is refuges around the area though, places like the Soda Bar, Radio Room and Ruby Room have all made transitions but kept on marching with live acts. I guess time will only tell when the bands of San Diego come out of their studios with new material to rock the scene once again.

We Have Band- Self Titled EP

2010-01-09T13:23:00.001-08:00

We Have Band. Sounds more like a statement then a band name, yeah? Well its a band, straight out of foggy London town no less, and you know how we love our UK invaders. There seems to be a growth industry across the pond that the kids over there are just eating up. The industry would be electo-pop. Its spreading on a rash and I cant place my figure if it started here and spread there or vice versa. Seems like a sound that developed more and more after that brief 90s hipster phase we all remember all but, oh I dont know, 5 years ago? But getting beyond that and going back to this fantastic lil trio.

Darren, Thomas and Dede make up the band. All three sing. All three play samplers. Thomas plays guitar, Darren plays drums and Dede plays percussion. Its really crazy. The four track self titled EP, due to be released in mid September, is just pure energy and fun and the fourth track is actually a stellar cover of Pet Shop Boys West End Girls. The band has more than these four tracks though; you can snoop around on their website and myspace and see that. Its also where youll find the video to their single You Came Out, which is a lovely video, but a little bit creepy at the same time. Since their formation a little over a year ago We Have Band has been growing by leaps and bounds over across the pond and the flood gates are about to open over here in the states. Heavy touring, local scene penetration, festival attention such as SXSW and just an overall great sound for the genre has propelled them this far without the aid of a label behind them. Yes kids its one thing to gain fame through an indie label for your own label, but to do what these guys are doing without any signed label is nothing but an accomplishment. Of course we can only speculate that after the EP is dropped in the states that they wont immediately be eaten up by a label.

The sound is pretty pure and simple; it follows the usual Electro-pop get up. Its catchy, its something you can dance too and its fun to watch live. Youre sure to get into it and its something that youll hear in your local bar, just a matter of time. This is the type of stuff that DJs love to spin and mix. You can check out more of the band at www.wehaveband.com and of course the ever present myself, www.myspace.com/wehaveband, where youll find the Remix done for Bloc Partys Intimacy Remixed, as well as live show video that doesnt disappoint. We cant wait for them to cross the pond and branch out more here in the states.

Review by: Will Overbaugh

Builder and the Butchers- Salvation is a Deep Dark Well

2010-01-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Finally. Alaska has produced something other than cold air and pregnant governors teen daughters. Well sort of. The boys that collectively call themselves, the Builders and the Butchers, originated in Alaska but soon enough moved from the extreme cold to the more tolerable cold of Portland, Oregon, something a tad more acceptable. So I guess we cant give that far off tundra all the credit to producing one of the most unique bands that Ive ever come upon.

Brandon, Ryan, Harvey, Alex and Ray comprise the band, dont ask me to remember who plays what, its hard enough to pinpoint what kind of band they are and the type of music they actually play. Its not rock, yet they do rock. Its not quite country, folk, bluegrass, gospel, or even general noise but its got a structure and its got a beat and it kind of makes you feel like a badass when youre listening to their latest album, Salvation is a Deep Dark Well. Its the kind of music you expect to hear on a 70s made badass western film. The songs actually drift you through a time where survive was dependent on how quick you can pull your gun. A place where sin runs ramped in a lawless land. Listening closely to the lyrics you can hear the stories of hard times, echoing with the sins of the father, the haunting of a desert town, vampire lakes (cause youve gotta have vampires in the old west), dirty priests and lawmen for hire and murder.

Musically these lyrics are accompanied by a melodic twangy mandolin, big acoustic guitars, loud horns, subtle strings, chiming piano and booming flat drums and percussion on anything that makes a sound. The sound of big rhythm and loose notes falling from nowhere mixed up, shook up and jumbled up, spewed out into a beautiful controlled chaos of a sound. At first listen I tended to think about Modest Mouse, I mean Washington, Oregon, same difference right? A lot of rain, mist, fog and woods, yeah? Its a similar concept to the latest that Modest Mouse has produced, that mix of randomness, melody and strange sounds all around. But then you listen more and more to the butchers and you realize theyve nailed down a sound of their own that is of that to rival Isaac and his crew.

Id have to say if youve never heard anything like the Builders and the Butchers, and I doubt you really have, its something of an acquired taste, but theyll grow on you to no end and you wont be able to stop listening to Salvation is a Deep Dark Well. Something you wouldnt normally be blasting out of your car stereo but you will. The band is currently on tour with a band called Illinois and just played a fantastic show at the Casbah. You can find out more about the Builders at thebuildersandthebutchers.com, or their myspace of course at myspace.com/thebuildersandthebutchers. Check them out and check out our exclusive video interview with them at the Casbah.

Review by Will Overbaugh

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°.

Flogging Molly- Whiskey on Sunday

2006-03-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

Break out your Guinness and have a sit. Flogging molly is back. Sort of. So what is Whiskey on Sunday? Well it’s a documentary of the band over a course of two years or so through their world tour. And honestly you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your TV screen. And I’m not bull-shiting you. Pretty much single handedly produced, shot and edited by Jim Dziura the full-length DVD breaks down in the fantastic story of how the band started and everyone’s history and involvement in the maturity of the band including the record label, Side One Dummy’s, humble starts pretty much for the band. Dave King’s story of his trek from

Ireland

to L.A. and how he met Bridget at the one and only Molly Malone’s is simply amazing to listen and watch. From his beginnings, through the death of his father whom he honors in song up to now and how the bands faith in his words drives them.

Traveling through seven countries over two years you’ll see how an actual working, non-stop, touring band lives eats and breaths all the while having the strength and passion to kick ass at every show they play. Theses guys pour their heart, blood, sweat and tears into every note they play at every at every show, during every festival and this is one of the most humble band’s you’ll ever meet. They all have a story to tell and yet as the band continues to thrive they continue to write it.

The DVD comes with a “soundtrack” as well. Soundtrack being songs performed live during the documentary but it does come with one brand spanking new recording. Laura is the latest single for Flogging Molly and that’s all it is. A Single. According to Nat and Dennis, who we interviewed at the SoCo Music Experience, it’s just a one time thing. A song that’s been lying around being played live but never recorded in studio.

The whole compilation is simply amazing. You have to understand that everyone from Flogging Molly, Dave, Bridget, Dennis, Nathen, Matt, Bob and George are really just regular guys (and gal) who believe in what their doing. So do yourself a favor, fan or not, go check Whiskey on Sunday. If you are a fan, you’ll shit yourself, if you aren’t you’ll become one and than shit yourself.

The Elected- Sun, Sun, Sun

2006-01-24T14:48:00.000-08:00

So Guitarist/ Vocalist Blake Sennett from Rilo Kiley has formed an indie darling of a band known as The Elected. And what better for an indie darling band to do than sign with the indie record label, Sub Pop. Bless their souls for sending us this compact disk. Releasing their first debut album back in 2004, called “Me First,” set the foundation for the sound of the band with its wifty, wavy, California country guitar pop sound. Being recorded with Mike Mogis and Jimmy Tamborello, who leave their notable musical marks, the album was and is really bloody amazing. Than came the new Rilo Kiley album which whisked Blake away.

Now back with the Elected’s sophomore album, “Sun Sun Sun,” Blake (vocal and guitar), Mike Bloom (guitar/steel guitar), Nate Greely (bass) and Sander Steen (drums) are back. And they did it again. Sun Sun Sun is for the most part a finer tuned version of Me First. But it’s a sound on its own, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Take a page from the Chili Peppers or Postal Service. Speaking of which as you can tell by some of the names we’re throwing at you there is a definite love triangle of sorts going on between not only Jimmy Tamborello and Blake Sennett, but throw in lil ol’ Jenny Lewis and your probably scratching your head. But don’t. Cause if you look carefully at those album credits you’re find that theses guys love each other and work so well together on each other’s bands.

While Blake was in the studio recording Me First with Jimmy and wrapping up with Rilo Kiley’s second album tour and all, Jenny was recording with Jimmy and the Postal Service. And don’t forget that Sander Steen is lil bro to Ryland Steen who plays in Reel Big Fish. Go figure their all one big happy family. This is truly a hog-podge of musicians from different groups.

But The Elected are truly indie darlings, capitalizing on the new indie-alt-country sound with the story telling lyrics. They really do tell a story though out the album. And naturally if you like Rilo Kiley or the Postal Service (and in that case Death Cab for Cutie) you’ll love the Elected. But don’t get the wrong impression. They stand on their own.

The 88- Over and Over

2006-01-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Here we go kids. The 88. L.A. based Pop-rock band comprised of 5 guys in very dapper suits, and one guy with incredibly large curly hair. Kinda reminded me of Claudio Sanchez from Coheed and Cambria. So. The 88. Some may be asking; Why Will, who are the 88? Well truth be told they’ve been around for a few years, their first CD, titled “Light”, first debuted back in 2003. They quickly rose up the L.A. music chart ranks and managed to con many of the Hollywood types to join their fan base. These guys are seriously hitting the break out point, straining to get that break from online music videos on MTV online and spots on Craig Ferguson and the O.C., to actually being a headlining national touring band, so that when we go back on the streets and ask people, do you know who the 88 are? They actually can say, “yeah I’ve heard of those cats.”

But honestly folks lets cut to the chase. Do they have what it takes? Well when we received their latest CD, Over and Over, we were…….well….we weren’t sure what we were at the time. Their music is pop in a serious way but it seems to be missing something. We’re not sure what it is. To be honest again, cause that’s what we are, it really sounded a lil cookie cutter. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a fun album, and the lyrics have some meaning if you listen. But it seems on some level they want to reach that Ben Folds Five status without a Ben Folds. Would it kill them to get out of the 4, 4 beat anyways and kick it up a notch and like rock out. Maybe that’s it. You listen to them and theirs no attitude, no raw energy, nothing really sticks with you.

At any rate, we’re rambling. So we’ll stop while were somewhere. We checked them out live, and had a “chat” with the boys, their good guys, and their live stuff is fun, but when you boil it down they turned the Casbah into cheers. Which would be a good cover for them. On a personal opinion I would have to say that their almost there, all of the T.V. spots and rubbing elbows with the stars have gotten them this far, but now it’s time to stop playing bit parts and mature as a band a little more and get some sole in their music. Maybe match they're look and they're sound a little better. They’re not bad, but they’re not quite great yet.

http://www.the88.net/

http://www.myspace.com/the88

The Northstar Session- Little Lies

2005-12-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

I’ve got one thing to say first off before we start this review. Gavin DeGraw……eat your heart out. Who says San Diego don’t got soul? The Northstar Session, composed of Lead Matt Szlachetka (really gotta ask him again how he pronounce his last name again) on guitar and the mic, drummer Greg Robers, bassist Ivan Hurtado and keyboardist Todd Newman. This quartet has an amazing full body sound that really gives you warm fuzzy feeling. It’s the kinda makes you wanna jump up and grab your girl and just dance the night away.

Matt, whose last name we’d rather not type to avoid carpool tunnel, was previously a solo act under the same name with his 2003 debut album, Music Under a Flight Path, than forming his group and releasing 2004 album One Shot has carved a definite niche in the San Diego music scene with their unique soulful bluesy popish sound. In September of 2005 they released their latest, a five track EP called Little Lies. Produced by non other than Jon Beard, who’s produced for such bands like Blink 182 and Lucy’s Fur Coat, the album is nothing less than incredible. An emotional ride with a powerful driving sound just sweeps you off your feel and makes you feel good, it’s one of those if your down on a rainy day play it and the sky clears up albums.

Picking up airplay all across the country the band has toured on both sides of the island already and has picked up airplay on satellite radio and local radio. And now their our “This time around” featured artist, which we think should be on their greatest accomplishments list.

Bang Sugar Bang- Thwak Thwak Go Crazy

2005-12-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Holy fucking shite, who the hell are these guys? Once again our neighbors to the north in smoggy L.A. have produced some sort of musical monster known as Bang Sugar Bang. This boy on girl on boy trio consisting of Matt Southwell, Cooper and Pawley Filth, have been around for a lil while, releasing their second full length album last year but recently being picked up by indie label, S.O.S. Records effectively “re-releasing” their 2004 album, Thwak Thwak Go Crazy.

The band is insane. The album is crazy. Listening to them is like listening to some monster mixture of Frankenstein proportions. Pretty much it’s like taking every underground punk band in L.A. and smashing them together adding a lil Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a lil Social D, a lil old school brit rock, sprinkled with a bit of well….everything else.

They get a lot of play in LA., and we’ve found a few people that have heard of them down here. There basically at the breaking point of national knownism, having already played such hyped events as the X games, but that’s cool. Least it’s not the warped tour, hehe. When you boil it down they are a pretty kick-ass band. They could use a lil work fine tuning their sound, since their literary all over the map in their album, but sometimes that’s what really makes a band. We’re sure their only get better with the years to come.

They will be in town at The Palace on the 8th of November and we’ll make every effort to get someone out there to cover it. So check em out kids!

Red Lighting- L.A. Crash Landing

2005-12-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

So The Smiths become Morrissey, and now from Morrissey we get Red Lighting. Alain Whyte, former Morrissey guitarist/co-writer (not the Smiths) has put together a trio of greatness known as Red Lighting, which just debuted their first full length album L.A. Crash Lighting.

Now when you listen to the album you have to wonder one thing. Did Morrissey’s sound spill onto Alain, or vise versa? Either way you could describe them as a happier form of Morrissey, least there’s a hint of the influence or originality, depends, maybe if we get an interview with them we’ll find out, *wink wink.* Moving on…The Band. Alain Whyte, of course, on the gee-tar and the microphone, John DiMambro, aka Johnny Anger on the four string gee-tar, and Milo Todesco on the skins. Both John and Milo have cool credits under their belt, John having recorded with the likes of Down by Law & Gentleman Jack Grisham of T.S.O.L as well as psychobilly madmen The Rocketz on Double Bass, and played live with bands like Pearl Harbour, Jane Wiedlin of The Go Go’s and Agent Orange. Milo on the other hand has recorded and played with Down By Law, Armond Chakmakian of Shadow Fax, Jim Cherry of Strung Out, Pully, Zero Down, and played Timpani with UCLA Choir conductor Roger Wagner.

Again going back to the music. Simply put, it’s an amazing album full of rhythmic, soulful guitar chords with a hint of old school honest indie/alternative sounds. Smooth driving bass lines accompanied by a nostalgic drum beat and sound kinda gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. With Alain sounding just a bit like Morrissey himself, but yet off the downers. Course when you boil it down, it’s nostalgic Brit indie rock at its core. Either way it’s a great album and if you can find it we highly suggest that you buy it and go play it in front of your girlfriend’s window through your ghetto blaster. And where exactly can you find these guys hiding at? Well they are on kind of a Southwest Tour. You can catch them at Cane’s Bar and Grill on December 18th. We’re definitely going to make it out to their show one way or the other.

Johnnie Burton

2005-12-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Ok. Johnnie Burton. Let’s see. The best why to describe this girl would go something like this. If Johnnie Burton and Ashlee Simpson met in a dark ally Johnnie would kick Ashlee’s ass. Johnnie Burton is everything Ashlee Simpson wants to be and more. But we digress. The music. Pop rock at its best. Not afraid to use potty words Johnnie weaves a tapestry for pissed off girlfriends who are on their time of the month and it’s great. Driving lyrics matched with steady guitar rifts, a raspy sexy voice at the microphones makes you wanna jump up and throw something across the room.

The band is relatively young, comprising of a stew musicians from different groups. The main girl Johnnie on the mic and guitar, yes that’s right, she plays as well as writes her own music, Dave Philips on the guitar, Paul Engel on the four string, and Ralf Balzer on the skins. All of them coming together to make a power packed quartet. They play gigs from here and their and we’re looking forward to their next visit to San Diego, whenever that’ll be, we may have to drag em down here.