The 2010 musical year in review was a rich one. It seemed to witness a huge leap for the indie music world, with more and more bands getting their sound out there via the Internet. No more fishing for big record label contracts. The 21st century technology has been kind to up-and-coming bands. Following are ten shows that you should have seen with a snippit from each review. Most of these acts are not considered radio staples, but probably should be. Go to the links for each concert to read my full review (shows are listed chronologically).
SPOON at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, 3/20/10 - "While Spoon has had their ups and downs, it seems as if they’re in for a future of 'ups.' On this night, Spoon was the tightest four-piece on the planet. Even with two encores, the band left fans wanting more." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/spoon-rock-the-tabernacle
THE RUBY SUNS at the Drunken Unicorn in Atlanta, 3/22/10 - "Touring in support of their third studio album, Fight Softly (Sub Pop), the Ruby Suns spun some foot-tapping songs combining indie rock with world beats. At times, all three members were banging on drums. But usually, the tunes were made up of two synths and a drummer. With danceable beats and McPhun’s smooth voice, it frequently seemed as if all these people were enjoying an 80s new wave performance…in Hawaii." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/ruby-suns-bring-the-tropics-to-atlanta
WILCO at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, 3/26/10 - "As the evening progressed, the fans remained standing. The lush padding of the Fabulous Fox Theatre’s comfy seats was never utilized. The crowd stood the entire show (even much of the balcony). Tweedy recognized this and was impressed." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/wilco-the-experience
VAMPIRE WEEKEND at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, 4/8/10 - "The band opened the show with the heavily-Paul Simon-influenced 'White Sky' from Contra. Next up was the ultra-manic 'Holiday.' The crowd, already whipped into a seemingly uncontrollable frenzy, would not stop moving and jumping and singing until show’s end." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/vampire-weekend-live-atlanta
ARCADE FIRE at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, 8/11/10 - "Audience participation was mind-blowing and that only made for a better show. Win Butler and company have made a fantastic new record, and fortunately for us, know how to play it live. The show ended with Arcade Fire's signature song from their first album. 'Wake Up' is one of those anthems that is instantly hummable and never forgettable. What a way to end the night." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/arcade-fire-and-spoon-burn-up-alpharetta
ORYX + CRAKE at the EARL in Atlanta, 8/28/10 - "If you've heard the CD by now (and you should have heard it by now), you'll know that these are nine of the most talented musicians around. And live versions of the nine songs performed came out a bit edgier than those recorded. It was clear that the members of Oryx + Crake were pumped. Audience fervor is the only thing that overshadowed the band members' enthusiam. It was a full house of an appreciative and supportive crowd." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/oryx-crake-have-arrived
CROWDED HOUSE at the House of Blues in Chicago, 9/5/10 - "The second song was 'Mean To Me,' from their 1986 debut album. This rocked even harder, with Finn's voice as perfect - if not better - than it ever was. And he is one of the most underrated and superbly skilled guitar players out there. Of course, his songwriting is the only thing that surpasses his voice and guitar work. He is frequently compared to Lennon and McCartney for a very good reason." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/genius-of-crowded-house-proven-yet-again
JAMES at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, 9/22/10 - "During 'Say Something,' Booth traversed his way through the audience, shaking hands and walking down a row of seats across the armrests. At song's end, he was quite a distance from the stage, yelling to bandmates, 'What's the next song? What's the next song!' Then, the opening chords of 'Laid' began to a roaring crowd. He hastily made his way back to the stage and brought the house down with this excellent song." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/james-return-to-atlanta-and-feel-the-love
PAVEMENT at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, 9/26/10 - "While Pavement never had a #1 hit, 'Cut Your Hair' and 'Gold Soundz' may have been close, as far as fans are concerned. Malkmus comes across reminiscent of a Stop Making Sense era David Byrne, with his quirky mannerisms and jumpy moves. He does, however, put everything he's got into his performance." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/pavement-burn-through-atlanta-on-reunion-tour
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, 10/4/10 - "One more decibal plus one more jumping fan would have seen the crowd plummet to the basement. Murphy, with all his youthful exuberance (he's a very young 40) and high octane energy, was exhausted at song's end, doubling over with hands on knees and huffing like a chain smoker. The fans felt the same way. And the show was off to a smashing start." http://http://www.examiner.com/music-in-atlanta/lcd-soundsystem-show-everyone-else-how-a-live-show-is-done
The new year of 2011 has some big shoes to fill. Better get started.
Showing posts with label Oryx and Crake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oryx and Crake. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Oryx + Crake have arrived
Local and regional bands have been doing CD release shows since the beginning of time (or at least since the advent of CDs). It's a rare occasion when people actually stand up and pay attention to them. Last night at the EARL was a rare occasion. In a sold-out show, local nine-piece collective Oryx + Crake set the bar a tad high for other local bands wanting to achieve such success.
The self-titled debut is breath of fresh air for Atlanta and any God-fearin' American who has an iota of musical taste. Instruments heard were the cello, electric guitar, bass, violin, acoustic guitar, a Mac or two, keyboards, and other instruments too numerous to mention. But it doesn't come out as a confused mish-mash of sound. Instead, fans were treated to some of the most beautiful and melodic music ever to grace the stage at the EARL.
If you've heard the CD by now (and you should have heard it by now), you'll know that these are nine of the most talented musicians around. And live versions of the nine songs performed came out a bit edgier than those recorded. It was clear that the members of Oryx + Crake were pumped. Audience fervor is the only thing that overshadowed the band members enthusiam. It was a full house of an appreciative and supportive crowd.
Chief songwriting duo Ryan Peoples and wife Rebekah Goode-Peoples have crafted some intelligent and moving songs for the new CD. With a plethora of teachers in the group, the literary references cannot be missed (Oryx and Crake, the novel by Margaret Atwood; "Pretty How Towns," the poem by e. e. cummings).
While O+C have a unique sound that really denies any comparisons to other groups, each song tells a different story with a different sound. Highlights included the wonderful opener "Fun Funeral," the apparent ode to an abusive parent "Unbound," "Bed Death," "Open Your Eyes," and "Pretty How Towns" (the true fan would say that each song was a highlight and receive no argument).
The logistics of a tour are hard to imagine with the nine otherwise-employed members (some with children), but it would be a beautiful sight. If only the folks in New York City could get a load of this group live, big things would happen. For now, though, Oryx + Crake seem content to get the message out that excellent music is alive and well in Atlanta.
Show opener Book of Colors warmed up the crowd nicely with violin, viola, acoustic guitar, drums, stand up bass, and on one terrific song, a clarinet. This was to be the first of three nicely presented acts with an orchestral / strings theme. The Atlanta-based five-piece announced that their new disc is in the works. This was an entertaining set.
On deck was Athens band Venice is Sinking, who just released Sand & Lines: The Georgia Theatre Sessions, May 20th-24th 2008. Several songs from this wonderful disc were played for an eager crowd, obviously containing its own contingent of ViS fans. This six-piece was in the groove from the start of their set. Playing in the style of what some have called southern dream-pop, the band sounded excellent with Daniel Lawson and Karolyn Troupe giving some amazing harmonies alongside guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, viola, and synthesizer. With their excellent sound and abrubt song endings, Venice is Sinking is as tight as they come.
O+C Set List:
Fun Funeral
Unbound
I Could Be Anyone Anymore
Open Your Eyes
Pretty How Towns
Superlady
Bed Death
Deep Sea Diver
Lullaby No. 1
The self-titled debut is breath of fresh air for Atlanta and any God-fearin' American who has an iota of musical taste. Instruments heard were the cello, electric guitar, bass, violin, acoustic guitar, a Mac or two, keyboards, and other instruments too numerous to mention. But it doesn't come out as a confused mish-mash of sound. Instead, fans were treated to some of the most beautiful and melodic music ever to grace the stage at the EARL.
If you've heard the CD by now (and you should have heard it by now), you'll know that these are nine of the most talented musicians around. And live versions of the nine songs performed came out a bit edgier than those recorded. It was clear that the members of Oryx + Crake were pumped. Audience fervor is the only thing that overshadowed the band members enthusiam. It was a full house of an appreciative and supportive crowd.
Chief songwriting duo Ryan Peoples and wife Rebekah Goode-Peoples have crafted some intelligent and moving songs for the new CD. With a plethora of teachers in the group, the literary references cannot be missed (Oryx and Crake, the novel by Margaret Atwood; "Pretty How Towns," the poem by e. e. cummings).
While O+C have a unique sound that really denies any comparisons to other groups, each song tells a different story with a different sound. Highlights included the wonderful opener "Fun Funeral," the apparent ode to an abusive parent "Unbound," "Bed Death," "Open Your Eyes," and "Pretty How Towns" (the true fan would say that each song was a highlight and receive no argument).
The logistics of a tour are hard to imagine with the nine otherwise-employed members (some with children), but it would be a beautiful sight. If only the folks in New York City could get a load of this group live, big things would happen. For now, though, Oryx + Crake seem content to get the message out that excellent music is alive and well in Atlanta.
Show opener Book of Colors warmed up the crowd nicely with violin, viola, acoustic guitar, drums, stand up bass, and on one terrific song, a clarinet. This was to be the first of three nicely presented acts with an orchestral / strings theme. The Atlanta-based five-piece announced that their new disc is in the works. This was an entertaining set.
On deck was Athens band Venice is Sinking, who just released Sand & Lines: The Georgia Theatre Sessions, May 20th-24th 2008. Several songs from this wonderful disc were played for an eager crowd, obviously containing its own contingent of ViS fans. This six-piece was in the groove from the start of their set. Playing in the style of what some have called southern dream-pop, the band sounded excellent with Daniel Lawson and Karolyn Troupe giving some amazing harmonies alongside guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, viola, and synthesizer. With their excellent sound and abrubt song endings, Venice is Sinking is as tight as they come.
O+C Set List:
Fun Funeral
Unbound
I Could Be Anyone Anymore
Open Your Eyes
Pretty How Towns
Superlady
Bed Death
Deep Sea Diver
Lullaby No. 1
Sunday, March 28, 2010
116. THE RUBY SUNS, 3/22/10
Venue: The Drunken Unicorn
Support: Toro Y Moi, Oryx & Crake
In the Company of: Thomas S.
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, The Ruby Suns are a long way from home to be playing in such a tiny venue. Atlanta’s Drunken Unicorn is a signless hole-in-the-wall reserved for up-and-comers, mostly local. But once in a while, a band comes through these doors with a bit more to offer. Leader and native Californian Ryan McPhun moved to New Zealand in 2004. Formerly of the Brunettes, McPhun is a multi-instrumentalist who has crafted some nice psychedelic pop songs with a touch of the tropics transported here from NZ.
Touring in support of their third studio album, Fight Softly (Sub Pop), the Ruby Suns spun some foot-tapping songs combining indie rock with world beats. At times, all three members were banging on drums. But usually, the tunes were made up of two synths and a drummer. With danceable beats and McPhun’s smooth voice, it frequently seemed as if all these people were enjoying an 80s new wave performance…in Hawaii. Song highlights included “Olympics On Pot,” “Kenya Dig It?,” “There Are Birds,” and “Cranberry.”
While the Unicorn was not packed to the rafters, it should have been. It was a rainy Monday night, but still, many music fans missed out on this show. Go to www.myspace.com/therubysuns to find out where the Suns will be playing near you. It’s a cheap ticket for a great show.
Opening the show was the hugeness of Oryx & Crake from Atlanta. Just think Arcade Fire meets Broken Social Scene, simply due to the volume of members and the sound they created. On this night in Atlanta, eight people crowded the tiny stage of the Unicorn. Fans experienced the likes of drums, guitars, violin, banjo, keyboards, etc. throughout the set. With fine voices and musicianship all around, Oryx & Crake have a promising future (http://www.myspace.com/oryxandcrakeband).
In the on-deck slot was Toro Y Moi, a.k.a. Chaz from Columbia, SC. Hot off his performance at Austin’s SXSW show (along with The Ruby Suns), this artist is gaining fans and attention. Associated most recently with the chill wave and glo-fi movement, TYM has etched out a unique place all for himself. With a 95% synth-created performance (and 5% guitar), he definitely stood out from the other two bands. Maybe best known for his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” (which he did not play), Chaz is so much more. Catch up with him at http://www.myspace.com/toroymoi.
Support: Toro Y Moi, Oryx & Crake
In the Company of: Thomas S.
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, The Ruby Suns are a long way from home to be playing in such a tiny venue. Atlanta’s Drunken Unicorn is a signless hole-in-the-wall reserved for up-and-comers, mostly local. But once in a while, a band comes through these doors with a bit more to offer. Leader and native Californian Ryan McPhun moved to New Zealand in 2004. Formerly of the Brunettes, McPhun is a multi-instrumentalist who has crafted some nice psychedelic pop songs with a touch of the tropics transported here from NZ.
Touring in support of their third studio album, Fight Softly (Sub Pop), the Ruby Suns spun some foot-tapping songs combining indie rock with world beats. At times, all three members were banging on drums. But usually, the tunes were made up of two synths and a drummer. With danceable beats and McPhun’s smooth voice, it frequently seemed as if all these people were enjoying an 80s new wave performance…in Hawaii. Song highlights included “Olympics On Pot,” “Kenya Dig It?,” “There Are Birds,” and “Cranberry.”
While the Unicorn was not packed to the rafters, it should have been. It was a rainy Monday night, but still, many music fans missed out on this show. Go to www.myspace.com/therubysuns to find out where the Suns will be playing near you. It’s a cheap ticket for a great show.
Opening the show was the hugeness of Oryx & Crake from Atlanta. Just think Arcade Fire meets Broken Social Scene, simply due to the volume of members and the sound they created. On this night in Atlanta, eight people crowded the tiny stage of the Unicorn. Fans experienced the likes of drums, guitars, violin, banjo, keyboards, etc. throughout the set. With fine voices and musicianship all around, Oryx & Crake have a promising future (http://www.myspace.com/oryxandcrakeband).
In the on-deck slot was Toro Y Moi, a.k.a. Chaz from Columbia, SC. Hot off his performance at Austin’s SXSW show (along with The Ruby Suns), this artist is gaining fans and attention. Associated most recently with the chill wave and glo-fi movement, TYM has etched out a unique place all for himself. With a 95% synth-created performance (and 5% guitar), he definitely stood out from the other two bands. Maybe best known for his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” (which he did not play), Chaz is so much more. Catch up with him at http://www.myspace.com/toroymoi.
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