After a very good 2009 and giving away their debut album 'Reservoir' for a mere dollar, Fanfarlo disappeared to write the tricky second album. They resurfaced this autumn, first with the teaser 'Replicate' ( In the Post here ) and then the single for 'De.con.struc.tion', released in mid-October. Both of these new offerings still sound like Fanfarlo, but with a twist, the twist being a look forward toward electronics. Over the last couple years, several high-profile bands have gone this way ( Keane , Editors and the Twilight [...]
Berlin-based 'classical meets techno' trio Brandt Brauer Frick appeared at Washington's Red Palace on a crowded gig night; Anthony Gonzalez's M83 was busy playing two sold out shows at the Black Cat ( review of the early show here ) and the Naked and Famous had sold out the 9:30 Club, a huge leap to the big time for the New Zealand band. So it's kind of not surprising that this gig at Red Palace was, in comparison, sparsely attended. The [...]
M83 (Anthony Gonzalez and his band) began their tour of North America last Friday night in Washington. One show wasn't enough; once the first announced show sold out, a second early show was added to keep pace with ticket demand. Even so, there were hordes of people on eBay and DC Craiglist desperate for tickets to *either* show. I didn't think it was likely I'd get in but at the very last minute I was able to get a press pass to the early show, so after several years of being away from us, [...]
we had the huge pleasure of chatting with OZ-she-electro-popper the WASHINGTON about many enjoyable matters including her musical background, upbringing, her live show, her thoughts on music piracy, plusmore. get watching plz. wotyougot
Baltimore's Future Islands have reached another level of experimentation in their sophomore LP On The Water ; the Atlantic. As heard from the studios they eagerly worked in on the coast of North Carolina, they've implemented the sound of the ocean throughout the tracks (clearly on "Typee Island"), creating a lush 80's pop soundtrack fit for the broken hearted (or a sequel to Neverending Story. Well, the way Hollywood's been lately, we're due for a remake and Future Islands should effing score that; frrr sure.) Vocalist Samuel T. Herring, bassist William Cashion, and keyboardist Gerrit [...]
Krafty Kuts - Radio 1 with Annie Nightingale - Halloween Mini Mix (a mix of 23 different songs) Grimlins album by Garbage Days (10 songs) Let us know if you have anything we should add and we'll update throughout the day!
Scottish band We Were Promised Jetpacks have played in DC twice before, but this was their largest headlining show to date. Along with them were two bands they were very familiar with – bands they've toured with before, but on the other side of the country: Bear Hands from New York and Royal Bangs from Texas. I thought they were unusual choices, given that both of these bands play with keyboards and synths, whereas We Were Promised Jetpacks has the basic rock 'n' roll line-up of guitars, bass, and drums. The [...]
"Topshelf Records will release the new record from Baltimore, MD rock band Pianos Become The Teeth on November 1st. Titled The Lack Long After , the album was recorded by Kevin Bernsten at Developing Nations Studio, where the band's previous effort Old Pride was recorded. Pianos Become The Teeth has a melodic yet uncompromising sound that brings to mind such diverse and influential bands as Thursday, Envy and City of Caterpillar. Brimming with sincerity and brandishing an experimental ambiance, the band is pushing beyond the boundaries of a stale genre. Mixing elements of [...]
Melvins had already achieved cult status before some of their fans were even born. Still, the 'Godfathers of Grunge' continue releasing albums and touring prolifically putting many of today's artist to shame. The band are currently winding down their European date and are due to play the final show of this tour at Bristol's [...]
When one thinks of the typical sound of DC, chamber pop probably isn't amongst the first genres to come to mind, but with the talent exuding from DC's own Star FK Radium , perhaps that may change. And considering they rose to the top of our recent band of the month poll, they clearly have a fanbase that may just put chamber pop up there with go-go and straightedge someday...who knows! So we got a hold of Bill (guitar), Matt (drums), and Alissa (violin) to delve more into the world of classical punk. Here, they talk about cool [...]
Australian artist Washington releases her debut album I Believe You Liar on Friday November 4th, with a live show at Whelan's in Dublin the night before. She tells State all about hereself.... Who are you and where are you from? My name is Megan Crocodile Washington and I am from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, via Australia and the Internet. Who are your favourite artists from your hometown? Ah! Such luck. Tim Finn, Paul Kelly, Split Enz. Crowded House, Nick Cave, Sia, [...]
Craig Wedren is a man that wears many hats. Along with fronting the massively influential DC band Shudder To Think, composing for shows like MTV's much loved 90s show The State, Reno 911!, Stella, The Whitest Kids You Know, and Wet Hot American Summer, the musician also currently scores the TV show Hung on HBO. Who would think he would even have time to eat or sleep? But apparently he does... and then some. Wedren has just released his newest solo album, Wand , out now. He has also accompanied the album with [...]
Sometimes your mates come through with new music suggestions. When I had the blues many moons ago (guy trouble), Nick of Appomattox suggested Metronomy would cheer me up in a pinch. At the time I didn't really get it: to be fair, it wasn't until 'The English Riviera' this year that I took a closer look at Joseph Mount and his band. They came to Washington the second time in over 4 years this past Saturday and I was quite proud that my town had sold out the Rock 'n' Roll Hotel. [...]
Months ago when the Wombats autumn North American tour was announced, I was even more incredulous when I saw the entire bill for the second gig in DC as the 9:30 Club. The openers were to be the Static Jacks (who I'd seen open for Futureheads and Biffy Clyro last year) and one of my personal favourites, New York's Postelles. So I already knew with three bands that I love playing on one night was going to be an event of epic proportions. I just didn't [...]
Annapolis, MD based hard-rock band the Cheaters unleashed a new single this week called "Hey Hey Rock'n'Roll" which you can check out below. This is their first single since 2009, and plans to produce a full LP have been announced and should be out by Spring 2012. From Montauk Music: "'Hey Hey Rock N' Roll' really depicts who we are," states Jason Morton (vox/guitar). "We all pay our dues and this song is about what we live for; it's a statement that we're committed to the rock n' roll lifestyle. There is no alternative [...]
DC based alt punk band the Technicians were recently tied front runners on our Band of the Month poll, with tons of fans showing up for support. So we got a hold of Navid Marvi (vocals/guitar), Nick Glover (guitar/vocals), Ryan Hobbs (bass/vocals) and Steve Smith (drums) to find out more about the awesomeness that got them to the top of our poll. Here they fill us in on their biggest influences, what their band's name almost was, and the return of post-punk dominance in DC. On to the interview. .. Check out some [...]
2011 has proven to be just as busy for 25 year old Australian singer/songwriter Megan Washington who goes by the simply " W A S H I N G T O N ". Her album was voted by Triple J listeners at #51 in the Greatest Australian Albums of all time, she won a APRA Award for Breakthrough Songwriter, continued sell out tours, and somewhere, somehow amongst it all she found the time to write and record a brand new song, HOLY MOSES which is now part [...]
The last appearance of Casiokids at Washington's DC9 was 1 year, 2 weeks and 3 days of their gig this month at the same venue. However, unlike the 2010 show here that was helped considerably by Liberation Dance Party's promised open bar and the gig happening on a Friday night, this one was on a Monday, and from what I could tell, it wasn't heavily advertised either. I was worried that DC wasn't going to make a good showing but thankfully, my fears were put to rest from the first [...]
A delayed farewell to Baltimore's Ponytail . ***"We regret to inform you that the wonder group known as Ponytail have officially called it a day. After releasing their amazing album "Do Whatever You Want All the Time" they were unable to make the touring portion come to life as the members have dispersed across the country in search of other life experiences. It's a bummer the world will never see Ponytail live again because it was truly honest music that filled you with extreme joy. An experience like that is rare these days and if you did see Ponytail [...]
It's not my typical mixery, but it'll do. No random songs this time - they're actually of my choosing! I know, crazy concept. Let's get to the point. I was recently asked, along with a few esteemed music blogs and KR friends, to curate a little playlist for exfm at Cantora Lab's Smartlounge at CMJ. So, below you'll find five songs from a few of my favorite artists performing at CMJ this year. There are several other acts I love and want to see - this is by no means a comprehensive [...]
There Goes the Fear
wotyougot
The Deli Magazine
the music slut
Cougar Microbes
State Magazine
From Go to Whoa
Knox Road
the Weekender ::: New music from Catcall // the National // Summer Camp
Ado – Pressure
Source Material for Current Indie Rock Trends: Jaytram’s Summer Sample Mix 2012
[Listen] The Hives - 'Lex Hives' (Full Album Stream)
