London electronic producers James Ford and Jas Shaw individually make excellent workout music because each of their sounds is so energizing. Together they are Simian Mobile Disco, a creative British duo that create ethereal music typified by their consistent rhythms with a progressive dance style. Tracks are often characterized with minimal instrumentation and contain a single, repeated hook. A Form of Change is an ambient, four-track electro collection from the same recording session as their previous LP, Unpatterns . The title track introduces this EP, gracefully leading with minimalist effects and a lightly pulsing [...]
The fourth year of the OohLaLA! Festival concluded this past Thursday in New York City after stopping in Montreal, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the past two weeks. Featuring the exciting lineup of Tomorrow's World, Lescop, Housse de Racket , and Citizens! fans of upbeat European electro-pop were treated to a memorable experience. Jean-Benoit Dunckel (from Air) just recently started his new project, Tomorrow's World, with London-based musician Lou Hayter (from New Young Pony Club and The New Sins). Despite their musical pedigree, the duo’s preliminary show did not energize fans the way that [...]
Yesterday, Danniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear released an untitled track he recorded in 2009. The earnest love song is seemingly incomplete lacking a concluding bridge and ending abruptly. The sweet tonality of Rossen's voice makes even an incomplete, unreleased track, seem polished and worthy of a listen.
It is always a pleasure to see a live performance by free form electronic DJ and producer Lorin Ashton, commonly known as Bassnectar. His accelerated rise to stardom began in junior high while listening to heavy metal and punk rock. A self-taught artist, he eventually transitioned to the addictive, and just as intense, genres of dubstep and drum and bass. While a few of his tracks also contain some elements of breakbeat and glitch, the no-surprise and constant denominator in all of his music is jarring, profound bass. Last night at The Civic Center, fans awaited along a [...]
"Whatever you do don't call them a throwback," says Nick Waterhouse's publicist Eric Dresner. No, they're not throwbacks-they're pioneers. Shaking, rattling and rolling, Waterhouse is paving the way for a 50s style movement with a twist. Already gaining traction, recently selling out the Verdi Club and featured on an Acura commercial , he's scheduled to perform this Saturday at Bimbo's. Don't take my word for it, but listen to our writer Victoria who saw his performance last , "This may be the next big movement in San Francisco, and I’m rooting for it." Before [...]
With a credit list that would make any hip hop elitist wet in his knickers, RZA has done it again. To promote the Quentin Tarantino-directed The Man With the Iron Fist , RZA has recently released previews and singles from the original soundtrack, each track ensuring a classic in the making, with this single “Rivers of Blood” not falling short either. The track commences with a signature Wu-Tang vocal sample over what sounds like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly meets the 36 Chambers . A menacing and cinematically hardcore [...]
Photograph of David Bryne and St. Vincent by Julie Logan Mixed in between grungy and disgruntled homeless people on Market St. last night, St. Vincent and David Bryne played to a rapt crowd at the Orpheum Theatre. As a plush theatre intended for musicals and plays rather than concerts, the venue was a huge hindrance. Adoring fans so energized by the show had to take to the aisles or dance between chairs with the short awkward movements of David Bryne. I can just imagine the delighted chaos that would have ensued at a venue [...]
Another remarkable weekend out at Treasure Island this year, and we are both thankful and exhausted. With an unbeatable close-out performance by The XX , and solid performances by M83 , Best Coast , and many more, we couldn't have asked for much more this year. We will have full video highlights, along with a recap and our 'favorite things' of this year's festival early this week. For now, check out our full photo gallery below, and read our full review here. Photographs by Darryl Kirchner .
![Treasure Island Music Festival Day 2 [Full Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/4567621_lg.jpg)
The XX While competing with the Nike Woman’s Marathon, two pivotal home sport games, and several other events in the city, Treasure Island Music Festival seemed to have boasted a larger turnout than the day before. Thousands came to celebrate things that San Francisco natives are truly passionate about- great music, food, local art/businesses, and beautiful weather, which anyone in San Francisco will tell you can’t come often enough. Day 2 of TI’s line up was carefully composed of bands that either brought you to your feet or soothed your soul as you relaxed on either [...]
After one day of great times, this year's Treasure Island Music Festival is shaping up to be as good as any. With great performances by Grimes , SBTRKT , Toro y Moi , and so much more. This year we are making sure to have plenty of coverage, with full photo galleries for each day, live reviews for each day, and more video coverage and recaps coming early next week. Check out or full review here . Photos and Media by Darryl Kirchner .
![Treasure Island Music Festival Day 1 [Full Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/4565356_lg.jpg)
Toro y Moi If you have never attended a music festival, Treasure Island in San Francisco would be a worthy introduction. Unlike Coachella or Outside Lands, TI has an intimate factor unlike most, but carries a lineup to compete with the best. Additionally, you would be a part of a festival which has been planned extremely well, with impressive attention to detail and a sense that the folks who put this event together truly care about the festival goers' overall experience. I was lucky enough to witness this year's Saturday line up of thirteen acts, who [...]
Fresh on the scene, Swedish electro-pop trio CHVRCHES have been working hard to make a name for themselves. Amongst the array of female vocalized electronic bands such as Purity Ring and Made In Heights, the nostalgic 19802s pop rhythms of CHVRCHES have worked in their advantage to give them a sense of fresh breath. With the release of their second single "The Mother We Share," CHVRCHES again drops another track filled with their signature electronic haze of pop exuberance. In a way that taps into the innocent joys of Cindy Lauper and Blondie with the electro-pop excitement of [...]
Ben started writing music as a child and originally planned to be a journalist, only to decide at age 21 to become a full time musician. Good decision. His short self-biography reads, "I travel lots, surf when I can, probably drink too much, definitely think too much, and at 22 (he's now 25) still make irrational choices." His distinctly delicate voice is reminiscent of Peter Gabriel or David Grey; his distinguished instrumental behavior reveals his odd ways of holding various types of guitars. Following thorough growth of his reputation at small local venues in the UK , he eventually signed [...]
If the Fox Theater in Oakland had a voice, it would sound like Grizzly Bear. Rich with intricacies like a place: golden embellishments of finely detailed crown molding hanging tight to the solid foundation, shining tokens of craftwork, mirroring the layered vocal orchestration of the Brooklyn quintet. Visually, Grizzly Bear looked right at home; however, this was Grizzly's first time (forgive me) occupying Oakland. As the lights dimmed and the band graciously shuffled to their respective spots on stage and dove right in with new tracks from their critically acclaimed Shields . Grizzly Bear's set moved along [...]
Obviously, we all wish that the ego-driven feud with Andre 3000 would end so that hip-hop legends, Outkast, can get back to producing club bangers, but the recent solo work of Big Boi helps calm those demands (a bit). With help from Ms. Rowland on the chorus, this feel-good R&B number meshes well with the bouncing drum beats. It features an irregular, 80s-style sound with a funky bass guitar. Essentially, party pop party that makes for good head bobbin'. This song is the lead single from Big Boi's second upcoming album, Vicious Lies [...]
Photography by Darryl Kirchner Compton California is the hometown of hip hops very own King Kendrick. Listen to your majesty tell us about his city. Teaming up with De. Dre who adds a verse and Just Blaze with the production, Kendrick has the whole court listening! If Compton had a national rap team, these guys would sure be the all-stars. Just Blaze brings us a highly produced gem on this one. Paired with Kendrick's lyrics it's both raw and catchy. "King Kendrick and I meant it/ my point intended is raw," raps Lamar. It's [...]
∆, pronounced Alt-J (the Mac keyboard command for the Greek symbol delta), are a British art-rock band formed by Leeds University grads (and open hallucinogen enthusiasts) who majored in Literature and Fine Arts. Almost every song on An Awesome Wave has its own beautifully produced music video. Don’t be fooled by the Prince-like symbol identification, ∆ is the first original and groundbreaking band in years because they are just as much meant to be seen as heard. Many of the videos are intentionally oxymoronic, lending themselves to a soundtrack in coordinated serendipity. Tom Midlane of [...]
This fairly creepy video clip from American indie rock band, Grizzly Bear, depicts the bizarre adventures of a female figure skater after practice. Thankfully, because the peculiar theatrics are fittingly paired with vocal harmonies and a fluttering guitar, the reaction not as disturbing as it could be. Lead singer Daniel Rossen reassures listeners, "Take it all in stride, speak don't confide." His delivery genuinely eases any bad thoughts that could enter a listener's mind, until the scary and chaotic cluster of sounds at the end. The group from Brooklyn included this song as one [...]
This newly formed electronic kraut-pop project began as result of the band members', "mutual love of Afrobeat, electronic and dance music, visual art, and tequila." The group consists of Radiohead's producer Nigel Godrich, multi-instrumentalist Joey Waronker (REM, Elliot Smith, Jack White) and gorgeous lead singer Laura Bettinson (former student at Goldsmiths College in London). Their 10-track self-titled debut album was released on October 2nd via Temporary Residence and the lead track, "Bad Insect," is a worthy synth-infused pop song to present a brand new record, loaded with soothing rhythmic percussion. An ominous, bass-heavy intro is the perfect introduction [...]
The Weeknd and Florence + the Machine hit the stage on Friday night at Shoreline Amphiteater with HUGE aniticipation. Some might think of it as an unlikely duo to be on tour together, but personally, I think they fit just right together. The mood of both their music is dark, soulful and romantic. They also both have a wide vocal range that just pulls you in when you listen. Lastly, I find that both Abel Tesfaye (the Weeknd) and Florence Welch have a strange mystery about them: I'm not sure if it's the mood of their music, or their writing [...]
SFCritic: Music Blog
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