Review: Alternative Press' Fall Ball @ HOB, 11/5

Each year, Alternative Press magazine forms a tour of the music industry’s current noteworthy rising acts. Although that tour usually rolls around every spring, 2009 gave AltPress so much good music, they decided to create a special tour called “The Fall Ball,” stopping at the Boston House of Blues on Thursday, November 5. With the show approaching capacity, the night was filled with a highly energetic crowd and an even more energetic lineup for a night to remember.

UK up-and-comers You Me At Six opened the show, owning the stage for their first time playing in Boston. The band found the exact balance of hard rock, guitar riffs, and screaming with their catchy melodies and easy-going swagger to please many ears throughout the set. Although the band had few singing along (simply because many haven’t been exposed to the band yet), audience members’ ears perked up as they went into a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.” As they closed out the set with their catchiest tunes, “Save It For The Bedroom” and “Finders Keepers,” many knew that You Me At Six would be a name to watch out for.

The Secret Handshake kept up the momentum as the audience got down to their pop-inspired dance-rock set. As the only apparent dance act of the night, The Secret Handshake stood apart from other acts with its fusion of dance beats and rock sounds. Their covers of Skee-Lo’s “I Wish” and Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The USA” added some extra excitement to their already upbeat set.

In what was unarguably the most hardcore set of the night, California rockers Set Your Goals lit up the stage. The band brought a different kind of energy to the night as mosh pits popped up around all parts of the floor. While following a pop punk and a dance act, this energy brought a new element to the show. Midway through their set, the band changed and came out in Hurley T-Shirts supporting their Living The Dream foundation.

Then, it came time for co-headliner, Mayday Parade. After recently releasing their new album, Anywhere But Here, the band found a good mix between new songs and old favorites for their set, getting the crowd to sing louder than they had done all night. The feel-good vibes generating throughout Mayday’s music jumped off the stage filling the audience making every body dance and move. Members got the sense that their songs came alive before them as the band brought out the right amount of energy at fitting times. Overall, Mayday Parade proved how they gained the co-headlining spot on the tour.

The Academy Is…, the other Fall Ball headlining act, closed out the night with a fifty-minute set making the tour a memorable experience overall. While many criticize the band for making their latest full-release, Fast Times At Barrington High, somewhat lighter than previous material, these critics have not seen TAI’s live set. The breakout songs from Fast Times fit in well with the overall set. Just like my previous TAI experiences, the band’s stage presence blew the audience away. The expressions William Beckett (lead singer) gives while performing keeps eyes peeled to the stage, and the energy from the rest of the band keeps them glued there.

The energy felt throughout the night from The Academy Is… and Mayday Parade, as well as the other acts, previews a year of high energy in the music scene. As rumors already swirl over Alternative Press’ spring tour, the Fall Ball made its mark as an exciting start to the music of 2010.

-Adam Azahari

Review: Bassnectar @ the Paradise, 11/10

I found myself standing in the middle of a sweat bath. As I turned to check out the crowd around me, I noticed a girl crouched on the ground next to me, with her hands touching the floor. Out of nowhere she yelled, “it feels like the floor is going to cave!”

Earlier, as I walked into the Paradise on Tuesday, November 10^th, it seemed so serene—with only a few people smoking cigarettes and the bouncers flirting with the occasional passer-by—but on the inside a massive party was brewing. The entire floor of the Paradise was packed, making it impossible to move without elbowing someone covered in glow sticks. The stage emanated light and the floor shook from the sheer force of the bass. Who was the cause for all this madness? Lorin Ashton, otherwise known as Bassnectar. Bassnectar has grown in popularity, and his new album, Cozza Frenzy, has created fresh buzz within his fan base. He played to a sold-out crowd.

When trying to explain Bassnectar’s music it might be easy to compare him to the well-known DJ Girl Talk—both sample songs that are known for their catchy, dance-heavy beats. Bassnectar, however, has a unique method to creating his songs that focuses more on the underlying bass track of a song, rather than creating a mash-up like Girl Talk. His sound centers on heavy tempos that you can feel throughout your entire body. At a Bassnectar show, it is impossible to just stand around and bob your head; Bassnectar will force you to dance—for hours. This show was no different. For over two and a half hours, the crowd was enveloped by the Bass.

Bassnectar’s show at the Paradise was incredibly free format. He remixed old and new songs alike, in addition to playing entire tracks from his albums. “Cozza Frenzy” stood out during the show. As described by Lorin, the song is “an electro based song with a dup step beat and heavy vocals.” Bassnectar shows are addictively fun. It is possible to see him again and again and never get bored because of his huge repertoire of music. After getting through the playlist he had made for the show around midnight he announced, “You are all welcome to take the train home if you like but if you want stay I’m going to keep playing.” Not even one person stopped dancing or turned to leave. Bassnectar kept the crowd moving for another 45 minutes.

It is evident by watching Bassnectar on stage that his music means a lot to him. He uses projectors during his shows, which present not only "trippy" or hallucinatory pictures but pictures of soldier’s abroad, death, capitalism etc. The images are a powerful compliment to the music, exposing the audience to issues that Bassnectar would like them to think about throughout the show. During my interview with him, Lorin mentioned several times that he would like his music to lead to a social movement. He received a bachelor’s degree in community studies and uses his music as a vessel for change—offering an alternative to a faith based perspective. The next step for Bassnectar is convincing listeners to harvest the energy they get at shows to make a difference in their communities. To participate in Bassnectar’s community, and to download his new album, visit bassnectar.net.

-Lana Tkachenko

Concert Review: 11/4 Justin Nozuka @ the Paradise

Paradise Rock Club featured Ontario native and soulful crooner, Justin Nozuka, on November 4. His current tour is an attempt for the singer to test out some of his new music on the crowd to see how receptive the audiences are to them.

Justin had two openers lined up to play before his set. First were Elizabeth and the Catapults hailing from Brooklyn, whose folk inspired melodies and infectious choruses attracted much crowd involvement. She showcased songs in which she sings about being "vertically challenged adults," boyfriends who wish their girlfriends were their mothers, and not taking yourself not too seriously. Her voice was soft, but soared unexpectedly when she would occasionally hit those high notes, sending the crowd into a state of shock. Her refreshing alternative styled music was a lovely way to start the night.

The next opener was Sam Bradley, a 23-year-old English native whose band hails from Vancouver. Perhaps you've heard the song "Never Think" sung by Robert Pattinson in the film, Twilight during a dinner scene between R-Pattz and Kristen Stewart. Perhaps you haven't heard it. Perhaps it's for the better. His set seemed to have dragged on for quite a bit. His musical style sounded like Americana folk rock, if such a combination is even fathomable coming from a Brit. Unfortunately his songs live sounded like a conglomeration of the same thing.




After waiting for quite some time and enduring the two opening acts for nearly two hours, Justin Nozuka finally graced the stage ever so charmingly. The soft-spoken 21-year-old commanded the attention of the audience before the lights were even turned on. A single candle was lit near the drums and an ambient environment was channeled. Each song had an instrumental opening in which he would stand in the center of the stage with his head leaned back directed toward the ceiling. It was as though the vibrations from his acoustic guitar and the slow vibrations produced by the wa-wa pedal from his electric guitarist were consuming his entire being. It wasn't until after his fourth song that he finally approached the microphone and thanked everyone for coming out to his show. He then explained how earlier in the day he had a freak skateboarding accident in front of a huge crowd of people. His awkward and timid nature was quite endearing for the entirety of the evening. He played eight new songs all of which sounded as though they had great potential. The rest were songs from his debut album Holly that was released in 2007. He is working on his sophomore album entitled, Gray. The release date is still tentative.

-Stephanie Ciotta

Concert Review: Thievery Corporation 10/26 @ House of Blues

As I was studying for a midterm on Monday evening, October 26th, I seriously considered skipping the Thievery Corporation show later that night. It was cold and drizzling out, and I was comfortably settled on the couch with a nice warm cup of coffee. Then I remembered last semester when I saw Thievery Corporation at House of Blues; the band had blown me away. Though it took a lot of energy, I somehow dragged myself out the house. As soon as I arrived at the House of Blues, the scent of incense and the first few notes of Garden State hit “Lebanese Blonde” enveloped my senses.

The band had a similar demeanor that they did last year: relaxed yet with an uncanny ability to make the crowd want to dance. [While Thievery is notable for having a rotating ensemble of players, the main cast of characters stayed mostly the same. Founders Rob Garza and Eric Hilton hung toward the back of the stage, mostly serving as DJ’s, with two drummers were on either side of them. Two horn players and a bassist completed the band, while a variety of vocalists performed solos. One major difference between the two shows is that instead of the two Jamaican main singers the band performed with last time, this performance featured a vocalist who toured with Femi Kuti this summer.

Thievery Corporation is known for their funky Brazilian jams, and these definitely came through. The band seemed to be having a good time and was particularly energized. They got they involved the audience into many songs by encouraging them to sing along. I was surprised that although they played hits like “Radio Retaliation” and “Amerimacka,” there was not much deviation from the show they performed in Boston in February. The lighting and backdrop were the same, and they even played the same songs. Thievery Corporation has not come out with a new album so I was surprised that they even went on tour. I thoroughly enjoyed the show but the entire time I felt like I was experiencing déjà vu.

Even though the show felt familiar, there were still a few songs that stood out. At one point, bassist Ashish Vyas sat down in the middle of the stage and began playing his bass upright. As always, he played without shoes, and seemed really into the music. The bass was so distorted that the audience could feel the bass vibrating in their chest. Vyas was a highlight of the show—his presence is incredibly animated on stage. In addition to Vyas, another exciting part of the show were the performances from vocalist LuLu, who sang “La Femme Parralle” and “Sweet Tides,” two hits of Thievery Corporation’s newest album, Radio Retaliation. The crowd seemed delighted with her tunes and she got the most applause at the end of the set. Overall, Thievery Corporation played a great show; unfortunately, it was a show that I had seen before.

-Lana Tkachenko

Review: Islands Open for Psychedelic Furs @ HoB, 10/10/09

Syndicated from the writer's blog, http://archipelagogo.wordpress.com/!

Dear Nick (Thorburn, Diamonds, whatever),

Listen. I know you're really talented. I've accepted the sad truth that you know it, too. The Unicorns were genius. Return to the Sea was a turning point of epic proportions in the lives of college radio stations everywhere. I loved and defended Arm's Way even in the face of cynical critics who ripped it to shreds, claiming you "sold out." And I still hold that Islands' show at the El Rey during the summer of 2008 was hands-down one of the best of the year.

We get it: you're great.

I was even going to accept Vapours as the obligatory Under the Blacklight album of the band's evolution. But now...now, I have a serious bone to pick with you, and all over a simple, easily avoidable issue: your shitty attitude.

You're not the only musician to ever gain a cult-like following. In fact, I'd say there are a few other musicians who are worshipped a bit more for their songwriting abilities. So when even your live performances, which require a stage presence and an act that demands entertaining qualities, it's disturbing that you seem to find your emotional funk wildly adorable to everyone in the room.

Not only could we see on Saturday that you were not in the mood (yes, yes; we saw your tweet about having had a rough show in New York the night before), but it translated into an egotistical barrier that completely alienated 99% of the people in the room, including those (of whom I am a part) who came specifically to see Islands.

You did not want to be at the House of Blues, and sure, that's okay. But for god's sake, you're wearing white cutoff gloves with rhinestones you probably bejeweled yourself. ACT. And if you can't act, at least remember why you are a musician, because I pray (to whomever will hear it) that you didn't pick up a guitar because you wanted to be a god--you started a band because YOU LOVE MUSIC. So next time, when you feel like hating yourself and everyone else, don't let it affect the jam. "Swans" was great, because you and the gang actually seemed like you were enjoying yourselves. But honestly, I could've done without the rest of the zombified, dispassionate set. Where's the heart, Nick?

I don't want to see you fail. I know there's another Return to the Sea in you guys. And I know that your attitude can actually be kind of charming when you balance it with musicianship. That's why I say this. Because I can tell you that, even though I'm not one of them yet, there's a decent number of people who are quickly turning their backs on The Redeemable Nick Diamonds and His Band Called Islands. Do something about it.

Very sincerely yours,

Devon Maloney

Thousands @ Great Scott 8/27

I was lucky to get to know the band members of Thousands this summer--an instrumental Boston band fronted by Northeastern grad, Omar Kazmi. The trio had a show last Friday (8/27) at Great Scott and it was the first time I got to see the guys live. The performance was strong and gripping with dark, angular guitar parts and a driving rhythm. Kazmi and his bandmates Brandon Phillips and Supriya Gunda only needed their music--no on-stage banter or even eye contact--to grab the attention of their audience members. Keep your eyes peeled for Thousands... they'll be releasing an album soon and we'll be keeping you informed at WTBU.

More videos from the Newport Folk Festival

Avett Brothers playing backstage:


Gillian Welch performing "I Want to Sing that Rock and Roll":


More photos here.

Review: Thao @ Iron Horse, 5/12

Thao Nguyen and friends filled the Iron Horse in Northampton with beach drums and ukulele strums last Tuesday night. Together, we bobbed our heads and braved bee stings and all (read: these intimidating characters and a phenomenon sweeping the nation that has come to be known as the Antagonistic Bro).

Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers of WTBU rotation fame opened first. Crain's voice shined, big and countrified, sometimes approaching a Joanna Newsome level of strange. Sister Suvi played next with a set that could be the ocean's official soundtrack. They were at their fiercest when ukulele toting Merrill took lead vocals and ordered the crowd to dance in a tone that let us know she meant business.

Thao Nguyen and the Get Down Stay Down, her backing band, took the stage next after setting up some homemade monsters made of wood and earthy colors. She kept the energy high with upbeat favorites from her debut LP, We Brave Bee Stings and All. The trio kept things fresh by pressing the fast forward button on choruses to end songs. Merrill of Sister Suvi and Samantha Crain also joined Thao for a couple songs with Crain's voice making for a rich, peculiar harmony. Thao put an exclamation point on album opener "Beat (Health, Life & Fire)" with a percussion party break around the drum set as she, Merrill and the band gathered around and went to town midway through.


Thao debuted some new songs with the same beat-heavy grooves and sad but sharp observations on the dysfunctionality of past infatuations for which we have grown to love her. "So what am I, just a body in your bed?" she shouted in the chorus of a standout new track. She ended things with "Feet Asleep" where the crowd kept the chorus going long after Thao stopped singing. Girl's got fans.


For more WTBU coverage of Thao Nguyen, including an interview and past show review, click here.

- Jessy Bartlett

You Can Be A Wesley @ T.T. The Bear's Place 5/1

The Boston music scene, as we all know, is varied, yet often quite insulated. The bands we know well are the ones that no one else in the country has ever heard of, save for through the somewhat indiscriminate outlets of Boston blogs.

However, the adorable band You Can Be a Wesley proved their deserving of national recognition when they opened for Now, Now Every Children at T. T. The Bear’s Place last Friday.

Each song distinct in its own right, yet still sticking to the band’s adorably earnest theme, the set was a refreshing wake-up that brought a remarkable crowd for a second-opener. Several super-fans repeatedly screamed their allegiance to lead singer/guitarist Saara Untracht-Oakner, and another presented a drunkenly earnest interpretive dance in the band’s honor. In fact, all in the venue seemed to be at least bobbing their heads.

Though the sound system was unsurprisingly imbalanced and the snare that drummer Dan Goldenberg was working with was of a quality reminiscent of my third-grade marching band, the obvious musical gifts of all four members shone through any technical difficulties (…not to mention that it’s been awhile since this critic has seen a genuinely talented instrumental break that couldn’t classify as mediocre musical masturbation). SXSW 2010, PITCHFORK, PLEASE TAKE NOTE. The next big, unabashedly indie-adorable thing is coming out of Boston.

Here, readers, is what you missed, in pictures:







-Devon Maloney
(all photos by the author)

Review: Anya Marina, Jenny Owen Youngs and Greg Laswell @ Great Scott, 1/14

Not all acoustic singer-songwriters are created equal. And boy, are there many! A guitar is usually the weapon of choice with the ins and outs of romantic drama making up the plan of attack. So how does a female artist stand out among countless others in an already overpopulated genre?

If you're Anya Marina, you add some rock 'n' roll and keep us laughing the whole time, always sweet and never taking yourself too seriously. (Being featured on Grey's Anatomy a few times doesn't hurt either.) Then again, easier said than done; being that cool isn't for everyone. Anya manages to hit the bulls eye that falls somewhere in the middle of relatable, likeable, catchy, and funny. She's also darn cute.

Last Wednesday night, Anya reeled in the crowd from the start with the title track from her debut LP and featured track on the Grammy-nominated Grey's Anatomy soundtrack, "Miss Halfway." She kept things moving with new material from her upcoming album, Slow and Steady Seduction: Phase II, which drops this Tuesday.

A former radio DJ in her native Cali, her DJ roots especially showed between songs. Anya hit every punch line in her bizarre story about the seemingly "nice college girl" seated next to her on the plane who was afflicted with—wait for it—Restless Leg Syndrome! Don't let the lame name fool you, because if there's any truth to Anya's story—kicking, moaning, twitching, rocking and all—Restless Leg Syndrome is serious business.

She ended with her current single, "Move You," in which she doles out her frustration on a guy who can't seem to get it right. Anya could only do so much with her songs playing on her own, but it was her winning personality that made the biggest impression. She'll be back at Great Scott with a full band on February 7th with The Virgins.

Jenny Owen Youngs came next, the main draw of the night. Her strong following is justified; she has a way of nailing the nature of all things heartbreak. Pair that with a pop sensibility and a pretty voice and we have the stuff acoustic/indie/pop dreams are made of. Jenny kept things light between songs, always the jokester. Then, she would hit us with the lines that hurt so good: "I'm developing my sense of humor/ 'Til I can laugh at my heart between your teeth..../ Maybe I'll be the lucky one that doesn't get burned/ What the f*ck was I thinking?"

Greg Laswell was scheduled to play next. Unfortunately, we were unable to stay for his set. I'm sure he wooed with my favorite from him, "Sing, Theresa Says," though.

You can't ask for a more fun or more solid bill of indie acoustic artists than these three friends. Keep a watchful eye and ear out as you are bound to catch a song by any one of them in an intense scene on your favorite drama sometime soon.

- Jessy Bartlett

Review: Pilfers Reunion Show @ The Middle East Downstairs, 11/22

Upon walking into The Middle East Downstairs venue in Cambridge last night (11/22/08), I look around the dark room lit by strings of Christmas lights, observing the merch tables pushing ska bands’ swag, watching a guy sporting a Toasters jacket saunter up to the bar, and I think to myself: I am home.

Pilfers, an NYC-based ska band formed in 1997, split up in 2001 after releasing only two albums. However, the band is making a return in 2008 by playing six reunion shows, starting in Philadelphia and making their way through Cambridge, Brooklyn, Asbury Park, Danbury, and Hartford. Tickets range from $15 to $20.

Sonic Boom Six, a female-fronted ska/punk/rap group from Manchester, UK, is opening for Pilfers on all the reunion show dates.

Having missed the first two bands – Boston Jolly Pirates and the Allstonians – I waited for the Murder Mile to take the stage. Based out of Boston, the Murder Mile is a 4-piece soul/punk/rock band. Although I’m usually not thrilled by non-ska bands’ sets at ska shows, these guys managed to get me to tap my feet and nod my head along with the melodies.

If Pilfers were looking for a high-energy band with an incredible stage presence and dance-able beats to get their crowd pumped, they could have done no better than to have Sonic Boom Six precede them. Laila, the spunky pink-haired singer wearing denim cut-off shorts and knee high socks, captured the audience’s attention by throwing her tiny body around the stage while belting out raps and choruses. The band opened with “Sounds of a Revolution,” a rap song with a ska beat about non-conformity and finding solidarity in music. Heavy on sing-along gang vocals and sound effects, SB6’s music is catchy yet original, a perfect precursor to Pilfers’ set.


I worked my way to the center of the crowd as soon as Pilfers took the stage. Former Toasters vocalist Coolie Ranx made sure to hop off the stage into the audience at least every other song, while I was literally astounded by the amount of talent trombonist Vinny Nobile, formerly of Bim Skala Bim, portrayed during their set. Pilfers played many crowd-pleasers, such as “Lay”, “Agua” and “Mr. Exploita.” They even had a new song to play – while it had a more relaxed, reggae beat than most of their previous ska songs, new Pilfers songs could perhaps mean new Pilfers records…? As a live set, the band could not get any tighter; every beat was perfectly on time and Vinny’s trombone solos were the epitome of polished horn lines. As nearly every person on the floor danced to Pilfers’ live songs, I was grateful that my $20 had not been wasted.

After attending the Pilfers show in Boston, I’m convinced that it will be well worth seeing them again on Friday in my hometown of Danbury, CT. Check out http://www.pilfers.net/shows.html for show dates in a city near you this Thanksgiving break.

- Jackie Reiss

Review: Gregory & the Hawk / Nicole Atkins & the Sea @ TT the Bear's, 11/13

TT's booked quite the double-whammy two Thursdays ago with Gregory and the Hawk at the opener spot and Nicole Atkins at headliner to clear the bases, so to speak. Besides the fact that the two acts reside on opposite ends of the music spectrum,—GATH is to acoustic fantastical voyage as Nicole Atkins is to blowout Fourth of July bash—the bill also served as a prime example of what the music industry looks like today. Indie Label Duo, meet Major Label Diva (Mainstream Radio Airplay has never become aquainted with either.).

Gregory and the Hawk, the endearing Mike and Meredith, took the stage armed with just guitar and bass. They played a relatively short set of songs from their debut full-length album, the impressive Moenie and Kitchi. It was strange to hear the songs in a stripped down, live form; Meredith's vocals were true to their unusual, in-the-clouds character on the album, carrying favorites "Doubtful" and "Grey Weather." The surprise standout had to be "Stone Wall Stone Fence," in which Meredith seemed to channel a doll come to life coming to kill you in your sleep: "You've got a secret / But you won't share it..." GATH could not go wrong with so many strong tracks, but some kind of percussion could really add to their set (and allow them to play my favorite, "Voice Like a Bell"!).

Next came Salt & Samovar, rockers with Americana flair (and half of them part of Nicole Atkins' band, the Sea). They brought the house with their energetic folk gone wild, a nice lead-in to Nicole Atkins & the Sea's full-blown set.

The natural chemistry among Atkins and her band revealed itself from the get-go; you got the sense that this is what major label players look and sound like in the year 2008: tight, cool, natural and confident. And how satisfying it is to anticipate a big note and watch Atkins do it justice and then some with a knockout punch. Yes, a Nicole Atkins concert is a lot like fighting the computer on Easy with Roy Jones Jr. in Fight Night.

There were too many rad moments to count, but singles "Maybe Tonight" and heartbreakers' anthem "The Way It Is" stood out, along with sing-along anthem "Brooklyn's on Fire!," all off of 2007's Neptune City. Non-album cuts "Skywriters" and "Teen Creep" were favorites of mine as well - I'm a sucker for falsetto over a retro beat. We were sold on Atkins' big voice and theatrical arm waving easily enough; she made each song a celebration even when it wasn't ("If I were smart I'd never / Call you, call you ever again").

Not a bad night for ten bucks.

- Jessy Bartlett

Thao with The Get Down Stay Down @ TT the Bear's Place, 8/12

Thao Nguyen and her small back-up band, The Get Down Stay Down, drew a fun loving crowd Tuesday night at TT the Bear's. The stomps and hand claps were in abundance; it was a night of head thrusts and free spirited dance for all.

Openers Pepi Ginsberg and David Shultz & The Skyline sport a folk sound similar to Thao's. Unfortunately, I missed both of their sets, but there was no shortage of David Shultz fans in the crowd, and Pepi Ginsberg's "The Waterline" is a feel-good time (check out the music video on her Myspace).

Thao managed to sneak on stage without many of us noticing. The down to earth musician praised the opening acts multiple times and kept it casual throughout the night, making jokes with the band and the crowd between songs ("Donate to Oxfam after the show and... [bassist] Adam will give you a hickey.").

Thao's unbridled singing style is well suited for a live setting, and she didn't hold back. When she wasn't doubled over during her solos or wildly stomping her fly boots to the beat, she was passionately singing us her stories. She opened with an upbeat new song and then went right into "Geography." The heavy, soulful rhythm of the drums in the song hit particularly hard live. "Beat (Health, Life and Fire)" was especially memorable with Thao's tragic "OH NO!"s shaking the room. The crowd sang along to favorites "Bag of Hammers" and "Swimming Pools," and the band agreed that it sounded like we all had microphones.

Thao played most of the songs from her album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, along with some new fast paced songs. She ended her set with a knockout, extended version of "Fear and Convenience," and then returned for two more songs, one of them a cover (Aretha Franklin?).

Check out my interview with Thao from last month here.

- Jessy Bartlett

Bon Iver and Bowerbirds Blow Brooklyn Away! (+mp3)

On Wednesday night The Music Hall of Williamsburg was alive with the harmonic melodies and captivating lyrics of Bon Iver and Bowerbirds. Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon’s latest music project, folk band Bon Iver, headlined the show and left concertgoers wanting more. If you haven’t checked out Bon Iver’s debut self-released album, For Emma, Forever Ago, make sure to put it on the top of your downloading to-do list. Check out Bon Iver performing “Flume” at Music Hall of Williamsburg here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei9jiIFuY98.

The equally amazing nu-folk band from North Carolina, Bowerbirds, captivated audiences with their unique sound and undeniable energy. Bowerbirds, aka, Phil Moore, Beth Tacular and Mark Paulson, have previously toured with Phosphorescent, The Mountain Goats and The Rosebuds. Make sure to download Bowerbird’s exceptionally amazing debut album Hymns for A Dark Horse. Check out Bowerbirds performing “Dark Horse” at Music Hall of Williamsburg here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFQ3t71VnzM

ALSO, check out Bowerbird’s super cool take away shows from La Blogotheque here:
http://www.blogotheque.net/Bowerbirds,4068

-Sam Inchausti

Download: Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"

Indie 500 @ Matt Costa

On Friday, the staff of Indie 500 stopped by the Paradise rock club to check out indie/folk singer-songwriter Matt Costa. Costa, originally from California, has been touring around the country performing with Jonathon Rice (who was a guest on WTBU last semester). To hear some songs by both Matt Costa and Jonathon Rice, be sure to tune in to Indie 500 every Friday from noon-2pm. As for now, you can check out these awesome photos take by Indie 500 intern Hannah Machlin: