8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
Olin & The Moon
13 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Olin & The Moon
event::about Spawning from the jagged, green, and snow crusted mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho the founding members of Olin and the Moon came together at a young age and have played music of all kinds over the years. Singer/Songwriter David LaBrel along with his brother and lead guitarist Travis, joined forces with drummer Marshall Vore to create a strong bond and musical friendship. After moving to Los Angeles the boys met up with Brian McGinnis and Kyle Vicioso to create the final lineup of Olin and the Moon. After several years of writing, recording, and playing lots of booze-filled shows, the boys got back in the studio and recorded their newest album “Terrible Town”. The album, relesed in May 2009, is a poignant look at a small town band coming out to the big city, and showcases Olin and the Moon’s best material to date. Finally at a time when authenticity seems to be a thing of the past, Olin and the Moon bring together a rawness and passion in their music that can only be attributed to one too many beers and an endearing hope that a good song can cure even the worst hang over. Always busy, Olin and the Moon is putting the final touches on another full length album entitled “Footsteps” due out in October 2010. Perhaps the best record yet, “Footsteps” has already received licenses from CW’s hit show One Tree Hill even prior to being finished. Building on their already established style, Olin and the Moon continues to create fantastic songs and more and more people are catching on. “Really proficient alt‐country. Their set of soundtrack‐ready songs flowed surprisingly well – lead singer David LaBrel sounds a bit like Soul Asylum’s David Pirner, but the songs echo a liHle more Neil Young.” Lilleshan Bose – OC Weekly “This album’s like a beer. SomeOmes you cry in it; someOmes you raise your glass. While hardly starying from country formula, tugs at your heart like a prairie sunset.” Kevin Bronson – Buzz Bands
event::tags 21+
9:30 PM
to 10:30 PM
The Silent Comedy
5 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
10:30 PM
to 11:30 PM
Hot Panda
39 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Hot Panda
event::about Hot Panda are just two boys and two girls from Edmonton trying to do the same thing they've always tried to do: play some kind of rock and roll that'll make people dance and feel happy...Simple stuff! These kids -Maghan Campbell (drums), Chris Connelly (vocals, guitar), Catherine Hiltz (bass), and Heath Parsons (keys, accordion) - have toured so much in the past few years that their shabby van, $30 motel rooms, and stranger's floors feel more like home these days than their own beds. Since the release of their first EP (2008's Whale Headed Girl) and their subsequent signing to Vancouver's Mint Records, the band has zigged and zagged their raucous live show across North America (ok, minus Mexico, but still...) and Europe on planes, trains, and automobiles until they thought they might die! They've snapped pictures of themselves under the Eiffel Tower, played on a stage once graced by the Beatles in Hamburg, and visited royal palaces in Vienna, all when they went on tour opening for the Von Bondies across Europe in April, 2009! They've also had wonderful times playing at festivals like SXSW in Austin, Texas, CMJ Music Marathon in New York, and North of the border at Pop Montreal, Halifax Pop Explosion, Sled Island in Calgary, and NXNE in Toronto. And along the way, they've played with lots of other bands they love, like Art Brut, The Raveonettes, Tokyo Police Club, Chad Van Gaalen, Electric 6, Crystal Antlers, and lots more. So, in short, it's been some kind of adventure! Yet, as great adventures often go, this one suffered some moments of struggle. November 2009 marked the departure of one of their founding members, shortly before the band was supposed to record their sophomore release. However, despite this sad and unsettling blow, the band kept their heads held high long enough to snag Catherine Hiltz as their new bass player/multi-instrumentalist. Hiltz's arrival, however, has majorly revitalized the band- it's a long story, but in short, Hot Panda is having fun again, and they're damn happy about it! How Come I'm Dead? (Out on Mint Records October 12, 2010), a follow up to 2009's acclaimed Volcano...Bloody Volcano!, was written with Hiltz and recorded at Vancouver's JC/DC studios during the chaos of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It has a playful sense of humour to it, revealing the band's sense of relief and the return of ridiculous good times since Hiltz's arrival. Like Volcano, How Come I'm Dead? draws inspiration from music's most random corners- the album has moments of dreamy noise, circus freak dance, heartbreaking country ballads with screeching metal guitar solos, lovely harmonies, psychadelic drones, and straight up pop/rock numbers. There's even a hip-hop track, which includes a bass scratch solo and enough f-bombs to earn them an adult content warning sticker. Awww yeah.
event::tags 21+
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Brite Futures
16 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Brite Futures
event::about Defying all pre-conceived notions you might have that involve combinations of the words Seattle and grunge, rain, sadness, long hair and (capital R) Rock, Brite Futures (formerly Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - ask the band sometime about the name change, it ain't pretty) comes blasting out of the Space Needle, literally, armed with more sunshine and pop fun than a Technicolor cartoon on a sugar-fueled Saturday morning. Brite Futures are all about shiny disco beats, synth-drenched dance numbers, and audience participation, and as their star continues to rise, Seattle will soon be known as the least ironic of cities, the anti-Williamsburg if you will.
event::tags 21+
12:30 AM
to 1:30 AM
Locksley
58 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
Hands
25 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Hands
event::about Hands is an Indie Rock band out of Los Angeles consisting of Geoffrey Halliday, Ryan Sweeney, Sean Hess and Alex Staniloff. Each member has distinct strengths and disciplines that coalesce into a truly unique sound worthy of recent praise from the music industry and beyond. Hess' technical authority and profound sense of tempo behind the drums are a rare pairing, while Staniloff provides solid complementary bass thumps and the occasional auxiliary drum bringing the intensity of Hands' live performance to a fever pitch. The interplay of Sweeney's often esoteric guitar riffs and Halliday's soaring tenor is further expanded upon by the various sampling and looping techniques they employ in order to craft a blissfully fresh sound. It would seem nothing is holding this band back from becoming a truly appreciated group of musicians with something new to say, and a truly special way of saying it. Scoring a slew of opening spots for the likes of Deerhoof, DeVotchKa, Foster the People and more, Hands is bracing for a big 2011. After being touted by Beat Crave as a 'Band To Look Out' and endorsements from Brand X and Buzz Bands, they are preparing to drop a much anticipated EP this Spring. Catch them live before you're wishing you saw them "way back when...."
event::tags 21+
9:30 PM
to 10:30 PM
The Ferocious Few
18 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
10:30 PM
to 11:30 PM
Queen Caveat
Location Black & Tan
Location Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Queen Caveat
event::about Queen Caveat has exploded onto the Los Angeles rock scene in 2010 following the release of their debut EP, "Emptor". This hard-hitting four-piece, led by maniacal, ferocious frontwoman Lauren Little, has been quick to turn the heads of rock fans throughout the west coast on the strength of their infectious anthems, unrivaled musicianship, and riotous - and sometimes downright dangerous - stage show. Their explosive headlining performance at the Viper Room during 2010's Sunset Strip Music Festival had fans, bloggers, and club owners buzzing for months afterward. Their live show and hard work ultimately earned them the nomination and votes as one of the Deli Magazines Best Emerging LA Artist's of 2010. Formed only nine months ago and already the progenitors shaping the "LA Rock" sound, expect more big things to come in 2011 from the band the LA Examiner calls "one of LA's - and America's - very best upcoming rock bands.
event::tags 21+
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
The Novocaines
16 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists The Novocaines
event::about The Novocaines - “A towering inferno of 60’s retro soul-fire, they move on stage like the bastard children of Iggy Pop and Pete Townsend” – Drum Media magazine. With a sound that is reminiscent of the latter period of The Velvet Underground, and a live show that captures all the energy, soul and charisma of The Stooges, Perth band The Novocaines are well and truly buzzing in all the right circles. The music stems from a dangerous blend of crunchy Detroit rock through to English Punk and The Novocaines are at the cutting edge of the exploding rock revival that is happening all round the world. With an average age under 20, The Novocaines are no strangers to the road. Their relentless national touring schedule has seen them coast to coast alongside The Vasco Era, British India and Ben Kweller (USA). Their renowned stage antics have blown away both punters and reviewers alike. With a ferocious and unruly live set, their on stage communication brings a cohesiveness to their playing that is so tight it is almost psychic. Charismatic front man Corey Marriott shape shifts effortlessly between sullen introspection and extreme energetic release. Brother and guitarist Jay Marriott merges Cream era Clapton with grunge guitar sounds, to create his own unique style. The Novocaines rhythm section is where much of the band’s power lies. Bass player Steven Turnock switches between the flat-picking grooves inspired by the likes of John Entwhistle, and the fuzzed-out manic lead playing of Noel Redding. 18 year old Liam Young’s frenetic drumming has quickly grabbed the attention of live music reviewers across the country as he violently rumbles around the drum kit. 2009 was a pivotal year for The Novocaines. The band was unearthed by Triple J after releasing their rockin' track “Cup Of Coffee” as a vinyl single through Ampersonic Music/MGM. They then went on to support & tour with the cream of Australian bands including The Fumes, Yves Klein Blue, Kram, Calling All Cars, You Am I & Philadelphia Grand Jury with great reviews rolling in after every show.. In August of 2009 The Novocaines released their Ragdoll EP selling out the Amplifier Bar, Perth’s quintessential indie venue, and selling through three pressing of their CD within weeks of its release. Soon after, they signed to Premier Artists, one of Australia’s largest booking agents, and during November the band was featured as a Next Crop artist on Triple J. 2010 has proved to be an even bigger year for the boys, playing with the likes of Them Crooked Vultures (USA), Gyroscope, The Mess Hall, Art Vs. Science, The Vasco Era & more. The Novocaines were also the only unsigned act to be featured on Rockband 2, with their single 'Cup of Coffee' reaching new audiences around the globe. The release of their 'Courtesy Eventually' EP in Oct has seen the track, 'Adhere To' added to high rotation on Triple J. Add to that a national tour with Australia's indie giants, Jebediah and festival performances slotted in for Southbound and Big Day Out in early 2011 and it's not hard to understand why there is so much major label interest buzzing around The Novocaines. But enough from us.. here's what other people have to say! The baby-faced rockers The Novocaines hit the stage first, playing to an already jammed Rosemount. With all the swagger and bravado of seasoned veterans, The Novocaines threw everything they had into their set, which pulsed with punchy stabs of rock and punk. It was like watching The Rolling Stones play in the Sixties. - Dom Alessio (Triple J) "Wow, this is such a rocking tune! Fantastic energy, killer riffs... this song's got it all! It’s our official new morning anthem…and at 1:34, it doesn't outstay its welcome…turn it up really really loud!" Dom Alessio (Triple J) - 'Cup Of Coffee' review “These Guys have enough on-stage energy to power a city block” Xpress Magazine “The Novocaines looked like the love child of the Ramones and David Bowie with the music to back it up.” FasterLouder "The Novocaines music varied between slow, soft, yet powerful and wildly, insanely, energetic with climaxes that sounded like the soundtrack to someone throwing a TV out of a hotel window." Fasterlouder "The Novocaines have more oomph than some bland bands can poke a stick at. No gimmicks required, just simple, strong songs..." FasterLouder
event::tags 21+
12:30 AM
to 1:30 AM
Sabrosa Purr
5 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Sabrosa Purr
event::about Sabrosa Purr are a genre-defying band from Los Angeles, CA composed of Will Love (vocals/guitar), Jeff Mendel (lead guitar), Angie Mattson (bass) and Mahsa Zargaran (drums). They released their self-produced début EP, Music from the Violet Room on Dangerbird Records (Silversun Pickups, Sea Wolf, Hot Hot Heat, Minus The Bear) to critical raves in 2006, finding themselves in the Top Ten Albums of many tastemakers’ lists, including that of Bagel Radio, CMJ’s Specialty Music Director of the Year. The follow-up Volaras EP was released on June 26 2009. Their full-length album, To the Crickets and the Ghosts, is scheduled for release in Summer 2011; it was produced by Tracy Chisholm (Belly, Scott Weiland, Devics). Sabrosa Purr has performed successful residencies in some of LA's most notable venues, including Spaceland, Silverlake Lounge, and The Echo. The band has shared the stage with other LA notables such as Burning Brides, Silversun Pickups, Cold War Kids, Devics, Cheem and Far and served as an opening act for 30 Seconds to Mars on their tour supporting "A Beautiful Lie". The band has toured the US and Japan and had its music featured in MTV's "The Hills" and NBC's "Medium".
event::tags 21+
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
The Diamond Center
6 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists The Diamond Center
event::about Upon forming in 2007, The Diamond Center at its core has always been Kyle Harris and Brandi Price. After travels and homesteads in Athens, Georgia and Lubbock, Texas, their creative migratory patterns led them to Richmond, Virginia. The release of My Only Companion as well as multiple cross-country tours has only solidified the group's psychedelic aesthetic and the adoring legions of fans spread across state lines. Imagine a time when Neko Case may have fronted an outfit like the Velvet Underground. In her downtime, she ventures into a local record store. As she departs, she carries with her records by Spacemen 3, Deerhunter, Beach House, Black Angels and Brian Jonestown Massacre. In all of their intrinsic beauty and inspiration, these records contribute to the direction the group would take from that very instant. In a nutshell, this is the charm of a group like the Diamond Center. By realizing their influences and challenging the expectations of what's come before, the group flourishes with flairs of instrumental freak-outs and recordings that breathe the same air as those produced by pioneers of the past like Phil Spector and Joe Meek. Their live shows enable The Diamond Center to develop a sonic atmosphere where their songs can live on forever. With visual components at play, the fervent drive of the group is fully realized. 2011 promises to be an exciting year for the group. Along with the release of several seven-inches, the Diamond Center plans on recording and releasing a proper follow-up to their debut My Only Companion later this year. With appearances slated for the Austin Psych Fest, Harrisonburg, Virginia's annual Macrock and SXSW, there are no signs of them slowing down any time soon. As the lush shoegaze of The Diamond Center tampers with your senses, you will know it's time to pay attention to the continued success of one of Richmond, Virginia's finest groups. -Shannon Cleary shannoncleary.org
event::tags 21+
9:30 PM
to 10:30 PM
Nikki Lang
6 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Nikki Lang
event::about Nikki Lang started her musical career as a singer/songwriter at the age of 12. By 15, Nikki had appeared in clubs throughout Los Angeles both as a solo artist and with her band where she plays guitar. Today, as Nikki approaches her twenties, she has toured both nationally and internationally, been a featured artist on radio, TV, print and has caught the eye of music industry moguls as well as developed a loyal fan base. Nikki has graced notable venue stages small to mid-size (1500 capacity), such as the Roxy, Hotel Café, Baked Potato, Cozy’s, House of Blues, the Mint, Genghis Cohen, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Knitting Factory Concert Houses, (Reno, Spokane, Boise, Los Angeles,) Café Was, the Coffee Gallery Backstage, the Union Room, and the Conga Room. Inspired by the authenticity of singer songwriters Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette, and Lily Allen, Nikki sings of self-discovery and empowerment that can be read like a handbook for girls coming of age, while also appealing to adult audiences. Nikki writes about life’s experiences, love, heartbreak, boys, and lessons, from the lens of a young woman entering her twenties. “My inspiration comes from everything that is around me. All of my songs are from true experiences; I’m an observant person and I try to take everything in and put it into my music,” according to Lang. Nikki’s songs are ageless. Added to the lyric is her voice and instrumentation, which rings out clarity and precision, and can cross genres, as well as generations. Songs such as “My Sad Hero,” “Cute but Stupid,” and “Bros before Hos” speak directly to her fans and offer up a tongue-in-cheek way out of what sometimes can appear bottomless. Nikki’s recent accomplishments include the completion of her new EP, Feel Better, and wrapping production on her first major music video for the EP’s title track. The video was directed by Emmy-winning director Todd Robinson (White Squall, directed by Ridley Scott; Lonely Hearts, starring John Travolta). She recently completed her first national tour, supporting Atlantic recording artist Robert Francis. Nikki is slotted for the Industry’s reputable SXSW, and is schedule for a European tour, Spring 2011 and is currently working on music to add to her licensed library with MTV. Tracked at the world-famous Record Plant studio, her latest CD, Feel Better, was produced by Jason Goldman, who has worked as an instrumentalist and a arranger for artists such as Michael Bublé, David Foster, and Clay Aiken, and was engineered/mixed by Mike Butler, (Pretenders, the Shins) and countless others. Coming from a family steeped in the performing arts, Nikki took to music naturally and at an early age and developed impressive chops on guitar and piano along with her singing voice. By age 16, she was in the studio with producer Jay Ferguson (an American rock and roll musician, known for his work with Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne, and his 1978 solo hit "Thunder Island" while attending the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts where she performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival twice. “Her voice and lyrics are mature beyond her years. I’ve heard countless young singers perform and Nikki is at the top.” Dori Zukerman, Hollywood Casting Director: “Nikki’s singing and songwriting is first rate with a combination of focus and intelligence.” Jay Ferguson, film composer, musician: “Nikki possesses exceptional potential” Academy Award winning composer, John William. “She is a beautiful girl with a fantastic voice” Rosanne Cash Beside her own career, Nikki has had charitable projects including benefit recordings for the Christopher Reeve Foundation. From October 2010-Decemer 2010, The American Diabetes Association created a unique fundraiser called Download for Diabetes where Nikki donated the 100% of proceeds of her song, “Feel Better” to the ADA. You can find Nikki Lang at www.nikkilang.com www.facebook.com/nikkilangmusic http://www.youtube.com/user/NikkiLangMusic http://twitter.com/nikkilangmusic
event::tags 21+
10:30 PM
to 11:30 PM
Jack Littman
3 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Jack Littman
event::about Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Jack Littman is a young troubadour with an old soul. Able to spin convincing tails of longing, regret, deceit, rejection, and vindication, his life experiences appear to come from a longer trail than he could seemingly have traversed in his 21 years. His father, a screenwriter and character actor in the film business, always encouraged Jack to follow his own path, and while assuring him that the entertainment business was a tough road to navigate, he nonetheless encouraged him to take it on if that’s where his heart led. Jack got his first taste of performing at age 9, playing Peter Cratchit with Orson Bean as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. In his early teens, he taught himself guitar and later piano. At Hamilton High School in West Los Angeles, Littman dove into the performing arts, joining the choir, taking drama and continuing to perform in musicals. At the same time, he began writing his own songs, inspired by artists such as Neil Young, Bob Marley and Roy Orbison. Littman’s vintage tastes reveal themselves in his full-bodied vocal delivery, which varies from a deep baritone croon to a soulful falsetto, harkening to such extremes as Nick Cave and Jeff Buckley, but always completely Jack Littman. He began performing his songs where he could, eventually breaking into the club scene at a variety of L.A. venues, such as the Viper Room, House of Blues and the Knitting Factory. At the Knitting Factory, he caught the eye of Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis, who signed him to the company’s brand new artist management wing, High Adventure Management, making Littman their first signed West Coast artist. Just 20 at the time, Littman got down to the business of recording with producer Bruce Duff (Prima Donna, Circle, Angus Khan) and bringing his heartfelt songs to life. Enlisting the help of drummer Bryan Howard (Ladykillers), the arrangements began to take shape, with Littman and Duff bringing in top-flight players in to fill out the arrangements. Joining in the sessions were Paul Ill (Christina Aguilera, Linda Perry) on string bass, Brantley Kearns (Dwight Yoakum, Simon Stokes), on violin, and Chas Smith (Thomas Newman) on nuclear-age pedal steel, and Adam “Lights Out” Levine (Ladykillers, Super Bees) on electric bass. The first batch of these recordings contain a wide pallet of moods and atmospheres. From the gritty “Murder by Desire” to the beat box driven “Fairy Tale” and the other-worldly lament “Carpenter’s Son,” Littman’s music gives the listener an adventurous, emotional ride. Essentially the first half of Jack’s soon to be completed debut album, copies are available from High Adventure Management.
event::tags 21+
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
The Dollyrots
35 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists The Dollyrots
event::about A lot can happen over the course of a decade, and the past ten years have been no exception. Los Angeles-based pop-punk trio The Dollyrots know this all too well, having formed in Sarasota, FL as a teenage punk rock band in 2000. Although the nation has seen immense changes in that time span—from technological revolutions to shifts in political leadership—there have also been a share of constants. On the musical front, audiences still want their music to rock, and The Dollyrots are delivering the goods, with oodles more experience. This year The Dollyrots will release their third full-length album, entitled A Little Messed Up (Blackheart Records), to its ever-expanding fanbase. With a host of tours, recording sessions, t.v. and movie appearances, plus a sizable repertoire of songs, The Dollyrots aren’t fresh out of the garage. If there’s one thing that experience can offer, it’s learning from past missteps and building on the successes. And that’s where the album title A Little Messed Up comes into play. It points to the idea that imperfections are all around and a natural part of human existence. “No one’s perfect and we’re proud of that part of us,” says vocalist/bassist Kelly Ogden. Actually, there’s much to be proud of. Getting their start as a scrappy trio of college friends, The Dollyrots quickly gained notice—thanks in large part to Ogden’s high-energy vocals and the melodic riffs of guitarist/vocalist Luis Cabezas—landing their first recorded appearance with 2004’s Eat My Heart Out (Lookout! Records). After meeting the band on Warped Tour, Joan Jett quickly signed them to her label, Blackheart Records and in 2007 released their next album, Because I’m Awesome. It was this sophomore effort that really propelled the band to awesome new heights. They supported these releases with a couple years of steady touring (Bowling For Soup, Buzzcocks), plus song placements and acting stints in television shows (Ugly Betty, CSI: NY, Greek, The Price Is Right) and commercials (HP, Kohls). And, fortunately for the band (which also features powerhouse drummer Chris Black), they struck these deals during the right decade. “We are lucky, that our generation of musicians doesn’t have that whole sell-out, freak out attitude,” says Ogden, referencing the punk community’s previous disapproval of such commercial involvement. “I’m glad it’s been these past ten years and not the ten years before, because we now have opportunities as songwriters. And that’s something that no one could ever teach us; we just had to learn along the way to not let the fear of something hold us back from being successful.” There was no fear in getting album number three underway, as the band started writing the new record at the end of two years of touring for Because I’m Awesome, demoing out new songs during long van rides while criss-crossing the U.S. However, all the ramped-up enthusiasm and sparkling optimism couldn’t deliver an album with expediency, as A Little Messed Up actually took a considerable amount of time to complete after some re-evaluation about what the band sought in its newest creation. “Luis and I put together a first batch of songs and we were really excited about them, loved them,” Ogden recalls. “We recorded them with producer Chris Testa (Jimmy Eat World, Dixie Chicks), and thought, that’s it, we’re done. However, after some time passed we began to feel like we were rushing and just maintaining our presence as a touring band. We thought, all right, we need to make the best record we can possibly make. Let’s put some more into it.” Backing up a little, The Dollyrots opted to share their songwriting process on a handful of songs with outside writers and work with a number of other well-known producers, including Matt Wallace (Replacements, Faith No More), Evan Frankfort (The Distillers, The Bangles), Fred Archambault (Avenged Sevenfold), and Sylvia Massy (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool) mixing. While this sort of writing/recording process is more common in pop music settings, the trio found themselves treading some fairly new ground, ultimately discovering this methodology to be both productive and gratifying. “It’s definitely different from our previous records, but it’s also the best that we have done,” says Ogden. “It’s been a long process, but also very satisfying. It was worth the wait, even if it was torture at times.” The total completion time clocked in at approximately twelve months. The end result is a collection of tracks that contains the expected melodic sensibilities of The Dollyrots (“California Beach Boy” and “Rollercoaster”), coupled with a decidedly unexpected edge that’s not heard on the band’s previous material. “It makes for a more interesting record,” says Ogden. “Songs like ‘Rock Control,’ and ‘Some Girls,’ are more rock than pop, and definitely make sense in relation to our live show. Overall, a lot of that is in the production of the record. We’ve always been a rock band, but this album’s a little more gritty.” And after a decade, The Dollyrots have earned a license for change, something that they’ve judiciously exercised, while taking caution in not sacrificing their trademark power-pop laced anthems that fans have loved and come to expect. And it’s that careful maintenance of both style and stance in the music scene that Ogden and company have always respected and admired in others. “The people we look up to the most are those who have stuck it out in punk rock and found success,” says Ogden. “It’s a matter of sticking it out and being true to your fans—and not over-compromising in any way or selling yourself short.”
event::tags 21+
12:20 AM
to 1:20 AM
Prima Donna
10 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Prima Donna
event::about A five-man high-energy machine, Prima Donna have only been on the scene for four years, yet in that time have knocked out over 400 shows, nearly a third of which were overseas. In 2009 the band supported Green Day for two months in the U.K. and Europe in sold-out arenas. In 2010 Green Day brought back Prima Donna for two weeks in five countries in Asia. Their live show is a whirlwind of color, energy, bravado, volume and an avalanche of catchy, sing-along choruses. Clearly inspired by early punk groups such as X-Ray Spex, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols as well as ’70s glitter such as Mott the Hoople and David Bowie, the group’s sharp n’ concise songwriting sidesteps any notions of the group being “retro.” How retro can a group be if their average age is 23? All of this live excitement and excellence caught the eyes and ears of Acetate Records, who in the past have had the good taste to issue music by such artists as The Hangmen, Throw Rag, Jackson United, The Black Halos and Nine Pound Hammer. Prima Donna’s Acetate debut, After Hours, is a ten-song collection of all-original, driving Rock n’ Roll. Song’s like “Soul Stripper” and “Demoted” openly defy you to sit still, arranged to cause maximum sonic damage. Combining thick, rhythm guitars with stinging lead lines, the sound is explosive, propelled by ceaseless forward motion, yet never is melody sacrificed. Solos never noodle or shred - whether taken by Kevin (of Green Day side project Foxboro Hot Tubs) on guitar or Aaron on sax and keyboards, they are as soulful and melodic as the songs they support. Up front and center, Kevin proves to be the man of the hour, singing in a strong tenor that is at once sultry and swaggering, clear and unaffected. The group proved to be as at home in the studio as they are on the road. Co-producing the album with Messiaz (Eddie Spaghetti, Neila, Monique Powell, Ladykillers), the band’s pure vision of what Rock n’ Roll is permeates every track. Muscular riffs, to-the-point lyrics, killer licks, songs that get themselves over with in under three minutes - it ain’t a formula if you’re living it. These guys live it, all year ‘round, on the road, in the studio, in the street. *** Prima Donna has shared the stage with such notable acts as Green Day, Turbonegro, the Sonics, the Zeros, the Boys, the Weirdos, Sylvain Sylvain & Cheetah Chrome’s Batusis, Angry Samoans, Backyard Babies, Steel Panther, the Skulls, Duane Peters, Eddie & the Hot Rods, Glen Matlock, the Vibrators, the Fuzztones, the Phenomenauts, the Joneses, Josie Cotton, Anti-Nowhere League, Texas Terri, the Undertones, the Muffs, the Stranglers, MU330, the Subhumans, Sham 69, UK Subs, Andre Williams, Charged GBH, the Rezillos, TV Smith, the Avengers, Lower Class Brats, the Business, 20/20, Chelsea, Guana Batz, the Briefs, the Exploited, Toyah, 999, the Pointed Sticks, the Mau-Mau’s, Demented Are Go, Stza Crack, the Polecats, the Electric Prunes, Nikki Corvette, Rikk Agnew, the Gears, the Humpers, Girl In A Coma, the Dragons, Electric Frankenstein, Razor Dolls, the Stitches, and the Bellrays.
event::tags 21+
7:30 PM
to 8:30 PM
Twerps
9 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Twerps
event::about Loveable Melbourne scallywags the Twerps make incredibly warmhearted pop music, low on flash but high on feeling. They hark back to 50s rock’n’roll, 90s lo-fi, and 80s New Zealand pop, but the big beautiful mess they make of their influences is all their own. Forming in 2008 around charismatic guitarist/vocalist Marty Frawley and bassist Rick Milovanovic, the Twerps have already become a much-loved Melbourne fixture. They’ve shared stages with overseas heroes like Deerhunter, the Bats, Yo La Tengo, Black Lip and Thee Oh Sees, and have toured everywhere from Auckland to Adelaide. Their debut EP from late last year features nine short, simple but ridiculously infectious tracks, recorded to analogue tape by Eddy Current Suppression Ring guitarist Mikey Young. Marty’s cheeky, heartfelt songs are complemented by the crystalline guitar lines of guitarist Julia MacFarlane (ex Batrider) and the sympathetic percussion of drummer Patrick O’Neill. The quintet recently recorded their debut album with Jack Farley at Head Gap studios in Melbourne. As yet untitled, the album is due out early 2011. Twerps are set to release two 7" records in the U.S. in February 2011 with U.S. labels Underwater Peoples and Olde English Spelling Bee.
event::tags 21+
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
Moon Duo
57 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Moon Duo
event::about Moon Duo was formed by Ripley Johnson of Wooden Shjips and Sanae Yamada in San Francisco in 2009. Inspired initially by the legendary duo of John Coltrane and Rashied Ali, Moon Duo counts such variant groups as Silver Apples, Royal Trux, Moolah, Suicide, and Cluster as touchstones. Utilizing primarily guitar, keyboards, and vocals, the Duo plays space against form to create a primeval sound experience. After a debut 12" single on Sick Thirst, the group released the acclaimed Killing Time EP on Sacred Bones, followed by the Escape LP on Woodsist. In the spring of 2011 they will release their followup LP, Mazes, on Sacred Bones.
event::tags 21+
9:30 PM
to 10:30 PM
Dog Day
8 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Dog Day
event::about Halifax gloom popsters Dog Day are partners Seth Smith and Nancy Urich. They have returned to the road, as a two piece, taking along a fresh batch of songs. The new sound is made up of guitar, drums and vocals, leaning back toward the bands earlier, minimal, pop-punk debut, Thank You. Live, they are known to incorporate a few of the Seth Smith ‘New Problems’ tracks into their set. They have a new self produced record due spring 2011. The Toronto Star hails the band as "...the most exciting Canadian act of the moment." After hearing the band's previous offering, Concentration (Outside Music), seminal music site Coke Machine Glow exclaimed, "Behold anew, motherfuckers, the future of indie rock..."
event::tags 21+
10:30 PM
to 11:30 PM
Dream Diary
5 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Yellowbirds
18 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Yellowbirds
event::about Yellowbirds is the moniker for the latest musical exploits of Sam Cohen (guitarist / songwriter / vocalist in the psychedelic collective Apollo Sunshine). Cohen grew up in Houston, Texas, and while the Texas of his teens may have been home to Big Oil, Enron, the Bush family, and the drab grey Astros jerseys of the 90's, he prefers to think of it as the Texas of yore- home to Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, the Space Program, and rainbow orange Astros jerseys. It stands to reason, then, that his current home of New York City must be the mythical Empire City - Rocky Mountains of architecture, epicenter of modern art, home to Charles Mingus and The Velvet Underground. It was with these timeless inspirations in mind that Cohen created The Color by Yellowbirds, his "solo" debut. Double-speed auto-harp glissandos, glowing backwards pedal-steel, bubbling echo and fuzz guitars coalesce into a warm wall of sound. As existential lyrical themes emerge, delivered nonchalantly over psyched-out aural landscapes, the picture emerges of a dust-blown, 4th dimensional Future West. This is Cohen's quixotic world where "only the purist tones can be heard".
event::tags 21+
12:30 AM
to 1:30 AM
Ice Black Birds
12 schedule::attendees
Location
Black & Tan
eventtype Music
Artists Ice Black Birds
event::about Brighton, 2008. Sam Denniston and old school friend George Grinling, whilst at university, get together and record some demos with fellow musicians under the name of Ice Black Birds. The early recordings are inspired by blues and rock ‘n’ roll of the past, particularly The Stones, Cream and Creedence Clearwater Revival alongside some modern purveyors of the genre such as Kings Of Leon, The Black Keys and White Denim. In the opinion of Sam and George, there aren’t any current UK bands doing this properly, and with any real balls or conviction. The ‘British Kings Of Leon’ tag has been up for grabs for too long, and it’s going to be seized with two hands. Tracks are subsequently posted online, and the local scene’s ears prick up; the energy and youthful exuberance in the songs is infectious, and their debut show at Brighton’s Providence venue on a Friday night in late 2008 is a complete sell-out. More well-received hometown shows follow, and in time the band are invited to support touring acts such as Wave Machines, Post War Years, We Have Band, Joe Gideon & The Shark, Local Natives and Peggy Sue, in turn developing and honing their live show and becoming a real must see act. By early 2010, the band feel it’s about time to put a record out there to get themselves on the map. ‘Ears To The Ground’, with its thumping bass line and dramatic build up of tension, is an obvious, hard hitting choice. Heavy Independent Blues, an early live favourite and perhaps their most old school blues number, is the chosen B-side. Both tracks see the light of day on 29 March, through the band’s own Black Bird Records. Two incredibly successful launch parties at London’s Old Queens Head and Brighton’s Hope help galvanise what is to be an eventual sold out release. As summer looms, the Birds get booked to play a number of festivals, including the illustrious Secret Garden Party, on no less than three of the days, as well as Bruton’s boutique Farm Festival, the latter becoming a regular fixture on the band's summer calendar. London based independent club night and label Laissez Faire Club signs the band up for their second single, the anthemic, big-stage friendly ‘As Birds We’d Be Fine’, which drops on 14 June. Backed by the cut and thrust rock 'n' roll of 'Doors', the 7” gets recommenced by Rough Trade Shops as a release to look out for, alongside the likes of Mystery Jets and Sleigh Bells, with the lead track receiving plugs on Radio 1 from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens (as well as Tom Robinson on BBC Introducing). An appearance at Manchester’s In The City festival and a sold out jaunt in Holland supporting local indie heroes Go Back To The Zoo are the highlights of October 2010, the latter being the band’s first venture to the Continent. Judging by the hugely enthusiastic response they receive – in no small part due to the European penchant for well-done, plug and play rock ‘n’ roll - it should be the be the first of many forays into the Euro market. With their third single, the hard and fast, incredibly catchy and Youth & Young Manhood era KoL referencing “22:22” set up for release in late February (again through their own label), things are continuing apace for the fast-establishing Brighton quartet. You get the feeling it really won’t be long before these birds take full flight – 2011, if their flight path is unhindered, could well be theirs.
event::tags 21+
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