The Sound of Animals Fighting

The Sound of Animals Fighting is a progressive, hardcore, emo super group of sorts. Compromised of members of RX Bandits, Circa Survive, Finch, Days Away, Chiodos, and The Autumns, the group was started by Rich Balling (formly of RX Bandits) a couple years ago and has since grown into a cult phenomenon for those who follow the progressive music scene. Their story is really interesting; how they came to collaborate, their writing process, the monikers they've given themselves. It is certainly worth checking out. A few links are:

Interview w/ Rich Balling
Wikipedia
MySpace

TSOAF has released to two albums so far, and plan to release a third, The Ocean and The Sun, in the coming months. A release date hasn't been set yet, but as soon as one is, I'll be posting it here. From what has been written, fans of The Mars Volta will be in for a treat (per Rich Balling, The Mars Volta is the inspiration for the band).

Also, here's a video from one of four live shows they've played. The song is called Act I: Chasing Suns. There is a bit of an intro in the video, so be patient until about 1:30 in. You won't be disappointed.



JMMP.

New Music Player

FYI...

Due to website/uploading issues, I just replaced the original streaming music player with a new one. You can find it on the right side of the page.

You're now able to listen to the fine music I post without hassle.

Enjoy!

JMMP.

Dance Son!

I've been having a difficult time finding new music lately and I'm not altogether sure why.  Let's hope that trend doesn't continue.  In the meantime, here are a few songs that I've got shuffling through my iTunes...

The Fratellis: Flathead. Yep, from the iTunes commercial, still awesome though. This dance indie/pop trio lend themselves toward the mainstream far more than I normally venture; I just can't seem to get enough. Dancing shoes pls.

The Steers: Julia. Bloc Party reincarnated. This is a good thing! Julia is their new single which they are releasing sans an accompanying album. This reeks of a label move...mainstream labels rule.

Tides of Man: Not My Love. We're back to the progressive, experimental jams that I enjoy so. I'm really happy to say I stumbled upon another band I can lump in with Circa Survive, The Receiving End of Sirens and The Mars Volta...well, they aren't their yet, but it seems like they have tools and the talent. Keep on the lookout as they're currently working on a new album (or you could check back here as I'll be following them obsessively).

Hope you enjoy the jams, and remember, never cross the streams.

JMMP.

The Republic Tigers Came Back!

One night after their national television debut on Letterman, The Republic Tigers came back to DC9 on Friday; they played the same venue only 3 weeks ago.  

While they played most of the tracks off of their recently released record, Keep Color, (which I reviewed in a previous post) they were kind enough to play the requested "Annie Sinkin' Down, Down, Down"...a song off of their The Republic Tigers EP.  Yes, I requested it and yes, I am kind of obsessed with them at the moment.  They don't perform that song very often so it was super cool of them to play it.

Hopefully they'll come back soon.

In a weird twist to the night, the friend I was with attempted to steal the lead singer's tambourine. I don't know why that happened, but it was hilarious.

Here's the video from the Letterman show...

JMMP.

Jackassery

It's been a while since a post.  My apologies.  Let's get to it...

Last weekend I went to a couple amazing bars (in DC): Wonderland Ballroom and DC9.  It is not normal that I am able to go to two bars of my choosing during a weekend; I always end up getting roped into going to bars that feature that song "save a horse, ride a cowboy".  That shit is depressing.  Really?  Save a horse, ride a cowboy?  People can have self-respect after cheering about that song?  Deep down I know that I need to be flexible and head to where my friends want to go.  I mean, can I judge other people's music taste all the time?  Yes.

Let that be a lesson to all of you hipsters out there.  Bend, not break ppl (emo cliche alert!).  Bend.

That being said, Friday was DC9.  They have this "Liberation Dance Party" situation upstairs on Fridays, which isn't my thing, but if you stay downstairs you'll be able to pump a couple bucks into their jukebox, which rules.  I never thought I'd be able to listen to The Sound of Animals Fighting and Tokyo Police Club at the same bar.  I love that place.  Also, drinks.

Saturday was Wonderland Ballroom for a friend's b-day party.  This Mount Pleasant bar feels out of place only because it's in the middle of a residential neighborhood as opposed to the city, however, once inside, you'll be able to rock some of your favorite Social Distortion, Kinks or 80's punk records.  They also have a DJ upstairs...which is whatever...

Did I mention drinks?

JMMP.

Album Review: The Republic Tigers - Keep Color

Artist: The Republic Tigers

Album: Keep Color

Release Date: May 6, 2008

Label: Chop Shop Records

I stumbled upon The Republic Tigers while trying to find some good bands to see in the DC area.  In fact, I probably would have skipped over them had it not been for their name.  For some reason, I really like it and I can't tell you why.  I'm not trying to be cryptic.  I just like it.

Anyways, after liking their name, I checked out their music and was hooked.  They have an interesting fusion of spacey vocal melodies, acoustic pop and electronica...in fact, I've been trying to relate them to another band, but I'm having trouble; maybe The Shins mixed with a musically upbeat Death Cab for Cutie.

The album, Keep Color, itself is compromised of 12 songs of about the same tempo.  I feel like when an album has little variance in the type of songs musically, their success hinges on vocal divergence across the songs.  With tracks like Weatherbeaten, Give Arm to Its Socket and Stranger to the Eyes of a Child-Man, TRT accomplish that; however, the album falls short when it comes to accomplishing that comprehensively across the album.  It is important to say that the songs that do do that, are well worth a listen, so I recommend checking out this album.

Another supporting quality is The Republic Tigers put on a great show, so if you have the chance, check them out.  They are playing Letterman 5/22 so that'll give you an idea.

The songs on their myspace page aren't their best/ones I was talking about earlier, so I'm going to work on uploading the new album to my blog.  I hope to have them up tomorrow.

Time to zzzzzzzz.

JMMP. 

Keep It Slow

I feel like it is time to slow it down.  Keep it slow, if you will.  I'm not talking about slowing it down for the ladies; I'm talking about slowing it down for yourself...and if you are a lady, well, this notion still applies.

I, personally, am all for rocking out, as if the bands I have previously posted aren't enough evidence.  It's not even that I like rocking out just in the car, or at the gym...I like rocking out at work.  Whether it's to drown out that one co-worker who eats lunch at their desk, chomping, with an open mouth, or not, it's just how I do it.  However, there comes a time when I like to get my ambient on.  

Here are some of my favorite slower songs and the bands that write them.

Jimmy Eat World - Table for Glasses: when people hear or read the name Jimmy Eat World, they immediately think about this band's absurdly catchy pop hits.  What many people don't know is that before the Bleed American album (you may be used to hearing the song "The Middle" in your favorite bar), Jimmy Eat World was gaining a cult flowing for their raw, indie records.  The song Table for Glasses is my favorite song of all time, and their album Clarity is my favorite album of all time.  It is only fitting that I start this post with this song.  I urge you to pick up this album.

The Postal Service - Recycled Air: Death Cab for Cutie's front man Ben Gibbard's electronic side project.  Think Death Cab, but slower and electronic.  How can it not be good?

Sunny Day Real Estate - Tearing in My Heart: Sunny Day Real Estate is considered one of the bands that started the emo movement back in the early '90s.  After a short break up in the mid '90s and a line up change, Sunny Day came back with a couple albums in 1998 and 2000, including The Rising Tide, where Tearing in My Heart was plucked.

Modest Mouse - Blame It On The Tetons: I have a very fond memory of driving to Vegas while I was living in LA with this album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, on repeat.  It does have some songs I feel don't really fit, nonetheless, it is a really good album.  An interesting side note: I heard the lead singer of Modest Mouse is kind of a masochist.  Apparently during a show, he cut himself on stage.  Weird.  Can you say veiled emo?  Just listen to the lyrics...

The Most Serene Republic - Stay Ups: I am really into this band right now.  They are a seven piece band comprised of 3 guitars, trombone, piano, violin, bass, drums and a couple vocalists...they provide an interesting, intricate sound.  I wouldn't go as far as saying their music is very accessible, but give it a chance.  It'll grow on you for sure.

Thrice - Silver Wings: I've made it a point to mention Thrice's Alchemy Index albums, so I'm not going to go into a lot of detail here.  Just check this song out, it's amazing.

Right Away, Great Captain - Right Ahead, Young Sailor: RAGC is the concept side project of Manchester Orchestra front man, Andy Hull.  If you don't know Manchester Orchestra, you will.  I have a song coming from them shortly.  This band was contrived as a three part story, told over three albums, about a mid-17th century fictional sailor.  Andy Hull explains the whole story here if you care to find out more.  Anyways, it's very interesting and creative. 

The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Heretic: I love this band.  Unfortunately they aren't a full-time band.  TSOAF is comprised of members of Circa Survive, RX Bandits, Good Old War, Chiodos, Finch, The Autumns and others, each contributing various songs, melodies, and instrumentals.  Originally inspired by the Mars Volta (= awesome), The Heretic is taken from the band's second album, Lover, The Lord Has Left Us.  This is a stunningly dark and beautiful song.  If you decide to listen to the rest of the album, be prepared...let's just say it is experimental.

Yo La Tengo - I Feel Like Going Home: I'm not really sure what to say about these folks.  They have a really interesting sound and been around forever, so they must be doing something right.  I Feel Like Going Home is my favorite song by far on the album I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass.  Possibly the best album name ever.

Manchester Orchestra - Sleeper 1972: We're back to Manchester Orchestra.  Once of the reasons I like this band is the song writing is completely anecdotal.  No metaphors, no bullshit, and it is depressing to boot.  Sleeper 1972 is a sad one.

The Winston Jazz Routine - Sospiri: I really want to like this band, but every time I come away from listening to them, the only adjective I can think to describe them is boring.  I really like this song though.  There isn't very much to it, just a simple melody.

You can stream all of these songs in the player on the right side of the page.  If you like any of them, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do about getting you a copy.

Keep it slow.

JMMP.

Bamboozle Review

I'm getting to old for that shit.

Actually, the real interaction went like this:

The scene, 1:45PM EST Sat. 5/3 (the first day of the show). My buddy and I had arrived 30 minutes prior. After fighting through a horde of teenagers to make it to the first act of the day...

Me: "I'm too old for this shit." My friend and I then looked at each other and nodded in unison.

Truthfully, I feel like I am getting too old for the Bamboozle. The whole pop/punk thing, which is the majority of the acts, certainly isn't my scene. The mean age is 16. I can only stand dodging empty plastic beer bottles for a half a day, let alone two days. 

However, despite my mopey disposition, there were a couple amazing acts and moments that made this predominantly sophomoric event, memorable.

Here are a couple highlights:

Dr. Manhattan: I was psyched when they were a late add to the bill; and I wasn't disappointed by their performance. This is a band that plays without inhibition. Not only do they jump around the stage like crazy people, they rock out, and rock out well. Dr. Manhattan has a interesting fusion of muffled guitars, melodic vocals/yelling and tip-toeing piano that produce a unique, intricate sound. This is a band that has the potential to follow in the footsteps of their Vagrant Records predecessors, The Get Up Kids, as something great.

The Receiving End of Sirens: As I mentioned in the Bamboozle Preview post, the Bamboozle show was their last. It's true you never realize what you've got until it's gone. I know, that was cheesy. But ever since their set finished, I've been weirdly bummed that I won't be able to watch them play again, let alone hear any new music.

If there is an example to support my gloom, it's that throughout the Bamboozle Festival on Sunday, I heard 4 bands specifically mention The Receiving End of Sirens' last set and that anyone listening should go watch them play. Those bands called them true musicians, mentors and great guys to be around. As The Receiving End of Sirens played their last set, I saw members of other bands shuffle backstage to watch with alacrity, knowing conversely, like the fans, there was a finite time remaining in the band's life.

The progressive/indie world lost a great band on Sunday.

Bummed.

Circa Survive always provides an entertaining show; soaring vocals, great energy and seemingly dueling guitars, one spouting melodic jabs after the other. Also, I have a musical man crush on Circa's vocalist, Anthony Green. So dreamy.

The Dear Hunter: Former The Receiving End of Sirens multi-instrumentalist's now full-time project seeps musical progression. Despite a self-dubbed Indie description, The Dear Hunter encapsulates elements of the jazz, electronica, rock, post-hardcore, progressive and ambient genres. The best way to explain their music is to point you to their myspace and ask you to keep an open mind.

Coheed and Cambria: Professional. Rock. Band. Coheed rocked so hard I peed a little. While their set was comprised of some of my favorites (No World For Tomorrow, Welcome Home, Mother Superior), I would have to say my favorite memory of watching them play is when Claudio (the lead singer) gave a shout out to Bret Michaels, who was standing on the side of the stage. Apparently, Claudio had joined Bret during his set earlier that day. Bret Michaels people. Bret Michaels. Maybe he was taping "Rock of Love III: Bamboozle Edition"...gross.

The Starting Line: Bamboozle was unfortunately their last show as well. While I grew apart from these guys over the years, they have certainly provided a myriad of memorable songs that are constantly in rotation in my iTunes.

Why is it that the bands with talent break up? Why not Barry and the Penetrators? They win worst band at Bamboozle this year.

Just added: Bamboozle Slideshow!  Check the top right of the page.

JMMP.

Bamboozle Preview

Normally I cringe when a read about an upcoming music festival...waiting for the one or two bands you want to see come on, drunken youngsters, drunken oldsters (which are actually hilarious) and shitty just about everything.  Most of you have probably been to one in your life: Warped Tour, SXSW, Bonnaroo, etc.  The list goes on.

Now, I find myself going to my second festival in the last year.  The first was the Reading/Leeds Festival in the UK last August.  God bless Brand New, Sparta and Jimmy Eat World for being there because the "popular" bands in Britain at the time, Kings of Leon and the Klaxons were abysmal (see my previous post "Listen with Conviction", the part about good indie bands).  

The second will be the Bamboozle Festival in NJ this weekend.  Holy crap.  Whoever put this bill together deserves a high five.  Allow me to run down the bands I'll be checking out (w/ set times and stages!):

Saturday

4:15 - 4:45 As Tall As Lions (Bamboozle TV Studio)

4:45 - 5:15 Dr. Manhattan (The Aquarian)

7:25 - 8:00 The Bravery (Nowwhat.com)

8:45 - 9:30 Jimmy Eat World (Nowwhat.com)

Sunday

2:40 - 3:10 Circa Survive (Asbury Park)

2:45 - 3:15 The Dear Hunter (MLB)

5:00 - 5:30 The Fall of Troy (Rebel Youth Records)

5:10 - 5:45 Anthony Green (Bamboozle TV Studio)

6:15 - 6:50 Thrice (Nowwhat.com)

6:30 - 7:00 The Receiving End of Sirens (Nokia Ticket Rush)

7:30 - 8:00 Good Old War (The Aquarian)

8:40 - 9:30 Coheed and Cambria (Nowwhat.com)

9:30 - 10:30 Panic at the Disco (Asbury Park)

A quick overview:

The Bamboozle has brought together who I consider to be some of the most talented progressive rock bands out there right now:  Circa Survive, The Dear Hunter, The Fall of Troy and The Receiving End of Sirens.  Not to mention, those that side with the indie/straight rock persuasion: Dr. Manhattan, Good Old War, Jimmy Eat World and Coheed and Cambria.

There are a couple artists/bands that deserve special attention:

1. Thrice.  If you haven't heard The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II Fire & Water, do yourself a favor and download it.  The Water section of the CD (the last 6 songs) is a truly beautiful piece of song writing.  Pretty slow, partially electronic.

2. Anthony Green/Good Old War. You may know Anthony Green from Saosin (ex-lead singer), The Sound of Animals Fighting (part-time lead singer) and Circa Survive (current lead singer).  He's decided to record a solo album with the help of a couple friends in the band Good Old War (ex-Days Away, Unlikely Cowboy members).  GOW is also writing their own album.  Be sure to check those guys out.  They are writing some awesome stuff right now.

3. The Receiving End of Sirens.  Sadly, the Bamboozle show will be their last.  Tear drops. 

Now if I can only avoid the scenester army that I'm assured will be in attendance.

JMMP.

Esao Andrews

In the top right corner of this secton, you'll see a girl with a balloon head.  I consider myself pretty good at discerning the deeper meanings of lyrics, music and movies, but I'm stuck on this one.

Anyways, the artist who created this fine painting goes by the name of Esao Andrews.  Some of his stuff is pretty amazing, so I urge you to check it out.  He also provided a couple paintings to the band Circa Survive to use as their album art work.

The link to his website is below.  Hope you enjoy.

Esao Andrews

Coming soon, a Bamboozle preview.

JMMP.