Kathryn Calder is one of those artists who belies her age. She began her professional music career as a teenager, and by the time that most people are just stepping into their first independent record store, she had recorded 2 EPS and 4 CDs with the Victoria based Immaculate Machine (from whom she parted ways in 2008), and toured the world and recorded three albums as the newest member of The New Pornographers.
"Where that first album of hers, Are You My Mother?, was incredibly personal and introspective, Calder’s sophomore album is much more open and outward-looking. According to Calder herself, Are You My Mother? was an album that she wanted to record for her dying mother at the time, and that deep personal emotion could be plainly heard, bearing itself on each and every song from that album. As a follow-up, Bright and Vivid finds Calder exploring wider sonic landscapes that range from cutesy synth-pop (“Who Are You?”) to more experimental indie rock (“New Frame of Mind”, “All The Things”). While I usually commend artists for branching out, some of the risks she takes on Bright and Vivid just don’t convince me that she is sold on these ideas either." - Luke Larsen / Paste Magazine
Kathryn Calder on Facebook
On "Hard Times," the third album from Victoria, BC’s Himalayan Bear aka Ryan Beattie exhibits an indisputable level of ingenuity, a fetish for reverb and a voice that is as delicate as it is potent. Beattie may be best known as the front man of Chet or the guitarist of Frog Eyes, but he started making records in his early teens and has amassed a large catalog over the nearly two decades since. It’s his solo project Himalayan Bear which best shows his inimitable talent and remarkable voice, and "Hard Times" is his finest effort to date. "Hard Times" will be released on August 2nd, 2011 by Absolutely Kosher Records.
Much of the album hinges on tension and desperation, but his years of experience show in a subtle guarded confidence throughout the album’s seven tracks. Though the songs may inspire a deep loneliness, Beattie certainly wasn’t alone in the recording process. The chosen studio, The Last Resort, proved to be a social hub of the Victoria scene which allowed for brainstorming, last minute additions and a casual, but creative environment for the album to develop in. Instrumentation ranging from lap steel to trumpet to double bass all made their way on to the record, sometimes acting to ground Beattie’s vocals on tracks such as "Half Wit Son," but also at times drawing the listener into Beattie’s world on tracks like "Man of Fire."
Himalayan Bear on Facebook
"Lovers of noisy rock take note! Lucy Dreams have released their album ‘Vivian’ and they’re still in High School – these kids rock! ‘Skull Mask’ sits squarely in the middle of the nine track release, it’s a spaced out rock tune with lots of melody. The laid back introduction doesn’t give away the energy of the chorus, it’ll get stuck in your head. The scratchy lead guitar break works well against the cleaner sounds too. ‘Skull Mask’ is one of the more sedate tracks on ‘Vivian’, standing out together with ‘VHS’ and ‘Death March’." - Sounds Better With Reverb
Lucy Dreams on Facebook
Like Teeth EP is the new release from Atlanta band SwingSet. With their fuzzy guitars and catchy choruses Swing Set is making records for people who still think music matters. Originally started as a bedroom projectSwing Set is now a full band consisting of ex-Waterliars/Long Knives rhythm section Thad Goad (drums) and Chris Poma (bass), Mike Copen (guitar/vocals) and Sodajerk frontman Alex Brenner (vocals/guitar). Their live shows are loud distorted hook laden goodness reminiscent of bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Archers of Loaf. The songs are short and sweet taking the Tom Petty method of “don’t bore us-get to the chorus” with no filler. The Like Teeth EP contains three reworked songs from the previous Great Shakes EP and two new songs. Recorded by Ben Price at Studi Laroche SwingSet has captured their raw live sound and infectious hooks that are sure to have listeners singing along.
Swingset on Facebook
$10, 18+
Doors @ 9 pm
BY ARTIST REQUEST THIS IS A NON-SMOKING EVENT.
Advance tickets available @ Ticket Alternative, Criminal Records,
Decatur CD, Fantasyland Records and the following CD Warehouse locations: Buford, Duluth, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville and Roswell.
Our Concert Calendar
No comments:
Post a Comment