[review] Operators @ the Vogue (8-9-2014)

Operators debut new jams in Indy 

This weekend, I ventured down to Nap Town to see Dan Boeckner’s new rock outfit, Operators, which opened for Future Islands at the Vogue on Saturday night. My road trip playlist consisted of Operator’s fresh EP1, Spoon’s new LP They Want My Soul, and Future Islands’ Singles (it was a rad mix!).

With Divine Fits on hiatus and Britt Daniel / Alex Fischel busy promoting Spoon’s new LP , Boeckner and Sam Brown are taking no breaks. Their new band consists of Boeckner on vocals/synth/guitar, Brown on drums, and Devojka (Macedonian singer/songwriter) on drum machine/synth/blips & boops. Since Operators had only released their 5-song EP a mere four days before the show, I was unsure what to anticipate. Based on their release, I was expecting a synth-driven, post-wave set, but what I heard was slightly different.

Operators kicked off their set with "Ancient", and immediately incited a dance party. Just listening to that track, how can you not want to groove? Songs that I recognized from their EP also included "Start Again", and "True" (which according to Devojka, is "written about sex so good, you think you’re in love"). Devojka's necklace broke during the performance of "True", and afterward she added, "and like good sex, sometimes your jewelry breaks..." The other songs of the night mostly featured Boeckner on guitar, and were definitely leaning more toward the Fugazi/punk influences that he hinted at in earlier interviews. I was slightly disappointed that "Book Of Love" made no appearance, but perhaps this song isn't ready for live shows yet.

While it was clear that the majority of attendees were there for Future Islands, it seemed that Operators wowed some Hoosiers into instant fandom. The energy during the set was at approaching level 11, and the trio authentically appeared to be having fun. Operators also seem to be tinkering with their sound (it’s only their 2nd show on this tour!). Taking a page from Fits band-mate Britt Daniel’s stage dress code, Boeckner donned a suit jacket for most of the show. However, toward the end, his trademark cut-off t-shirt made an appearance. Their quick 40 minute set left me hungering for more, and I’m already eagerly wishing for EP2 (if it exists).

The last song of the night reminded me of punk Springsteen (if such a thing doesn't exist, it does now). It was incredibly catchy, and a perfect send-off. Future Islands were expectedly fantastic, and the pairing of these two bands is an unbelievable gift from the rock gods. Please find a way to see this show if it happens to swing by a city near you.

Buy :: Operators - EP1

Pics :: Kristen Jackley @ NUVO

Operators Tour Dates
8/8 - Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small's Theatre w/ Future Islands * 
8/9 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue w/ Future Islands
8/10 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall w/ Future Islands
8/11 - Sioux Falls, SD @ Latitude 44 w/ Future Islands
8/12 - Fort Collins, CO @ Aggie Theatre w/ Future Islands
8/13 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
8/15 - Boise, ID @ Egyptian Theatre w/ Future Islands
8/16 - Portland, OR @ Doug FIr Lounge w/ Future Islands * 
8/18 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's w/ Future Islands * 
8/19 - Fresno, CA @ Star Palace w/ Future Islands
8/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre w/ Future Islands
8/21 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre w/ Future Islands * 
8/22 - San Diego, CA @ The Irenic w/ Future Islands * 
8/24 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom
8/25 - Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole w/ Future Islands
8/27 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre w/ Future Islands *  
8/28 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room w/ Future Islands
8/29 - Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's w/ Future Islands
8/30 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
8/31 - Columbus, OH @ The Big Bang w/ Future Islands
9/2 - Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe w/ Future Islands * 
9/3 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom w/ Future Islands
9/4 - Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall w/ Future Islands
9/7 - Toronto, ON @ Horshoe Tavern
9/10 - New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage w/ Spoon
9/11 - Munhall, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead w/ Spoon
9/13 - Hamilton, ON @ Supercrawl / FREE EVENT
10/23 - Halifax, NS @ Halifax Pop Explosion

* = SOLD OUT 

[new music] Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams

Debut LP from Lord Huron!

Lord Huron just released the teaser for the band's debut album, entitled Lonesome Dreams. According to the video below, the album is set to drop on October 9. Check out the snippet of the beautifully crafted "Time To Run", which scores the LP trailer. The band has also announced a handful of tour dates that start in late August, which are posted below.

Lord Huron tour dates:
Aug 24 :: The Geffen Contemporary :: Los Angeles, CA
Sep 21 :: Mojo's :: Columbia, MO
Sep 25 :: Magic Stick Lounge :: Detroit, MI
Sep 27 :: Midpoint Music Festival :: Cincinnati, OH
Sep 28 :: Pygmalion Music Festival :: Champaign, IL
Sep 29 :: The High Watt :: Nashville, TN
Sep 30 :: The Bottletree :: Birmingham, AL
Oct 02 :: Dan's Silverleaf :: Denton, TX
Oct 03 :: Stubb's BBQ (Indoor) :: Austin, TX
Oct 05 :: Drunken Unicorn :: Atlanta, GA
Oct 06 :: Local 506 :: Chapel Hill, NC
Oct 07 :: Black Cat Backstage :: Washington, DC
Oct 08 :: KungFu Necktie :: Philadelphia, PA
Oct 09 :: Mercury Lounge :: New York, NY
Oct 11 :: Great Scott :: Allston, MA
Oct 12 :: Glasslands Gallery :: Brooklyn, NY
Oct 13 :: Mohawk Place :: Buffalo, NY
Oct 15 :: Schubas :: Chicago, IL
Oct 16 :: 7th St. Entry :: Minneapolis, MN
Oct 18 :: Larimer Lounge :: Denver, CO
Oct 19 :: Kilby Court :: Salt Lake City, UT
Oct 20 :: Neurolux :: Boise, ID
Oct 21 :: Barboza :: Seattle, WA
Oct 22 :: Doug Fir Lounge :: Portland, OR
Oct 24 :: The Independent :: San Francisco, CA
Nov 01 :: Casbah :: San Diego, CA

[video] Plants and Animals - "H.C."

New music video from P&A

Plants and Animals just released a beautifully animated video for the shortest song in their catalog. Created by Aimée Van Drimmelen, the video for "H.C." can be seen above. If you're hungry for more, I highly suggest watching the video for their title track "End Of That" below. It's quite amazingly hilarious. Check out their tour dates below, and try to see these guys and their awesome stage performance in a city near you.

Plants and Animals Tour Dates
06/15/12 || Toronto, ON || NXNE Music Festival
06/16/12 || Montréal, QC || Festival Folk sur le Canal
06/30/12 || Gagetown, BC || Folly Fest
07/04/12 || Sherbrooke, QC || Théâtre Granada (Sherblues)
07/05/12 || Ottawa, ON || Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
07/06/12 || Orillia, ON || Mariposa Folk Festival
07/12/12 || Dour, BE || Dour Festival
07/15/12 || Nijmegen, NL || Festival De-Affaire
07/17/12 || Paris, FR || Nouveau Casino
07/20/12 || Saint-Gédéon, QC || St-Gédéon s'amuse
07/24/12 || Columbus, OH || Newport Music Hall*
07/25/12 || Detroit, MI || Magic Stick*
07/27/12 || Burlington, VT || Signal Kitchen
07/28/12 || Boston, MA || Royale*
07/30/12 || New York, NY || Webster Hall*
07/31/12 || Baltimore, MD || Ram's Head Live*
08/01/12 || Washington, DC || 9:30 Club*
08/04/12 || Montréal, QC || Osheaga Music and Art Festival
08/16/12 || Îles de la Madeleine, QC || Pas Perdus
08/17/12 || Îles de la Madeleine, QC || Pas Perdus
08/24/12 || Squamish, BC || Live at Squamish
08/28/12 || L'Assomption, QC || L'Ange Cornu
*with Bombay Bicycle Club

[new music] Patrick Watson - Adventures In Your Own Backyard

Patrick Watson's 3rd LP!

Patrick Watson has just announced the April 17 release date for the band's highly anticipated third LP, entitled Adventures In Your Own Backyard. Following up 2009's critically acclaimed Wooden Arms, the new record was described by Watson as an effort to "make the kind of music we would want to listen to at home" (hence the name). According to Secret City Records, the album was almost entirely recorded in Watson's apartment in Montreal.

So what then can we expect from Adventures? Take one listen to the first single "Into Giants" (listen below) and you'll hear a stripped-down arrangement with less orchestration than its predecessors. From the press release, the LP is "still ripe with the touchstones one has come to expect from Patrick Watson and his collaborators, but permeated with a greater sense of patience, and confidence. Adventures in Your Own Backyard is an attempt by Watson and the band to simplify their sights - to make music a bit more close to home, in every sense of the phrase." Sounds good to me! Tour dates posted below.

Tracklisting:
01 :: Lighthouse
02 :: Blackwind
03 :: Step Out For A While
04 :: The Quiet Crowd
05 :: Into Giants
06 :: Morning Sheets
07 :: Words In The Fire
08 :: The Things You Do
09 :: Strange Crooked Road
10 :: Noisy Sunday
11 :: Adventures In Your Own Backyard
12 :: Swimming Pools

Patrick Watson Tour Dates:
03/14-17 :: Austin, TX @ SXSW
05/03 :: Philadelphia PA @ Union Transfer*
05/04 :: New York NY @ Beacon Theatre*
05/06 :: Boston MA @ House of Blues*
05/08 :: Washington DC @ The 930 Club*
05/09 :: Baltimore MD @ RamsHead Live*

*w/ Andrew Bird

[new music] Vacationer - Gone EP

Need a vacation?

If you can't spare the vacation days for a tropical getaway, you should hear what my travel agent has to say. It'll only take three songs of your time, and after you've heard his sales pitch, you'll have no need for travel. At first he'll tell you all about the "Trip" you'll be taking, and then he'll explain that there's "No Rules" to worry about. After listening to all the details, you'll feel as if you've already "Gone".

Probably too cheesy, but don't let that keep you from checking out Vacationer's new Gone EP. Kenny Vasoli (formerly of The Starting Line), with members of Body Language, have a knack for writing music that transports listeners to the dreamy surf. Minimalist waves of indie pop sung over a hot summer breeze of melodies offer up relaxing vibes through this 3-song extended play. Notably, "Gone" was voted one of Three Colours' Top Songs of 2011. Pick up a copy of Vacationer's debut release, and make sure to check out the tour dates posted below. Starting tonight, the band kicks off their support of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. After drumming up some buzz, Vacationer will then be primed for the March release of their debut LP, simply titled Gone. By then, their tour will be with the likes of a different band, Naked and Famous.

Hear two-thrids of the EP, featuring "Trip" and the title track "Gone" (via RCRD LBL).

BUY :: Vacationer - Gone EP (via iTunes)

:: Vacationer Tour Dates ::
Feb 02 :: Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA
Feb 03 :: Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA
Feb 04 :: il Motore - Montreal, Canada
Feb 06 :: The Hoxton - Toronto, Canada
Feb 07 :: Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL
Feb 08 :: 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN
Feb 10 :: Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
Feb 13 :: Belly Up - San Diego, CA
Feb 14 :: Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA
Feb 15 :: Independent - San Francisco, CA
Feb 17 :: Wonder Ballroom - Portland, OR
Feb 18 :: Neumos - Seattle, WA
Feb 19 :: Venue - Vancouver, WA
Feb 20 :: The Red Room Lounge - Spokane, WA
Mar 19 :: The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
Mar 23 :: Stubbs - Austin, TX
Mar 24 :: House of Blues - Houston, TX
Mar 25 :: House Of Blues - New Orleans, LA
Mar 27 :: Plaza 'LIVE' - Orlando, FL
Mar 28 :: State Theater - St Petersburg, FL
Mar 30 :: Grand Central - Miami, FL
Mar 31 :: 40 Watt Club - Athens, GA
Apr 01 :: Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC
Apr 02 :: The National - Richmond, VA
Apr 06 :: Crofoot Ballroom - Pontiac, MI
Apr 07 :: Motr Pub - Cincinnati, OH
Apr 09 :: The Vogue - Indianapolis, IN
Apr 10 :: Mercy Lounge - Nashville, TN
Apr 12 :: Gargoyle Club - St Louis, MO
Apr 13 :: Turner Hall Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI
Apr 14 :: Majestic Theatre - Madison, WI
Apr 17 :: Midland By Amc - Kansas City, MO
Apr 19 :: The Depot - Salt Lake City, UT

[video] Father John Misty - "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings"

New Tunes from Josh Tillman

At the end of last year, J. Tillman took an indefinite hiatus from the amazing Fleet Foxes to pursue a new musical project. Playing under the moniker Father John Misty, Tillman has just shared his first single "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" (mp3 below), along with the sweet music video above starring Aubrey Plaza of NBC’s Parks and Recreation. His debut LP, entitled Fear Fun, is set to release via Sub Pop on May 1. Compared to his solo work, this track has a lot more rock. Extremely catchy, and hopefully a glimpse of what's to come. Check it out. By the way, Father John Misty has a few tour dates in California.

Father John Misty Tour Dates
Feb 29 :: Oakland, CA - New Parish
Mar 03 :: Grass Valley, CA - Center for the Arts
Mar 04 :: Santa Cruz, CA - Crepe Place

[video] White Rabbits - "Heavy Metal"

New video from White Rabbits

As mentioned earlier, White Rabbits are set to release their 3rd LP Milk Famous on March 6. Additionally, you can now pre-order the album directly from their website. The band plans to kick off a North American tour with a record release party in Philly. Check out the dates below.

White Rabbits tour dates:
March 6 :: Philadelphia, PA / Union Transfer
March 7 :: Washington D.C. / Black Cat
March 8 :: Charlottesville, VA / Jefferson Theater
March 9 :: Raleigh, NC / Lincoln Theatre
March 11 :: Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse
March 12 :: Birmingham, AL / The Bottletree
March 13 :: New Orleans, LA / One Eyed Jacks
March 14 :: Houston, TX / Fitzgeralds
March 19 :: Denver, CO / Bluebird Theater
March 20 :: Salt Lake City, UT / Urban Lounge
March 22 :: Portland, OR / Doug Fir Lounge
March 23 :: Vancouver, BC / Biltmore Cabaret
March 24 :: Seattle, WA / Crocodile Cafe
March 26 :: San Francisco, CA / The Independent
March 28 :: Los Angeles, CA / El Rey Theatre
March 29 :: San Diego, CA / The Casbah
March 30 :: Phoenix, AZ / Crescent Ballroom
March 31 :: Tucson, AZ / Club Congress
April 3 :: Lawrence, KS / Jackpot Music Hall
April 4 :: Columbia, MO / The Blue Note
April 5 :: St. Louis, MO / Plush
April 6 :: Madison, WI / High Noon Saloon
April 7 :: Minneapolis, MN / Triple Rock Social Club
April 8 :: Chicago, IL / Metro
April 12 :: New York, NY / Webster Hall
April 13 :: Northampton, MA / Pearl Street Downtown
April 14 :: Boston, MA / Paradise Rock Club

[new album] White Rabbits - Milk Famous

White Rabbits are back!

The White Rabbits have just announced news for their third studio album, entitled Milk Famous (cover art shown). The much anticipated LP will drop March 6, and from the sounds of their newest single "Heavy Metal" (download below), the band continues to evolve in sound. Produced by Mike McCarthy (long-time Spoon producer), the Spoon-esque influence is apparent in the minimalist jammer, complete with dance-beat grooves, falsetto vocals, sporadic layers of distorted guitar, and electronic piano melodies. I'm very excited to hear the rest of this album.

The band has also announced some new tour dates (with stage-support from Tennis and The War On Drugs). Sadly, there's no love for Michigan, but they'll be strolling though Chicago on April 8 at the Metro. Hopefully they make a stop at Rock Island, as well, and treat us all to another great Daytrotter Session... More are posted dates below. 

White Rabbits tour dates:
March 6 :: Philadelphia, PA / Union Transfer
March 7 :: Washington D.C. / Black Cat
March 8 :: Charlottesville, VA / Jefferson Theater
March 9 :: Raleigh, NC / Lincoln Theatre
March 11 :: Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse
March 12 :: Birmingham, AL / The Bottletree
March 13 :: New Orleans, LA / One Eyed Jacks
March 14 :: Houston, TX / Fitzgeralds
March 19 :: Denver, CO / Bluebird Theater
March 20 :: Salt Lake City, UT / Urban Lounge
March 22 :: Portland, OR / Doug Fir Lounge
March 23 :: Vancouver, BC / Biltmore Cabaret
March 24 :: Seattle, WA / Crocodile Cafe
March 26 :: San Francisco, CA / The Independent
March 28 :: Los Angeles, CA / El Rey Theatre
March 29 :: San Diego, CA / The Casbah
March 30 :: Phoenix, AZ / Crescent Ballroom
March 31 :: Tucson, AZ / Club Congress
April 3 :: Lawrence, KS / Jackpot Music Hall
April 4 :: Columbia, MO / The Blue Note
April 5 :: St. Louis, MO / Plush
April 6 :: Madison, WI / High Noon Saloon
April 7 :: Minneapolis, MN / Triple Rock Social Club
April 8 :: Chicago, IL / Metro
April 12 :: New York, NY / Webster Hall
April 13 :: Northampton, MA / Pearl Street Downtown
April 14 :: Boston, MA / Paradise Rock Club

[new music] Lord Huron - "Man Who Lives Forever"

New Song from Lord Huron

Back in October, Rollo & Grady posted a video series with Lord Huron, capturing the three-song private session that the band played for the LA music bloggers. Earlier, I shared links to two of those songs, "She Lit A Fire" and "The Stranger". A third song, "Man Who Lives Forever", was also shared later, and you can view/hear it above. It's really catchy, and makes me excited about the idea of Lord Huron LP (hopefully in the works).

Lord Huron tour dates:

01-13-12 :: Founders Hall at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa, CA

[tour dates] Cults Announce Spring Dates

Drink up...

Cults, creators of one of my favorite albums of the year, has just released a whole slew of concert dates. The winter months will conclude a short US visit before the band travels to Australia, Singapore, and even Japan. But in March, Cults will blaze across the contiguous 48 states, spreading their ritualistic awesomeness to a city near you.

Cults tour dates:
12-31 :: West Hollywood, CA - The Standard *
01-13 :: Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
01-14 :: Washington, DC - Black Cat
01-19 :: New York, NY - Webster Hall
01-28 :: Brisbane, Australia - Fortitude Valley
01-30 :: Auckland, Australia - Silo Park
02-04 :: Melbourne, Australia - Footscray Community Arts Centre
02-05 :: Sydney, Australia - Sydney College of the Arts
02-10 :: Adelaide, Australia - Fowler’s Live & UNISA West Courtyards
02-11 :: Perth, Australia - Perth Cultural Centre
02-12 :: Fort Canning, Singapore - Laneway Festival
02-15 :: Tokyo, Japan - Unit
03-02 :: Hoboken, NJ- Maxwell’s
03-03 :: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
03-04 :: Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
03-06 :: Atlanta, GA - The Earl
03-07 :: Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
03-09 :: Orlando, FL - The Plaza Live
03-10 :: Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
03-11 :: Houston, TX - Fitzgerald’s #
03-17 :: El Paso, TX - Lowbrow Palace
03-18 :: Tuscon, AZ - Club Congress
03-21 :: Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
03-23 :: Pamona, CA - The Glass House
03-24 :: Santa Barbara, CA - Velvet Jones
04-03 :: Santa Ana, CA - Constellation Room
04-04 :: San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
04-05 :: San Francisco, CA - Slims
04-06 :: Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
04-07 :: Seattle, WA - Neptune
04-09 :: Vancouver, BC - Venue
04-11 :: Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
04-12 :: Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
04-13 :: Boulder, CO - Fox Theater
04-14 :: Lawrence, KS - The Granada Theater
04-16 :: Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
04-17 :: Madison, WI - Majestic Theater
04-18 :: Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
04-20 :: Chicago, IL - Metro
04-21 :: Bloomington, IN - Rhinos
04-22 :: Ferndale, MI - The Magic Bag
04-23 :: Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
04-25 :: Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
04-26 :: Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre
04-27 :: South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
04-29 :: Northhampton, MA - Pearl Street Nightclub

* with Jenny and Johnny
# with Of Montreal

[new music] The West - Don’t Make a Sound

The West will rise again!

Formerly known as simply Bob and Anthony, this two part Seattle band, comprised of Anthony Darnell (of the local Satori Group) and Bob Husak (drummer for the Blakes), has added three more members to the line-up and changed their moniker to The West. Last year, Bob and Anthony released their first single "Underground", which made me an instant fan (heard here).

For those wanting more, you'll be happy to learn that The West has just released their first EP entitled Don't Make a Sound. The newly formed group is still crafting the melodic jams heard on "Underground", but there's a little more energy and synth injected into the upbeat sing-alongs, thanks to the addition of keyboardist Adrienne Clark, producer / guitarist Reed Griffin, and songwriter / electronic producer Arthur Ross. Hear it for yourself (the EP can be streamed below).

So go pick up a copy of the The West's 4-song EP Don't Make a Sound - it's the best 4 bucks you'll spend this week. And also check them out in Seattle at the Comet Tavern tomorrow night (9 PM, $7 at the door).

[new music] Plants and Animals - The End of That

P&A Announce New Record

“Let’s make a new record,” they say. “How do we do this? Let’s do it differently—let’s write a whole pile of songs and develop them big time before we go into the studio to record—let’s not do the fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants routine for a change—too crazy, too pressed. Let’s create in a cave, off the clock, take some time. Like normal people,” they say.

Plants and Animals have just announced the news and release date for their third LP, The End of That. Set to release via Secret City on February 28, 2012, P&A are already sharing the first single, a slow-rocker called "Lightshow" (listen below). New tour dates have also been posted, most notably, the band will be hitting up the Crocodile in Seattle, as well as Shuba's in Chicago! Additionally, the band will be touring with a bass player and playing live as a four piece for the first time. Should bring some added depth to their stage sound - always a plus.

Plants and Animals tour dates:
12-7-2011 :: The Rock Shop :: New York, NY
1-6-2012 :: Rialto Theatre :: Montreal, QC
1-12-2012 :: Schuba's :: Chicago, IL (Tomorrow Never Knows Fest)
3-8-2012 :: Ritual Nightclub :: Ottawa, ON**
3-9-2012 :: Le Cercle :: Quebec, QC**
3-10-2012 :: Le Cabaret du Mile End :: Montreal, QC
3-21-2012 :: Rickshaw Theatre :: Vancouver, BC*
3-22-2012 :: The Crocodile :: Seattle, WA*
3-24-2012 :: Mississippi Studios :: Portland, Oregon*
3-27-2012 :: Starlite Room :: Edmonton, AB*
3-28-2012 :: Republik :: Calgary, AB*
3-29-2012 :: Amigos Cantina :: Saskatoon, SK*
3-30-2012 :: West End Cultural Centre :: Winnipeg, MB*
3-31-2012 :: 7th Street Entry :: Minneapolis, MN*

* w/ Little Scream
** w/ TBA

ADVANCE PRE-SALE TICKETS for all shows are available here.

[video] Fleet Foxes - "The Shrine / An Argument"

Sean Pecknold's latest creation

Magical, imagination-provoking imagery drives this incredible Fleet Foxes' music video. Sean Pecknold has honed his mastery of animation and created one of his best films to date. I will say, the saxophone "solo" in this beautiful song is a bit grating when listening through Helplessness Blues, but watching the two-headed dragon scene in the video makes it much more tolerable.

Check out the video for "The Shrine / An Argument" above. And also take a gander at Fleet Foxes's live show as they continue their international tour.

Fleet Foxes tour dates:
EUROPE:
November 29, 2011 :: Heineken Music Hall / Amsterdam, Holland$
November 30, 2011 :: Forest National Club / Brussels, Belgium$
December 01, 2011 :: O2 Academy / Leeds, UK$ SOLD OUT

AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND:
December 29-31, 2011 :: Falls Festival / Lorne, Vic & Marion Bay, Taz, Australia
January 02, 2012 :: Sydney Opera House/ Sydney, Australia
January 03, 2012 :: Sydney Opera House/ Sydney, Australia
January 04, 2012 :: Sydney Opera House / Sydney, Australia
January 06, 2012 :: Palais Theatre / Melbourne, Australia SOLD OUT
January 07-08, 2012 :: Southbound Festival / Busselton, Australia
January 10, 2012 :: Tivoli/ Brisbane, Australia
January 11, 2012 :: Tivoli / Brisbane, Australia SOLD OUT
January 13, 2012 :: Hunter Lodge / Wellington, New Zealand
January 14, 2012 :: Town Hall / Auckland, New Zealand

JAPAN:
January 17, 2012 :: Big Cat / Osaka, Japan
January 18, 2012 :: Club Quatro / Nagoya, Japan
January 20, 2012 :: Studio Coast / Tokyo, Japan

$ w/ Vetiver

[video] Miracle Fortress - "Miscalculations" + Tour Dates

New video, tour dates from Miracle Fortress

My favorite, "feel-good" jam from Miracle Fortress's second LP Was I The Wave? now has a music video. During the band's 2011 summer tour for the sophomore album, Graham Van Pelt & Co. captured a lot of the road-tripping magic on 8mm, and the results are as touching as the song itself. I'm not sure what it is about this "Miscalculations" (which most resembles the dreamy-pop classics found on Five Roses), but when I hear it I'm dosed with a healthy shot of optimism.

Miracle Fortress continues to blaze across the world in support of WITW? Of note, they'll be supporting Québec's Coeur de Pirate in February. For a full list of dates, look below.

Miracle Fortress tour dates:
11/19/11 :: Montreal QC @ Metropolis (MIRACLE FORTRESS DJ set)
12/05/11 :: Berlin DE @ HBC
12/06/11 :: Hamburg DE @ Astra Stube
12/07/11 :: Utrecht NL @ Ekko
12/08/11 :: Paris FR @ L'Espace B
12/09/11 :: Brighton UK @ Sticky Mike's
12/11/11 :: London UK @ Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
12/13/11 :: Manchester UK @ Night & Day
12/14/11 :: Glasgow UK @ Captains Rest
12/16/11 :: Dublin IE @ Crawdaddy &
12/17/11 :: Galway IE @ Rosin Dubh
02/03/12 :: Sorel QC @ Café Les Beaux instants #
02/10/12 :: Quebec QC @ Impérial #
02/12/12 :: Brossard QC @ Étoile Banque Nationale #
02/17/12 :: Rimouski QC @ Salle Desjardins-Telus #
02/18/12 :: Rivière-du-Loup QC @ Centre culturel de RDL #
02/25/12 :: Shawinigan QC @ Salle Philippe-Filion #

& w/ Moths
# w/ Coeur de Pirate

[tour dates] White Rabbits are coming to a city near you

Tour dates now, new album soon

White Rabbits have reported that new music is on the way, and judging from their newly announced tour dates, we may be hearing said songs as early as November. White Rabbits put on one of my favorite shows in Seattle, and I think you should definitely take advantage of seeing them live if they're in a city near you. Dates posted below.

White Rabbits tour dates:

11/29/11 - Buffalo, NY @ Ninth Ward

11/30/11 - Toronto, ONT @ The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
12/01/11 - Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot
12/02/11 - Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio
12/03/11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
12/05/11 - Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
12/06/11 - Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
12/08/11 - Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
12/09/11 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
12/10/11 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
12/11/11 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar

[new music] White Denim - Takes Place In Your Work Space

New EP & tour dates from White Denim

It may seem like this came out of nowhere (no mention of it on White Denim's site, nor on Downtown's), but White Denim have been prepping a new EP which drops on Tuesday, October 25. Entitled Takes Place in Your Work Space, the band has apparently taken quite a departure from their previous LP, D. Check out one of the tracks, "Cat City", over at Dog Gone Blog. In support of this new material, the band has a handful of live dates across the US (posted below).

Also, the band recorded a live show over at Jack White's Third Man Records (here), which is definitely worth checking out.

White Denim tour dates:
10/21 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/22 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
10/23 – Dallas, TX @ The Palladium Ballroom
10/25 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
10/26 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
10/27 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House
10/28 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/29 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
11/1 – Magna, UT @ Saltair
11/2 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
11/4 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
11/5 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze On The West Bank
11/7 – Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
11/8 – Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo’s
11/9 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo
11/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
11/12 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
11/13 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre
11/15 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/16 – Richmond, VA @ The National
11/17 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/18 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend Music Hall
11/19 – Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
11/21 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
11/22 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues

[video] Miracle Fortress - "Possession"

New video & tour dates from Miracle Fortress

Miracle Fortress just premiered the music video of "Possession", one of their recent summer singles (still freely available here). The video was directed by Tim Kelly, who "paints a stirring portrait of a young and real Montreal family on the verge of a new life, lovingly framed in an austere panorama of the city itself." Check it out above.

Additionally, Miracle Fortress will be performing in New York City this week for the CMJ festival, followed by a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia for the Pop Explosion. And European fans can look forward to a visit from the dream pop extrordinaire Graham Van Pelt in December with dates in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Holland, and France. Details below:

Miracle Fortress Tour Dates:
10/20 - Brooklyn NY @ Public Assembly (3PM) &
10/21 - New York NY @ Arlene's Grocery (11:30PM) & %
10/22 - Halifax NS @ Olympic Community Hall #
12/05 - Berlin DE @ HBC
12/06 - Hamburg DE @ Astra Stube
12/07 - Utrecht NL @ Ekko
12/08 - Paris FR @ L'Espace B
12/11 - London UK @ Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
12/14 - Glasgow UK @ Captains Rest
12/16 - Dublin IE @ Crawdaddy ^
12/17 - Galway IE @ Rosin Dubh

& w/ Pat Jordache, Tonstartssbandht
% w/ The Barr Brothers, Hollerado

# w/ Chad Van Gaalen, Sunns

[video] Lord Huron - "Mighty" & "She Lit A Fire"

New video, new songs from Lord Huron

Lord Huron just debuted the video of the title track from their Mighty EP (see above), and they also showcased a new tune entitled "She Lit A Fire", which they performed for Rollo & Grady (see below). The new song was recorded during a three-song private session for the LA music blog, and it was accompanied by performances of "The Stranger" and yet another new song entitled "Man Who Lives Forever". Currently, you can only watch videos of the former two songs, but the latter song will be revealed later this October over at R&G.

In other news, Lord Huron will kick off a series of tour dates with the New Orleans band Givers. See below for the full list, and make sure to check these guys out in a city near you. Last time I saw them in Seattle, I was totally blown away (review here).

Lord Huron Tour Dates:
10/17 :: Raleigh, NC @ Kings Barcade *
10/18 :: Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
10/19 :: New York, NY @ Living Room (Paste CMJ Day Party)
10/19 :: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge %
10/20 :: Brooklyn, NY @ The Rock Shop (CMJ) #
10/22 :: Clinton, NY @ Hamilton College
10/23 :: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs *
10/24 :: Pawtucket, RI @ The Met Cafe *
10/26 :: Toronto, ON @ Wrong Bar *
10/28 :: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In *
10/29 :: Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree *
11/12 :: San Diego, CA @ Sunset Temple
12/02 :: Los Angeles, CA Skybar @ Mondrian Hotel
12/03 :: San Francisco, CA Velvet Room @ Clift Hotel

* = w/ Givers
# = w/ Strand of Oaks, The Lonely Forest, Dinosaur Feathers
% = w/ Pink Cashmere, Hey Marseilles, The Lumineers, Lissie Trullie

[Mp3] Moonface - "The Way You Wish You Could Live In The Storm"

New song from Moonface

In early August, Moonface (aka Spencer Krug) released his second LP entitled Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped. Apparently, the song posted below, "The Way You Wish You Could Live In The Storm", did not fit in well with the rest of the album and was ultimately cut from the record. It's a good one. Also, Moonface has announced more US tour dates which kick off this month. See below for a city near you. Notably, Moonface has been playing an awesome Fine Young Cannibals cover of "I'm Not the Man I Used to Be" (not "She Drives Me Crazy", unfortunately).

Moonface :: "The Way You Wish You Could Live In The Storm" (Unreleased)

Moonface tour dates:

10-07 :: Milwaukee, WI :: Cactus Club
10-08 :: Madison, WI :: U. of Wisconsin (The Sett)
10-09 :: Minneapolis, MN :: 7th St. Entry
10-11 :: Saskatoon, SK :: Amigo’s
10-12 :: Calgary, AB :: Republik
10-14 :: Vancouver, BC :: Waldorf
10-15 :: Seattle, WA :: The Crocodile
10-16 :: Portland, OR :: Doug Fir Lounge
10-18 :: San Francisco, CA :: The Independent
10-19 :: Los Angeles, CA :: The Satellite
10-20 :: San Diego, CA :: Casbah
10-21 :: Tucson, AZ :: Club Congress
10-23 :: Denver, CO :: Larimer Lounge
10-25 :: St. Louis, MO :: The Firebird
10-26 :: Chicago, IL :: Lincoln Hall
10-29 :: Washington DC :: Rock ‘N’ Roll Hotel
10-30 :: New York, NY :: Bowery Ballroom

[video] Lana Del Rey - "Video Games" & "Blue Jeans"

"Video Games" b/w "Blue Jeans" Out October 16

Like many, I too fell for the siren-song of Lana Del Rey and the mystique of her self-made music videos. Her throwback-cinema style and her easy-on-the-eyes looks only add to her amazing sound. On October 16, Del Rey will release her newest single "Video Games" by way of "Blue Jeans". While this is her debut material under the Del Rey moniker, you can check out the songstress's evolution by listening to her earlier work released as Lizzy Grant.

Del Rey is currently working on a new LP which is due out early next year. Also, she just announced a couple of live dates, which are posted below.

Pre-Order :: Lana Del Rey - "Video Games" b/w "Blue Jeans"

(via Stranger Records)

Lana Del Rey tour dates:
09-21 The Box - New York City, NY
09-27 Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA