Kimbra, Mark Foster, A-Trak: “Warrior” here
It had been awhile since I’d been to a show at the Newport when they were carding for wristbands outside the venue, and this led me to wonder exactly how young this crowd was going to be. The good news was there was never really a line at the bar…not sure if that can be attributed to the youngish crowd or maybe that there were a lot of Mormons there supporting some of their own (although I get the impression that these alt-pop-rockers from Utah are not very devout). Admittedly, I came into this show mostly unfamiliar with Neon Trees’ new album, Picture Show, from which the first two songs came. These songs were full of energy and built up nicely to the hits “Sins of My Youth” (from 2010’s Habits) and the band’s current single, “Everybody Talks”. The definite low point of the show was lead singer Tyler Glenn’s solo performance of “Your Surrender” at the keyboard. Thankfully, things picked back up quickly, and the band closed the main set with an intense rendition of their biggest hit, “Animal”, and a quick nod to MCA with bassist Branden Campbell playing the bass line from “Gratitude”. Before breaking into “1983” during the encore, Glenn started an “O-H…” chant to really win over the campus crowd. This was after he had already stated that the Newport was his favorite venue in which they have ever performed. The energetic crowd certainly didn’t do anything to change this opinion, and these guys (and gal) will likely be back again. This show definitely exceeded my expectations…and I should probably get on buying the new album!
Pick up a free five-song live EP from Fitz and the Tantrums here
And catch their show Friday, June 15th, at the LC.
Silversun Pickups’ much anticipated follow-up to 2009’s Swoon is finally out, and it provides fans with a different feel of the band. This new sound is likely influenced by the band’s decision to work with producer Jacknife Lee, who was not involved with their previous releases. The opening track of Neck of the Woods, “Skin Graph”, starts very slow and builds its way up, a trend seen on no fewer than three songs on the album. The build-up continues to the album’s first single, “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)”, which is not reminiscent of any of the group’s previous singles, yet is hands down the best song on Neck of the Woods. Another highlight on the album is “Simmer”, which should be the second single, but likely will not be due to its 6:49 length. Long tracks are a theme on the album, with the shortest one being 4:39. “Mean Spirits” will draw comparisons to early Smashing Pumpkins, with lead vocalist Brian Aubert sounding eerily like Billy Corgan. There are definitely some experimental tracks on Neck of the Woods, but it boasts a number of solid songs including closing with one in “Out Of Breath”. This album will complement the rest of Silversun Pickups’ catalog very well and hopefully the L.A.-based band will expand their tour beyond the West Coast.
Rating: 8/10
Passion Pit is coming to the LC on November 3rd, tickets are $27.
It’s a long ways out, but it’s a Saturday night and is bound to be a party! Check out the first single from the new album here…
Body Faucet, the new album by Athens, GA-based band Reptar, is certainly as interesting as the cover art would suggest. The opening track is the first single, “Sebastian”. This song and “New House” are the type of catchy tunes that will bring in listeners, but the rest of the album will take them on a wild ride. Over the course of the twelve tracks, there is everything from jam band (“Sweet Sipping Soda”) to slow tune (“Ghost Bike”) to the flat-out weird (“Please Don’t Kill Me”), all with 80’s synth rock sprinkled throughout. The highlight of the album is “Orifice Origami” which showcases the raw energy that comes across in the band’s live shows (see review from last month’s CD101 Day). If you’re looking for something a little different, give this album a shot.
Rating: 7/10
My Morning Jacket is coming back to Columbus, and this time they are bringing Band of Horses with them! Even though neither band has new material out, MMJ was the show of the summer last year and they will certainly not disappoint this time around. The show is Sunday, August 12th, and tickets are on sale this Friday for $39…very reasonable for these two great live acts together.
…and if you don’t yet have My Morning Jacket’s 2011 release Circuital, pick it up on Amazon as one of the $5 albums for the month of May. (Do yourself a favor while you’re there and download Alabama Shakes’ single “Hold On” while it is still free.)
