Posts Tagged ‘Portland’

SARA RENBERG – ” Elderly Lesbians “

Posted: February 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , , ,
0

Sara Renberg is a songwriter hailing from Portland and now based out of Pittsburgh. Having recently released her second album, Night Sands, on the excellent Antiquated Future Records, Sara has this week shared the album’s second single, and stand-out track, Elderly Lesbians.

Discussing Night Sands, Sara has suggested it’s a record about being, “thirty-two, gay and single”, the album muses on the theme of simultaneously fearing and craving intimacy. Jangly lackadaisical guitars drift atop lo-fi, cymbal heavy drum beats, all topped with Sara’s conversational vocal style. Lyrically it really shines, Sara walking the similarly mundane-surreal tight-rope perfected by the likes of Frankie Cosmos and The Mountain Goats as she comically recalls googling, “elderly lesbians to cheer myself up but all the results were porn”, before hitting straight to the emotional core with the repeated line, “I’m still not sure exactly what it means to be living in exile from old dreams”. A wry observer of the minutiae that make life both crushing and beautiful, Sara Renberg and her elderly lesbians are wonderful.

The second single from Sara Renberg’s sophomore album “Night Sands.” Out February 2nd, 2018 on Antiquated Future Records.

http://

Drums: Cayla Davis (on 1-4, 9)
Bass: Joshua James Amberson
All other instruments and vocals: Sara Renberg

Night Sands is out now via Antiquated Futures Records.

A CERTAIN SMILE – ” Fits & Starts “

Posted: February 5, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , , ,
0

acspressphoto03byZachSelley

Raised on a steady diet of sarah records singles, slumberland noise pop, and creation-era shoegaze, Portland’s A Certain Smile work hard to find that balance between the sweet twee, the fuzzy gaze, and punky pop

Thomas Andrew, band leader of A Certain Smile, is a man on a mission to keep the Portland indie-pop scene alive; whether he’s playing records at the Toffee Club Sunday Brunch, or putting out his radio show on Freeform Radio or fronting his band, he’s always keeping the jangly, fuzzy, indie-pop flame burning. Originally formed back in 2002, A Certain Smile are in some ways an homage to the music Thomas loves, labels like Slumberland and Sarah’s Records, bands like Velocity Girls and McCarthy; their influence is all over the band’s upcoming debut album, Fits And Starts. That record is out next month.

http://

 

Discussing the inspiration behind the track, Thomas suggests that it is,  “about long distance love and the inequities of separation.” Atop a backing of energetic blurring drums, reverberating guitar lines and driving bass, Thomas’ vocal carries a tale of missed phone calls, changing lifestyles and the joy of getting the call and slipping right back into love. It’s a perfect blend of the melancholic and the romantic seemingly free of musical fads and trends.

There are those who will argue this record is some sort of retro-throwback, the final dying scream of a genre on its last legs, yet when it is done this well, it’s hard to do anything but embrace the jangle and enjoy a perfect indie-pop song.

http://

 

KYLE CRAFT – ” Full Circle Nightmare “

Posted: January 22, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , ,
0

Ever since his wonderful debut album ‘Dolls of Highland’ was released on Sub Pop Record in 2016, Kyle Craft has been a critic’s dream. Based in Portland, he serves up all the observational, storytelling talent with none of the attitude that so often comes with male singer-songwriter territory. “I’ve found my place,” he says. “I’m not one of those people that approaches music for anyone other than myself. My favorite part about music is when it’s just me and a notebook.” Speaking of, his second forthcoming album ‘Full Circle Nightmare’ is entirely autobiographical. Sonically, thematically, lyrically, it’s a huge leap forward from his 2016 release.
The title ‘Full Circle Nightmare’ refers to a moment where Craft saw his life for what it is and told himself to be satisfied. “But that’s nightmarish to me,” he laughs. He described his debut record as: “like walking down this long hall of bizarre characters and surreal experiences, moving through the spider web of love and loss.” This album is when you get to the end of that hallway, turn around and see all the stuff you’ve been through, then walk through the door, close it and start a new chapter in an even crazier hallway. A straight-up rollicking rock’n’roll album, it traverses all the different nuances of the genre; from the bluegrass twang of ‘Exile Rag,’ to the gothic style..of ‘Gold Calf Moan,’ it’s a timeless piece that could exist in any of the past five decades.

In terms of contemporary peers, Craft likes to stay in his own lane. He’s an old soul who sticks to his tried and tested influences. Social media is not his game – it’s just not interesting to him. He’s not fussed about preaching his politics or discussing the status quo either. “I don’t really like writing a time piece. I don’t wanna get trapped in the ‘Donald Trump era of Kyle Craft,’ you know? I’m a very off-the-grid sort of person. As much as I am traveling across this giant place sometimes I just feel so outside of it. Also, I’m not necessarily a stand-up citizen so it’s hard for me to say: here’s Kyle Craft’s America, ladies and gentlemen.” 

http://

The ironic thing is that ‘Full Circle Nightmare’ sounds exactly like Kyle Craft’s America. That is what he’s built for us: the story of one man’s trials and tribulations to find his passion and voice for art and creativity in this vast opportunistic country. Where did he find it? Among the historic riches of America’s most honest sounds.

The DECEMBERISTS – ” Severed “

Posted: January 18, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , , ,
0

The Decemberists Ill Be Your Girl Art.jpg

The Decemberists  are exploring a new sound alongside a new producer on their eighth studio album, “I’ll Be Your Girl”, due out on March 16th via Capitol Records. The Colin Meloy-led, Portland-based band have detailed their John Congleton-produced new album and shared its first single, the swaggering, synth-driven track “Severed.”

If “Severed”—and the band’s I’ll Be Your Girl announcement, which cites influences like Roxy Music and New Order—is any indication, the album will be a somewhat radical departure for The Decemberists. Their new single builds from a dance floor-ready synth and percussion combo, soon adding dark guitar notes. Even Meloy’s familiar singing voice is subtly distorted, lending a swaggering attitude to lines like, “I alone am the answer / I alone will make wrongs right.”

“When you’ve been a band for 17 years, inevitably there are habits you fall into,” says Meloy in a statement. “So our ambition this time was really just to get out of our comfort zone. That’s what prompted working with a different producer and using a different studio. We wanted to free ourselves from old patterns and give ourselves permission to try something different.” Meloy recalled falling into such patterns on the group’s last record, 2015’s acclaimed What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World.

WIth this freedom to push boundaries came an increased emphasis on collaboration. Speaking specifically to the process of writing and recording “Severed,” Meloy recalls, “That was written as a punk song, but wasn’t really working. [keyboardist] Jenny [Conlee] set this arpeggio throughout it, and it became like an early New Order song. And I had forgotten that when we made the demo, I also started a file to turn it into more of a Depeche Mode song—I actually wanted it to be a synth song all along.”

The Decemberists  will embark on the Your Girl / Your Ghost 2018 World Tour in March, with stops all around the globe.

A CERTAIN SMILE – ” Mexican Coke “

Posted: January 18, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: ,
0

Image may contain: one or more people, people standing and outdoor

Raised on a steady diet of sarah records singles, slumberland noise pop, and creation-era shoegaze, Portland’s A Certain Smile work hard to find that balance between the sweet twee, the fuzzy gaze, and punky pop.

Just as is there a shortage of great guitar bands in the 2018, it looks like the world was destined to prove me wrong. Today A Certain Smile announce the release of their debut album, bringing the sound of Portland’s indiepop to our ears. The track rushes forward from the get-go, employing little touches of shoegaze in the guitar to go along with more traditional jagged lines stabbing through the mix. Vocals from Thomas Andrew provide that fireside warmth that pop fans crave, sending out wave after wave of melodious lines through your speakers. The debut album “Fits and Starts” will be released by the band on March 9th, and it’s sure to be a little gem.

http://

HALEY HEYNDERICKX – ” I Need to Start a Garden “

Posted: January 16, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , , ,
0

Haley Heynderickx

Portland, OR’s Haley Heynderickx recently signed to Mama Bird Recording Co who will release her debut album I Need to Start a Garden on March 2nd. Haley co-produced the album with Zak Kimball, and she recorded it with Lily Breshears (electric bass, piano, backing vocals), Tim Sweeney (upright bass, electric bass), Phillip Rogers (drums & percussion, backing vocals), and Denzel Mendoza (trombone, backing vocals).

With two singles out to date, “Untitled God Song” and the doo wop-inspired “Oom Sha La La,” and both are truly excellent songs that have deservedly earned Haley a bit of hype. They sound a bit like Angel Olsen, but more because they likely share some of the same classic influences than because she’s trying to emulate Angel’s music.  Haley has been talking about influences in an interview with Stephen Deusner for Stereogum’s ‘Artist to Watch’

I was definitely fascinated by Jimi Hendrix growing up. It totally could have been the last name, but I love the confidence he exudes when he plays. To be honest, thought, I got way more into the finger style guitar. Once I learned how to play “Blackbird,” I was sold on the Beatles. As a songwriter, I feel like I was more influenced by Dylan than anyone else. And the older I get, the more I find these shy lady songwriters who disappeared for some reason or another and then came back. Like Vashti Bunyan or Connie Converse. They showed me that there are secrets in the way you write and play guitar, when you give listeners just enough. I try to be very secretive and sneaky about what I steal. My favorite type of stealing is when you don’t even know you’re stealing. You just digest your favorite things. If I share something with my band and no one can figure out where it’s from, including me, then we keep going. I just write songs in my bedroom and then throw them at my band the way a little kid throws spaghetti at a wall. I feel very lucky to work with people who are really passionate about music. They kick my butt and teach me a lot.

Haley also recorded one of the new album’s songs, “The Bug Collector,” for an entry to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, which won over NPR’s Bob Boilen.

TYPHOON – ” Offerings “

Posted: January 13, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , ,
0

Typhoon‘s colossal and ambitious fourth LP Offerings is available everywhere . The album, which follows the journey of a man struggling to cope with the loss of his memories, has already garnered praise from NPR, Stereogum, and more for its unmatched lyricism and profound storytelling.

‘“Good lord this Typhoon album is brilliant…haven’t cried listening to a record since [Sufjan Stevens’].” Offerings is truly a wise and ruminative record.” – Bob Boilen, NPR

“The first compelling album of 2018”  – Daily Mail (★★★★)

“Typhoon has succeeded in creating a profoundly human and poetic masterpiece on the edge of the concrete, which despite all its ambition remains multi-layered and cohesive at the same time (…) Rarely ever has forgetting been set to a better soundtrack and more appropriately staged than on this album. 9/10″ – Plattentests

“… one of the most ambitious, delicate, heartbreaking recordings ever.” – Vortex Magazine

http://

“As early as we are into 2018 as we may be, Offerings already stands as a rare example of a band shooting for a terrifyingly ambitious album that not only holds up to that immense pressure, but exceeds expectations and succeeds on multiple levels, both grand and subtle. If you haven’t been paying attention to Typhoon already, it’s time to change that. 9/10”

MO TROPER – ” Exposure & Response “

Posted: January 10, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , ,
0

Image may contain: 4 people

Another Amazing record from Portland’s Mo Troper. It’s a well crafted slice of power pop where every song has it’s place and no tune overstays it’s welcome. More people should be striving to write the kind of timeless and insanely catchy music this guy seems to throw out like it’s as easy and automatic as putting pants on in the morning

This is Mo Troper’s second album it may not change the world, but it’s pristine orchestral pop will restore your faith in it. This is wide-eyed, wide-screen beautiful stuff likely influenced by albums by Jellyfish, Jeremy Egnik and Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground. released November 17th, 2017

http://

The Band :
mo troper: vocals, guitar, keys, bass, drums
jackson machado: guitar
ben burwell: bass
asher mcKenzie: drums
additional musicians:
lee ellis: keys
shannon rose steele: violin, viola
lily breshears: vocals
zach banks: cello
anthony meade: trombone
corey palacois: trumpet

TYPHOON – ” Offerings “

Posted: January 9, 2018 in MUSIC
Tags: , , ,
0

It’s been over four years since Portland-based Typhoon released White Lighter, and in that time singer-songwriter Kyle Morton has been grappling with the idea of “losing it”—the struggles a person endures when battling a deteriorating brain. On the band’s fourth full-length, Offerings, Morton funnels his own fears through a fictional character who is losing both his mind and sense of self.

The record is split into four movements—”Floodplains,” “Flood,” “Reckoning,” and “Afterparty”—each one illustrating a phase of the the character’s journey, from his realization that something is wrong, and the long struggle that follows, to his acceptance of his fate, dreadful as it may be. The 11-piece folk-rock ensemble creates an eerie backdrop for Morton’s stories, full of delicately plucked guitars, screeching violins, and, on opener “Wake,” the faint sound of static, as Morton has a premonition: “Of all the things you’re about to lose, this will be the most painful.”

http://

The record ebbs and flows, swinging from cacophonic sounds to joyous melodies, until arriving at calmness in the aptly titled closing track, “Sleep,” led by Morton’s forlorn vocals and a quietly strummed acoustic guitar.

Morton voices the doomed main character as he tries to navigate his condition—a situation complicated by the current political climate, which offers a compelling argument that the planet may need to be demolished before it can reset itself. The parallel between private and public chaos comes into full relief on “Rorschach,” which explores the age of information and collapse of meaning, which only adds to the narrator’s sense of disorientation and confusion.

Offerings is a chilling journey through the workings of the inner mind, and though it’s not an easy listen, its intricacies gain greater depth on repeated listens.

MOON DUO – ” Jukebox Babe ” Suicide Cover

Posted: January 5, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
Tags: , , , ,
0

Ahead of UK live dates starting later this month, Portland’s Moon Duo are back with a new limited edition 12″, featuring covers of classic songs by Alan Vega of Suicide and The Stooges. Their new take on Vega’s ‘Jukebox Babe’ is streaming now, and the 12″, which also features The Stooges’ ‘No Fun’, is due for release on January 19th via Sacred Bones.

The covers were conceived during the band’s last UK tour, which saw them play their biggest London show yet at a sold out Heaven, in support of two-part opus Occult Architecture: “We started playing ‘No Fun’ after BBC6 Radio asked us to record an Iggy song for his 70th birthday,” the band explained.

“We added it to our set to work it out for the session and kept playing it every night because everyone loves that song. We worked up a version of ‘Jukebox Babe’ because our sound engineer Larry got it stuck in his head and was singing it all the time. We figured, we may as well play it if we’re going to hear it all the time.

“The Stooges and Iggy, and Suicide/Alan Vega/Martin Rev, are all huge influences on us. But we never want to do faithful covers of great songs, because what’s the point. So we tried to push both of the tracks in less obvious directions, incorporating other influences, like California psych and cosmic disco, giving them more of a summer vibe. We knew Sonic Boom was working outside of Lisbon, so we asked him to produce the tracks, recording them in August for maximal summer heat.”

Older Entries
Newer Entries