Phantogram w/ EXITMUSIC @ Royale 11.19.11
The leaves have fallen and autumn is settling into our bones. The perfect accompaniment to that chill in the air is the unique electro-rock stylings of Phantogram. Full of seductive beats and soothing vocals, they’re a middle ground to beckon the forthcoming frigid Boston winter. The duo, comprised of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter (with Tim Oakley on drums during shows) are touring in support of their new EP Nightlife…. continue reading
Lydia @ Middle East Upstairs 10.21.11
When Lydia announced in March 2010 that their forthcoming album, Assailants, and subsequent tour would be their last, I cried for a week. When frontman Leighton Antelman announced this past May that they would be returning from hiatus, I cried for two weeks. At just 17, I had not been old enough to see them play at the Middle East Downstairs during their “Goodbye & Farewell Tour.” To hear that… continue reading
The Naked and Famous @ Paradise 10.25.11
“MGMT syndrome.” It’s where a great band has a song that gets a bit overused, and it hurts the band itself. It happened to MGMT with their song, ‘Kids,” and it’s happening to The Naked and Famous with “Young Blood.” I want to make it clear that I don’t really subscribe to the idea that a song being overplayed damages the song itself. Sure, I say “Rolling in the Deep”… continue reading
Neon Indian @ Brighton Music Hall 10.20.11
The collaborative energy of Purity Ring, Com Truise, and Neon Indian provided a theatrical experience that infectiously affected the entire crowd Thursday night at Brighton Music Hall. Opener Purity Ring, the eccentric techno/pop duo from Canada, set the bar unexpectedly high with lead singer Megan James’ haunting vocals and instrumentalist Corin Roddick’s usage of a modern art-looking musical contraption which acted as both a synth and beat pad. James moved awkwardly yet effortlessly around… continue reading
STS9 w/ The Polish Ambassador @ House of Blues 10.20.11
An assault of the senses was delivered via STS9 at the House of Blues. STS9’s brand of instrumental electronica is truly best experienced in a live setting. A giant dance floor, a roaring sea of flashing lights and more than a few drunk and disorderly patrons seem to enhance the music rather than hinder it. The action started off with a set from The Polish Ambassador, a DJ out of… continue reading
Jeff Mangum @ Jordan Hall 9.10.11
Finally. Fourteen years after the release of In the Aeroplane over the Sea and, three years later, the complete dismantling of Neutral Milk Hotel, Jeff Mangum has sung again. And this time it’s not in New Zealand. I never really considered what it would be like to see Jeff Mangum or where it would make sense for him to play, but once I stepped into Jordan Hall everything immediately clicked. … continue reading
Mala @ Goodlife 8.19.11
Just one week after bringing in West London’s Silkie (new album, City Limits Vol. 2 reviewed here), Bassic doubled down and brought Mala to Goodlife’s downstairs. Co-founder of the DMZ record label and club night, founder of Deep Medi Records, and early sculptor of the dubstep sound, Mala’s credentials link to every pivotal moment of the genre’s development. As I arrived at the venue a line stretched from the door… continue reading
Photo Review: IDentitiy Festival, Camden, NJ
Camden, New Jersey received a hearty dose of Dub-step on Friday with the arrival of the popular IDentity Festival. An eclectic bunch of acts could be seen at the Susquehanna Bank Center and outlying areas, including big names like Disco Biscuits, Rusko, Steve Aoki, and Kaskade. A severe thunderstorm caused the premature closure of the outdoor stage, however, Aoki still managed to fit in a brief 40 minute set before… continue reading
Death Cab for Cutie @ Bank of America Pavilion 8.1.11
Despair. That’s what I felt when Death Cab for Cutie’s June show at The Paradise sold out in 0.2 seconds. Fast forward a couple weeks, and that despair was transformed into pure happiness as I purchased pretty decent seats for their August show at the Pavilion. After waiting three months from when I bought tickets, I finally got to see one of my favorite bands perform live for the first… continue reading
Photo Review: Warped Tour 2011 – Hartford, CT
Warped Tour 2011 just made a stop in Hartford, Connecticut. The lineup was stacked, including heavy-hitters Paramore, as well as Boston’s own Bad Rabbits. Check out the great shots below, taken by our Live Photo Director Jenna Ross. Full Gallery:
Distinctively Bonnaroo
Hipsters beware. Bonnaroo is no longer fair game. This has gotten way out of hand, and something needs to be done. 86,000 people? Headliners including Lil Wayne and Eminem? Tickets priced well over $250? What the hell is happening to the once sacred Bonnaroo that was practically untouched by any human with the smallest iota of respect for personal hygiene? I know it’s sad, but those days are long gone…. continue reading