One of the hottest bands on the indie-rock circuit in 2009 for sure, and 101x secured them for their annual December show. Chances are you’ll be hearing more Phoenix on the station over the coming year.

It’s been just over one week since Fun Fun Fun Fest 09 closed down, and left us with one of the most memorable festival experiences this year. These are the last images we left with on that wet and sloppy Sunday.

I wasn’t that familiar with Mission of Burma before, but the band’s set felt pleasantly familiar, and took me back to a time that I wish still existed.

As much of a fan I have been of Lucero’s for the past few years, I had all but given up hope that the band was capable of delivering a set in which Ben Nichols voice would last to the end, as well as the band remaining sober enough to play the songs to some recognition. I was pleasantly surprised to find them in great form, along with a horn section in tow, breathing new life into the road worn veterans who still deserve their day in the spotlight.

Crystal Castles set seemed interesting enough, but I was unfortunately distracted. Photo access issues that arose late in the day, were the only setback for the festival.

I haven’t really invested much time in the music of Of Montreal, which I should remedy, but the live shows are always an experience, fan or no fan. You can always count on great costumes, plenty of extras, feathers, and plenty of color.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Valerie was forced to shoot from the crowd, but managed pretty well.

There was a conversation that I had with a friend of mine who was more than excited about the resurrection of the Detroit band Death, but had concerns about how good their show could be so long after their time in the 70’s.  Death quickly swept away any concerns when they took the Orange stage on Saturday night.

Arriving a bit late to the park, the band’s late start for their set didn’t upset any of the huge crowd of curious fans, many of whom weren’t even born before 1980. The band played tight and furious, to a the constant chants of “Death!” coming from the audience, an audience the size of which the band rarely if ever had played before. “Keep On Knocking” set the pace and “Politicians In My Eyes” closed out a set that had each member of the band grinning from ear to ear while receiving congratulations and high fives as they excited the stage. Well done Death, and well done Fun Fun Fun Fest.

Considering the fact that Athen’s Dead Confederate have only an EP and the 2008 release Wrecking Ball to their credit, seeing them at least a dozen times live, far exceeds any other band that has been around for that short of a time. Not that I wear this fact as some badge of honor, but for anyone that knows how judgmental I can be about live performances, it’s a testament to the band’s ability to deliver.

Taking the Yellow Stage, a scheduling decision much to my disapproval, the band drew a sizable crowd teeming with individuals obviously curious about the band’s performance. And as Dead Confederate are known to pay homage to other bands in means of covering their material, they launched into a lesser known track by a band that many may not be familiar with, including myself. “Smoke A Minor” by the band Officer May. The band then followed up with an unreleased newer song stirring curiosity as to if this was to be a preview of the next album from the band. Familiar ground took hold soon enough and the band performed all the Dead Confederate classics including the most accessible track for many, “The Rat” along with slower personal recording “Wrecking Ball”, and the ever present Sonic Youth cover.

While I could get descriptive of the performance from the band for those who haven’t seen them live, I’m more inclined to scold you for not having done so yet. The band’s constant touring schedule, and touring companions, including Dinosaur Jr, A Place To Bury Strangers, The Whigs, The Meat Puppets, and many more, should have given you the opportunity. What are you waiting for?

There’s word for a live album to be released soon, and the band is hitting the studio to record the follow-up to Wrecking Ball sometime around February. Expect the epic 6 minute plus songs found on the debut, to be replaced by tracks coming in around 4 minutes. This might be the change needed for the band to establish itself as one of the heavy mainstays needed in the world of rock-n-roll.

The announcement of the Jesus Lizard reuniting for a tour this year was some  of the most exciting music news for me this year and the very early announcement of them playing at Fun Fun Fun Fest ‘09 was both welcomed and torturous.

Bearing witness to the bands blunt,destructive but precision like force in the 90’s on several occasions, David Yow’s announcement “this is going to be really fucking good” previous to unleashing the first notes , sent chills. As if snapped back in time, Jesus Lizard launched into “Puss” as David Yow took to the air and the crowd. Like some twisted madman, Yow writhed atop the crowd recounting the tales of someone understanding their own brush if not their existence in a world of insanity.

It’s not all about David Yow’s intense performance either. Drummer Mac McNeilly and David Sims lay down the thunderous beat while the sometimes overlooked guitar talents of Duane Denison drove the songs like the teeth on a chainsaw. “Gladiator”, “Mouthbreather”, and “Nub” rounded out a set that couldn’t have been more well executed by the veteran rockers who showed us and reminded some, of how it’s really supposed to be done. Let’s hope that some young kid left inspired enough that he’ll convince us of that, in the near future.

Photography by Maurice

I think it’s safe to say that the modern rock scene has felt an increasingly growing void in regards to artists that embody the true sense of rock-n-roll based in the punk aesthetics that once dominated the scene. The controlled explosive spill of passion, pain,  heartache, and love, questioning everything in it’s path while just trying to understand, stated with guitars, bass, and drums. Colour Revolt is one of those bands bearing the burden of filling that void, whether it be knowingly, or willingly.

Since the band’s 2008 release Plunder, Beg, and Curse on Fat Possum Records, a year of constant touring, an ACL Festival appearance, and a 35 spot on Paste Magazine’s top 50 albums of 2008, the band has undergone some changes. Members Jimmy Cajoleas and Patrick Addison have moved on from the band, and into other aspects of their lives.

Sometimes change brings new challenges and discoveries of what you are really capable of, and this is the case with Colour Revolt, who aptly titled this tour “Alive” in response to questions that they had broken up.

Almost a year has passed since the band has taken the stage in Austin, Tx, and with the two members gone, and Robert Chisolm (Jonezetta) filling in on bass, the question arose as to how the band would achieve the sound of previous recordings and live outings. The challenge has spawned creativity for front-man Jesse Coppenbarger and fellow band-mates that is inspiring and hopeful. The fire and passion burns as intensely as before both with the previous material and the newer songs which have yet to see official release. Colour Revolt are definitely “Alive”, and some might say even more so than before.

From “Moses Of The South”

cause brother you are my weakness
i’ll listen and learn from your kindness
your wisdom is very thoughtless
but your window is worth looking out from

According to the band, the tour has been extremely successful, with large crowds, and some packed houses. Catch the band on their few remaining US dates, and look for member Derek Fudesco to be joining his old band Murder City Devils on stage here in Austin @ Mohawk on 10.10.

Our friends over @ Austin Town Hall have a fine review of the show: HERE

For those of you who read this blog much, you are very familiar with the awesome live music photos that our own Valerie Fremin has brought you over the years. Well, Thursday marks the opening of her very first photo exhibit! No Cover will showcase her favorites from over the years. Congrats to her, and I hope that some of you can make it by the exhibit at some point. It could be a quick stop on your walk to or from ACL this weekend, as it’s just around the corner from the Fest.

Date: Thursday, October 1, 2009

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: House Wine

Street: 408 Josephine St

Austin, TX

I am so excited to be having my first photography show this Thursday @ House Wine. Please come by. Have a nice glass of wine and a look-see. John Grubbs will also be showing his music photography.

Complimentary cheeses and other yummies…

There will be super cool music too…

7-9 Mark “GumB” Williams cellist/bassist/looper extraordinaire

9-10 Will T. Massey & Richard Bowden for the “after party” My guys!!!

Peace & Love,

Valerie

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The heft of the bill on Thursday night guaranteed a solid attendance, yet with the Psychedelic Furs playing a block away and Ra Ra Riot only 4 blocks down, a sold-out crowd @ Mohawk for Scotland’s Frightened Rabbit proves that success finds it’s way mysteriously sometimes. Weather fitting a welcome home for the band did little to discourage the enthusiastic crowd, many of whom sang feverishly along with front-man Scott Hutchinson as he and band focused their attention on the release The Midnight Organ Fight.

Expect new recorded material from the band early next year.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Colour Revolt have put out one of the most dense, guitar heavy, revealing records of this year, which is their first full length since signing to the Fat Possum label. Plunder, Beg, and Curse spends plenty of time in my listening rotation, as the complex structure continues to unravel and reveal it’s dark and beautiful layers. The band is just wrapping up a short tour as the opening act for the recently reformed Breeders, who also have a new recorded offering, Mountain Battles.

Colour Revolt

photo : valerie@fremin.net

No offense to The Breeders, but I attended this show to see Colour Revolt. The band grabbed my attention the first time I heard “Matresses Underwater” from the bands self titled EP, and each time I listen to any of the recorded material, I discover something different and new that I didn’t catch the last time. The live show does not disappoint, and evidence of my approval is clearly written on my face with a smile that lasts for the entire set. For those who know me, know that getting a smile out of me on any day is no easy feat. While I can’t say that there wasn’t a song that I didn’t enjoy, standouts for me were “Shovel to Ground”, “Change Your Face or Change Your Name”, and “Siren”. Colour Revolt are a part of the new Southern Rock movement where complex songs with great guitar tones and structure mingle with emotionally revealing lyrics constantly pushing and pulling on the subjects of love and religion. And they do it so well.

If you missed the band’s performance last week, the opportunity to catch the live performance arises once again later this month @ Stubb’s opening for Snowden. May 29th @ Stubb’s inside. We plan on seeing you there.

Mp3> Colour Revolt ‘Siren’

Colour Revolt

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The Breeders

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The Breeders

photo : valerie@fremin.net

The Breeders

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Manchester Orchestra are high on my list of favorite bands that I caught live performances by 3 times or more in 2007. Their commitment to playing 250 shows during the course of the year in 2007 made this possible, without my having to travel anywhere to catch these performances. They are also high on that list because I love watching this group of guys perform. I was hesitant at first, taking into consideration the audience I found myself surrounded by the first time I attended a Manchester Orchestra show. A sea of teenagers, a good portion of them young girls, anxiously awaiting the appearance of members of Saves the Say or Say Anything, unknowingly about to be witness to one of the best young rock bands of 2007. Manchester Orchestra took the stage early that evening, launching into “Wolves at Night” and tearing through a set of intense, hard rocking selections from their debut Like A Virgin Losing A Child. They finished the set with “Where Have You Been,” which ended with front-man Andy Hull seeming to question the whereabouts of whatever higher power he subscribes to while screaming at the top of his lungs. I have 2 gauges when seeing a live band that leads me to believe that what I have experienced is the real deal. 1) Hair stands up on the back of my neck, 2) I walk away shaking my head wondering what in the hell I had just witnessed, feeling as if I just got bulldozed by rock-n-roll. Manchester Orchestra accomplished tripping both of those gauges that night. Aside from the live performance, the guys in the band are quite possibly some of the nicest guys you could meet.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Of course when I discovered that the band was to make it back to Austin for the 4th time since I first saw them almost a year ago, I immediately marked it on my calendar. Surely the year of constant touring had fine tuned the live performance, and hopefully new material would surface during this show. Speaking to Andy before the show, he confirmed that new material was to be played.

Once again, from the first note Manchester Orchestra launched into a set heavy with selections from Like A Virgin while mixing in a couple of new tunes. “Shake it up” and another selection that I didn’t catch the name of, confirmed the belief that Andy Hull is a master at his craft, and that new material will be a welcomed progression of his talent. As the band launched into “Now that you’re home” the crowd joined in, singing along with Andy, confirming that they were there not just to see the headlining act. They came to take part of the Manchester Orchestra experience.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

I have to take a moment to express the fact that I really hate writing show reviews sometimes. It’s hard to convey the experience no matter how great it is, and I’m struggling with this one. How do you convey the emotions that an artist or band sets loose in you, when you can’t understand how they manage to do so? How do you convey the fact that you are witness to a band that has managed to tap into something that most bands can only dream of coming close to accomplishing? Listen to the record, go to the show, and witness it for yourself. Manchester Orchestra are positioning themselves to be a band that is going to continue to build it’s audience and entertain through live performances that are engaging on many different levels.

The band wraps up this tour, including a performance @ Coachella this month, heads to the studio in July to record the follow-up to Like A Virgin, and will resurface in the fall for more live dates, most likely headlining their own tour. Check tour dates at their myspace page.

Oh yeah…..Rock on Grom!

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Enjoy photos via Valerie Fremin

photo : valerie@fremin.net

SXSW usually entails performances but some of the more recognizable bands in the current modern rock scene mixed in with the myraid of bands just scratchin as well as the current buzz. This year provided us with a couple of performances by My Morning Jacket, as well as an acoustic performance, or two, by Jim James. The band revealed some of its newer material off of the upcoming release Evil Urges during their performances, and all of the new songs that I experienced were great.

You can stream the entire performance from the band @ the Austin Music Hall during SXSW, which features quite a few songs from the upcoming recording @ NPR.org

NPR.org has several SXSW performances available for streaming including R.E.M.

Set list if you care:

• “Evil Urges”
• “Off the Record”
• “Gideon”
• “Highly Suspicious”
• “What a Wonderful Man”
• “I’m Amazed”
• “Thank You Too”
• “Golden”
• “Sec Walkin’”
• “Wordless Chorus”
• “Way He Sings”
• “Aluminum Park”
• “One Big Holiday”
• “Run Thru”
• “Smokin’ From Shootin’”
• “Touch Me Pt. 2″
• “Steam Engine”
• “Lay Low”
• “Mahgeetas”
• “Anytime”

My first stop is Jovita’s for a taste of Chicago’s Redwalls. I’ve been curious about the band for a few years and have yet to experience the live set. The band may be from Chicago, but they reek of early Brit-Pop ala Kinks, Stones, and Beatles, and they have no qualms about flaunting this fact. It’s not the style of music that I’m attracted to, but I cannot deny that the Redwalls are tight, punchy, and brimming with talent.

Much of the rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around downtown with photographer Valerie Fremin, trying to decide what might be the best choice for entertainment this last daylight of SXSW. Thoughts of packing ourselves into Mohawk with hundreds of other folks, while waiting a couple of hours for Islands to hit the stage, were quickly replaced by the idea of checking out the Mess With Texas Festival taking place in Waterloo Park. The thought of open space, shade, and easily accessible refreshments sounded quite pleasant at that time. A couple of free beers, some free water, the Ice-Cream Man providing cool treats, a gathering of musicians and comedians (Janeane Garafalo, Human Giant, Brian Posehn), were the happenings at the festival. We did manage to take in a few songs from Grand Ole Party from San Diego, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Imagine a guitar and drum driven beat a bit like White Stripes, with a Karen O looking female busting out vocals and handling the drums.

Grand Ole Party

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Leaving the park the decision was made to once again check out the Dead Confederate live action. Valerie hadn’t seen the band nearly as much as myself, and well……we kinda like those guys. The band was playing a party @ with a variety of bands from Athen’s, representing various styles of music ranging from Beastie Boys style rap to some serious Heavy Metal. Dead Confederate played a set of 3 songs, one being a wonderful rendition of Sonic Youth’s “Diamond Sea”.

Dead Confederate

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

My last night during SXSW was to be spent @ an event being put on by the mighty Do512 gang, simply called “The Big One”. “The Big One” was a great way to wrap up the week, hanging with friends, enjoying some tasty food, cold libations, and a bit more music. The Von Bondies played a set that was riddled with the obvious frustration of front-man Jason Stollsteimer, and warranted or not, I have little tolerance for whining rock stars. I have enjoyed the bands performances in the past but this experience has definitely put me off hoping to see them again. Hide your vodka, Jason is pissed!

MAN MAN closed out the party much to the delight of the large crowd in attendance. Once again, not really my style musically wise, but they demonstrated a certain ability to entertain and produce some solid tunes with talent.

SXSW is now officially over and the post event depression sets in for the next week. Recovery takes a few days, and organizing photos, thoughts, and contributions keeps me busy for the next few days.

My original thoughts on this past SXSW, were that I didn’t really get much out of it, or maybe I made some decisions that lead me to miss some great things, but after putting all of this together, I think that thought has passed. Did I get the most out of the week that I wish I could? Not humanly possible. Did I see some great music? Absolutely! Is getting the badge worth the cost? I would have to say yes. I probably didn’t utilize it as much as I could’ve for the panel discussions, but it definitely helped in many situations.

That’s it for my SXSW 2008 experience. Hope to see you again next year.

-Michael E

photo : valerie@fremin.net

This past weekend saw the christening of a new venue in North Austin, The Red Barn, with the first of what I hope to be a yearly event, Austin Psych Fest. We made it down to catch the last 3 acts of the event, The Strange Boys, Spindrift, and The Black Angels.

The venue is as it states, A Big Red Barn, spacious, very open, and acoustically sound. For those who have been around Austin long enough, it reminds me of the old City Coliseum.

If you are looking for reviews of the acts from that night, I’m afraid my reasons for attending the event, were purely selfish. I just wanted to get out and enjoy some music before the craziness of SXSW 2008 sets in, and begins to swallow me. I will tell you though, that The Black Angels showcased a refined lineup and performed a show a bit different than you may have seen in the past from the band. The trimmed down lineup sounded great and the new material sounded great live and fit into the set with the previously recorded as well as it good. If you get the chance during SXSW, please check the band out. I predict that 2008 will be a great year for the band, and you’ll be hearing a lot about The Black Angels as the days slide by.

Enjoy the photo set by : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

If you pay much attention to this site at all, you may have noticed that I have a thing for the local band UME, and have invested a bit of time in tracking their progression. The opportunity to see them on the Stubb’s indoor stage opening for the ever growing in popularity, The Black & White Years, was very tempting. The band played a blistering set, featuring some very new material that really showcased the songwriting talent and maturity of the band. The newer material is at times a bit more subdued, quieter at times, and more melodic, while never forgetting it’s original roots is guitar slashing, guttural vocal attacking post punk, rock. If I’m not mistaken this was the second outing of most of the new songs, most of which hadn’t even been titled as of show time. This band is a different band than the one that I first caught almost a year ago, and heading in the right direction.

UME is on my list of bands to watch in 2008, and highly recommend that you check out the live performance, as it’s an experience that you shouldn’t be denying yourself.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

You’ll find UME at the Above the Radar event taking place during the week of SXSW, as well as at these other dates.

Feb 29 2008      9:00P

            @ The Scoot Inn            Austin, Texas

Mar 13 2008      1:00P

            Above the Radar Party @ Trophy’s          Austin, Texas

Mar 15 2008      8:00P

            SXSW Flameshovel/Pretty Activity Showcase      Austin, Texas

Mar 16 2008      8:00P

            Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival   Hot Springs, Arkansas

Mar 17 2008      8:00P

            @ The Monolith             Tulsa, Oklahoma

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Looking forward to the weekend in Austin is definitely one aspect of living here that I enjoy (I’m sure it’s that way for everyone else, but here at Sonic Itch Music, we literally live off of live music). So when the amazing band, The Black and White Years advertised that their CD release party was going to be at Stubb’s this past Friday, I immediately knew my Friday would be for reserved just for them.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Arriving at the inside stage early was a good idea, considering that by the time they started playing, the place was packed. Black blazers and Indie kids of all kinds nodded their heads and tapped their Chuck’s to the bright, Casio-pop that The Black and White Years provided.

It’s been four years since the band has been formed and they’ve survived “embarrassing” band names, massive amounts of stolen equipment and a percussion section with just drum machines. But now, and with a real drummer, The Black and White Years have developed into a full-scale hit machine, subliminally infiltrating your subconscious with their esoteric lyrics and vibrant tempos.

Their new debut, which was produced by Talking Heads member, Jerry Harrison and adequately called Real In Color! greatly signifies the band’s effort finally realized. Harrison, who heard the band from last year’s SXSW festival, was an instant fan, recognizing the catchy riffs and energy.

And finally the band is getting the respect that they deserve, considering the turnout for the show.

Austin-based trio, UME rightfully opened up the show, with their Sonic Youth-like distortion and lead singer/guitarist Lauren’s faint, yet significant voice. Guitar shredding has never sounded and and looked so beautiful.

Check out both bands who will be performing during SXSW. The Black and White Years will play a showcase at Maggie Mae’s Gipson Room, Thursday, March 13th at 8:50 and UME will be at B.D. Riley’s, Saturday, March 15th at 8:00.

-Sonya

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net

What was being billed as one of the small shows to catch this year if you are looking to catch a super hot young act on the quick rise to indie stardom, packed the inside stage on Tuesday night @ Emo’s. MGMT has managed to work up quite the buzz over the past few months, and with their major label debut dropping Tuesday and the tour with Yeasayer still feeling quite fresh, one is to only expect the buzz to work it’s way into a frenzy over the next few months. I’m not going to lie, I don’t really get it. I tried @ Fun Fun Fun Fest, and once again this evening, but I’m not biting. Whatever it is that everyone is attracted to, seems to slipping past me. I’m glad I chose to attend this show though, as the Yeasayer set shined above the din of the buzz, and was the highlight of the evening for me. Their interesting modern approach of blending world music sounds with modern technology and techniques, translated well in the live setting. The complex compositions came to life, rich, dynamic and executed with precision. Between composing the loops of electronic sounds, Chris Keating’s singing style which involves failing himself about spastically at times, seems almost exaggerated to the point of ridiculous, but fittingly adds an energy to the songs that you miss on the recorded material. A firm recommendation from this guy to check out the Yeasayer live if given the opportunity. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover why MGMT is the talk of the music community as well.

Yeasayer Live @ Emo’s Recorded by Josh Finklea

MP3> 2080 Yeasayer Live @ Emo’s

MP3> Wait For The Summer Yeasayer Live @ Emo’s

photo : valerie@fremin.net

photo : valerie@fremin.net