Originally published as an online exclusive April 07, 2008 for The Orion.
Direct link to article
Los Angeles' Phantom Planet swept a small crowd off its feet with an intimate set and incomparable charm Sunday night at the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium.
The night got off to a slow start with Chico's People of the Oaks and Anaheim's Takota.
People of the Oaks, one of Chico's newest bands, played to a crowd of about 60, with half of the people sitting on the ground. The all-star band, with members of West By Swan, Birds of Fire and Casing the Promisedland, tried to entice the audience with fuzzy guitars and poignant vocals but had little luck.
"You Got Me" received the most interest with fast, tight drumming and guitar buildups. But vocalist Ryan Prado's attempt to combine a nostalgic feeling with a pinching, nasal effect, brought back memories of dismal pop punk bands popular earlier in the decade.
Band members vigorously moved around the stage, but they seemed as disinterested as the audience. In between songs, Prado talked with his back to the crowd.
Takota made its Chico debut with an array of sleek, piano driven and anthemic pop rock songs.
The six-piece dove into a mellow love song as soon as vocalist Grant Arnow mentioned Chico's reputation of parties and beautiful women. He pointed at a few women in the front row and serenaded them with silky vocals.
Arnow asked audience members to pump their fists in the air during the band's most rock-powered song. Loud guitars and pounding drums gave Arnow confidence as he boastfully sung the chorus and raised his hands in praise.
By the time Takota finished its set, the crowd doubled and anticipation grew for the indie rock sounds of Phantom Planet.
The members of Phantom Planet left the pretentious attitudes of Los Angeles musicians at home and modestly walked on stage with matching jeans and black sweatshirts.
The band quickly went into a track from its forthcoming album "Raise the Dead" and lifted the spirits of stiff audience members. Band members' peppy smiles were contagious.
Phantom Planet followed with two tracks from its earlier records and the animated motions of vocalist and guitarist Alex Greenwald inspired audience members to dance along. During "1st Things 1st," Greenwald turned from side to side, as if he was having an engaging conversation with a group of people.
In between songs he appealed to the audience with humorous tour stories and carefree attitude.
After the fourth song, Greenwald announced that the band was going to take requests, claiming members no longer write set lists.
"Request any song that has been written by this band," he said, a statement that would later not be observed.
Long-time fans asked for songs from early Phantom Planet albums, but instead the band fulfilled a request for the newer song, "Do the Panic."
The band was out to please everyone and continued its set with two older songs.
After "Last Glance," guitarist Darren Robinson took time to replace a broken string and Greenwald took advantage of the time to make sure the audience was having a good time. He asked people to show their excitement by doing the wave.
One audience member was feeling the music so much that he shouted out "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Phantom Planet lightheartedly took the statement as a request and played the grungy Nirvana track.
The spirit of cover songs caught on and another audience member requested "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith and the band had no problem playing it. The songs were big audience pleasers and brought laughs between the band and crowd.
"We're not a joke band," Greenwald said.
The night was far from ending as the Phantom Planet played a track from its new album and the band's biggest hit and "The O.C." theme song, "California."
The band was about to end with the mellow track "Anthem," but at the last minute band members had a request of their own.
Phantom Planet played one more cover and ended with Radiohead's "Paranoid Andriod." Greenwald closely matched Thom Yorke's somber vocals and the audience looked mesmerized.
Freshman Megan Tansey, who has been a fan of the band for six years, enjoyed requesting songs and asked for "Big Brat," which the band did play, she said. She wished more people had seen the band's spontaneous set.
Phantom Planet made the best of the small crowd and showed the good spirits and professionalism of a rehearsed, veteran band.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Album Review: The Matches - A Band in Hope
Originally published April 02, 2008 in The Orion
The Matches
A Band in Hope
Epitaph Records, 2008
2/5 stars
Oakland's The Matches is not the type of band that uses the same pop-punk formula album after album, but its third release falls short of previous efforts.
The band worked with nine producers for its sophomore release, "Decomposer," and created a coherent collection of songs. Chamber and electronic music were combined with high energy and a fast pace.
Again, the band tried to experiment with varied sounds on the new album but worked with fewer producers. The result was not as successful. "Point Me Toward the Morning" sounds like very other pop-punk song. Repeating lines in "Future Tense" have an odd resemblance to the 1979 hit by The Knack, "My Sharona."
The Matches does show its versatility with the bright and poppy "Wake the Sun" and by pushing the envelope with the dark, piano-driven "Darkness Rising."
"A Band in Hope" has its highlights but does not do justice to the band's talents.
The Matches
A Band in Hope
Epitaph Records, 2008
2/5 stars
Oakland's The Matches is not the type of band that uses the same pop-punk formula album after album, but its third release falls short of previous efforts.The band worked with nine producers for its sophomore release, "Decomposer," and created a coherent collection of songs. Chamber and electronic music were combined with high energy and a fast pace.
Again, the band tried to experiment with varied sounds on the new album but worked with fewer producers. The result was not as successful. "Point Me Toward the Morning" sounds like very other pop-punk song. Repeating lines in "Future Tense" have an odd resemblance to the 1979 hit by The Knack, "My Sharona."
The Matches does show its versatility with the bright and poppy "Wake the Sun" and by pushing the envelope with the dark, piano-driven "Darkness Rising."
"A Band in Hope" has its highlights but does not do justice to the band's talents.
Bamboozle Roadshow: Here they come to 'Save the Day'
Originally published April 02, 2008 in The Orion.
Direct link to article
It's true, there used to be a time when MySpace did not exist and e-mail inboxes were not flooded with impersonal friend requests from bands.
New Jersey's Saves the Day, composed of singer and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist David Soloway, bassist Manuel Ragoonanan Carrero and drummer Durijah Lang, remembers the days when bands did not rely on the Internet to promote themselves, Conley said.
Saves the Day formed in 1997 out of the New Jersey hardcore and punk scene. The band quickly gained fans through touring and its mix of fast guitars and melodious and pitchy vocals.
"Before MySpace, the only way to promote your band was with fliers handed out at shows and playing all-ages venues on weekends, hoping someone would like your band enough to book you for another show in their basement on the following week," Conley said.
The band, which now has a pop aspect on its rock sound, is not against utilizing the Internet. Saves the Day has a strong online presence with exclusive online presales for tours, including its headlining spot on The Bamboozle Roadshow, which stops in Chico tonight.
Conley's agitation with online promotion stems from the superficiality that can be attached with music, he said. Some bands do not work hard to prove themselves because it is easy for people to say they are fans without actually having heard or seen the band perform live.
Senior Angela Martinez discovered Saves the Day two years ago through a friend, but she relies on the Internet for new music, she said.
Saves the Day uses the Internet to connect with fans, Conley said. The band runs its Web site, which includes video podcasts and blog updates. Conley asks fans to e-mail him song requests, which he fulfills on the Web site with videos of him performing the songs on an acoustic guitar.
Peter Gillen, a junior media arts major from Concord, has been a Saves the Day fan for seven years and admires how dedicated the band is to its fans.
"It makes the songs more personable," Gillen said.
The band has been through a lot and it appreciates its loyal fans, Conley said. Saves the Day has had several changes, with Conley and Soloway being the only remaining original members. In 2003, the band had a nonsupportive relationship with its label, Dreamworks. The band was dropped after Interscope Records took over.
Saves the Day rewards its faithful fans with a CD series called "Bug Sessions," only sold on tour. CDs feature seven acoustic versions of old and new songs. The first volume was sold in 2006 and the second and third volumes are available on this tour.
Other than selling the exclusive CDs, Saves the Day has a few other tricks up its sleeve, Conley said. The band has prepared a master list of 70 songs for the tour, containing a mix of old and new songs.
"We'll be picking the set based on how we're feeling each day," he said. "Each night will be totally unique and much more spontaneous."
The band practiced seven hours a day for a week and a half to prepare for the assorted set lists, Conley said. Band members even worked on a new version of "East Coast," the first Saves the Day song ever written.
"The new arrangement is killer," Conley said. "It sounds like a punk rock version of a Supremes song."
Gillen hopes the band will play "Do You Know What I Love The Most?" at tonight's show, he said. The song is a fast, upbeat track from the band's second album.
The tour is leading up to The Bamboozle Festivals, taking place in April in Irvine and in May in East Rutherford, N.J. Each festival features more than 100 artists and comedians performing on numerous stages.
Band members are excited to play both festival dates because they get the opportunity to see friends in other bands and play with a variety of artists, Conley said. At last year's New Jersey date, the band played after MC Hammer and before Muse.
The road show does not showcase the diverse festival lineups, but it does feature a mix of veteran and new bands, Conley said.
"If you come out to The Bamboozle Roadshow, it will whet your appetite for the real deal on each coast," he said.
Direct link to article
It's true, there used to be a time when MySpace did not exist and e-mail inboxes were not flooded with impersonal friend requests from bands.
New Jersey's Saves the Day, composed of singer and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist David Soloway, bassist Manuel Ragoonanan Carrero and drummer Durijah Lang, remembers the days when bands did not rely on the Internet to promote themselves, Conley said.
Saves the Day formed in 1997 out of the New Jersey hardcore and punk scene. The band quickly gained fans through touring and its mix of fast guitars and melodious and pitchy vocals.
"Before MySpace, the only way to promote your band was with fliers handed out at shows and playing all-ages venues on weekends, hoping someone would like your band enough to book you for another show in their basement on the following week," Conley said.
The band, which now has a pop aspect on its rock sound, is not against utilizing the Internet. Saves the Day has a strong online presence with exclusive online presales for tours, including its headlining spot on The Bamboozle Roadshow, which stops in Chico tonight.
Conley's agitation with online promotion stems from the superficiality that can be attached with music, he said. Some bands do not work hard to prove themselves because it is easy for people to say they are fans without actually having heard or seen the band perform live.
Senior Angela Martinez discovered Saves the Day two years ago through a friend, but she relies on the Internet for new music, she said.
Saves the Day uses the Internet to connect with fans, Conley said. The band runs its Web site, which includes video podcasts and blog updates. Conley asks fans to e-mail him song requests, which he fulfills on the Web site with videos of him performing the songs on an acoustic guitar.
Peter Gillen, a junior media arts major from Concord, has been a Saves the Day fan for seven years and admires how dedicated the band is to its fans.
"It makes the songs more personable," Gillen said.
The band has been through a lot and it appreciates its loyal fans, Conley said. Saves the Day has had several changes, with Conley and Soloway being the only remaining original members. In 2003, the band had a nonsupportive relationship with its label, Dreamworks. The band was dropped after Interscope Records took over.
Saves the Day rewards its faithful fans with a CD series called "Bug Sessions," only sold on tour. CDs feature seven acoustic versions of old and new songs. The first volume was sold in 2006 and the second and third volumes are available on this tour.
Other than selling the exclusive CDs, Saves the Day has a few other tricks up its sleeve, Conley said. The band has prepared a master list of 70 songs for the tour, containing a mix of old and new songs.
"We'll be picking the set based on how we're feeling each day," he said. "Each night will be totally unique and much more spontaneous."
The band practiced seven hours a day for a week and a half to prepare for the assorted set lists, Conley said. Band members even worked on a new version of "East Coast," the first Saves the Day song ever written.
"The new arrangement is killer," Conley said. "It sounds like a punk rock version of a Supremes song."
Gillen hopes the band will play "Do You Know What I Love The Most?" at tonight's show, he said. The song is a fast, upbeat track from the band's second album.
The tour is leading up to The Bamboozle Festivals, taking place in April in Irvine and in May in East Rutherford, N.J. Each festival features more than 100 artists and comedians performing on numerous stages.
Band members are excited to play both festival dates because they get the opportunity to see friends in other bands and play with a variety of artists, Conley said. At last year's New Jersey date, the band played after MC Hammer and before Muse.
The road show does not showcase the diverse festival lineups, but it does feature a mix of veteran and new bands, Conley said.
"If you come out to The Bamboozle Roadshow, it will whet your appetite for the real deal on each coast," he said.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Album Review: Throw Me The Statue - Moonbeams
Originally published March 26, 2008 in The Orion
Throw Me The Statue
Moonbeams
Secretly Canadian, 2008
3/5 stars
"Moonbeams" from Throw Me The Statue is a joyful indie-pop album crafted by multi-instrumentalist, Scott Reitherman.
Reitherman uses guitars, drum machines, synthesizers, xylophones and horns, but every song sounds effortless. The nonchalant guitars create an image of Reitherman sitting on a porch casually writing songs.
The vocals could pass for Pedro the Lion's David Bazan, but Reitherman's infectious energy keeps listeners enthralled. Sounds change from soft confessions in "Young Sensualists" to hand clapping and twinkling melodies in "Lolita." Even low-fi tracks such as "About to Walk" illustrate the fun a of a hip-shaking luau.
A pop album is nothing without its share of "oh oh ohs," and this is not exception. On "This Is How We Kiss," band members get a little gritty with the guitar but keep things light with a bubbly melody.
Listening to this album will help spring arrive a little faster this year.
Throw Me The Statue
Moonbeams
Secretly Canadian, 2008
3/5 stars
"Moonbeams" from Throw Me The Statue is a joyful indie-pop album crafted by multi-instrumentalist, Scott Reitherman.Reitherman uses guitars, drum machines, synthesizers, xylophones and horns, but every song sounds effortless. The nonchalant guitars create an image of Reitherman sitting on a porch casually writing songs.
The vocals could pass for Pedro the Lion's David Bazan, but Reitherman's infectious energy keeps listeners enthralled. Sounds change from soft confessions in "Young Sensualists" to hand clapping and twinkling melodies in "Lolita." Even low-fi tracks such as "About to Walk" illustrate the fun a of a hip-shaking luau.
A pop album is nothing without its share of "oh oh ohs," and this is not exception. On "This Is How We Kiss," band members get a little gritty with the guitar but keep things light with a bubbly melody.
Listening to this album will help spring arrive a little faster this year.
Touring indie-folk guitarist to showcase dark roots at Crux
Originally published March 26, 2008 in The Orion.
Direct link to article
The looming darkness of an unexpected death hovered over Imaad Wasif while he was recording his second solo album. As he came closer to finishing the album, his fear of leaving his house and entering the recording studio grew.
Wasif is not a thug rapper or an insecure, rookie musician. He has been playing music for 14 years and was a touring musician for indie-rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Wasif's concern with a sudden death comes from the anxiety of parting with his music, he said.
"Completing the album meant that the creation had completely been purged from me," Wasif said.
With the help of producer Tom Biller, who has worked with Kanye West and Silversun Pickups, Wasif survived the recording process, he said.
Wasif and his backing band, Two Part Beast, will tour the West Coast in support of the album "Strange Hexes." The tour, with bassist Bobb Bruno and drummer Adam Garcia, will stop at Crux Artist Collective on Sunday.
An agonizing reality can be heard on the album through loud, distorting guitars and dreamy vocals. The melancholy tone of the music is reminiscent of psychedelic rock of the '60s. The ghostly songs are not like the fast and catchy melodies Wasig played with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Wasif, who has mutual friends with members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, spent most of 2006 and 2007 touring with the band as a second guitarist, but there was no crossover between his music and that of the band, he said.
"It was a strange serendipitous crossing of paths," Wasif said.
He doesn't think the experience influenced his music, but instead allowed him the opportunity to share it with large audiences, he said. Wasif opened shows in the United State, China and Korea with his solo set.
Wasif noticed he gained a few fans through his work with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but he is unaware of how most people find his music, he said.
Sean Cummins, Crux music director, did not know of Wasif's stint with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs before booking him a show, Cummins said.
"I doubt most people know who he is, but I think that a good chunk of people will enjoy his music," Cummins said.
Some members of Chico's People of the Oaks, who will be opening for Wasif on Sunday, are familiar with Wasif's music and are excited to share the stage, said bassist Zach Ahern.
"Knowing that a band is professional before playing with them is a definite plus," Ahern said.
Wasif enjoyed touring with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but tried not to get caught up in the superficial aspects of success, he said. Wasif's separation from fans reflects his desire to better understand a pure existence behind music.
He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, but spent time in India at the age of 5, Wasif said. In India, he was exposed to spiritual and classical Indian music.
Wasif moved to Coachella Valley where he continued to explore spiritualism through his childhood, he said. The desolate desert contributed to his feelings of teenage alienation.
The isolation led him to music and allowed him to bond with other teenagers with similar musical tastes, he said. He formed his first band, Lowercase, and became part of a fascinating scene of bands that would play shows by setting up generators in the desert.
Wasif has been in several bands since his days in Coachella Valley, but the desert's influence can still be heard in the music he plays today. The drums on "Strange Hexes" sound distant like the wind on a hot night. The lyrics in the song "Seventh Sign" paint a scene of desperation, "Because we've known true happiness, we can only get colder." Wasif pauses between stanzas, as if he is waiting for the next lyrics to come to him.
Following the practices of Indian musicians, Wasif devotes time every day to writing music, he said.
His daily rituals are part of meditating practices for being in the alpha state, he said. In the alpha state, a person is relaxed and rid of fear and anxiety.
Playing with a full band will help him reach the alpha state while on tour, he said. Wasif has toured by himself, but playing with his band makes shows more intense and fun. Each musician experiences the live show at different levels and help Wasif from diving into a serious state.
"They help me keep things light," he said.
Direct link to article
The looming darkness of an unexpected death hovered over Imaad Wasif while he was recording his second solo album. As he came closer to finishing the album, his fear of leaving his house and entering the recording studio grew.
Wasif is not a thug rapper or an insecure, rookie musician. He has been playing music for 14 years and was a touring musician for indie-rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Wasif's concern with a sudden death comes from the anxiety of parting with his music, he said.
"Completing the album meant that the creation had completely been purged from me," Wasif said.
With the help of producer Tom Biller, who has worked with Kanye West and Silversun Pickups, Wasif survived the recording process, he said.
Wasif and his backing band, Two Part Beast, will tour the West Coast in support of the album "Strange Hexes." The tour, with bassist Bobb Bruno and drummer Adam Garcia, will stop at Crux Artist Collective on Sunday.
An agonizing reality can be heard on the album through loud, distorting guitars and dreamy vocals. The melancholy tone of the music is reminiscent of psychedelic rock of the '60s. The ghostly songs are not like the fast and catchy melodies Wasig played with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Wasif, who has mutual friends with members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, spent most of 2006 and 2007 touring with the band as a second guitarist, but there was no crossover between his music and that of the band, he said.
"It was a strange serendipitous crossing of paths," Wasif said.
He doesn't think the experience influenced his music, but instead allowed him the opportunity to share it with large audiences, he said. Wasif opened shows in the United State, China and Korea with his solo set.
Wasif noticed he gained a few fans through his work with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but he is unaware of how most people find his music, he said.
Sean Cummins, Crux music director, did not know of Wasif's stint with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs before booking him a show, Cummins said.
"I doubt most people know who he is, but I think that a good chunk of people will enjoy his music," Cummins said.
Some members of Chico's People of the Oaks, who will be opening for Wasif on Sunday, are familiar with Wasif's music and are excited to share the stage, said bassist Zach Ahern.
"Knowing that a band is professional before playing with them is a definite plus," Ahern said.
Wasif enjoyed touring with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but tried not to get caught up in the superficial aspects of success, he said. Wasif's separation from fans reflects his desire to better understand a pure existence behind music.
He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, but spent time in India at the age of 5, Wasif said. In India, he was exposed to spiritual and classical Indian music.
Wasif moved to Coachella Valley where he continued to explore spiritualism through his childhood, he said. The desolate desert contributed to his feelings of teenage alienation.
The isolation led him to music and allowed him to bond with other teenagers with similar musical tastes, he said. He formed his first band, Lowercase, and became part of a fascinating scene of bands that would play shows by setting up generators in the desert.
Wasif has been in several bands since his days in Coachella Valley, but the desert's influence can still be heard in the music he plays today. The drums on "Strange Hexes" sound distant like the wind on a hot night. The lyrics in the song "Seventh Sign" paint a scene of desperation, "Because we've known true happiness, we can only get colder." Wasif pauses between stanzas, as if he is waiting for the next lyrics to come to him.
Following the practices of Indian musicians, Wasif devotes time every day to writing music, he said.
His daily rituals are part of meditating practices for being in the alpha state, he said. In the alpha state, a person is relaxed and rid of fear and anxiety.
Playing with a full band will help him reach the alpha state while on tour, he said. Wasif has toured by himself, but playing with his band makes shows more intense and fun. Each musician experiences the live show at different levels and help Wasif from diving into a serious state.
"They help me keep things light," he said.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Album Review: Nada Surf - Lucky
Originally published March 12, 2008 in The Orion
Nada Surf
Lucky
Barsuk Records, 2008
3/5 stars
On Nada Surf's fifth album luck is not regarded as a random series of events. Fate causes beautiful, mysterious events, and it's called luck. Without it, the band would never have created such a thoughtful album.
Nada Surf has traveled a rocky road to reach its charming, melancholy and indie-rock sound. The band rode the wave of punchy, nerd rock in the '90s. After failing to create another marketable single after "Popular," Nada Surf was dropped from its record label.
Cutting ties with a major label allowed the band to reinvent its sound, aligning with bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and Belle and Sebastian.
"Lucky" starts somberly, but cello and piano arrangements shower songs with inspiring optimism. Guitarist Matthew Caws sings with honesty, and sounds like the most sympathetic man as he declares, "I only want to make you happy."
Although not as memorable as other indie rock bands, Nada Surf's approach to music is capable of warming the hearts of both pop fans and indie aficionados.
Nada Surf
Lucky
Barsuk Records, 2008
3/5 stars
On Nada Surf's fifth album luck is not regarded as a random series of events. Fate causes beautiful, mysterious events, and it's called luck. Without it, the band would never have created such a thoughtful album.Nada Surf has traveled a rocky road to reach its charming, melancholy and indie-rock sound. The band rode the wave of punchy, nerd rock in the '90s. After failing to create another marketable single after "Popular," Nada Surf was dropped from its record label.
Cutting ties with a major label allowed the band to reinvent its sound, aligning with bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and Belle and Sebastian.
"Lucky" starts somberly, but cello and piano arrangements shower songs with inspiring optimism. Guitarist Matthew Caws sings with honesty, and sounds like the most sympathetic man as he declares, "I only want to make you happy."
Although not as memorable as other indie rock bands, Nada Surf's approach to music is capable of warming the hearts of both pop fans and indie aficionados.
Aubrey Debauchery stomps stage with brand-new Puke Boots
Originally published March 12, 2008 in The Orion.
Direct link to article
In the world of Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots, there are two types of people - those who wear wallet chains and those who do not.
Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots is one of the friendliest bands in Chico, and anyone who has met the band knows it holds people who wear wallet chains in high regard.
Drummer Casey Schmidt and upright bassist Adrian Hammons already sport wallet chains, but vocalist and guitarist Aubrey Debauchery and lap steel guitarist Marc Anderson hope to debut theirs at the band's CD release and tour kick-off show Friday at 1078 Gallery.
The fixation with wallet chains reflects the strong bond between members and goofy inside jokes.
The band's music is extremely personal, and band members keep some things to themselves, including the meaning of The Puke Boots.
"You gotta either be a Puke Boot or banging a Puke Boot to know what a Puke Boot is," Anderson said.
The title of the band's upcoming release, "He's a Damn Good Liar," expresses the band's attitude toward its music.
"I'm too blunt and honest," Debauchery said.
She is not afraid of being completely open with her emotions, she said.
In the song "Aces" Debauchery opens with "Well I'm sharp as a switchblade. I'm as mean as a bull, and your girlfriend don't mean shit to me." Later in the song she says, "I could give that man all he wants, and all I'd need in return is love."
Her voice is confident and sultry while the instrumentation is fused with folk twang, making each song moody and alluring.
Debauchery's band members admire her confidence, Schmidt said.
Tino Marrufo, who played drums on the album and will be a guest musician at the show Friday, appreciates a woman who writes about things many are afraid to talk about.
"There's nothing wrong with a woman saying, 'I wanna take your pants off,'" Marrufo said.
Debauchery wrote most of the songs during the summer while she took a break from Chico and spent two months living with friends in Richland, Wash., she said.
"I was writing songs and playing a lot of video games," Debauchery said.
The band started recording in January at the Chico High School studio, she said. Her dad, Ron Pope, is a multimedia teacher at the school.
Debauchery has recorded at the school before, but this is the first time she has been accompanied by a full band, she said.
Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots has been a work in progress, strategically brought together by Debauchery, she said. Aubrey Debauchery has been a well-known name in Chico for many years, but the full band is something new.
Debauchery is a Chico native and has been playing in bands since the beginning of this decade, she said. She was a member of Stars Upon Thars but started playing solo shows in 2004.
The music remained quiet with folk and country undertones, she said.
In 2006 Anderson began to play shows with her, she said. During the last year they met Hammons and Schmidt.
Hammons and Schmidt were already involved in musical projects, but Debauchery wanted them to join her endeavors, she said. Hammons started playing with Debauchery in November. Schmidt was recruited this year.
"We secretly wanted Casey in our band but didn't know how to ask him," Debauchery said.
The way the band was formed may seem devious, but it is common for Chico musicians to be inspired to play in more than one band, she said.
Rene Stephens, 1078 Gallery music director and board member, has been around the Chico music scene since 1997 and has witnessed different music collaborations, she said.
"Chico as a whole is pretty incestuous," Stephens said. "The music scene is like a deserted island where you marry your sister and then you divorce her after two kids and marry your brother."
Stephens has seen Debauchery grow as a musician since the days she played shows at the now-defunct Fulcrum Records.
"She is always in really good bands and not just the 'girl' in the band, but a vital contribution," Stephens said.
After the Chico show, Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots will tour California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The tour will end March 30 in Chico.
Debauchery is excited to tour because many people have not seen her with a full band, she said. In preparation, band members are saving money for gas and Top Ramen, they said. The only thing they are worried about is having to resort to paying for motels. However, they hope friends will help out with a place to sleep.
"We'll find floors," Debauchery said.
Direct link to article
In the world of Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots, there are two types of people - those who wear wallet chains and those who do not.
Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots is one of the friendliest bands in Chico, and anyone who has met the band knows it holds people who wear wallet chains in high regard.
Drummer Casey Schmidt and upright bassist Adrian Hammons already sport wallet chains, but vocalist and guitarist Aubrey Debauchery and lap steel guitarist Marc Anderson hope to debut theirs at the band's CD release and tour kick-off show Friday at 1078 Gallery.
The fixation with wallet chains reflects the strong bond between members and goofy inside jokes.
The band's music is extremely personal, and band members keep some things to themselves, including the meaning of The Puke Boots.
"You gotta either be a Puke Boot or banging a Puke Boot to know what a Puke Boot is," Anderson said.
The title of the band's upcoming release, "He's a Damn Good Liar," expresses the band's attitude toward its music.
"I'm too blunt and honest," Debauchery said.
She is not afraid of being completely open with her emotions, she said.
In the song "Aces" Debauchery opens with "Well I'm sharp as a switchblade. I'm as mean as a bull, and your girlfriend don't mean shit to me." Later in the song she says, "I could give that man all he wants, and all I'd need in return is love."
Her voice is confident and sultry while the instrumentation is fused with folk twang, making each song moody and alluring.
Debauchery's band members admire her confidence, Schmidt said.
Tino Marrufo, who played drums on the album and will be a guest musician at the show Friday, appreciates a woman who writes about things many are afraid to talk about.
"There's nothing wrong with a woman saying, 'I wanna take your pants off,'" Marrufo said.
Debauchery wrote most of the songs during the summer while she took a break from Chico and spent two months living with friends in Richland, Wash., she said.
"I was writing songs and playing a lot of video games," Debauchery said.
The band started recording in January at the Chico High School studio, she said. Her dad, Ron Pope, is a multimedia teacher at the school.
Debauchery has recorded at the school before, but this is the first time she has been accompanied by a full band, she said.
Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots has been a work in progress, strategically brought together by Debauchery, she said. Aubrey Debauchery has been a well-known name in Chico for many years, but the full band is something new.
Debauchery is a Chico native and has been playing in bands since the beginning of this decade, she said. She was a member of Stars Upon Thars but started playing solo shows in 2004.
The music remained quiet with folk and country undertones, she said.
In 2006 Anderson began to play shows with her, she said. During the last year they met Hammons and Schmidt.
Hammons and Schmidt were already involved in musical projects, but Debauchery wanted them to join her endeavors, she said. Hammons started playing with Debauchery in November. Schmidt was recruited this year.
"We secretly wanted Casey in our band but didn't know how to ask him," Debauchery said.
The way the band was formed may seem devious, but it is common for Chico musicians to be inspired to play in more than one band, she said.
Rene Stephens, 1078 Gallery music director and board member, has been around the Chico music scene since 1997 and has witnessed different music collaborations, she said.
"Chico as a whole is pretty incestuous," Stephens said. "The music scene is like a deserted island where you marry your sister and then you divorce her after two kids and marry your brother."
Stephens has seen Debauchery grow as a musician since the days she played shows at the now-defunct Fulcrum Records.
"She is always in really good bands and not just the 'girl' in the band, but a vital contribution," Stephens said.
After the Chico show, Aubrey Debauchery and The Puke Boots will tour California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The tour will end March 30 in Chico.
Debauchery is excited to tour because many people have not seen her with a full band, she said. In preparation, band members are saving money for gas and Top Ramen, they said. The only thing they are worried about is having to resort to paying for motels. However, they hope friends will help out with a place to sleep.
"We'll find floors," Debauchery said.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Album Review: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Originally published March 05, 2008 in The Orion
Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
Jagjaguwar Records, 2008
4/5 stars
Bon Iver's debut solo album is the epitome of soul-searching. The sounds are eerie, quiet and intimate.
Justin Vernon, the man behind the stage name of Bon Iver, hid away in a Wisconsin cabin for three months to write and record "For Emma, Forever Ago."
The simple sounds of acoustic guitar reflect the loneliness of winter, but Vernon's falsetto voice captures listeners with sincerity.
Bon Iver prevents the soft songs from becoming depressing by making subtle tempo changes. "Skinny Love" begins at a steady rhythm, but gradually speeds up as Vernon's voice adds intensity and volume.
The lyrics read like a private journal, but listeners will have no trouble relating to the themes of love and life's mystical wonders.
Luckily, Bon Iver has no objection to sharing his thoughts with the world.
Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
Jagjaguwar Records, 2008
4/5 stars
Bon Iver's debut solo album is the epitome of soul-searching. The sounds are eerie, quiet and intimate.Justin Vernon, the man behind the stage name of Bon Iver, hid away in a Wisconsin cabin for three months to write and record "For Emma, Forever Ago."
The simple sounds of acoustic guitar reflect the loneliness of winter, but Vernon's falsetto voice captures listeners with sincerity.
Bon Iver prevents the soft songs from becoming depressing by making subtle tempo changes. "Skinny Love" begins at a steady rhythm, but gradually speeds up as Vernon's voice adds intensity and volume.
The lyrics read like a private journal, but listeners will have no trouble relating to the themes of love and life's mystical wonders.
Luckily, Bon Iver has no objection to sharing his thoughts with the world.
Benefit aims to make money to free imprisoned 'West Memphis Three'
Originally published March 05, 2008 in The Orion.
Direct link to article
Four Chico bands are following the lead of The Cure, Henry Rollins and Margaret Cho by raising money to free three imprisoned men caught in a 15-year-old murder case associated with a satanic ritual.
The Shankers, V.E., Baghdad Batteries and Season of the Witch will be playing a benefit concert Sunday at Lost on Main as part of an international concert series called Rock for Freedom Weekend. Shows in the United States, Canada and Australia will raise money for the defense fund of the three men, who many think were falsely convicted.
Beth Davis is organizing the Chico show to inform people about the murder case and help the three men prove their innocence, she said.
"It's one common goal to set the record straight," Davis said.
Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, known as the West Memphis Three, were accused of murdering three 8-year-old boys in 1993 in West Memphis, Ark.
The men were thought to have been part of a satanic ritual after the victims were found in a creek with their ankles tied to their wrists, according to wm3.org, a Web site supporting the men.
The case has received massive attention from the media and individuals because of the lack of evidence against the three men. Musicians have raised money by auctioning autographed instruments and producing compilation albums. There are also documentaries and books about the case.
At the time of the murders, Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley were teenagers and had no connection to the victims, according to wm3.org. DNA belonging to the three men was not found at the murder site.
Misskelley confessed to the murders after 12 hours of police interrogations, according to wm3.org. He later retracted his statements after reporting investigators pushed him into a false confession. Misskelley was reported as having an IQ of 72, classifying him as borderline mentally retarded.
In an interview with Larry King, Echols said that personal traits such as clothing and musical tastes were also major factors used against the three men. The men wore black clothing and listened to Metallica.
Baldwin and Misskelley were given life sentences, while Echols was sentenced to death by lethal injection, according to wm3.org. Echols' execution date has not been determined.
"It's pretty much a modern-day witch trial," Davis said.
The Baghdad Batteries agreed to play the benefit show because band members think it was wrong that the case involved profiling, said vocalist Justin McBurey.
"I can relate with being different," he said.
The Shankers were compelled by the case after watching one of the documentaries, said bassist Kerra Shanker.
Shankers vocalist Johnny Shanker does not agree with the evidence used against the West Memphis Three, he said.
"They were guilty before they were accused," he said.
The Arkansas media bought into the stereotypes of troubled teens, Davis said.
Early stories helped portray Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley in a negative light, she said.
"Being in a small town, that's what happens," she said.
The time of the murders also had a lot to do with the stereotypes of the three men, Johnny Shanker said. In a small town, it was rare for people to have mohawk haircuts and listen to Metallica in the early '90s.
Even though the case is 15 years old, the Internet has helped spread the word about the case in the last few years, Davis said. People are seeing that the three men were really not strange for wearing black clothing. People can also research the case before jumping to conclusions.
"On the Internet, it's not bias," she said. "You get both sides."
In the last year, parents of two of the victims have told the media they think the West Memphis Three are innocent.
Davis thinks the statements will help the case, she said.
"Maybe more people will say 'Maybe we were wrong. Let's take another look,'" Davis said.
McBurey thinks it will take more than statements from the victims' parents for the West Memphis Three to get freedom, he said. A lot of politics are involved with the case, and it is harder when the three men have already been convicted.
The money raised from all the Rock for Freedom Weekend shows will pay for DNA testing and future hearings, Davis said.
Defense lawyers requested a new hearing in October to show that no DNA from any of the convicted men was present at the murder site. A hearing date has not been announced.
Whether the West Memphis Three are innocent or guilty, McBurey thinks they deserve closure, he said.
"I just want it all to be over."
Direct link to article
Four Chico bands are following the lead of The Cure, Henry Rollins and Margaret Cho by raising money to free three imprisoned men caught in a 15-year-old murder case associated with a satanic ritual.
The Shankers, V.E., Baghdad Batteries and Season of the Witch will be playing a benefit concert Sunday at Lost on Main as part of an international concert series called Rock for Freedom Weekend. Shows in the United States, Canada and Australia will raise money for the defense fund of the three men, who many think were falsely convicted.
Beth Davis is organizing the Chico show to inform people about the murder case and help the three men prove their innocence, she said.
"It's one common goal to set the record straight," Davis said.
Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, known as the West Memphis Three, were accused of murdering three 8-year-old boys in 1993 in West Memphis, Ark.
The men were thought to have been part of a satanic ritual after the victims were found in a creek with their ankles tied to their wrists, according to wm3.org, a Web site supporting the men.
The case has received massive attention from the media and individuals because of the lack of evidence against the three men. Musicians have raised money by auctioning autographed instruments and producing compilation albums. There are also documentaries and books about the case.
At the time of the murders, Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley were teenagers and had no connection to the victims, according to wm3.org. DNA belonging to the three men was not found at the murder site.
Misskelley confessed to the murders after 12 hours of police interrogations, according to wm3.org. He later retracted his statements after reporting investigators pushed him into a false confession. Misskelley was reported as having an IQ of 72, classifying him as borderline mentally retarded.
In an interview with Larry King, Echols said that personal traits such as clothing and musical tastes were also major factors used against the three men. The men wore black clothing and listened to Metallica.
Baldwin and Misskelley were given life sentences, while Echols was sentenced to death by lethal injection, according to wm3.org. Echols' execution date has not been determined.
"It's pretty much a modern-day witch trial," Davis said.
The Baghdad Batteries agreed to play the benefit show because band members think it was wrong that the case involved profiling, said vocalist Justin McBurey.
"I can relate with being different," he said.
The Shankers were compelled by the case after watching one of the documentaries, said bassist Kerra Shanker.
Shankers vocalist Johnny Shanker does not agree with the evidence used against the West Memphis Three, he said.
"They were guilty before they were accused," he said.
The Arkansas media bought into the stereotypes of troubled teens, Davis said.
Early stories helped portray Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley in a negative light, she said.
"Being in a small town, that's what happens," she said.
The time of the murders also had a lot to do with the stereotypes of the three men, Johnny Shanker said. In a small town, it was rare for people to have mohawk haircuts and listen to Metallica in the early '90s.
Even though the case is 15 years old, the Internet has helped spread the word about the case in the last few years, Davis said. People are seeing that the three men were really not strange for wearing black clothing. People can also research the case before jumping to conclusions.
"On the Internet, it's not bias," she said. "You get both sides."
In the last year, parents of two of the victims have told the media they think the West Memphis Three are innocent.
Davis thinks the statements will help the case, she said.
"Maybe more people will say 'Maybe we were wrong. Let's take another look,'" Davis said.
McBurey thinks it will take more than statements from the victims' parents for the West Memphis Three to get freedom, he said. A lot of politics are involved with the case, and it is harder when the three men have already been convicted.
The money raised from all the Rock for Freedom Weekend shows will pay for DNA testing and future hearings, Davis said.
Defense lawyers requested a new hearing in October to show that no DNA from any of the convicted men was present at the murder site. A hearing date has not been announced.
Whether the West Memphis Three are innocent or guilty, McBurey thinks they deserve closure, he said.
"I just want it all to be over."
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Album Review: Grand Archives - The Grand Archives
Originally published Feb. 27, 2008 in The Orion
Grand Archives
The Grand Archives
Sup Pop Records, 2008
4/5 stars
The debut album from Grand Archives is like drinking hot chocolate near a fireplace - it's warm.
Ex-Band of Horses member Mat Brooke turns to the whimsical side of indie-rock. Whether the song is upbeat or mellow, guitars seem to cheerfully bounce from one chord to the next.
On first listen, the modest songs seem to lack enthusiasm, but they grow to be beautiful compositions. Grand Archives will not add glitter for the sake of getting noticed. Instead the band looks to create lovely, intimate settings.
Melodies are breathtaking and reasonably complemented with violins and horns. Four of the five members chip in with vocal talents. Transitions are immaculate, and harmonies are dream-like.
"Louis Riel" is so uplifting it might inspire listeners to go outside and skip on the sidewalk.
Grand Archives
The Grand Archives
Sup Pop Records, 2008
4/5 stars
The debut album from Grand Archives is like drinking hot chocolate near a fireplace - it's warm.Ex-Band of Horses member Mat Brooke turns to the whimsical side of indie-rock. Whether the song is upbeat or mellow, guitars seem to cheerfully bounce from one chord to the next.
On first listen, the modest songs seem to lack enthusiasm, but they grow to be beautiful compositions. Grand Archives will not add glitter for the sake of getting noticed. Instead the band looks to create lovely, intimate settings.
Melodies are breathtaking and reasonably complemented with violins and horns. Four of the five members chip in with vocal talents. Transitions are immaculate, and harmonies are dream-like.
"Louis Riel" is so uplifting it might inspire listeners to go outside and skip on the sidewalk.
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