popwreckoning

Seattle’s premiere mid-summer music festival the Capitol Hill Block Party is happening in less than a week, this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to be precise. If you live anywhere near Seattle and haven’t heard about it by now, you must have been living under a rock.

Last year’s festival had the likes of the Dead Weather and MGMT headlining the urban festival, set in the middle of Seattle’s South Capitol Hill neighborhood.

This year’s lineup includes: TV on the Radio, Explosions in the Sky, the Head and the Heart, and well you can see the whole lineup above – over 70 bands including some of Seattle’s finest local talents.

For the full festival schedule, go to http://capitolhillblockparty.com/schedule/

To purchase tickets, individual day tickets for $27.50 or 3-day passes for $82.50 are available here: http://capitolhillblockparty.strangertickets.com/Home

There’s a certain level of sweet I can take when it comes to music, and Ra Ra Riot rides that line between chocolate pie and sticky toffee pudding, but that level of sweetness always makes for a rather joyful live performance full of adorable banter, loving stage presence, and gracious thank-yous. Playing to a sold-out crowd on Thursday, Ra Ra Riot brought along Silverlake, California natives Pepper Rabbit and Givers, who hail from Lafayette, Louisiana.

As Pepper Rabbit set up their gear, the stage was inexplicably full of equipment – four drumkits, enough speakers for a show much larger than Neumo’s, several keyboards, and a clarinet.

A clarinet?

Yes, a clarinet.

What I quite liked about Pepper Rabbit was the impeccable use of the loop pedal, which in the first song made the clarinet this underlying hint of something you don’t often hear in indie rock. I’ve heard plenty of brass and strings before, but not a lot of woodwinds, and it sounded really cool. The loop pedal made Pepper Rabbit definitely sound like more than three people up on stage, which can often get monotonous without some clever mixing.

Along with the clarinet, we were also given the treat of the ukulele, but not in a cheesy Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole way. The ukulele was plugged in, and added an interesting charm to the music, which already had plenty of complexity. Think of it as avant garde folk, and you’ll get a sense of Pepper Rabbit’s sound. Or better yet, you can go check out their MySpace page.

After Pepper Rabbit was done with their set, they cleared out whatever gear they had to make room for Givers. It was funny seeing the various members of the band and the Neumo’s employees trying to maneuver themselves over the guitars and hi-hats. Lead guitarist Taylor Guarisco was quite friendly to me and my friend Lori who were holding our spots up front to have a perfect view for photos. It’s always nice when bands appreciate what we do.

This band – I’ll tell you – they’re intense. If I could come up with another word to describe their live performance, I would, but intense was the first thing I said after the show on Thursday. With Guarisco’s eyes pointing to the sky and his tongue never staying in his mouth and percussionist Tif Lamson‘s frantic beating of the drums and fervent belting of the lyrics, you’d think that Givers was leading a religious revival rather than a rock concert.

Givers definitely brought the southern passion to their Afro-beat folk rock, and at times I thought Guarisco would break the strings on his old and weathered Gibson acoustic guitar. It seriously looked like one that blues musicians would have played back in the 60s – it was that used. The crowd was so into it that I was afraid they’d upstaged the headliners, but shouldn’t it always be the goal of any band to be the best of the night, even they aren’t the headliners?

It sure seemed like Givers did that. I mean, not only did Lamson basically shred the ukulele, but during the infectious “Up Up Up,” the flute made an appearance. For a little insight on how good they actually were, you can take a listen HERE. I mean, the recordings are great, but still nothing compared to their live show. If this was their first time in Seattle, I can only imagine what it would be like to see them in their hometown.

After we were thoroughly mystified by Givers’ psychedelic Afro-pop, Ra Ra Riot and the Neumo’s employees virtually cleared the stage. It was convenient though, because that way no equipment would be blocking our view from getting good photos.

Ra Ra Riot walked on stage to the heavy rock song of an introduction, and started off the show with a rather odd choice, “Massachusetts,” a song that starts out slow and gets exceedingly more energetic throughout the song. I would have preferred something with a little more pep to start out with, like “St. Peter’s Day Festival,” but after that, they picked up the energy.

On to “Run My Mouth,” which instantly called for a sing-along with all the teenage girls shoved up front with me. Seriously, these kids were reacting to Ra Ra Riot like they were Hansen back in 1998. Wow, that shows how old I am.

It was nice to hear at least one song off their first EP, “Each Year,” but although I was hoping for the punky “A Manner to Act,” which they played in Portland back in September when I saw them. A couple of the highlights included lead singer Wes Miles crooning on “Do You Remember,” “Kansai,” and when cellist Alexandra Dawn took the mic for a particularly passionate rendition of “You and I Know.”

The lovely singing from Miles and Dawn were held strong by the smooth strings of violinist Rebecca Zeller, the peppy rhythm by bassist Mathieu Santos and drummer Gabriel Duquette, and the infallible melody from guitarist Milo Bonacci. Their synergy on stage made for some particularly cute moments, when Miles went around and rubbed Santos’ and Bonacci’s heads, and nearing the end when he jabbed at Bonacci with the mic.

I’ll tell you, there is nothing unpleasant about this band.

Finishing out their regular set with their first single off The Orchard, “Boy,” and another of my favorites off the album, “Too Dramatic,” they left the stage after graciously thanking both Pepper Rabbit and Givers for coming on tour with them. And as soon as they went down the stage behind the stage at Neumo’s, all the crazed fangirls standing behind me screamed so loud I almost regretted not bringing earplugs this time.

But since we’d seen the set list and one song in particular was missing from their set so far, Ra Ra Riot predictably stepped back on stage for the encore of the phenomenal “Ghosts Under Rocks,” and “Dying is Fine.” And when those songs were over, Miles ran across the front of the stage to give all the people surrounding me high fives. I ducked down to let the girls behind me get their high fives, in which they responded like Hansen fangirls, “oh my god he TOUCHED ME!”

Not to sound jaded or anything, but after having seen so many bands, I find that so hilarious. “I’m never washing this hand again!”

But I guess I have no room to talk, because I used to be that way. And I can imagine, if I’d seen Ra Ra Riot when I was 16, I’d have reacted the same way.

Thursday of Musicfest Northwest started at a different ballroom – the Wonder Ballroom. Thankfully it’s in a residential area of Portland, so pay parking lots be damned!

I had planned on just seeing Ra Ra Riot at the Wonder Ballroom, but I arrived early to catch a bit of Phantogram, with their formula of electronic drum machine beats and soft vocals. The duo of keyboardist Sarah Barthel and guitarist Josh Carter was quite good, playing through some darn catchy songs – including the sexy “When I’m Small” and infectious “Mouthful of Diamonds,” which was recently featured in a New York Lottery commercial (and I can’t help but think it’s been used somewhere else, because lord knows we don’t have commercials for the New York lotto over here).

Next up came Ra Ra Riot with their lovely upbeat baroque pop. I can’t say enough how much fun this band is – you have the guitar-driven hit “Ghost Under Rocks” off their first LP The Rhumb Line, all the way to the strings-heavy “Boy” off their new album The Orchard (both of which make you want to sing and dance adorably).

Seriously, everything about this band is adorable – and not in a bad way. Lead singer Wes Miles wispy pop vocals mixed with cello and violin, not to mention the overwhelming friendly synergy on stage. You can’t help but feel the love. A few select favorites from their set included “Too Dramatic” and “Foolish,” both of which Miles singing back and forth with cellist Alexandra Lawn, and “St Peter’s Day Festival.”

Their positive energy was surely contagious, as when they had finished their set, the crowd overwhelmingly started chanting for an encore. I can only guess what the people living in the neighborhood would have thought. After a couple of minutes, the troupe walked back out on stage, Miles now sporting a pair of glasses, and guitarist Milo Bonacci jumped right into the opening riff to “A Manner to Act” off their self-titled debut EP, a quick and almost punk track (except with the addition of strings, so you still know it’s obviously Ra Ra Riot).

I made my way out of the Wonder Ballroom, I went back to Burnside for day number two at the Crystal Ballroom for some punk rock – Ted Leo and The Pharmacists and The Thermals. After circling the block for a good ten minutes looking for parking, I eventually got to the Crystal, with the show already in progress. I wasn’t about to venture into the mosh pit right away, because a.) I needed to get some decent photos and b.) I’d be afraid my camera would get damaged while getting thrashed around by the excited fans.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists were a perfect way to get the energy up for the rest of the night. The band played all through their catalogue, from the last ten years, and it certainly made the crowd happy – which ranged from my age (21) to my parents’ age (50-ish). That’s when you know you’re in a cool city – when people can go to rock shows with their parents. One of the highlights was the almost folk-sounding “Sons of Cain” off their new LP The Brutalist Bricks.

If I thought people were excited for Ted Leo, then they went ape crazy for the Thermals. I mean, they’re local, so it makes sense.

Hutch Harris, Kathy Foster, and Westin Glass took the stage to a loving and enthusiastic crowd, coming off the release of their fifth LP, Personal Life, co-produced with Chris Walla.

“This is a bit of an album release party, so let’s get crazy!” Harris exclaimed.

And that’s exactly what we did. Kicking off the 20+ song set with “Here’s Your Future,” the band played through old favorites like “It’s Trivia” off More Parts Per Million and “Now We Can See” off their last album. Even though The Thermals obviously had some bigger hits with the locals, it was nice to see how receptive the crowd was with the new songs off Personal Life. It always bothers me when a band gets the cold shoulder if they play a bunch of new songs that people aren’t as familiar with, but I guess that’s just a sentiment to Portland’s overall unified nature.

Just after 11 p.m., the Thermals ended their main set with “A Pillar of Salt,” another high-octane song to get people ready for the positively glorious encore. A couple minutes past, and then one by one Foster, Glass and Harris took the stage once again, and started playing a familiar riff.

But it wasn’t familiar as a Thermals song.

No, it was Weezer’s “My Name Is Jonas.” Needless to say, the guy standing next to me went absolutely nuts.

Villagers, Malahide, Dublin, Ireland’s Conor J. O’Brien and his band, will be invading North America as a full band this fall. The band’s extraordinary debut album, Becoming a Jackal, was recently nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize. O’Brien played a short set of solo dates on the East Coast in June and will play several solo dates in the Midwest and Canada before the band leg in October. Villagers are also scheduled to open for Ra Ra Riot on several dates in October.

Tour Dates:
Sept 22 – 400 Bar / Minneapolis&
Sept 24 – Schubas / Chicago&
Sept 27 – Drake Underground / Toronto&
Sept 28 – Mavericks / Ottawa&
Sept 29 – Casa Del Popolo / Montreal&
Oct 19 – Rickshaw Stop / San Francisco$
Oct 20 – Music Box at Henry Fonda / Los Angeles*
Oct 21 – Belly Up Tavern / Solana Beach, CA *
Oct 22 – Clubhouse / Tempe *
Oct 24 – White Rabbit / San Antonio*
Oct 26 – Emo’s / Austin*
Oct 27 – Warehouse Live / Houston*
Oct 28 – Granada / Dallas*
Oct 29 – Revolution Music Room / Little Rock*
Oct 30 – Exit In / Nashville*
Nov 01 – Kung Fu Necktie / Philadelphia$
Nov 02 – Knitting Factory / Brooklyn$
Nov 03 – Mercury Lounge / New York City$
Nov 04 – Great Scott / Boston$
& solo
$ full band headline
* full band with Ra Ra Riot

Villagers: website | myspace | Villagers Plan Short East Coast Tour, Debut Album Streaming on NPR

Photo: Mary Chang

Keep an eye on Villagers from Dublin, Ireland. Singer/songwriter Conor J. O’Brien‘s band impressed critics so much, their debut album Becoming a Jackal was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for 2010. Sadly, they lost out to the xx‘s xx when the winner was announced last week. But no matter. Here’s the promo video for their gorgeous tune “That Day.” It’ll quickly become one of your favorites.

The extremely talented O’Brien will play several solo shows later this month, and Villagers (as a full band) are set to play several dates in North America as support for Ra Ra Riot in October as well as headlining shows of their own in November.

Villagers: website | myspace | Villagers Plan Short East Coast Tour, Debut Album Streaming on NPR

Last weekend, Seattle got to experience the 40^th Annual Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival, featuring the likes of Bob Dylan, Hole and Mary J. Blige as some of the biggest names to grace the main stage this year. But those were just a few of the dozens of talented performers – local, regional, and international – at this year’s festival.

Stay turned in the next couple days for some of PopWreckoning’s select favorites from the festival, but while you wait, here’s a giant photo gallery for your viewing pleasure.

We all love a good Columbia River backdrop or acres and acres of open field at our music festivals, but what makes MusicFest Northwest different than most festivals is that it takes places within the city – at all the Portland venues you know and love. It’s not just a celebration of music but also a celebration of Portland in general.

In just under two weeks’ time, Portland’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning alt-weekly newspaper Willamette Week will be hosting its 10th annual MusicFest Northwest, which has grown to be the third-largest indoor music festival in the country.

At no other festival else can you park for free in suburbia, take a light rail downtown, then pick up an orange Tang doughnut (yes, I said Tang), and walk a block down at 1 a.m. to catch The Builders and the Butchers at Berbati’s Pan.

Voodoo Doughnuts and Berbati’s Pan are very conveniently placed literally 125 away from each other. Just a tip.

Because of this indoor, inner city set-up, you won’t have to empty your bank account for festival food, or use smelly port-a-potties. But I’d never expect anything different coming from Portland, with the casual, low-key vibe that I love about it so much.

Here’s what I’m planning on doing, but trust me – with the MAX light rail running at full capacity over the 5-day festival, you’ll have the opportunity to see so much more, whether it be a 21+ show, or an all-ages (AA) show.

Wednesday, September 8^th:

Act: Panda Bear
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Comcast and opbmusic stage at the Crystal Ballroom

Ever since seeing Animal Collective play live over a year ago, I’ve been holding out for another chance to see any of the guys in a live capacity. To coincide with the release of his highly awaited album Tomboy, Noah “Panda Bear” Lennox will be gracing Portland with his mesmerizing presence on the first night of the festival at the Crystal Ballroom (which has floors with a bit of bounce in them). AA

Thursday, September 9^th:

Act: Ra Ra Riot
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

In the past, Ra Ra Riot has opened for such amazing acts as Editors, Art Brut, and Tokyo Police Club, but now as part of their headlining tour for their new album The Orchard, Ra Ra Riot will be taking the stage at the Wonder Ballroom. I’m intrigued to see their unique brand of baroque pop live. Plus if you have time afterward, circle the block to get some pizza at Sparky’s or if you feel more adventurous, Ethiopian at Queen of Sheba.  AA

Act: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

For something with a bit more attitude, you can head back over to the bouncy floors of the Crystal Ballroom for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. You’re sure to have a good time with these old school punks, and you’ll still have enough energy to go for the rest of the night afterwards. Heck, walk a few blocks down Burnside and you can still browse around Powell’s Books until 11 p.m. AA

Act: The Thermals
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom
Local darlings The Thermals will have literally released their fifth album two days before when it comes time for their show at the Crystal Ballroom. They’ve been working with Chris Walla again on Personal Life, so I’m anxious to hear what these pioneers of Portland rock of the ‘00s have put together with Mr. Walla. AA

Act: Major Lazer
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: The Roseland Theater

For the most part, I probably won’t be heading to the Roseland too much just because there are so many great bands playing everyone, and it’s already hard to choose. But I’m going to make it a priority to see Major Lazer’s reggae/hip-hop hybrid. You’ll be sure that you won’t see any other act like them at the festival, and as far as I know, there won’t be another chance to see them in the northwest for a while. AA

Act: Justin Townes Earles
Times: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Four blocks away, you’ll find yourself back at Berbati’s Pan (and maybe after another round of Voodoo Doughnuts) for the considerably less hyphy Justin Townes Earle. It’ll be the nice way to end the night after burning all your energy at the last show. Maybe you could get a drink and relax to Earle’s mandolin-laden country folk. Earle’s blend of deep-south vintage country is so far from today’s mainstream country that you almost expect someone to be playing a water jug and a washboard.  21+

Friday, September 10^th:

Act: Surfer Blood
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

As the start of a ridiculously full two-month tour, Surfer Blood will get to bring their beachy indie rock to the Wonder Ballroom. A friend of mine put their song “Swim” on a mix tape for me earlier this year, and ever since I saw Pitchfork give the song spot number 37 on the lost of the 100 Best Songs of 2009, I’ve been wanting to see them play live. Now you have that chance too.  AA

Act: Black Lips
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

When going through the list of bands playing at this year’s festival, I immediately put Black Lips on my “list to see,” because of their extensive history, guitarist Cole Alexander’s work with Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, as well as what I’ve heard of their chaotic stage antics (including nudity, fireworks, band members kissing, and vomiting). AA

Act: Sara Jackson-Holman
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ash St. Saloon

Mixing classically-influenced piano, soft and longing strings, and winsome vocals, Portland native Sara Jackson-Holman falls into the ever-growing “melancholy piano songstress” genre, but her smoky voice and strange bent harmonies make her worth seeing. Within a couple blocks of the saloon you could also hit up Esan Thai or Kells Irish Pub for dinner if you like. 21+

Act: People Eating People
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Mississippi Studios

After the disbanding of her band Mon Frere in 2007, Seattle native Nouela Johnston decided to record some of her own stuff under the moniker People Eating People. Her powerful piano pop will be perfect for one of my favorite venues ever – Mississippi Studios, which was built for musicians, by musicians. It’s located in a residential neighborhood and you can literally park in front of someone’s house. The floor is small, but the wraparound balcony provides just as good a view. 21+

Act: Morning Teleportation
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Hawthorne Theater

I saw Morning Teleportation in June, and they had the most inexplicably enjoyable set that it’s impossible to explain. Psychedelic, rootsy jam-band, electro-indie rock is one way I could describe it. If you’re still confused, I recommend that you make time to go see them at the Hawthorne Theater. Lead vocalist Tiger uses a Talk Box. That’s worth it enough just to see that. AA

Act: Okkervil River
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I’m not sure whether or not Roky Erickson will be gracing the stage with Okkervil River in this instance, since they just released True Love Cast Out All Evil with Erickson, but either way, the critically acclaimed Austin band is surely not one to miss. AA

Act: The Tallest Man On Earth
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Performing at the most comfortable venue I’ve ever been to, The Tallest Man On Earth will be bringing his bluesy brand of acoustic folk to the Doug Fir. When I first heard Kristian Matsson’s music, I didn’t realize that he was Swedish for awhile, until I eventually got how clever Matsson’s moniker is (people of Scandinavia are predominantly over 6 feet tall). 21+

Saturday, September 11^th:

Act: The Builders and the Butchers
Time: 1 a.m. (yes I just said 1 a.m.)
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Seeing the instruments that the Builders and the Butchers play, you wouldn’t expect to essentially rock out at one of their shows, but they defy all stereotypes and bring massive amounts of energy to their acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Seeing that the Builders and the Butchers are from Portland, I’m expecting this particular show to be crazy awesome. Having seen then 2 short months ago, I can back up that claim. 21+

Act: Laura Veirs
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Laura Veirs will be the first of a few shows that you should absolutely check out on the main stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The neo-folk songstress returned to her roots with July Flame this year, her 6^th studio album, putting out hauntingly beautiful songs full of odd instrumentation and Veirs understated vocals. AA

Act: The Decemberists
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

I’ll just be sticking around at Pioneer Courthouse Square for The Decemberists after Laura Veirs, because it will surely be one of the best shows of the weekend. Even when they aren’t playing for hometown crowd, The Decemberists are awesome live, but in this instance I can only imagine. The last time I saw them, it was on the Hazards of Love tour, so this time we’ll get to hear songs from all throughout their catalogue. AA

Act: The Globes
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Backspace

Playing at one of best coffee houses in Portland, Seattle’s own The Globes will be bringing their experimential ambient indie rock to the tiny venue. I saw them play a show in Seattle back in November with Telekinesis and The Lonely Forest, and with how much they downplay the energy, The Globes put on a great show. Think My Bloody Valentine with harder riffs and a rainy-day ready wall of sound. AA

Act: The Head and the Heart
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Bluesy folk with soft harmonies and bubbly beats permeate through Seattle’s own The Head and the Heart’s music, and it should be quite delightful to see them in Berbati’s Pan’s small room. Plus if you haven’t had dinner yet, you can get yourself some Greek cuisine while you’re there. 21+

Act: The Smashing Pumpkins
Time: 10:15 p.m.
Location: MusicFest Northwest and KUFO stage at The Wonder Ballroom

I honestly had no idea that the Smashing Pumpkins were playing until about five days ago, and I’m surprised that they’re playing The Wonder Ballroom, because it’s not that big. So if you want to get in at all, I suggest getting there relatively early, even if you have a wristband, because this will undoubtedly be one of the most attended shows of the festival. I can’t remember the last time they toured, so I’m pumped. AA

Act: Suckers
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

What’s funny is that right after playing up against each other at separate venues at MusicFest Northwest, Suckers will be going on a month-long national tour with Menomena. Employing Talking Heads-esque multi-layered vocals with the passion of former tourmates Local Natives, Suckers will definitely fill the small room with fervor. 21+

Act: Menomena
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I have to be honest, I haven’t listened to Menomena’s new record yet, but Friend And Foe was one of my favorite records of 2007, and it’ll be interesting to see how the band’s eerie experimental indie rock will play out to their hometown crowd. Also, the band members always shuffle around who sings and who plays certain instruments, so that always makes for a more intriguing show. AA

Act: Champagne Champagne
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jimmy Mak’s

Seattle hip-hop favorites Champagne Champagne mixes traditional hip-hop with peppier electro-pop, and I love it. Again, I’ll reiterate my normal dislike for hip-hop, but when locals sing and rap about Molly Ringwald, I’m sold. But again, I’ll have a hard time deciding which show to hit up at 11 p.m. 21+

Act: The Dodos
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Even though The Dodos are probably best known for having two of their songs in two separate television commercials, their albums are rich with offbeat instrumentation like toy piano and pulsating drums. And you can’t deny that if a band has their songs on television, the songs are undeniably catchy. 21+

Act: Japandroids
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Having two guys on stage, you wouldn’t expect them to create the sound that Japandroids manage, but the raw and fuzzy guitars will be a great way to end out the penultimate night of the festival. And while you’re there, definitely check out the restaurant upstairs. Also there’s free parking around the corner, so that’s another plus. 21+

Sunday, September 12^th:

Act: The Walkmen
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

It seems like it’s been way longer than 2 years since The Walkmen put out new music, but this performance will be two days before their new album Lisbon is released, so I’m happy. One of only a select few shows on the last day of the festival, The Walkmen’s drowsy surf rock should carry well through the outdoor amphitheater. AA

Act: The National
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

After having seen The National play at the Columbia River Gorge back in May, I was anxious to see them again. Although I think The National is one of those bands that you may or may not like live. Lead singer Matt Berninger has an oddly intense stage presence, but the energy might turn some people off. If you haven’t seen them play live though, I strongly recommend giving them a shot, because they sound fantastic live. AA

However long this preview is, it’s still just a taste of what’s coming to the tenth annual MusicFest Northwest. I mean, I’m going to try to see all these bands, but who knows how full the venues will get or how quick the public transportation will run that weekend? To see the full lineup or purchase tickets, go to http://www.musicfestnw.com. General admission wristbands are still available for purchase that will guarantee entry to all club shows and all shows at Pioneer Square (however you must choose to see either The Decemberists or The National with this ticket). All show wristbands are also still available, which guarantees you entry to all shows, no exceptions. If you don’t wish to purchase a wristband, you can buy tickets at the individual venues the night of the show.

As it gets closer to the release of Ra Ra Riot‘s new album, The Orchard, due out August 24, the band is offering up previews of their string heavy indie pop tunes.

In June, the band gave a two-minute tease of “Keep It Quiet,” and this month they’ve added another vignette. Head to RaRaRiot.com to check out “Too Dramatic” as directed by Taryn Gould and Emily Kowalczyk. In this preview, the band performs live to the picaresque scenery of the peach orchard of the album’s recording.

Track Listing:
01 The Orchard
02 Boy
03 Too Dramatic
04 Foolish
05 Massachusetts
06 You and I Know
07 Shadowcasting
08 Do You Remember
09 Kansai
10 Keep It Quiet

Tour Dates:
July
21 Hiroshima, Japan – Hiroshima Club Quattro
23 Yokohama, Japan – Yokohama BLITZ
24 Tokyo, Japan – ZEPP Tokyo
27 Kyoto, Japan – KSB Hall
28 Kyoto, Japan – KSB Hall
August
01 Montreal, QC – Osheaga Festival
04 Columbus, OH – Columbus State Fair w/Devo
28 Toronto, ON – Molson Amphitheater w/ Tegan & Sara and City & Colour
September
05 Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot
09 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom/MFNW
12 North Dorset, UK – End of the Road Festival
18 Geneva, NY – Three Stories Benefit @ Cracker Factory
21 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
22 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
23 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
24 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
27 Northampton, MA – Pearl St.^
28 New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place^
29 Providence, RI – The Met^
October
01 Boston, MA – Royale^
02 Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero^
03 Pittsburgh, PA – Diesel^
04 Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig^
05 Chicago, IL – Metro^
07 Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre^
08 Omaha, NE – Waiting Room^
11 Denver, CO – Bluebird Theatre^
12 Salt Lake City, UT – In the Venue^
13 Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Club^
17 San Francisco, CA – Treasure Island Music Festival
19 Pomona, CA – Glass House#
20 Los Angeles, CA – The Music Box @ Henry Fonda#
21 San Diego, CA – Belly Up Tavern#
22 Tempe, AZ – The Clubhouse#
24 San Antonio, TX – White Rabbits#
26 Austin, TX – Emo’s#
27 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live#
28 Dallas, TX – Granada Theatre#
29 Little Rock, AR – Rev Room#
30 Nashville, TN – Exit/In#
November
01 Birmingham, AL – Workplay Theatre#
02 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade#
03 Asheville, NC – Orange Peel#
04 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle#
05 Washington, DC – 930 Club#
13 Vancouver, BC – The Commodore*
17 Calgary, AB – MacEwan Hall*
19 Saskatoon, SK – Louis’ Pub*
20 Winnipeg, MB – The Garric*
^ w/ Chikita Violenta
# w/ Givers
* w/ Wintersleep

Syracuse NY’s most internationally beloved export Ra Ra Riot will issue its second full length album, The Orchard, August 24 on Barsuk in the U.S. International release dates will be confirmed and announced shortly.

Produced by Ra Ra Riot and Andrew Maury and mixed by Chris Walla (with one assist from Vampire Weekend‘s Rostam Batmanglij), The Orchard is 10 more stunning offerings of the bittersweet and endearing Ra Ra Riot blend that Entertainment Weekly likened to “Unforgettable Fire-era U2.”

The Orchard’s full track listing is:

1. The Orchard
2. Boy
3. Too Dramatic
4. Foolish
5. Massachusetts
6. You and I Know
7. Shadowcasting
8. Do You Remember
9. Kansai
10. Keep It Quiet

As a new listener to Austin, Texas – based Shearwater, I was walking into a record not knowing what to expect. Having previously met member Jordan Gieger, my only introduction to the band was that alone. I had also been informed they opened for Coldplay and have toured Europe, so my expectations ran very high to say the least.

Not only do Shearwater paint with heavy layers of instruments, but they can leave the listener with the illusion of Shearwater housing a lot more then five members. They are always building off of an initial idea, whether it be percussion, the piano or vocals. This idea is always being enhanced and is always building to the bigger picture. Think of it as watching Bob Ross. Take out the guy with the afro and replace it with Shearwater; take out the paint brush and insert the instruments. The finished product consists of 11 paintings crafted before your ears, all constructed with many different colors and techniques, which will leave you wondering how a simple group could pull so much off.

Singer Jonathan Meiburg‘s haunting voice can provide an array of moods. He is backed by a clearly talented group which delivers the same effect with their artistry to a “T.” From one end, they provide layers upon layers of strings, synths, keyboards and percussion, allowing for an intense folk rock experience. On the other end, they provide pleasant balladry that only showcases melody and simple chord voices. To bring it home, their solid quintet roots of bass, drums, guitars and keyboard create an amazing rock band commotion, all of which construct amazingly solid songs.

There is a catch.

Being an avid listener to all different styles, I realize that some bands require a certain degree of patience. I’ve got to say, a lot of music today is very easy to listen to. Three and a half minute punk/pop/rock songs have conditioned us to passively listen, but with Shearwater you can’t do that.

Shearwater can do a lot for you as a listener; you just have to let them. They build on an emotion and don’t stop. It’s a quite marvelous experience. For fans of The Swell Season, Coldplay (Circa Viva La Vida), Ra Ra Riot and Radiohead (these being the broadest of examples), Shearwater’s The Golden Archipelago is a geniusly orchestrated album.

Track Listing:
1. Meridian
2. Black Eyes
3. Landscape at Speed
4. Hidden Lakes
5. Corridors
6. God Made Me
7. Runners of the Sun
8. Castaways
9. An Insular Life
10. Uniforms
11. Missing Islands

Written by Todd Anderson