The beauty in the new Audrye Sessionsalbum lies in the way in which it navigates dynamics, songwriting, and energy. Even in its mellower moments, their debut album brims with a subdued tension that is only relieved by explosive energy. The way in which Ryan Karazija and his cohorts navigate the dichotomy between soothing lullaby and devastating intensity within song form (in the micro) and the overall album (in the macro) expresses a compositional maturity that belies the “rock” format within which they are categorized.
You can catch Audrye Sessions on tour with Manchester Orchestra this Spring. Dates here.
This week’s Kuestionnaire features Audrye Sessions guitarist Michael Knox as he kind of cheats on question #8.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Well, I recently sold all of the cds I own… so I am only left with a minimal collection of vinyl to choose from. I’d have to say Beatles “Rubber Soul”. That record reminds me of my mother.
2. What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Bill Evans lately and Mikhail Pletnev’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “Seasons”.
3. What’s your favorite local band?
My favorite local bands at the moment are The Soft White Sixties, Built For The Sea and Picture Atlantic.
4. What was the last show you attended?
The last show I attended (and was not performing at) was Soft White Sixties at the Uptown in Oakland.
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
Too hard to answer.. Sigur Ros, Paul McCartney, Ryan Adams…
6. What show are you looking forward to?
N/A
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Erik Satie if he were alive.
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
Beatles Boxset, Dylan Boxset, Satie Boxset and Bill Evans Boxset
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Eh, not too much of one.
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Sigur Ros “Heima”, Flaming Lips “Fearless Freaks, Tom Petty & Heartbreakers new Documentary.
11. What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was “Identity” by Milan Kundera. I am currently reading “All The Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy and “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
I prefer live performances.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
Our last tour I fell off the stage 3 times… each time was not in a cool way either.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Seattle, Portland, New Mexico, Chicago, New York, etc. Pretty much every place has something fun and exciting to offer.
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I’m substitute teaching for a high school Economics class today.
Thoughts - Definitely highlights their entrancing live shows, which you’ll be able to catch with the mighty Manchester Orchestra this spring. You can check out their dates here.
Audrye Sessions – Turn Me Off
Thoughts - Another bizarre and hilarious addition to the ‘The Adventures Of Kid Catastrophe’ story. Keep an eye out for Illinois‘ The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe Deluxe Edition on May 5th. The bundle will include all 18 songs and 6 film chapters of this six-month undertaking, plus 2 bonus songs and 2 bonus video chapters.
It’s been hard for anyone who’s been a long time fan of Murder by Death. When pianist Vincent Edwards left the band in 2004, it became apparent that he had a huge influence on the band’s sound. So their last two albums, In Bocca Al Lupo and Red of Tooth And Claw, suffered from that true whiskey-dry creepiness that made Murder by Death enjoyable (for me at least). Well I guess God was listening, because not only is Murder by Death playing Red of Tooth And Claw into Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them, but they will also be performing with ex-keyboardist Vincent Edwards. Whether he’ll be adding to songs from In Bocca Al Lupo and Red of Tooth And Claw is unknown to me, but this is exciting for any MBD fan. So make sure you make it out this Saturday to the Bottom of the Hill and check it out. Also today is my first Lykke Li show and from what I’ve been hearing from this tour, it’s going to be a good time. See you out there!
Sunday – 15th:
Lykke Li / Wildbirds & Peacedrums
The Fillmore
1805 Geary Boulevard
San Francisco CA 94115
Don Caballero / dd/mm/yyyy / Sbach
The Independent
628 Divisadero Street
San Francisco CA 94117
Monday – 16th:
Philip Glass
Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco 94102
Tuesday – 17th:
Lisa Hannigan / Gavin Glass
The Independent
628 Divisadero Street
San Francisco CA 94117
Wednesday – 18th:
Foot Village / T.I.T.S. / The Drums
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Thursday – 19th:
Andrew Bird / Loney, Dear(Thursday & Friday)
The Fillmore
1805 Geary Boulevard
San Francisco CA 94115
Audrye Sessions / As Tall as Lions / The Soft White Sixties
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Grails / James Blackshaw
Café du Nord
2170 Market Street
San Francisco CA 94114
Friday – 20th:
The Drift / The Necks
Swedish American Hall
San Francisco CA
Scissors For Lefty / The Vox Jaguars / Room For A Ghost
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Saturday – 21st:
Murder by Death / Fake Problems / The Builders and the Butchers
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Cake / The Lovemakers
Fox Theatre
Oakland, CA
Dropkick Murphys
The Warfield
982 Market Street
San Francisco CA 94103
Wildbirds & Peacedrums – Doubt/Hope
The Drift – Streets
Murder by Death – That Crown Don’t Make You a Prince
Kata Rokkar is a place where you can download free mp3 from artists and bands that I currently love and listen to. They are only for sampling purposes and to influence you to go out and support these artists by purchasing their records and going to their concerts. If you are a record company or an artist that is displeased with a song being displayed, feel free to contact me and I will remove it ASAP. Thank you and enjoy!
The beauty in the new Audrye Sessions album lies in the way in which it navigates dynamics, songwriting, and energy. Even in its mellower moments, their debut album brims with a subdued tension that is only relieved by explosive energy. The way in which Ryan Karazija and his cohorts navigate the dichotomy between soothing lullaby and devastating intensity within song form (in the micro) and the overall album (in the macro) expresses a compositional maturity that belies the “rock” format within which they are categorized.
Audrye Sessions – Perfect, Sometimes
