Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Far plays a quick song at THIS in between shots from THIS on Vimeo.
Jeremy and Claire were shooting Far yesterday for their new record and Jonah and Shaun sat down to play a song in between setups..super excited for the new record.
many thanks to This Is Los Angeles
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Foreign Born
Believe it or not, this was my first Noise Pop Festival. Last year I worked through the whole thing and wasn’t really too happy about that. Weird hours will do that to you. Anyways, I kicked off my experience with the pre-party at the California Academy of Science. Not a huge fan of The Frail but a huge fan of science, so I got to geek out with some friends about both music and the Late Cretaceous period.
Har Mar Superstar
Tuesday, February 23rd: It was really neat meeting some fellow SF music bloggers as well as members of the Noise Pop crew who have been wicked supportive and professional throughout the whole festival. After taking advantage of the free drinks at the bar that night, I enjoyed a bizarre and entertaining set by Har Mar Superstar. All Ron Jeremy comparisons aside, he’s got a good ear for pop music. Really fun stuff. I skipped Yoko Ono because, let’s be honest, Lost was on. Pictures here.
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[mp3] Har Mar Superstar – Tall Boy from Dark Touches (2009)
Foreign Born
Wednesday, February 24th: While it was kind of hard to decide with either Gorilla vs Bear’s Harlem and Best Coast show or Foreign Born, all I had to do is look back at my Best of 09 list and figured Foreign Born was the wisest choice. Opening the night was the East Bay’s The Splinters and they were actually really charming and enjoyable. Good on-stage chemistry. Free Energy are getting a fair share of hype lately but I’d like to think that’s due to their live performances. They played like a low key punk band and seemed pretty happy to be there. The Fresh & Onlys just wasn’t my kind of music. Plain and simple. They have this psych-garage sound that, out of nowhere, switched to goth for one song. Foreign Born on the other hand, was amazing and sounded amazing. Their remarkable African high-life guitars mixed with the singer Matt Popieluch’s carefree vocals got everyone moving. Particularly the bizarrely dressed hippies in the front row. It was a short set, but most of the show consisted of their latest (and best as far as I’m concerned) album, Person To Person. It was a good time and I was convinced I made a wise choice. Pictures here.
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[mp3] Free Energy – Something In Common from Free Energy EP (2009)
Far
Thursday, February 25th: My day! I got the distinct honor to co-present the Far show at the Bottom of the Hill. This was particularly special due to the fact that Far is one of my favorite bands of all time. I wasn’t sure about the turnout due to the Dodos doing a set with the Magik*Magik Orchestra, but I was pleasantly surprised that the show sold out that night. The Trophy Fire kicked it off with their middle-ground rock music. Their style is nothing new or surprising, but a nice addition to the line-up nonetheless. Picture Atlantic really brought their game that night with a buttload of energy. You can tune your ear to the band’s obvious pop but they still keep the music edgy and slightly experimental which keeps the experience lively and unpredictable. Stomacher has been often compared to Muse and even (gulp) Radiohead, but I think the band is less grandeur and more modest than that. Stomacher creates a mesmerizing atmosphere (albeit somewhat dark) that you can ‘immerse’ yourself into from beginning to end. There is much potential in this band and hope to see more from this talented group. Now when it comes to Far shows, particularly these recent reunion shows they’re doing, the audience comprises of mid-late 20 year olds with definite knowledge of Sunny Day Real Estate, Promise Ring, and Texas is the Reason. More importantly, they are willing to let loose and just rock the fuck out. For the very beginning of the show, almost everybody (including this guy) was singing along to every word and hyped up on the sheer energy of Jonah’s impressive stage presence. No new material was played, but the show catered to the audience Far knows and loves. I can safely say that we all knew that and appreciated hearing our favorites from Water & Solutions and Tin Cans. After the show I heard so many people saying, “I felt like I was 18, it was like 1998 all over again.” I think that was Far’s intent and they displayed it perfectly. Pictures here.
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[mp3] Stomacher – Wild Horses (Rolling Stones Cover) from Wild Horses (Rolling Stones Cover) Single (2009)
The Limousines
Friday, February 26th: I skipped the happy hour shows because I just gotten back from work and, well, I needed to take a nap. I made it over to Slim’s to catch our friends The Limousines and see Butterfly Bones wrap up their glossy and danceable set. The Limousines, as I’ve said, are maturing and becoming a tighter and more entertaining act. After The Limos, I tried to catch Atlas Sound…but no more room in the venue. Bummer. So then I remembered that Four Tet was at The Independent. I high tailed it over to Divisidaro and just made it for his first song. Review and pictures here.
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[mp3] Butterfly Bones – xoxo from Pretty Feelings (2009)
Thao Nguyen / Mirah
Saturday, February 27th: I am a huge Mark Kozelek fan. So imagine my face when I was told I couldn’t enter with my photo pass because Mr. Kozelek doesn’t want photographers at his show. Damn it! I had found an awesome parking spot too! So I shuffled back to the car and tried to decide on either !!! or Mirah. I figured that I had my fair share of dance rock last night, so it’s time to bring at down a notch and see a singer-songwriter. I am so glad I made that choice. Every performer displayed an ethereal and moving performance. Witnessing Mirah and Thao (who remains one of my favorite people to photograph) rock out together was as unique and entertaining as you’d imagine. A very very good night. Review and pictures here.
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[mp3] Thao Nguyen – Tallymarks from Like The Linen (2005)
Note: I skipped Sunday’s and Monday’s festivities due to some work I had to do and physical exhaustion. From what I hear, Edward Sharpe brought it that night. If it was half as good as his Treasure Island performance, I imagine it was another magical experience.
Conclusion: This was a nice training session for this month’s SXSW. I realized that sometimes you can’t make every show you want to and when you make a decision, it’s usually a pretty good one. Noise Pop selects some of the best in the current music scene and whatever you decide on, you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself. Well done Noise Pop. See you next year.
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Far
There was a sense of high anticipation in the air that night. Like something huge was about to collide into the Bottom of the Hill. Well it did and it’s name was Far. I’m very proud of the opening bands that brought the rain that night. Especially Picture Atlantic, who showed an extreme amount of energy and charisma during their performance. As for Far, well, they didn’t play anything new, but they did bring the house down. Plenty from Water & Solutions and Tin Cans and no silly Pony cover. That night was for the true fans who know the spirit of Far and what they’re about. A very special and fun night. And a big thanks to Noise Pop and the members of Far.
Interview coming soon….
For entire picture collection, go here.
The Trophy Fire
The Trophy Fire
Picture Atlantic
Picture Atlantic
Picture Atlantic
Stomacher
Stomacher
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Far
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Ben Flanagan and Jamie McGoldrick, also known as The Trophy Fire have built up a respected name for themselves and have already performed with prominent acts like Ozma and dredg, and they’ve landed spots at festivals like SXSW and this year’s Noise Pop. Although it may seem like gentle pop music at first, the brilliance of their 2008 debut, A Lifetime in the Middle of the Ocean is slowly revealed over repeated listenings. The songs are buoyant and lively at times, melancholy and dark at others, and always resonate with an underlying intensity. The Trophy Fire lays out beautiful melodies that are deceptively complex, layering sounds and instruments upon one another and trading contrasting vocal parts with ease.
You can catch The Trophy Fire in our Noise Pop co-sponsored show featuring Far, Picture Atlantic, and Stomacher at the Bottom of the Hill at 8pm Thursday.
Today, the day of their enormous show with Far, lead vocalist/guitarist Ben Flanagan answers the Kuestionnaire.
____
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Ben Flanagan, Vox/Guitar
2. How would you describe your sound?
Loud and Pretty
3. What is your favorite local band?
Dredg and Picture Atlantic
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
Them Crooked Vultures at the Fox Theater. Absolutely blew me away!
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Richard Dawkins, Paul Auster, Ray Kurzweil, Sartre, Camus, the big Dragon with the Ring Wraith on it in Lord of the Rings
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
good question….I am watching six feet under right now so we’ll go with that.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Freddi Mercury
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
” When the Levee Breaks”Led Zeppelin, “Everything Means Nothing to me” Elliot Smith, “Love Ridden” Fiona Apple, “Head over Heals” Tears for Fears
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
not sure
11. What is the last book you read?
“The Road” Cormic Mcarthy
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
It’s both
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Put my foot on the monitor in Seattle once and started slipping and our guitar tech had to lift me up in front of a coupe thousand people. that sucked.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
The Slowdown in Omaha, Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC, Nokia Theater in NYC
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
scattered
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[mp3] The Trophy Fire – Divide from A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean (2008)
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[mp3] dredg – Gathering Pebbles (Son Of Robot Remix) (2010)
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
by Aaron Blumenshine
As led by singer/pianist/guitarist Nikolaus Bartunek, the maturity of Picture Atlantic’s songwriting stems from how much of a history nerd Nik is. Fortunately, the results are exciting. Based in Santa Clara, CA, the band started as a collaboration of various local hardcore band members and developed into an uplifting and mature rock band. Nik’s songwriting meshed well with the addition of his friends, and the band courted its first fans with an EP release. Change is Welcome thus appeared in 2006 as a self released EP. With the EP out, Picture Atlantic began playing shows around the Northwest and added keyboardist Brian Graves to the mix. Buzz about the band’s music began creating a stir beyond the Bay Area, and the guys won the chance to open for Coldplay at the San Jose HP Pavilion. 2008 resulted the full length Kleos and was issued by June, offering up a poignant collection of memorable hooks and thoughtful narratives that showcased a similar style to acts like the Weakerthans and Death Cab for Cutie. A second EP, Dulce Et Decorum Est, is already prepped for an April 2010 release, and the band remains posed and ready for tomorrow’s event as well as their EP Listening Show on Friday, February 26th at the Vintage Faith Church in their hometown of Santa Cruz, CA.
You can catch Picture Atlantic in our Noise Pop co-sponsored show featuring Far, Trophy Fire, and Stomacher at the Bottom of the Hill at 8pm Thursday.
Today we have both lead vocalist Nikolaus Bartunek and bassist Ryan Blair answering this special Kuestionnaire and giving a lenghtly yet interesting take on the subject of image and it’s impact.
____
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
My name is Nik, and I’m the vocalist, and play guitar/piano
My name is Ryan and I play bass and assorted goofy instruments like the Kalimba
2. How would you describe your sound?
Nik: I try not to. A question like that is a bear trap for musicians. You either make yourself sound awful, or people think you’re being pretentious. But to be fair, I think we are some sort of rock band.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Nik: Hands down I would say the band PK. They are from San Louis Obispo.The singer’s lyrics are really up there in the the “lyric echelon”. I guess for a band that is closer to home, SF’s Ghost in the City is fantastic. Great band. Great lyrics. No one is doing what they are doing in the Bay. They are amazing people as well.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
Ryan: I just saw St. Vincent at the Great American Music Hall and she put on an amazing show. Annie Clark is hands down the best guitarist I’ve ever seen live, though I’ve yet to see Blur in concert.
Nik: I’m going to see the National in May. I’m pretty sure my mind will be blown.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Nik: There are some authors that influence, if you can believe it. H.P. Lovecraft. Wilfred Owen was a poet that recently I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from. Arthur C. Clarke is amazing, and I’ve really loved his work. I’m a scifi nerd.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Nik: Either Dynasty or Eastenders
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Ryan: Damon Albarn or that guy from Seona Dancing.
Nik: To be realistic, I’d have to say Damon too. He is a creative guy.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Ryan: Coldplay’s “Parachutes” is the quintessential rainy day album for me.
Nik: Pedro The Lion’s album “Control” is sort of my rainy day album. It really can’t be beat for a beard-dad indie music philosophy session.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Nik: Turn the Dirt Over by Seawolf, Glowing Logos by The Servant, Racing Like a Pro by The National, and Hunter’s Map by Fionn Regan
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Nik: God willing, I will be doing music of some sort. If not music, I will probably be a stock broker.
11. What is the last book you read?
Nik: The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Nik. Here we go. Get ready for my novel. To be one hundred honest with you, the guys in our band like to dress nice. I’m not saying Prince nice, but presentable. Thankfully for us, Image has become a factor in the music industry , so since we enjoy wearing what we think to be our best clothes, it works out, but in my opinion has nothing to do with Music itself. I try to dress the way I want to dress, and not care too much. Recently I’ve gotten a lot of flack from people for looking like a “substitute teacher”. It didn’t keep me from wearing what I wear.To some extent, it is a complete waste of time. I’d hope that people could hear our music, without seeing a picture of me, Ryan, or anyone else, and make up their mind about it with out a visual reference card. Lots of bands have atrocious image anyways. Its like watching that movie “Toys” with Robin Williams.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Nik: Not that I can remember. I’ve snapped some mic stands on stage. I’m waiting for my day when I fall off the stage.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Nik: Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz is amazing. I love that place. Its got a great feel. Besides, you always feel safer in a church.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Nik: I’m assuming you mean at the moment. Well, to be honest I’m pretty tired. The band has been working really hard lately, and I’ve had a lot of work to do on my end. Its sort of discouraging actually. Not to sound negative, but I’d say my state of mind has been discouraged. So much music is going on in the world. It makes one feel small. Don’t take that as my white flag. I haven’t given up. I’m hopeful for the future at the same time.
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[mp3] Picture Atlantic – Circe from Kleos (2008)
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
designed by Imerr
We are unbelievably psyched to team up with San Franciso’s Noise Pop Festival to present one of my favorite groups of all time, the legendary Far, this Thursday, February 25, at San Francisco’s own Bottom of the Hill. If your only exposure to Far is their ridiculous cover of Ginuine’s Pony, go get 1998’s Water & Solutions immediately, then buy tickets here. This is not part of a tour — they only have one date scheduled — and if you caught them the last time they rolled through San Francisco, you know this show is not to be missed. If we’re lucky, we might even get to here some new material.
Opening for Far will be some of the Bay’s finest in progressive rock; Stomacher, Trophy Fire, and Picture Atlantic. Stay tuned this week for more on these fantastic bands…
Far’s new album At Night We Live will be out May 18, on Vagrant.
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[mp3] Far – Man Overboard from Water & Solutions (1998)
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[mp3] Stomacher – The Devil from Sentimental Education (2009)
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[mp3] The Trophy Fire – Divide from A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean (2008)
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[mp3] Picture Atlantic – Dove in the Clefts of Rock from Kleos (2008)
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!
