Rubblebucket (12/1/16)

I knew after their performance at the Beachland back in 2011, that this would be a must see show.  Besides, I can’t tell you enough how much I've been loving their single Carousel Ride off their new album!  And this was going to be a great night of music, with Mal Devisa and Punch Drunk Tagalongs opening.  Punch Drunk Tagalongs are a “singer/songwriter driven melodic indie grunge rock band out of Cleveland.” I kind of felt they had a Lissie vibe. I’d totally see these guys again!

I might have been as excited for Mal Devisa as I was for Rubblebucket.  Her new album, which I could only find on Bandcamp, Check it out!  It ranges from these sparse and smoky vocal tracks, to more raucous and aggressive tracks.  Stunning.  Her performance brought those great vocals, but we were spared the harsh electronics and rap tracks - unfortunately.  Still, she provided a stunning diversion.

OMG Rubblebucket.  They are a total party on stage.  During the show I met this very emphatic hippie who had been following this band around - and I can see why.  Their energy is just infectious.

Rooney (11/30/16)

This Rooney show kicked off what will be 4 straight nights of shows.  These guys first made a name for themselves back in 2003!  I was never a huge fan, but this felt like it could be a fun night out at the Grog Shop.  Opening was Royal Teeth and Romes.  Romes are a soul-pop band from Toronto, Ontario with a groovy sound.  A rather polished opening act!

Royal Teeth were second.  They’re an energetic pop / rock group from Louisiana. These guys knew how to party on stage - if only the crowd was reciprocal.  The band didn’t deserve this crowd.  Just watch that drummer!

Rooney sounded great, like the polished veteran act they are.  Pretty straight forward pop/rock, kind of reminded me of the new Islands stuff I’m hearing - though I guess these guys came first.

Thee Oh Sees (11/18/16)

This is one of those shows where it’s more about the friends and fun than the show.  I’ve been loving these guys ever since I watched the video for Lupine Dominus. This show felt a like it was missing some of the electronics that I love about the recorded stuff - but hey - I had a great time that night (obviously, so did the guy in this photo).

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

2008 was the last time I saw The Avett Brothers, and a lot has happened for these brothers in that time.  These brothers are genuine guys who know how to work a crowd, from the quietest of notes to all out raucous dancing.  See for yourself… 

Dar Williams (11/13/16)

Just going back through my posts, I can easily say that I’ve seen Dar Williams about 7-10 times.  In fact, I had just seen her at Music Box last year.  This time she was touring on the 20 year anniversary of Mortal City - a seminal album for her - so this was a must-see show.  Though it’s not like I really need a reason to see her.  Her wit and charm on stage is reason enough.

 

 

 

The Black Madonna / Honcho (11/5/16)

I couldn’t have hoped for a better night out in Pittsburgh, than to be getting to go to Honcho to see The Black Madonna.  She was one of the first DJ’s I discovered when I started going to those parties, and while I was able to see her at Movement last year, it felt so special to finally get to see her here!  Honcho continues to be the epitome of my best dance experience.  

Band of Horses (11/4/16)

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the first Band of Horses album came out.  It’s also hard to believe that I had never seen them live before this night.  My interest in the band has definitely waned over the years, but put them in the Masonic with Wild Belle opening - and sure - I’ll go!  I’ve been enjoying Wild Belle’s blues-infused classic rock sound, especially with Natalie Bergman’s soaring vocals.

I wish I was a little more excited about the Band of Horses performance, but I can at least say that I’ve seen them in concert!  Thankfully I was able to record one of my favorite songs by them...

Touch Supper Club (10/28/16)

This post isn’t about any particular concert or DJ, but just some media from a night out at Touch.  Cleveland is inching its way towards having a dance music scene (or as I’m still hoping).  One part of that is Touch Supper Club, who was having some sort of Halloween night.  I’m happy to support & promote them, as I’d hate to see Cleveland lose one of it’s few valuable dance floors.

Frankie Cosmos (10/25/16)

When I wasn’t down in the basement with PWR BTTM, I was upstairs at Mahalls to see Big Thief and Frankie Cosmos (in that order).  I was able to catch Big Thief here before, opening for Woods - and they were great.  Adrianne Lenker’s intensity and power on stage is an experience you should definitely have. 

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Frankie Cosmos lately, though I haven’t been as familiar with her music.  I definitely enjoyed what I heard, and you can read a little more about her music below.

"Frankie Cosmos, led by singer Greta Kline, makes wonderfully light, breezy, sweet songs that are just delightful." NPR

"Frankie Cosmos manages to be both devastating and uplifting. The young indie musician's greatest talents lie in her lyrics; she's a wordsmith who's brevity hints at suppressed emotions beneath the surface...Next Thing is a gem that speaks to the soul." BUST

"Kline has created a perfectly insular work, one whose songs display a newfound textual richness while retaining their unkempt edges." Under The Radar

PWR BTTM (10/25/16)

This is one of two amazing shows happening at Mahalls 20 Lanes on this night.  PWR BTTM performed in the basement with Bellows opening.  I’ll let the Bellows bio describe their sound, as "sensory and delicate, subtle and quiet but erupting with frantic wobbling drums, large orchestral sections and bursts of noise that defy the limitations of pop and folk.”  So there… 

If you’ve been following this blog, you’ll know that I’ve been crushing on PWR BTTM for some time now.  Their brand of queer punk folk glam is fun and refreshing.  It was also nice to not have to drive out to Oberlin to see them this time.