Please note: The following is a rather-delayed followup post to my Day 1 review of the 80/35 Music Festival.
July 4th was to rain as July 3rd was to sun. It's often said in Iowa that "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes" - and Independence Day was a perfect example. The day started out overcast, turned to drizzle, then briefly to a monsoon, then back to a drizzle, cleared up for a while, and then finally set into a pleasant mist just in time for Day 2 headliners Modest Mouse.
The crowd did not seem deterred, sticking it out through many an act on both the main and side stages. Fiddler Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek) and Oklahoma indie band Evangelicals suffered the brunt of the rain, but the fans hung around. The bands expressed their gratitude to the steadfast audience . Some concert-goers wore the free festival ponchos, others toughed it out and reveled in their puddles, accepting the nature of an all-weather festival. A river rushed through one side tent, causing volunteers and bands to move soggy equipment to higher ground.
Des Moines' own Christopher the Conquered played early, but put on one of the highest energy shows of the whole weekend. Somewhere between the piano rock of Ben Folds and the squeals of Freddy Mercury, Christopher the Conquered belted out a piano-driven opus. Whether he was pounding the ivory or conducting the band from a ladder in the crowd, it was tough for any band to match the grandiose theatricality and talent of Christopher and his gyrating horn section.
Veteran Chicago band Califone played a terrific set of noisy, experimental post-rock jams. One friend at the show remarked that she liked to imagine all the group's members were "classically-trained musicians who decided to form a band." The members certainly had that seasoned, professorial quality. Multiple drum rhythms and layered guitar and keyboard created a gradual wall of sound that was simultaneously ear-piercing and undeniably bluesy. With a calm demeanor and wicked chops, Califone was amongst my favorite acts of the weekend. For a considerably mellower listen of the band's "All My Friends Are Funeral Singers", look no further than below:
The Cool Kids brought a bass groove so deep, it shook the windows at the volunteer headquarters nearly 2 blocks away from the main stage. The hip-hop duo delivered a playful set of rhymes, while fans nodded to the beats and waved their hands (and drinks) in the air.
British quartet The Heavy, known for their hit "How You Like Me Now?", took the reigns to close down the second stage. An unfortunate delay in their setup caused an overlap with main stage headliners, Modest Mouse. Still, The Heavy delivered on the name, bringing along a hard-hitting set of guitar rockers with a horn section to boot. Frontman Kelvin Swaby's soulful bravado and blistering vocals were seemingly aimed at James Brown's "hardest working man in show business" title. A fantastic live band, The Heavy were slightly overshadowed by the dispersing fans hoping to catch the headliners...
Which brings us to Modest Mouse. I gave The Heavy a few well-deserved extra minutes, but after overlapping 15 minutes, I headed back to the main stage. Figuring I would miss the opening numbers from Modest Mouse, I was surprised to find they had also delayed their cue. This allowed plenty of time to locate my friends and find a great vantage point from the lawn.
Opening with recent single, "King Rat", Mouse set the tone quickly. The stage was chock full of musicians and instruments, including two drummers to keep the crowd on their toes. Isaac Brock and company tore right into the crowd-pleaser, "Dashboard" from there. Without dipping much into their classic LP, The Moon & Antarctica, the band still played a deep catalog of songs that spanned many years and bent many genres.
There once was a time when I'd heard "Float On" so many times on the radio that I didn't care if it ever played again, but hearing it live suddenly made it new again. The crowd agreed, cheering the chorus of "All right already, we'll all float on" as if it were the national anthem that Fourth of July.
The band continued to pepper in popular songs between deep tracks, never giving the audience a chance to wander. A heavily applauded encore led to a wonderfully extended instrumental take on "Whale Song" (you can watch the official video HERE), sending sonar guitar squelches into the dark, misty night air. Soaked to the bone, I felt like a part of that ocean, breathing salty, listening to the calls. At times I swore I could understand them. But maybe that was just a contact high sailing in from somewhere amidst the sea of people...
It was another great day and a wonderful closing to the festival's third year running. I give my seal of approval to the hard-working volunteer organizers that have continued to bring a quality music festival to central Iowa.
For photos and more information, be sure to visit 80-35.com.
Showing posts with label Live. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Live. Show all posts
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Concert Review: Minus The Bear - November 22, 2009
"Lions and Tigers and Bears - Oh, My!"
I'm referring, of course, to a concert by Minus The Bear, As Tall As Lions, and Twin Tigers.
The three indie-rock bands coalesced into a musical menagerie onstage Sunday night at People's Court in Des Moines, Iowa. The show certainly proved to deserve more roars of applause than growls from the crowd.
November 22nd was a cold, drizzly night in the Midwest, but the acoustics from the third floor of the Court Avenue music venue were nothing but warm. All three groups ran as scheduled, playing tight-knit sets that transitioned nicely into the next..
Minus The Bear and As Tall As Lions were well-suited to share the same bill. Both bands come from the realm of atmospheric indie-rock; reverberating guitar effects and synths coupled with solid pop hooks. The result is a lot of wistful, melancholic tunes that will still find you bobbing your head.
The members of Long Island's As Tall As Lions brought the groove with them, showing a penchant for mixing their act up onstage. There were moments when one drummer would suddenly transform into three and then a bandmate casually situated sidestage would break out a trumpet and the whole arrangement would shift.
The vocal harmonies between members were lovely - made even more so by how sparingly they were called upon. Singer/guitarist Dan Nigro's vocals were simultaneously soaring and understated; introspective and declarative. Julio Tavarez countered the deep rhythms of his bass guitar with an eerily high register vocal, which played stunningly well off those of Nigro.
On ATAL's parting song, Nigro sang into a megaphone, calling out to the crowd as if it were his last stand.
---------
Minus The Bear took the stage quietly at first, and then took the stage loudly.
The band played a strong set of songs primarily from it's terrific 2007 album, Planet of Ice, mixing in several new songs and fan favorites. The title, Planet Of Ice, was apt for the chilly, dream-like quality of prog shown on that album.
Echoes swirled hypnotically in the rafters as guitarist Dave Knudson continued to layer pedal effects and harmonic tappings into sonic soup. Frontman Jake Snider's vocals were calm and collected with the occasional hint of pain. One of the night's most memorable moments was when the two guitarists both dropped to their knees onstage to play the effects pedals by hand.
Plips and plops of synth, like icicles melting, painted the backdrop while the drums splattered tempo changes. Bassist Cory Murchy sat on a stool all night, having injured his back on tour, but his rhythm was unshaken. Murchy's continual thumbs-up to the audience between songs seemed to offer reassurance while also gauging approval.
Minus The Bear's set kicked off with three songs from Planet Of Ice, and then gave way to the band's latest single, "Into The Mirror." In a live mix, "Into The Mirror" seemed like the perfect followup to the 2007 LP, showcasing the group's knack for experimental noodling and sleek melodies.
Minimal amounts of stage banter barely separated songs, as the band chugged straight through for more than an hour and a half. Few smiles - just a collection of songs performed to the impervious standard of a band that's played them many times over.
What I first assumed to be disconnect from the band, perhaps due to weariness from the road, I soon recanted for pensive reflection. Much like the music they perform, Minus The Bear had a bit of a trance-like quality to their live show. Occasionally that curtain would drop, and the band would reveal moments of vulnerability.
And on Sunday night, those moments were more than enough to break the ice.
_______________
For more information on these bands and where you can support them on tour, please visit:
Minus The Bear's official website
As Tall As Lions' official website
I'm referring, of course, to a concert by Minus The Bear, As Tall As Lions, and Twin Tigers.
The three indie-rock bands coalesced into a musical menagerie onstage Sunday night at People's Court in Des Moines, Iowa. The show certainly proved to deserve more roars of applause than growls from the crowd.
November 22nd was a cold, drizzly night in the Midwest, but the acoustics from the third floor of the Court Avenue music venue were nothing but warm. All three groups ran as scheduled, playing tight-knit sets that transitioned nicely into the next..
Minus The Bear and As Tall As Lions were well-suited to share the same bill. Both bands come from the realm of atmospheric indie-rock; reverberating guitar effects and synths coupled with solid pop hooks. The result is a lot of wistful, melancholic tunes that will still find you bobbing your head.
The members of Long Island's As Tall As Lions brought the groove with them, showing a penchant for mixing their act up onstage. There were moments when one drummer would suddenly transform into three and then a bandmate casually situated sidestage would break out a trumpet and the whole arrangement would shift.
The vocal harmonies between members were lovely - made even more so by how sparingly they were called upon. Singer/guitarist Dan Nigro's vocals were simultaneously soaring and understated; introspective and declarative. Julio Tavarez countered the deep rhythms of his bass guitar with an eerily high register vocal, which played stunningly well off those of Nigro.
On ATAL's parting song, Nigro sang into a megaphone, calling out to the crowd as if it were his last stand.
---------
Minus The Bear took the stage quietly at first, and then took the stage loudly.
The band played a strong set of songs primarily from it's terrific 2007 album, Planet of Ice, mixing in several new songs and fan favorites. The title, Planet Of Ice, was apt for the chilly, dream-like quality of prog shown on that album.
Echoes swirled hypnotically in the rafters as guitarist Dave Knudson continued to layer pedal effects and harmonic tappings into sonic soup. Frontman Jake Snider's vocals were calm and collected with the occasional hint of pain. One of the night's most memorable moments was when the two guitarists both dropped to their knees onstage to play the effects pedals by hand.
Plips and plops of synth, like icicles melting, painted the backdrop while the drums splattered tempo changes. Bassist Cory Murchy sat on a stool all night, having injured his back on tour, but his rhythm was unshaken. Murchy's continual thumbs-up to the audience between songs seemed to offer reassurance while also gauging approval.
Minus The Bear's set kicked off with three songs from Planet Of Ice, and then gave way to the band's latest single, "Into The Mirror." In a live mix, "Into The Mirror" seemed like the perfect followup to the 2007 LP, showcasing the group's knack for experimental noodling and sleek melodies.
Minimal amounts of stage banter barely separated songs, as the band chugged straight through for more than an hour and a half. Few smiles - just a collection of songs performed to the impervious standard of a band that's played them many times over.
What I first assumed to be disconnect from the band, perhaps due to weariness from the road, I soon recanted for pensive reflection. Much like the music they perform, Minus The Bear had a bit of a trance-like quality to their live show. Occasionally that curtain would drop, and the band would reveal moments of vulnerability.
And on Sunday night, those moments were more than enough to break the ice.
_______________
For more information on these bands and where you can support them on tour, please visit:
Minus The Bear's official website
As Tall As Lions' official website
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Dan Fogelberg - 'Missing You'
Like a lot of kids, I grew up listening to my parents' music collection. Early on, I developed a fondness for a lot of artists from before my era.
One of the favorites in our household was always Dan Fogelberg, the Illinois singer/songwriter who had success in the late '70s and early '80s with poignant, introspective hits such as "Old Lang Syne," "Longer," and "Leader of the Band."
One of my personal favorites from Fogelberg is "Missing You" - an uptempo jam with a rock groove not often heard in his bigger singles. Fogelberg, a talented multi-instrumentalist, was able to show off his guitar chops well with this track.
Dan Fogelberg passed away from cancer in late 2007, but left behind a legacy of classic songs few artists ever achieve.
Dan Fogelberg - "Missing You" (as performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, 1987)
*postscript: I had originally intended to write about Fogelberg following the sad news of his death. Instead, I am writing this as a 'Happy Birthday' to my mother, who first introduced me to his music. Thanks, Mom.
One of the favorites in our household was always Dan Fogelberg, the Illinois singer/songwriter who had success in the late '70s and early '80s with poignant, introspective hits such as "Old Lang Syne," "Longer," and "Leader of the Band."
One of my personal favorites from Fogelberg is "Missing You" - an uptempo jam with a rock groove not often heard in his bigger singles. Fogelberg, a talented multi-instrumentalist, was able to show off his guitar chops well with this track.
Dan Fogelberg passed away from cancer in late 2007, but left behind a legacy of classic songs few artists ever achieve.
Dan Fogelberg - "Missing You" (as performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, 1987)
*postscript: I had originally intended to write about Fogelberg following the sad news of his death. Instead, I am writing this as a 'Happy Birthday' to my mother, who first introduced me to his music. Thanks, Mom.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Radiohead Live in Concert: NPR Music Podcast
If I could get away with just linking to National Public Radio music articles all day, I might. But posting on this one was simply beyond my control.
NPR's Bob Boilen takes us back to Radiohead's August 28th concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California for a 2-hour performance of epic proportions.
The band brilliantly showcases it's latest effort, In Rainbows, while scouring it's extensive catalog for old favorites and deep tracks alike. Every song manages to sound meticulously practiced, yet completely spontaneous. Decade-old singles are rejuvinated as if being played for the first time.
The result is a spectacularly atmospheric retrospect of the band's career, and NPR's live recording of the show captures the quality and sheer intimacy of the moment.
Boilen compares the show to the first time he saw Pink Floyd perform Dark Side of the Moon, saying, "Radiohead's show at the Santa Barbara Bowl came as close for musicianship and creativity as any show I've seen in 37 years. I've seen a lot of shows."
You can stream and download the entire experience for yourself by clicking here! And I highly suggest you do so!
NPR's Bob Boilen takes us back to Radiohead's August 28th concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California for a 2-hour performance of epic proportions.
The band brilliantly showcases it's latest effort, In Rainbows, while scouring it's extensive catalog for old favorites and deep tracks alike. Every song manages to sound meticulously practiced, yet completely spontaneous. Decade-old singles are rejuvinated as if being played for the first time.
The result is a spectacularly atmospheric retrospect of the band's career, and NPR's live recording of the show captures the quality and sheer intimacy of the moment.
Boilen compares the show to the first time he saw Pink Floyd perform Dark Side of the Moon, saying, "Radiohead's show at the Santa Barbara Bowl came as close for musicianship and creativity as any show I've seen in 37 years. I've seen a lot of shows."
You can stream and download the entire experience for yourself by clicking here! And I highly suggest you do so!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Caught On Tape: Live - 'I Alone'
Live's late-1994 video for the hard rockin' single 'I Alone' was... to say the least, a bit odd. Filmed almost entirely in one scene, complete with fake tree and a mock desert landscape, it relied heavily on the band to keep things moving. Neither the guitar nor the bass appears plugged in to any electrical outlet, yet the intensity of the instruments can be felt. Singer Ed Kowalczyk, sans shirt, carries his frontman duties with authority; twisting and gyrating feverishly to the music. His bald head is accentuated by a long, braided ponytail, which he flails around in-synch with his wide-eyed facial contortions. Perhaps the one member who really makes the whole video come together is the drummer, who, lacking a drumset, is left to wander and bounce around aimlessly. Occasionally, he will attempt to share the foreground with Kowalczyk, but old Ed is far too entranced and spasmodic to pay him notice.
All of these moments helped make the video for 'I Alone' another staple for alternative rock in the 90's.
All of these moments helped make the video for 'I Alone' another staple for alternative rock in the 90's.
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