Tagged: folk

March 31, 2013

[Sunday Listening] Red Summer Spirit – Black Horse Motel

black horse motel

Everything about Black Horse Motel’s intro track to their debut album, Red Summer Spirit, is just right. From the warm and full string tones, the subtle banjo plucking and acoustic strumming, to the accompanying, light female vocals. It builds slowly, layering our ears from a minimal track to something bursting from the seams.

“The Apology” leads way into a very strong and powerful folk album from yet another Philadelphia local band. No frills, tight production and absolutely solid songwriting doesn’t take much to win me over upon first listen. The harmonies are natural from track to track, nothing ever sounding forced. With a huge debut full length behind them, finally, I’m excited to see what this spring/summer’s got in store for this five piece.

Stream the entire release, Red Summer Spirit, below and be sure to grab your free download of song, “Devil That You Know,” over at their bandcamp page.

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March 27, 2013

The Goat’s Grazing through SXSW

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

-Friedrich Nietzsche

The interesting part about an event like South By Southwest for a musician is that the description from a firsthand experience can’t truly reflect the experience itself. I can tell you what we did and who we saw & heard, which was really amazing, and I’ll do my best to invoke the intensity of inspiration that we felt being immersed in this place. But it won’t do it justice. This trip was just as much for you the reader to gain insight and keep up with what 2/3 Goat is doing, as it was for me, Annalyse McCoy, personally, and for Ryan Dunn, personally. We came away inspired by the talent, spirit, and musical freshness that surrounded us.

As I’d mentioned, Ryan & I didn’t have official SXSW badges, but through the years so many “unofficial” festivals and events have developed around the convention; and at this point, many times even major artists who are showcasing at official, badge-only events will also build some time for a free, unofficial show while they’re in town.

Auditorium Shores

One great show we were able to see was The Flaming Lips, with Jim James opening, at Auditorium Shores. This venue is an open-air field right along the river on the south side. Jim James and his band were captivating with every note & beat change. Awesome show.

The Flaming Lips were debuting their first new show in over 10 years, with all new music. There were some kinks for sure, since it was highly technical, but visually beautiful with LED lighting behind them. I did, however, question the choice of lead singer Wayne Coyne holding a fake baby for the entire show which seemed to be attached to plastic or rubber tentacles that laid over his shoulders and spread all over the stage behind & around him; and the choice that he made to kiss and comfort the fake baby during certain songs. Definitely interesting, something I had never seen; along with a topless girl inside a huge clear plastic ball that was being passed around above the front of the crowd. The strobe effect was strong and we saw one guy being ushered out of the crowd by his friends, presumably from some kind of seizure. Ryan and I then decided to don our sunglasses for the rest of the (night) concert; it was still gorgeous!

The Red Gorilla Music Festival is a pretty great opportunity for lots of up-and-coming bands to play unofficially at venues all along 6^th Street, the main hub of entertainment in Austin. We wandered into a bar that had a roof party going on (with live music, like everywhere else). Entering the roof during a changeover, we got ourselves a spot (standing room only) and realized that the next band up was Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, a funk-tastic, swinging band that I’d gotten a Starbucks download from a couple months ago.

There is a feeling over the whole city during this time; you feel as if you’re in this magical place where artists are in transition, reinventing themselves every moment, becoming better than what they were the last moment. You feel the past and the future of these bands & artists; the momentum, the “potential energy.” Not solid, liquid, or gas; but plasma. All these charged particles, these breathing things, who are living with every step and every note played. All these individuals who have traveled and made it to this place; and who are both affected by, and are constantly effecting, the world around them. We were magnetically charged by this energy ourselves, and are slightly different people even now, in the best way possible, for having attended.

Austin Skyline

Another band we saw in the Red Gorilla Music Fest was Old Southern Moonshine Revival. They are a great group based out of High Point, North Carolina. We walked into a bar called Amped where they were playing and wondered why the place was almost empty. Then we realized that there was no alcohol; the bartender told us that the venue was new and had failed to get their liquor license in time for SXSW. And here was this kickass band, playing a song at that moment called “Who’s Got The Moonshine.” I had the same question. These guys were amazing and I hope they didn’t feel shafted because of the bar’s absolute fail.

Indie Bands on the Rise

Many of the free concerts offered require a simple RSVP online. We decided to RSVP to The Deli Magazine’s Un/Off Party at a small bar called Rusty’s a bit off the beaten path. They had two stages: one in the front and one out back on the patio. By the time we arrived on one of our last nights there, it was about 11pm and we walked right in with no line waiting at the door, and saw Pearl and the Beard (at right) setting up. They’re a great Brooklyn band that are so worth checking out.

Out back on the patio at exactly the same time, was another group from NYC: The Lone Bellow. They’re another example of country/folk influenced bands who are coming out of our great city. Made me proud. I definitely recommend. Tight harmonies and great songs!

Photo Album – SXSW 2013 – Other Highlights

The rooftop at Whole Foods in Austin – During SXSW, the whole town goes all out. Whole Foods began in Austin, so the city is super proud to host free music everyday throughout the entire week.

The Lost Maples, our friends from Nashville, played an official showcase. Andy Wilmoth, our Nashville drummer, was pulling double duty during this week playing with us as well as the Maples.

Mandocaster!!!

Ryan & I took a trip to South Austin Music, a shop on South Lamar, and I discovered this beauty. An electric mandolin with lots of effects. I’m in LOVE.

A gorgeous house on a hill with a great view of the hills to the south as well as the new skyscrapers that form Austin’s growing skyline. This is my preferred home if we ever move to Austin…

Surrounding the entrance to Auditorium Shores were LOTS of these – look like motorcycle parking to you? Nope, it’s bicycle parking. And there were probably thousands of bikes. THAT many people chose this as their mode of transport during this week. Austin is a SUPER conscious city, very progressive – and it tends to draw individuals with that mindset as well.

Tour Tip #111: If you’re thinking of going to SXSW next year, GO. It’s an amazing experience with the most music – good music – I’ve been exposed to in a while.

Stay tuned for the rest of the Tour… We’re currently in Kentucky. Updates soon!

Annalyse

2/3 Goat

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March 25, 2013

[Philly Local Round-Up] Edition Two

Damn, this city’s just got so much music that I’m constantly feeling out of the loop. I’m also in the middle of one of the busiest times of the year for work, so that could also be contributing to this feeling… Check out a handful of releases I’ve featured below that I cannot get enough of as I start to catch up on all things Philly.

Ah, concept albums. They’re wonderful when done right – when the message is clear and concise. In the opening introduction the line, “this being human, is a guest house,” completely sticks in my mind and gives way to an open listen of the folky group, Spirit and Dust’s first full length, Shore to Shore. I really enjoy the loose harmonies, the complimenting brass, and lyrical depth that’s competely present upon first listening. And, it’s name your own price!

Having shared the same stage as the previous group in the past, and discovering both groups at similar times – it only seems right I feature them in the same post. Small Houses has a bit more rawness and hangs more on the alt-country side of sound. With plenty of harmonica, how can you not enjoy the album, Exactly Where You Wanted To Be.

Fuzzy, psych-rockers who completely have the hazy sound down. Where have these guys been and why am I only finding about them now?

Moving in a different direction, I couldn’t pass on such a tight-sounding americana track such as Marc Silver’s, “A Miner’s Town.” It’s smooth with accompanying female vocals and a heavy message that runs deep in this particular area.

I need more info on Colorado Youth, stat. These “demos” are definitely not enough for my ears.

Also be sure to check out the first round-up, click here. Enjoy.

March 14, 2013

[Coachella] 29 days

Once I hear something I like, for the life of me, I cannot stop clicking through. Introduce your ears to the UK’s lovely Little Green Cars.

I love the grouped vocals, the foot-stomping percussion, and all of the added layers in between. Listening to their single, “John Wayne,” almost feels momentous with the slow build that tears wide open right before the 2 minute mark. It’s a bit folky then turns into a quick tempo-indie rock track. I am officially obsessed.

Grab the single below and get yourself quickly over to their store for the pre-order of their debut album, Absolute Zero, due out mid-July.

The John Wayne – Little Green Cars

Right-click and enjoy.

BONUS: Of course I had to include the accompanying vid..

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March 5, 2013

[Tour Diaries] 2/3 Goat – The Road to SXSW

Hey all! We’re 2/3 Goat, NYC metrobilly band and strong friend & strong advocate of What’s Protocol.

Been a while since I’ve checked in with the good readers of WP! It’s my pleasure to bring you my Tour Diaries for our March jaunt. We’re currently on our way down to Austin, TX, for the annual SXSW Music Conference. It’ll be our first time visiting SXSW or Austin, for that matter! I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures the Weird City brings us.

Where we’ve been so far:

This time out, we’ve already made stops in Morgantown, WV; Wytheville, VA; and Knoxville, TN. Last night we played in Nashville, at Mercy Lounge for BMI’s 8 Off 8^th Showcase.

To follow our shows, see what we’ve been up to, and to see photos & videos from the road, you can find us at all the main hubs:

3.5.13 – GOAT GIRL’S GRAZINGS…

Writing & playing music are only one aspect of being a touring musician. Being from NYC, you hear the phrase, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” I daresay that principle is also true of The Road. It requires an immense amount of patience, faith, and a different kind of strength to find yourself in a different city everyday, practically living out of your car as well as depending upon that vehicle to get you where you need to be, when you need to be there.

We are still touring in a 2002 Two-Door Honda Civic. It’s only the two main members of 2/3 Goat this time: myself and my co-bandleader (-slash-fiancée) Ryan Dunn. We’re pretty sure this is the last haul for the Nighthawk, our beautiful Honda with the moonroof & spoiler. She’s got a great attitude, but hitting 200,000 miles by a certain point of this tour takes its toll on the best of us. We expect to be upgrading soon.

**TOUR TIP #437: Don’t spill Fix-A-Flat in your car.

This is the result of a can of the stuff having somehow spilled (luckily only underneath the trunk) and leaving a fresh stank that we thought for about an hour could be gasoline. Thank the Gods of Touring, it wasn’t! Ryan called the Honda dealership just to check if it was even possible (it’s virtually impossible) and what color gasoline really is… more of a pee color, as opposed to our milky white substance that greeted us once we started investigating the smell.

Stay tuned to see what else the road throws our way, and how we dodge proverbial bullets in a (hopefully) graceful, stealthy manner. Goats are nothing to be fooled with.

Annalyse McCoy

2/3 Goat

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February 24, 2013

[Sunday Listening] Through The Deep, Dark Valley – The Oh Hellos

the oh hello's

Boy, have The Oh Hello’s evolved into such a wonderful sound. The harmonies alone simply make my ears happy but it goes deeper than that. The impeccable craft of tying together stories of raw and real human emotions into a foot-stomping piece of work is truly enjoyable to listen to.

Last Fall, the brother-sister band dropped an impressive debut full length titled Through The Deep, Dark Valley. From start to finish, it’s honestly something that I can’t put down. The opening track, “The Valley,” is a powerful and building song, one that instantly grabs hold of you. A very well placed track I must say, the energy is bursting through.

Perhaps it’s because I reside more on the agnostic side of the spectrum but the hymnal undertones really stand out. Granted, the messages are eloquently written which hides what could look as preachy from merely reading the text. I actually love the concept side of the album, the subtle ways of exploring the Adam & Eve story, the despair and reaching out for the comfort of faith. It’s certainly well done and maybe, that’s all we should take from it.

Listen below to their absolutely solid debut full length and dig a little bit in the archives for some older tunes.

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February 17, 2013

[Sunday Listening] Our Bodies – Dog & Panther

dog & panther

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release for awhile now. Ever since I heard their track, “Open Hands,” I was immediately in love with their electronic blend of alternative sounds and the Ben Gibbard-esque vocals.

With the group’s last release being back in 2010, it’s been quite some build up for their second full length, Our Bodies. I’m impressed with the tight production and how seamless the entire album moves from track to track. That alone certainly makes up for the gap in releases, for sure.

Spend some time on these Michigan boys and their fabulous release below.

I also love all of the promos they did for Our Bodies, which you can watch more of here.

February 8, 2013

[Heads Up Philadelphia] Former Belle release party TONIGHT at Milkboy Philly

Local folk-rockers, Former Belle, have finally released their debut full length this week. Cathedral, dropped this past Tuesday, is an emotional roller coaster in only the best way possible.

With lead singer, Bruno Catrambone’s raw vocals, you’re lead through angsty lyrical content that almost sounds like it belongs in the Saddle Creek era of Bright Eyes and the like. Yet, there’s a bit more emo-twang to even everything out. As a listener, you truly feel as if he’s inviting you to read pages of a personal journal which I thoroughly enjoy.

Tonight, Bruno & Co. will be throwing their release party for Cathedral at Milkboy in Center City. Be sure to get there early, they’ve got a great line-up including Geology and Market East. Check out the event here, and be sure to stream the album from start to finish below.

See you tonight!

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February 7, 2013

[Music Video] Still – Daughter

“Hate is spitting out each other’s mouths, but we’re still sleeping like we’re lovers.”

Wow, it’s incredible to see how quickly London’s own Daughter took off. And they damn well deserve it. Elena’s delicate yet sharp vocals can grab hold of anyone’s attention the second she opens her mouth while her backing band does an even better job at keeping everything instrumentally tight and minimal.

In the band’s new single “Still,” off of their forthcoming debut album, If You Leave (due out in March), we hear of a relationship at a very desperate point and watch it unfold on screen in their latest music video. You can’t help but become emotionally absorbed as you watch the tears stream and wonder of all of the unanswered “what ifs.”

This single and video truly solidifies the fact that I cannot wait for this full length, be sure grab your pre-order here.

February 3, 2013

[Sunday Listening] Hummingbird – Local Natives

local natives

This one’s an easy one guys. The new Local Natives album is finally out and it’s everything I was hoping for. With such an incredible debut back in 2009, it would be an understatement to say that Hummingbird was highly anticipated. Well, at least for me..

Anyways, take your day of rest to stream through the entire release, track to track. With each listen I’m finding new things to love, and that’s the beauty. The heart breaking vocals, melancholic content, and accompanying guitars are enough to win me over – but being able to listen from start to finish and at the end, yearn to hit repeat, that seals the deal.