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Track of the Day 5-22-13: Icarus
May 22th, 2013
Icarus - "Moon King"
Daniel Benjamin and Maddy Wilde bring a fuzz-pop sound on their newest EP, Obsession II. Lifelong friends, Daniel and Maddy mix their modern style with ‘90s inspiration to bring you the sound of Moon King.
Track of the Day 5-20-13: Pokey LaFarge
May 21th, 2013
Pokey LaForge - "Central Time"
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, this folky ensemble is keepin it true and blue- some real ol' timey americana right here! Pokey LaForge will be performing at the Cedar Cultural Center on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
Weekly Release Spotlight: Mikal Cronin
Mikal Cronin
MCII
[Merge]
The most striking element of this record is how universal Cronin’s lyrical themes are, despite their highly personal nature. He gives the listener a full scope into his troubles and desires, but at no point does it feel alienating or difficult. His life may be on display with this record, but his problems are easily relatable. His music provides the perfect backdrop for his confessional lyricism, blending elements of 1970s power pop, ‘90s grunge, and West Coast garage rock, but with a keen understanding of arranging and layering. Cronin shows distinct confidence and mastery with instrumentation, giving each track the perfect amount of tension and release.
Recently, Adult Swim included one of Cronin’s tracks, “Better Man”, on their newest garage rock compilation, Garage Swim, a collection of unreleased garage rock tracks from bands like Bass Drum of Death, Thee Oh Sees, and King Tuff. Cronin’s inclusion is intriguing. Although the garage scene he’s affiliated with heavily influences his music, his songs have more in common with Blue Album-era Weezer than they do Black Lips or Ty Segall. Those who are expecting another entry into the West Coast garage rock canon with Mikal Cronin’s new album may want to look elsewhere. Sure, this album can get heavy, but that’s not the point. MCII relies more on the power of Cronin’s arranging than it does his fuzz pedal, and listeners will be more inclined to sing their hearts out than bang their head to this record. With MCII, Cronin turns his contradictions into choruses and has made one of the standout records of 2013.
Written by Andy Engstrom, Radio K volunteer
Track of the Day 5-20-13: Rainbow Arabia
May 20th, 2013
Rainbow Arabia - "He Is Sorcerer"
Rainbow Arabia is from Los Angeles and bringing with them a funky mix of global pop and psychedelic beats. “He Is Sorcerer” is off their newest release, Fm Sushi, which is their second full-length album.
Tags: Track of the day Rainbow Arabia He Is Sorcerer radio k
Track of the Day 5-16-13: Mikal Cronin
May 16th, 2013
Mikal Cronin - "Weight"
Mikal Cronin’s sophomore album, MCII, dropped on May 7th. Playing all the instruments on the track, Cronin lets listeners in on how he feels about growing up in the 21st century
Track of the Day 5-15-13: Big Black Delta
May 15th, 2013
Big Black Delta - "Into the Night"
“Into the Night” is off the band's new self-titled album, which is available now. It brings back the sounds of the early 90's and mixing the synthpop sound of Jonathan Bates.
Tags: Big Black Delta Into the Night track of the day radio k
Track of the Day 5-14-13: Small Black
May 14th, 2013
Small Black - "No Stranger"
"No Stranger" comes off of Limits of Desire, Small Black's follow up to 2010's New Chain. Starting subtly and slowly ramping with stronger synths, the song becomes anthemic. Limits of Desire was dropped on May 14th via Jagjaguwar.
Track of the Day 5-13-13: No Joy
May 13th, 2013
No Joy - "Lunar Phobia"
No Joy are officially back, and anyone who was at The Whole at Coffman Memorial Union on Friday night became well aware of this fact as they opened for METZ, making for a raucous evening of feedback-laden fuzzbox worship. 2010's Ghost Blonde left the shoegazing community wanting more, and 2013 finally saw the release of its follow-up Wait to Pleasure, which was released in April. Turn it up.
Track of the Day 5-9-13: Villagers
May 9th, 2013
Villagers - "The Waves"
Villagers are a project of Ireland's Conor O'Brien. The Waves is a perfect example of the type of tune which sounds relatively simple but a close listen reveals that there is much going on below the surface, which is all revealed during its hectic climax. The album Awayland was released on April 9th.
Weekly Release Spotlight: The Knife
The Knife
Shaking the Habitual
[Mute]
Perhaps the most shocking element of Shaking the Habitual is the heavy, minimalistic drone compositions that comprise a full third of the album. The haunting “A Cherry on Top” is the most tuneful of the bunch. Its melody is similar in sentiment to their 2003 single “Heartbeats” and even Animal Collective's ambient “Bees,” albeit it tossed through an urban dystopia several times. Grittier yet is the twenty-minute “Old Dreams Waiting to be Realized,” which closes off the first disc. It's dense material one might expect of contemporary avant-garde musicians such as Kevin Drumm, Machinefabreik, or Yellow Swans. Seven years ago, The Knife were traveling steadily toward the ultimate kinetic precision of minimal techno. 2013 sees them exploring the other extreme.
Of course, dancefloor material dominates, and it is equally intimidating. “Networking” is a sublime microhouse track made threatening in its use of chopped, sputtering vocal samples. A strong handful of songs, notably “Without You My Life Would Be Boring” and “Raging Lung” sound more like The Knife of old, with their calypso-themed drum machines punching out threatening polyrhythms. Percussively, much of it would fit into a Ricardo Villalobos or Shackleton set. In this context, the tracks serve as funky corridors within this multifaceted hall-of-mirrors album.
“You have the most beautiful way of putting one foot in front of the other,” Karin sings to a pitch-shifted version of herself on “Stay Out Here,” a highlight which takes up the entirety of side E. And when the song builds to a frantic chant, she may as well be singing to herself. The enigmatic electropop duo have waited seven years to follow-up their landmark Silent Shout. During that time, their influence has been seen in artists such as The Weeknd, Burial, Grimes, Crystal Castles, and the entire witch house scene. Shaking the Habitual does just what its title says: it shakes the listener from their sleep and pulls the rug out from beneath their expectations.
Shaking the Habitual is bound to be divisive. One website published a glowing review paired with a zero-out-of-five score. Harsh and aggressive, its beauty will be off-putting to many. But I have a feeling that The Knife seek passionate reactions over passive enjoyment, and to this end they have succeeded with grimy colors.
Reviewed by Dylan Hester, Radio K volunteer / Channel K co-host.
Tags: The Knife Shaking The Habitual track of the day radio k
September 21st: Radio K Day in Minneapolis
Radio K’s past century has been full of Morse Code, The School of the Air, weather reports, and recently, the coolest, newest, best music around. We’ve already started celebrating our new centenarian status, but our coming of age bash is about to get even bigger, and a lot more official, on Radio K Day, September 21st.
How are we going to make it awesome? By starting out our morning, and yours, by having a V.I.P. as our guest DJ on Rock and Roll Over. The guy who made the really legal, really official proclamation happen, Mayor R.T. Rybak, will be joining our regular morning hosts on September 21st, so tune in to hear his official proclamation.
How are you going to make it awesome? By joining us in wearing your favorite Radio K tee shirt on September 21st.
Radio K Day can only really begin right here on Radio K and it can only really happen if you celebrate it with us.
View the full proclamation (.pdf)
Weekly Release Spotlight: Fergus & Geronimo
Fergus & Geronimo
Funky Was the State of Affairs
[Hardly Art]
By way of high-energy post-punk jams, comic lyrics and spoken-word skits, Fergus & Geronimo piece together a dystopian sci-fi future. Throughout the album, the duo experiments with genre-hopping -- roaming through indie rock, psych, jazz and synth-pop. A few of the most prominent tracks include “Roman Tick” with its quirky wordplay, “Off the Map” which features a rad bassline, and the dancy number “Marky Move.”
The quirky energy, inventive nature and catchy-as-hell songs are never boring. The concept of the work requires little interpretation, yet succeeds in stimulating ever-entertaining conspiracy theories. Funky Was the State of Affairs is a trip you don’t want to miss, folks.
Written by Zoë Peterson, Radio K volunteer.
Tags: fergus & geronimo fergus and geronimo funky was the state of affairs weekly release spotlight radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: The Daredevil Christopher Wright
The Daredevil Christopher Wright
The Nature of Things
[File Under: Music]
depression - Machines have won the war/" Machines may have won the war, but these three midwest
born folkies are proving that humans still have so much more to offer than technological perfection.
Their organic and simplistic approach to music is worthy of attention, especially in the age of lush
digital sounds. Even though the group recorded with Daytrotter founder Patrick Stolley and had access
to a full studio, they still decided to focus on creating dense pieces of music solely within their playing
range so they can perform the songs live.
Instead of lavishly laying down beds over beds of background music, the group focused on using the
instruments only to accent each story rather than create an aural landscape. The result leads to an open
ended approach for listeners, inviting you to come along for the journey amongst confident melodies
and subtle yet poignant percussion. As you interact with each song, it's hard to not imagine yourself
running slow motion through the sunsoaked forests somewhere between Eau Clair and Minneapolis.
For as many in the Eau Clair music scene, Minneapolis is a close second as their musical home. The
space between speaks to an area that cares deeply for the heartfelt pieces of art - and "The Nature of
Things" shows that the group's artistic attention is focused on the elements that make up truly great
songs. Whimsical and light enough to hum along with, yet with each passing glance the tunes turn
into deeper and deeper pools of wisdom of what it truly means to be alive in the 21st century. Past the
gadgets, past the social media factories at work - "The Nature of Things" reminds us of a simpler time
amongst a chaotic and stimulus inflated world. They've nailed the sweet approach to songwriting on
previous releases, but this latest album makes a bold statement as to why they'll stay around for much
longer than the average human lifespan.
Much as their contemporaries Fleet Foxes, the harmonizing on their sophomore effort "The Nature
of Things" showcases the intrinsic beauty of the human voice. As energizing as it is calming, the
power of their vocals far exceeds any machine's interaction. Following their 2011 EP "The Long
Suffering Song," The Daredevil Christopher Wright focuses on the simplicity of acoustic sounds, while
performing elegant complex arrangements for seemingly simple songs. With each listen, the thick
sounds presented distill down to the three men composing each song, leading you through this carefully
orchestrated playground of perception. Focus on tracks "Blood Brother," "Andrew The Wanderer," I &
Thou," and "The Animal of Choice" which also appeared on their last EP release.
Written by Caleigh Souhan, Radio K volunteer.
Tags: weekly release spotlight the daredevil christopher wright radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: King Tuff
King Tuff
King Tuff
[Sub Pop
After receiving nothing but good reviews from punk blogs around the globe for his 2008 debut, Was Dead, King Tuff is back bigger and badder with his self-titled second release on Sub Pop. It comes chock full of suitably titled rock and roll, sass-pop, garage-psych gems.
The album takes off with the aptly named opening track, “Anthem.” The howling guitar is, simply put, pure rock and roll. You can’t help but raise your fist, tap your foot, and yell along with King (Kyle Thomas) as he sings of love songs that “rot in your head.” The album takes a swift turn into a little dancey-pop tune “Alone & Stoned,” full of sing-along choruses and a punchy snare beat that makes you want to “take a walk on the moon” along with King Tuff and all of his headphone wearing friends. And before that dance bug has a chance to wiggle itself out of you, “Keep On Movin’ ” comes by to save the day with a hip-shaking ‘50s bass line and King Tuff’s sassy attitude. The album finally takes softer, more sincere turn with “Unusual World.” The synths mixed with the 50s-esque drum beat that seems to inhabit this entire record, transports you to an interstellar (unusual) world where saddle shoes, moon dust, and movie monsters co-exist. Before your mind is left to wander too far, the album’s single, “Bad Thing” bursts into catchy guitar riffs and a chorus that would even make loveliest cookie-making grandmother scream “I’m a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad thing!” from her knitting chair. The bluesy, grimy tale of a crew of creepers preying on a woman in “Loser’s Wall” is by far the darkest track on the album and, frankly leaves you feeling a bit used and abused (in a good way). After a few more rockers and foot stompers telling you to “break the rules” and an ode to our favorite celebrities claiming, “they’re foolish and beautiful / they’re the stupid superstars,” King Tuff croons about the “Swamp of Love” in true rock ballad fashion. The album closes with another dangerous dance inducing beat sing-along, “Hit & Run.”
TL;DR
King Tuff will make you dance until your booty hurts, and will make your neighbors hate you (or love you) for never taking it off of your record player.
Written by Chase Mathey, Radio K volunteer
New Releases - June 12th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- Dent May: Do Things [Paw Tracks]
- Eternal Tapestry: Dawn in 2 Dimensions [Thrill Jockey]
- Future of the Left: The Plot Against Common Sense [Xtra Mile]
- Grace Potter & the Nocturnals: The Lion The Beast The Beat [Hollywood Records]
- Guided By Voices: Class Clown Spots a UFO [Guided By Voices Inc.]
- Hot Chip: In Our Heads [Domino]
- Jukebox the Ghost: Safe Travels [Yep Roc]
- Metric: Synthetica [Mom + Pop]
- Mice Parade: Live: England vs. France [FatCat]
- Rush: Clockwork Angels [Roadrunner]
- SpaceGhostPurrp: Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp [4AD]
- The Tallest Man on Earth: There's No Leaving Now [Dead Oceans]
Find these releases at fine independent retailers in your area.
Tags: new releases music radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: Exitmusic
Exitmusic
Passage
[Secretly Canadian]
“Passage,” the first track, lures you in on the dream-like voyage with its cool, calming vocals and slow thumping piano and kick drum. Pallodino’s shaky vibrato then suddenly detonates accompanied by windy currents of drums and static as Pallodino’s vocals entangle the uproar, “Just don’t let them chase you.” The album transitions into “The Night,” which is as audibly dark as its name. It is an aching cry that is tragically beautiful with its hopeful vocalizations and twinkling child’s piano keys. It clamors against the dark waves that are emitted throughout all of Passage. Exitmusic approaches “White Noise” with daring experimentation driven by a thumping drum beat and fuzzy guitars. Pallodino‘s wails reverberate to the point where it sparks out of an overloaded speaker that hazily fades in and out. “The Wanting” is a soothing piece that entrances you like an echoing siren. Slowly, you can’t help but to drown in this swelling, sonorous ocean.
Written by Abbie Gobeli, Radio K volunteer.
Programming Change: Retiring "Go Low" and "By Any Means"
Effective after this week, Radio K will retire two of its acclaimed specialty shows, the R&B show "Go Low" which aired Thursday nights from 8-10pm and the new-millennium hip-hop show "By Any Means" which aired Wednesday nights from 8-10pm. DJ Howard Womack will be transferring from the University of Minnesota to a recording arts university in Florida.
"As many of you already know, this week will be the last week that I'll be doing "By Any Means", "Go Low", or anything on Radio K. I'm transferring to Full Sail University down in Winter Park, FL this summer to start working on a bachelor's degree in Recording Arts. My plan is to become a studio engineer in the music industry. Thus, the decision to end my shows this week was a mutual one between myself and the directors/managers at Radio K." - Howard Womack, host of "Go Low" and "By Any Means".
Radio K will air traditional variety programming during these time slots. Expect the creation of multiple new specialty shows within the coming months.
Tags: go low by any means radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: Lower Dens
Lower Dens
Nootropics
[Ribbon Music]
Indie rock is a tough world in which to exist in 2012. Too many of its players take a slightly overdriven guitar, plunk out some major chords in common time, and call it a day once they've gotten a predictable haircut to match the music.
Lower Dens have decidedly placed themselves outside of this realm. First of all, they've done their homework. Driving rhythms with a polite hustle underpin many of the tracks present here, a clear nod to the drumming style present in Germany's Krautrock movement of the late 60's and 70's. I could count all the drums fills present on Nootropics on one hand. Layers appear over the rhythm, bury it, but never stop it from chugging along. Those layers are frequently composed of organic sounds pulled from what seems to be a myriad of guitar effects pedals and obscure synthesizer settings. Such tones make it clear that much time was spent in the recording studio, also evidenced by the unique textures created by multiple vocal overdubs singing in different tambres to create an occasionally otherworldy vocal presence.
Surrealism seems to be a key theme to this album. It's apparent from the cover artwork that it's intended for a late night. What first struck me was its slight similarity to the cover art for David Lynch's psychotic 2006 film Inland Empire. While it doesn't have the "freak out" moments in that film which actually did give me nightmares for a few evenings, it would be totally appropriate to occupy the sonic space of the film where the characters wander around mysterious grimey urban areas at odd hours. There's an incredible uneasiness present when they want it to be, such as on the album's closer, "In the End is the Beginning".
The album is mellow, sure, and if you don't pay attention you might pass it off as another indie dream-pop release. I ask that you keep those ears alert and attentive while absorbing Nootropics as its detailed and rich production will reveal a ghostly sensibility to the album that may be lost on the casual listener but if noticed will make the album an entirely more enjoyable experience. It must be hidden in the reverb.
Tom Steffes is Radio K's Digital Media Producer.
Tags: lower dens nootropics radio k weekly release spotlight
New Releases - May 29th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- Sigur Ros - Valtari [XL] (5-28-12)
- Edward Sharpe & THe Magnetic Zeros - Here [Community Music/Vagrant Records]
- Lemonade - Diver [True Panther]
- Marissa Nadler - The Sister [Box of Cedar]
- Sun Kil Moon - Among the Leaves [Caldo Verde]
Tags: new releases radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: Beach House
Beach House
Bloom
[Sub Pop]
Bloom is the fourth LP from the indie dream pop duo Beach House, and the first release since their 2010 breakthrough album Teen Dream. Since forming in Baltimore, Maryland in 2004 Beach House has continued to gain following and has gone from opening for big name acts like Vampire Weekend and Animal Collective to becoming one of the most popular indie bands of date and headlining their own sold out shows.
In a Pitchfork interview, Alex Scally stated, “I hate it when bands change between records…that’s not how we work.” The same drum machine beat throughout the song, Scally’s simple yet melodic riffs, Victoria Legrand’s hauntingly beautiful vocals, and the appropriate tone humming in the background has been Beach House’s style since day one and Bloom isn’t looking to change that. This album manages to succeed where many bands fail, in that it keeps the same sound that made people love the band in the first place while somehow managing to sound completely new and interesting.
“Myth” opens Bloom the same way that “Zebra” opened Teen Dream. An inviting oscillating melody starts and the drum machine kicks in to build up Legrand’s vocals. Melodies build on melodies and some slide guitar gets introduced and it all culminates into an enticing trance for the rest of the song. “Wild” introduces a rare hook into the band’s lyrical index when Legrand softly shouts the words “Go on pretending”. The lyrically loaded track “New Year” proves just how deep this album goes with its captivating melodies and phrases like, “All I wanted comes in colors”. Also as a special treat there is a hidden track about six minutes after the last track, “Irene”, ends.
Beach House is a great band to try out for those who are fans of or are looking to get into dream pop, and Bloom is a great place to start. The songs are beautiful and border the line of catchy without being generic. Each track is very listenable and the lyrics and layered melodies will ensure that listeners continue to hear something new even after multiple plays.
Written by A.J. Kellogg, Radio K volunteer
It's safe to say that Beach House's fourth album Bloom has been one of the most anticipated albums of 2012 so far. They've been gaining steam at a steady pace over the course of their previous three LPs, with Teen Dream finding positions on many "Best of 2010" lists. Bloom feels like Teen Dream's dark side. It feels like what Teen Dream turns in to at night when nobody is watching. The two openers, "Myth" and "Wild", are unquestionably the group's most sinister numbers thus far, but they have a sexy side about them too that was hinted at on previous Beach House releases but finally comes to fruition here.
What's made Beach House so consistently satisfying is that they stick to their distinctive formula and revel in it. It's comforting to put on a few tracks of Bloom and be greeted by their signature archaic and crackling drum beats lured from the exact same synth-organ they were using 5 or 6 years ago. An iconic reverb-laden Fender guitar tone and choir of Victoria Legrands is all that is necessary to fill out the material and make it unmistakably Beach House. New on Bloom however is an emphasis on pulsing low frequencies that make this collection of tunes feel heavier than previous releases. It feels less lazy and more urgent. The group do slip in to their more casual mood during a few choice moments, such as the ascending chorus to "The Hours" with its almost sassy attitude. It almost seems like what some call a "hairbrush song", one that girls sing in front of the mirror with their hairbrush. Victoria Legrand sounds as if she's practically mocking you for not singing along, or giving you a knowing smirk if you cave in and join her.
The group's name seemed so appropriate on early releases which sounded like the sun just beginning to rise over a rickety wooden shack surrounded by sand. Waves gently lap up on a discarded Stratocaster and a Roland Rhythm 77 analog rhythm machine to coax sunbleached melodies out of them. On Bloom the sun has set long ago allowing the stars to shine down on the now sand-encrusted gear to seduce these haunting melodies up towards the heavens.
Written by Tom Steffes, Digital Media Producer
St. Vincent and Shearwater @ the First Avenue Mainroom
St. Vincent and Shearwater @ the First Avenue Mainroom
May 12th, 2012
Final examinations made their long-awaited exit and summer was officially inaugurated on May 12th, 2012 with Shearwater and St. Vincent to help celebrate at First Avenue.
Shearwater opened with dark falsettos ringing in, “You As You Were” complemented by a thriving syncopated beat. Shearwater gloriously roars its outstanding stage presence and communication within the group that draws you in to pay closer attention. Lead singer and songwriter, Johnathan Meiburg crouches down to tune his guitar fixedly listening. Slowly, a smile unravels across his face while Shearwater’s members exchange wild-eyed glances while slightly upturning their lips like they’re about to erupt in laughter like they have some sort of inside joke. You know these guys are enjoying what they do according to Meiburg, “It’s an honor for us to play here at First Avenue.”
Multi-colored lights and flickering strobes cloak Annie Clark of St. Vincent as she enters with the highly charged “Marrow,” known for its sharp beats and bassy undercurrent. Clark articulated her movements in addition to her music as she glided across the stage in a twitchy, robotic, but strangely graceful manner. Towards the end of the night, she treaded along the edge of the stage, swinging her microphone, then nodded at one of the staff. All of the sudden, she jumped on his shoulders blaring “Krokodil,” a track from St. Vincent’s Record Store Day release. Annie Clark held on to my friend and I for balance at one point and then to our surprise, she stage dove into the crowd and hands reached up to carry her throughout the mainroom’s sea of fans.
Written by Abbie Gobeli, Radio K volunteer
Tags: st. vincent shearwater radio k review first avenue music
Weekly Release Spotlight: Breton
Breton
Other People's Problems
[FatCat]
If someone told you that English electro-pop gloom rockers Breton (named after the French father of Surrealism André Breton, not to be confused with the delicious crackers) were just now getting around to releasing their full length debut LP, you might be surprised. Since releasing their first EP in 2010, the London-based group has been steady at work. Now a full 5-piece band, Breton put all those pieces in motion and more on Other People’s Problems, out on Fat Cat Records. With assistance in the form of outsourced-then-chopped-and-rearranged piano and strings by German composer and fellow label mate Hauschka, Breton has served up 11 tracks full of sonic depth, intermittent intentional noise, and awkward dancing potential.
The record launches listeners into the interesting style of the band on the song “Pacemaker,” wherein beneath a deliberate pause lasting almost 15 seconds fades in the Frankenstein’d strings and low-key dance beat that populate much of the record. Breton frontman Roman Rappak’s layered vocals and distorted lyrics make the strings sound creepier than they might otherwise, with tracks like “Oxides” and “Edward the Confessor” carrying on this audio imitation of the cloudy skies in London, the video for the latter doing so quite literally.
The stand-out songs on the record have to be “Governing Correctly” and “Ghost Note,” both of which make use of multiple layers to bring out a blend of British alt dance rock like Bloc Party and the smooth style of a Mystery Jets mellow number. The low bass line on “Governing Correctly” works well with the toe-tapping digital drumbeat, and the bouncy vocals nearly disguise the melodrama in the lyrics. “Ghost Note” brings a more synth-style, combined with muffled vocals, a Daft Punk-esque sustain breakdown and the ever-so-slight hint of a triangle in the background.
For people who have always wanted a bit more Crystal Method in their Editors, the experience that is Breton’s debut record will not disappoint. There is something for everyone on Other People’s Problems, and with each new listen you may pick up nuances that were missed the first time around. It’s the LP that keeps on giving, and that sounds like a pretty good problem to have.
Written by Noel Clark, Radio K and Culture Queue volunteer
Tags: breton other people's lives weekly release spotlight radio k kuom
Meshuggah @ the First Avenue Mainroom
Meshuggah @ the First Avenue Mainroom
May 13th, 2012
Last Sunday, Swedish metal band Meshuggah took the stage at First Avenue in a brutal display of what has brought them to be one of the more respected acts in metal today. Joining them on tour was Poland's technical death metal standard-bearers Decapitated and Georgia band Baroness. Rarely must one distinguish between America's Georgia and Europe's Georgia, but with two other European acts, it makes sense to emphasise that Baroness hails from Savannah.
Unfortunately, my mental autopilot got the best of me, and I failed to realize that the show started a couple hours before I thought it did. Because of this, I didn't get to see Decapitated or Baroness - a sincere disappointment - but I got to see about an hour of the headliner's performance, which very much met the expectations of the band's reputation.
From the very beginning, you can tell why the band is considered to be one of the forefathers of the genre Djent. Djent is a really cool name for a genre because it is derived from the onomatopoeic description of the high-gain, palm-muted guitar tones that Meshuggah is known for. On display were thundering bass lines, commanding guitar lines, and double-bass rhythms that can only be described as dozens of bags of popcorn popping in perfect rhythmic unison.
The show evoked a feeling that is a commendable aspect of lots of metal and many other forms of music. Meshuggah shirks pleasant-sounding melodies in favor of a loud, abrasive sound, but in this disharmony, there is sort of an elegant craftsmanship. The rhythms they play really resonate with the listener. This effect usually manifests itself with toe-tapping, but in this instance, it's headbanging. The metal fan can't help but at least bob his or her head to the music, and that says a lot about the band's skill to take an otherwise ugly-sounding style of music and make it fairly sophisticated. The shear technical precision of the musicians, the varied time signatures, and the one-of-a-kind syncopation they use connects with the metal fan on a subconscious, visceral level, where the heart of great music pumps like double bass drums on stage.
While Meshuggah has a great style and great songs, they suffer, I believe, from what I like to call the AC/DC syndrome, meaning that all of their songs sound more-or-less like one song, but it's a GREAT song. This is a criticism I often have with various metal acts, especially those which prefer the technical side of the genre. For a band, however, that chooses to ignore traditional melodies and hooks, this aspect may not be much of a detriment. The technical prowess that the band has and the way they evoke (sometimes aggressive) physical reactions in the listeners points to their staying-power as a titan of metal.
Written by Ross Crandall, Radio K volunteer
Tags: meshuggah review first avenue radio k
Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys @ the Target Center
Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys @ The Target Center
May 15th, 2012
It was a night of showmanship last night at the Target Center. The Arcitc Monkeys opened for headliner, The Black Keys, and wouldn’t let a soul sit down – not that they wanted to. In fact, just as my mom tried to take a seat, frontman Alex Turner introduced “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair”. That seemed to be the theme throughout the night, as Turner and the Monkeys’ incredible stage presence – complete with spins, dives, and knee-slides – preceded a remarkable show from The Black Keys. It’s easy to forget that the Keys have such a vast repertoire, but we were swiftly reminded as they gracefully swan-dove in and out of their first five releases, occasionally surfacing to play some hits from their most recent albums, Brothers and El Camino. As they closed their set with “Lonely Boy”, I was speechlessly glad to be able to see and participate in a 15,000-person semi-choreographed dance taken straight from the music video for the song. After a teasingly long absence, singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach, and drummer Pat Carney returned to the stage to finish with three tracks, ending in a guitar-shredding, extended rendition of “I Got Mine” off of their 2008 album, Attack & Release. I believe I speak for the entire arena when I say I left with a strong feeling of satisfaction at their performance. Bravo, boys.
Written by Alex Dziura, Radio K Communications Manager
New Releases - May 15th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- Beach House - Bloom [Sub Pop]
- Best Coast - The Only Place [Mexican Summer]
- The Cribs - In the Belly of the Brazen Bull [Wichita]
- Garbage - Not Your Kind of People [Stunvolume]
- Hot Water Music - Exister [Rise]
- Violens - TRUE [Slumberland]
- White Fence - Family Perfume Vol. 2 [Woodsist]
Tags: new releases music radio k
Grouplove @ The Varsity
Grouplove and Reptar @ The Varsity Theater
May 16th, 2012
Tuesday night's Grouplove show at the Varsity was an indicator of a band rapidly gaining steam. Their last appearance here, also at the Varsity, was only 8 months ago and had, as frontman Christian Zucconi remarked during the show, "probably 100 people" at it. Their debut full-length, Never Trust a Happy Song, had only been released a month earlier. The track "Tongue Tied" went to be featured in an iPod commercial and gained heavy rotation on various radio stations. The group was more than happy to let other members take the spotlight at various points during the set, playing the raucous "Spun" sung by guitarist Andrew Wessen (who was playing a 10-string ukelele), and "Chloe" sung by bassist Sean Gadd. The set closed with "Slow" which saw the band flex their upgraded budget that has come along with their increased popularity, utilizing colorful glowing microphone stands for each member and pulsing strobe lights. It was no surprise that the encore featured the aforementioned song that many came to see, "Tongue Tied", which sparked a substantial response from this new fanbase. It was during this encore that Zucconi hastily splashed his mug with some dark blue facepaint before appropriately launching in to what has become the group's signature song, "Colours". After now having seen them twice I can say with confidence that there aren't many bands around that display the enthusiasm and infectious positive energy that Grouplove are overflowing with. Catch them next time you can, but beware, I predict it'll be at a larger venue with a steeper price because they show no signs of slowing down.
Written by Tom Steffes, Radio K Volunteer
Tags: grouplove reptar the varsity varsity theater radio k show review
Neon Indian @ the First Avenue Mainroom
Neon Indian @ First Avenue Mainroom
May 4th, 2012
It’s a muggy, Minneapolis night at First Avenue and before Neon Indian takes the stage, Austin, TX duo Silent Diane opens with an electrocuting, space-age sound that blanketed the crowd with a heavy layer of synth. Up next: Lemonade, a band too sweet for my taste. Lemonade is comprised of three guys with poppy drums, bubbly synth chords, and bright vocals whining out lyrics such as “Put your cool hands on me,” which made me reminisce about my middle school days when kids listened to bands like Simple Plan. Alas, the opener storm passed and Neon Indian graced the stage with an astronomical presence highlighted by fog machines and psychedelic colored visuals projected in the main room. Everyone in the audience danced along with frontman, Alan Palomo as he performed electronically charged songs such as, “Fallout,” “Polish Girl,” and “Deadbeat Summer.” The audience became pretty rowdy as people crowd surfed towards the stage. My friend and I had the misfortune of getting hit in the head by these surfers multiple times. But the throbbing headaches were worth Alan asking us if we were all right and giving us a nod saying, “These last few songs are for you.”
Written by Abbie Gobeli, Radio K volunteer
Tags: neon indian first avenue review radio k
New Releases - May 8th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- My Bloody Valentine - Loveless, Isn't Anything, EPs 1988-1991 (Reissues) - [Sony] (5-7-12)
- Here We Go Magic - A Different Ship [Secretly Canadian]
- Led Er Est - The Diver [Sacred Bones]
- J Mascis - Heavy Blanket [Ouxed Battery]
- M83 - Reunion EP [Mute]
- Moon Duo - Mazes Remixed [Sacred Bones]
- OFF! - OFF! [Vice]
- S. Carey - Hoyas [Jajaguwar]
- Silversun Pickups - Neck of the Woods [Dangerbird]
Tags: new releases music radio k new music
Radio K Sits Down with President Kaler
President Kaler talked us through his Top 7s on Rock & Roll Over this morning.
Top 7: Things you’ve learned being president of a Big Ten university
Top 7: Songs to listen to with the windows rolled down
- "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen
- "Luckenbach Texas" by Waylon Jennings
- "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" by Willie Nelson
- "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- "Fancy" by Reba McEntire
- "California Girls" by Beach Boys (or any other Beach Boys song)
- "Hotel California" by Eagles
Weekly Release Spotlight: Spiritualized
Spiritualized
Sweet Heart Sweet Light
[Fat Possum]
Jason Pierce, principal member of Spiritualized returns after a four-year hiatus with Sweet Heart Sweet Light recently released on Fat Possum Records. Spiritualized was born in 1990 in the United Kingdom after Pierce split from his former band, Spacemen 3. Over the past twenty years, Spiritualized has evolved with an ever-changing membership; Pierce being the only constant member. Spiritualized is usually characterized as having a predominate space-rock sound as heard in significant albums such Lazer Guided Melodies (1992), Ladies and Gentlemen, We are Floating in Space (1997), and Let it Come Down (2001). Their sixth full-length album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light takes a step back from Spiritualized’s space-aged days, landing them on a earthier, raw sound.
Spiritualized has formulated a tradition where he initiates his albums off with a small overture. He begins Sweet Heart Sweet Light with the simply titled, “Huh?”. You may scratch your head at such a curious title leaving your mind to wander through a fairy-tale swell of violins, synthesized twinkles, and faint whistles to ease your ears. Then, an unexpected swarm of accentuated musical layers reverberate through your speakers with a heavy guitar strumming explosion sprinkled with Pierce’s jagged edged voice similar to that of Liam Gallagher of Oasis of the lengthy, nine minute “Hey Jane.” The album slows down to “Get What You Deserve” echoing a white-noise static that filters through a slow swelling string orchestra. The track seems to drag on with its mellow drive and repetitive lyrics for a while. But then you’re in for a surprise when all of the sudden, the ending blasts you awake with its rapid additions of rattles and drum beats haphazardly falling through each incoming arc and trough of string orchestration. The pinnacle song, “I Am What I Am” grabs you by the shirt collar with its clattering tambourines and rolling piano rumbling underneath. Back-up singers vocalize in gospel fashion to amp up the attitude behind the song title’s statement.
Spiritualized took a great risk turning away from their infamous space rock synth but came out successful taking you on a journey littered with detailed melodic tiers accentuated with a gentle swelling string orchestra, white noise buzz, and gospel vocalizations. Spiritualized’s sixth album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light is currently out on Fat Possum Records.
Tags: weekly release spotlight radio k spiritualized sweet heart sweet light fat possum
New Releases - May 1st, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- Ty Segall and White Fence - Hair [Drag City] (4-30-12)
- Ariel Pink & R. Stevie Moore - Ku Klux Glam [Stroll On] (4-30-12)
- JK Flesh - Posthuman [3by3] (4-30-12)
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Aufheben [a' Records]
- Bright Eyes - Fevers and Mirrors (Reissue) [Saddle Creek]
- Bright Eyes - There Is No Beginning to the Story EP (Reissue) [Saddle Creek]
- Father John Misty - Fear Fun [Sub Pop]
- Light Asylum - In Tension [Mexican Summer]
- Lower Dens - Nootropics [Ribbon Music]
- The Lumineers - The Lumineers [Dualtone]
- Santigold - Master of My Make Believe [Downtown/Atlantic]
- Sea of Bees - Orangefarben [Team Love]
- Spinto Band - Shy Pursui [Spintonic]
- Woods & Amps for Christ - Spilt LP [Shrimper]
Tags: new releases albums music radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: THEEsatisfaction
THEEsatisfaction
awE naturalE
[Sub Pop]
THEESatisfaction seem to have a pretty good handle on what it takes to make the grade at Radio K. The Seattle based hip-hop duo, consisting of Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White, offer up a sound on awE naturalE that is hypnotic, diverse and expository; with lyrics that speak to anyone who happens upon the group’s debut release on Sub Pop. The Seattle musicians consider their music an ‘extension of themselves,’ releasing songs that pose questions while addressing topics that range from “needs” to “sweat.” As the divas that comprise THEESatisfaction prepare for list of shows in May, awE naturalE finds itself the focus of this week’s Weekly Release Spotlight.
THEESatisfaction’s debut full-length release draws inspiration from numerous genres of music, fostering a sound unlike any you’ll hear on radio today. Few vocalists compare with these two; “Cat,” a singer who provides a mellow stream sound through which “Stas” maneuvers, dropping lyrics that cut straight to the point. The tracks on awE naturalE are constructed with mathematical precision, weaving harmonies with beats twice looped to create a sound that is mysterious and driven. It’s a Seattle sound, one that moves; similar at times to the drone of a sitar. Tracks from awE natural seem to pass unnoticed, until a new beat with a new message signifies what’s up. The songs on awE natural demonstrate THEESatisfaction’s keen sense of structure in music. As artists, Cat and Stas stray from typical song writing techniques, using technology to create vibe that lures one to further explore their sound.
It’s difficult to categorize the THEESatisfaction, and the sound of awE naturalE, due to the pair’s unique approach to making music. The upbeat tempo and variety of environments you’ll encounter while listening to awE naturalE are pleasing to both the ear and the psyche. Whether THEESatisfaction is performing on the road, or creating a new sound in their living room, Radio K looks forward hearing more from Cat and Stas in the future. We also hope you enjoy this week’s Weekly Release Spotlight artist as much as we have!
Written by Todd Crotty, Radio K volunteer and Rock & Roll Over host
With their mellow funk beat revival sound, Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White emerge onto the scene as THEESatisfaction. Based in Seattle, WA, the incredibly dynamic duo are not afraid to give listeners a deep, distinct dose of their Pacific Northwest style on their debut LP, awE naturalE out on Sub Pop Records. They know you like it, and they know you are going to dance whether you want to or not.
The record is full of atmospheric sounds. On the song “Earthseed” we get a melancholic piano pounding out an unsettlingly catchy melody to the slightly scattered drumbeat. The last 30 seconds of the track spit creepily politicized lyrics that match the tone of the song perfectly, with the kicker, “THEESatisfaction could give a UHHH about a fascist.” Then, as if you just woke from a bad dream to find yourself at a classy salon-style party, we arrive at “QueenS”, the first single from awE naturalE. The beat is almost like a calming alarm clock, followed by the words, “leave your face at the door, turn off your swag, check your bag, from you limbs to your Timbs, get down… but whatever you do, don’t funk with my groove.” The smartly-named “Enchantruss” sounds like the background music to a haunted rollercoaster ride. The looping, chant-like vocal back beat is accompanied by mentions of Orson Welles, time-travelling nightmares, Archie Bunker and Black Jesus. If you took the best Erykah Badu and Common records and melted the vinyl down, what you would be left with when it cooled is this collection of 13 tracks.
On the whole, THEESatisfaction drops the needle on an energetic yet smooth ride through a debut record that shows great promise and demonstrates skill and passion. Stas and Cat fill the peaks and the grooves on awE naturalE with their sultry voices, honest emotion and clever style.
Written by Noel Clark, Radio K and Culture Queue volunteer
Tags: theesatisfaction au naturale radio k weekly release spotlight
New Releases - April 24th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- Actress - R.I.P. [Honest Jon's]
- The Dandy Warhols - This Machine [The End]
- Jack White - Blunderbuss [Third Man/Columbia]
- Suckers - Candy Salad [Frenchkiss]
- Toro y Moi - June 2009 [Carpark]
Tags: new releases albums music radio k
Weekly Release Spotlight: Bear In Heaven
Bear In Heaven
I Love You, It's Cool
[Hometapes]
I Love You, It’s Cool, out on Hometapes, begins gravitating toward that blissful black hole oblivion I mentioned and really draws the listener in with the second track, “Reflection of You.” Imagine yourself as Alice in Wonderland falling in that darned tree after chasing that darned bunny, but instead you descend twinkling and repeatedly singing, “Dance with me,” with John Maus. Walking through the hollowed universe, you are then greeted by Corey Heart in darkness, and sunglasses. Upon first listen, you’ll understand, but after two or three more listens, the similarities you first observed disappear almost completely. “Sinful Nature,” is up next, my favorite song on the ten track album attributed to the catchy riffs, or perhaps the wave-like sound making a visible impression on my dancing techniques. There’s that black hole again. “Cool Light” may leave you hanging and your grooving will suffer, but all is well again once “Kiss Me Crazy” begins. Jon Philpot (awesome last name, by the way, even more so as a tea drinker himself), who first formed the group as a solo artist, shines his vocals best in this number. “World of Freakout” has an incredible buildup mid-song keeping your ear follicles on the edge of their eardrum and leads into “Warm Heart.” Oddly noticeable, the synths made me want to march for an electronic instrument army with reverb megaphone in hand. Second to last, “Space Remains” seems to hail from the dada movement with layers beyond layers almost sounding too overwhelming for taste, but the title leaves room for interpretation. Closing the album with six minute track “Sweetness & Sickness,” an almost haunting echo feels as if it were circling you as your body leaves the other end of the black hole, fittingly.
Tracks from I Love You, It’s Cool may come off too spacey or psychedelic as individual songs for some, so I suggest listening from beginning to end, and surely an adventure is to be had in that world of ‘space’ you used to describe its sound. As a whole, the album felt more mind stimulating and sound-rich than any other album I’ve heard in 2012 thus far. The album is out now on Hometapes.
Written by Leah Garaas, Radio K volunteer
Tags: bear in heaven i love you it's cool radio k weekly release spotlight
New Releases - April 17th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- Moonface - With Sinaii: Heartbreaking Bravery [Jagjaguwar]
- Maps & Atlases - Beware and Be Grateful [Barsuk]
- Battles - Gross Dlop Remix [Warp]
Tags: new releases albums music radio k
Adds - April 9th, 2012
Zammuto Xiu Xiu
Zammuto Always
[Temporary Residence] [Polyvinyl/Bella Union]
Screaming Females Sarah Jaffe
Ugly The Body Wins
[Don Giovanni] [Kirtland]
M. Ward Moonface
A Wasteland Companion Heartbreaking Bravery
[Merge] [Jagjaguwar]
Is/Is Dr. John
III Locked Down
[Nonesuch]
Devin
Romancing
[Frenchkiss]
Tags: new releases music radio k kuom
New Releases - April 10th, 2012
Every Tuesday we'll keep you updated with new album releases you need to know about.
- M. Ward - A Wasteland Companion [Merge]
- Trampled by Turtles - Stars and Satellites [Banjodad]
- Black Dice - Mr. Impossible [Ribbon]
- Kishi Bashi - 151a [Joyful Noice]
- Choir of Young Believers - Rhine Gold [Ghostly International]
- Zambri - House of Baasa [Kanine]
Tags: new releases albums music radio k
