Band Members
Jimmy LaValle
Matt Resovich
Drew Andrews
Gram LeBron
Tim Reece
Andrew Pates
The Album Leaf graced Neumos on February 6, 2010, and it was no ordinary show. Not an official album release show, but with A Chorus of Storytellers coming out only four days prior, Seattleites were in the mode of celebrating the long awaited record from one of our own native labels’ artists. Not only did the audience get to celebrate A Chorus of Storytellers with The Album Leaf in their full glory, there was also the added bonus of the Anomie Belle String Quartet–and what a beautiful, organic gift.
Before the music started, the room was dark and thick with anticipation. The Album Leaf always accents their sets with a grand backdrop to deepen their cinematic effect. As the soft inclines of “Perro” began, the room expanded with the reflected flecks of moving light giving a subtle, ominous tone to the evening. The mix of programed sounds, keys, sound bites, textures, and the visual show had the audience acutely engaged. Continuing with “Blank Pages,” the room was gradually lifted with strings to relaxation and elegant euphoria. The Album Leaf’s presentation of ambient electronica was well received.
As the set progressed, a highlight was “Falling from the Sun.” This song was one of the riskier ones out of the mind of Jimmy LaValle. Being such an important figure in the realm of ambient electronic music, avid fans of The Album Leaf have firm opinions about lyrics and standard structures being introduced into the The Album Leaf’s vernacular. Jimmy LaValle and his merry men performed “Falling from the Sun” with earnest, open hearts, and the audience ate it up. It was a beautiful interchange.
After “Falling from the Sun” completed, LaValle addressed the audience saying, “Those were the first five songs off of A Chorus of Story Tellers that just came out on Monday.” The audience cheered. Accepting the adulation, LaValle said “And this song is … old.” with a giggle in his voice. With the first notes of “2214,” the audience went wild. More cheering ensued when the set continued with “Outer Banks” and “Shine.” “Shine” was another set highlight; the programed electronics were beautifully married with smashing cymbals from the snare drum set. Smash, smash, smash, the cymbals went, and the room filled with celestial sounds. Jimmy LaValle’s keys were bright, and the string quartet beamed.
The Album Leaf threw in a few more songs off of A Chorus of Story Tellers mixed in with some old goodies, and the energy of the room never wavered. The last time I saw The Album Leaf, it was disheartening to see so many people talking throughout the set. That was not the case on February 6, 2010. Looking around the room, I didn’t notice a single person who wasn’t enveloped in the set. It was a beautiful night from start to finish.
Please enjoy “There is Wind,” and an interview I did with Jimmy LaValle before the set.
In the uprising of hipsters and trend setting, Beach House created an album celebrating and encapsulating their interpretation of modern day youth. If you are a consumer who has become accustomed to digital only releases, Teen Dream is going to inspire you to go back to buying hard copies again. Beach House took their time creating the aesthetics of this album, going as far as to have a music video for each song included on a DVD. Coming out of the 00’s, Beach House set a prestigious bar for full package albums going into the new decade. The look and feel of Teen Dream creates high expectations, but what is the actual material like?
Beach House is showing substantial growth. Looking at their sophomore release Devotion, Beach House has advanced from having a few stand out tracks, such as “Gila” and “Turtle Island,” in a generally free-spirited yet placid album.From one song to the next, Teen Dream has more compelling dynamics and is more overtly conceptual. Teen Dream starts off with uplifting innocence in the song “Zebra.” Alex Scally’s simplistic, up-tempo double picking of a clean electric guitar gives Victoria Legrand a fine foundation to come in with her ethereal vocals that gives Beach House their trademark dream-pop sound. Being that the element of the zebra is an intrinsic part of the album artwork, the listener might be expecting some major significance from this song. However, the lyrics at surface value do not go any deeper than admiration of the majestic creature. In essence, “Zebra” is simply an entry point for the rest of Teen Dream, as it is on the listener’s finger tips when they open the album jacket. The theme of literalness holds true throughout the album as one song isn’t tied to another in direct concept, rather, the entire album falls under the overall concept of being part of a teen’s dream.
Musically, Teen Dream has peaks and valleys. Where the mood starts off as uplifting in “Zebra,” “Norway” is fiery, restless, and smoldering. Some songs will create anxious energy in the listener, and other songs like “Better Times” are designed with repetitive keys, down-tempo drum tacks, and relaxed vocals for the listener to enjoy and take a break from the intensity. In contrast with down-tempo relaxation, there is also down-tempo vehemence. In the song “Real Love,” ambient noises of cutlery and other household items create the atmosphere of being at home. As the piano comes in with calming tones, there is the soft clack of a wooden stick against the side of a snare drum. As Legrand sings in first person to someone of consequence, her brassy voice sings out with bridled feelings that are on the brink of being unleashed. The lyrics, “The light watch the seabird fall. Real love finds you somewhere with your back to it,” convey fluttering emotions of desire, hope, and relief. The album concludes leaving the listener with happiness, gratitude, and satisfaction in the song “Take Care.”
Side stepping to the DVD, the listener suddenly becomes the viewer, and it becomes much clearer what Beach House’s interpretation of a teen dream is. In the video for “Walk in the Park,” Beach House exaggerates the roles of the freak, the cool kids, and beautiful girls. The freak, with hair growing out of unnatural places on his face, looks longingly at a cool kid making out with a beautiful girl. The cool kids notice the freak, start to mock him, and eventually go over and beat him up. The freak rises and offers the cool kids a sandwich taken from his inward parts, the kids eat it, start vomiting violently as if infected with a bio-weapon, and the freak dances off triumphantly; it is a very happy ending. The artistry throughout the DVD ranges from abstract flash sequences, the base appeal of sexuality, a comedic short film, and much more. Although the composition of the DVD tracks are rearranged for a more cinematic flow and concepts are all over the place, the constant feature of the videos remains the same in embodying modern day youth.
Teen Dream is a visual, audio, sensory experience. If you are part of this up and coming generation that purchases songs a la cart, take a step back. This album is worth the time and the effort to get a physical copy. Do it, and get lost in Beach House’s interpretation of a teen dream.
Five months after the release of their latest album Ruminant Band, Fruit Batswill be making their triumphant return to The Vera Project, where they last played to a sold out crowd. From the opening notes of Ruminant Band, one can see that they’re in for a very melodic ride. They fit well in the current Sup Pop roster-file between The Shins and Vetiver. Fruit Bats make sunny, honey-sweet, sometimes folky alt-rock that references Three Dog Night in their sound and lyrics.
On a personal note, my first exposure to Fruit Bats’ sound came from I am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey. I picked up this disc quickly, being someone who loves John Fahey and contributors M. Ward and Sufjan Stevens. Fruit Bats, however, were the surprise of the comp. They turned in a fantastic and memorable rendition of “Death of the Clayton Peacock.” Everyone should look for this track, even if you’re not yet a Fahey fan. See you at the show tomorrow! Until then, enjoy this clip of Fruit Bats on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Sera Cahoone’s Music is beautiful in every way. From the simple arrangement of the music, to the highly personal content of her lyrics, her songs are easy to love. Her self titled debut album was released in 2006 and distributed under special agreement with Sub Pop, who quickly signed her to their label that same year. It received much love on KEXP and NPR, and she has since toured with the likes of Iron & Wine, The Long Winters, Son Volt, and Matt Costa.
In her latest effort Only As The Day Is Long, released in 2008, Cahoone continues where she left off. The record is full of songs about life, love, loss, longing, and a deep down hope that we really can get back all those things we have lost. It is after all, at it’s heart, Country music. On the title track Only As The Day Is Long, Cahoone spins a tale of the compromises that often come with being lonely. But she is also quick to point out that all things do pass.
“Lightnin strikes me only in waves
And I know I’m safe for now
But I know the rest is on it’s way
I know it isn’t easy
Nothin’ is the way I want it
All this will pass
Cause it’s only as the day is long”
Cahoone is headlining both days this weekend with the Moondoggies, and Widower or Magic Mtn depending on which night you get to go. The Tractor rarely gives anybody two night in a row, much less a Friday / Saturday night run. They usually only do that when they are pretty sure the nights will sell out. If you want in you better buy tickets, it will definitely be worth it as Sera shows is here in here video for “Baker Lake”, the second track off of Only As The Day Is Long.
Sub Pop is being nice again and giving away some free music. The long anticipated album, A Chorus of Storytellers by The Album Leaf (TAB), is scheduled to be released February 2, 2010. Was anyone at the February 1st 2009 show when TAB debuted some of their new material at Neumos? If so, you got a taste of what Jimmy LaValle and company would be whipping up over the next several months.
In the featured song, “Falling From the Sun,” you get to hear an ambiguous story from your chorus of storytellers. The song wraps the audience in lyrics of effort, risk, and loss. But in failure, will the listener pick themselves up and be willing to take that risk again? Will we “find a way fall?” Of course I’m throwing my own interpretation all over this. Each listener will be able to find their own meaning.
One thing that will be consistent from one listener to the next is the quality of music that is present in this album. This is the first time that Jimmy LaValle invited his entire band to record The Album Leaf content. In the past, LaValle has recorded all the bells and whistles (no pun intended) by himself. The depth of sound might be too subtle on one’s computer speakers, so this will definitely be an album worth purchasing a hard copy of, maybe even on vinyl.
Retribution Gospel Choir is a band that is paradoxical in both its name and musical style. While the words “gospel” and “choir” imply sweet, divine music of redemption and praises, the Retribution Gospel Choir uses hard rock tunes to assert songs of punishment and revenge. Members Alan Sparhawk and Matt Livingston also play in the band Low, but they sound anything but low in their side project. With driving guitars, heavy drums, and two vocalists who actually sing in tune, this is one gospel choir that blasts loud rock music that encourages you to run away from heaven, rather than to it.
The Retribution Gospel Choir’s self-titled debut appeared in 2008 under Calo Verde, and it was regarded as a dark, emotive collection of edgy, robust rock. Their second full-length album is simply entitled 2, and it is set to be released by their new label Sub Pop on January 26, 2010. The first track off of the album, “Hide It Away,” is an anthematic rock tune with thoughtful lyrics that is now available for free download on Sub Pop’s website, or you can nab it below. Have a listen to the clip below, and gear up for the full release next year. The Retribution Gospel Choir will also launch their tour in early 2010. See their full concert list here (sadly, it appears to exclude the west coast this time!).
If you were able to see Beach House September 20th when they rolled through Neumos, I’m sure you remember that it was dazzling, evocative, sexy, and enchanting. Beach House played material off of their January 26, 2010 release, Teen Dream. Shows like that are a blessing and a curse–it’s really exciting because you see what’s coming next, but you have no access to it!
The zero access is OVER! SSG has the honor of leaking one of Beach House’s new songs that defines the genre dream-pop–”Norway.” This song takes the listener into Never-Never Land. Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally sing you into a euphoric haze. It’s hot, it’s sexy, it’s dreamy. The entire Teen Dream album is fantastic. It is some of Beach House’s best work. Until SSG has more to leak on this, enjoy!
lend me your voice
lift up these stones
and cast your nets anew
into the deep blue sea
Sub Pop’s recent signee, singer-songwriter Daniel Martin Moore, knows what he’s doing–or at least he sounds that way. It explains his off the cuff-signing by Sub Pop–supposedly he’s the first artist they have signed through an unsolicited demo submission. It seems as though there’s no real risk in signing a guy like him. His sound is already so mature. He’s young, but his music will convince you that he has a kind soul–that there is real goodness out there. He carries us through each of his songs lovingly and carefully, like a quiet contemporary of Laura Gibson or Sufjan Stevens without the bells, whistles, or religion.
Daniel Martin Moore’s sound is gentle, subtle, and welcoming. Stray Age is a folk record to be sure, but there’s something to the sparseness of it that is rare in modern singer/songwriter fare. He is aided by other musicians in this record, but Stray Age is clearly his baby. Moore will be bringing his delicate and comforting folk sound and his great album to the Tractor Tavern in Ballard next week, all the way from the 4.8 square miles large city of Cold Creek, Kentucky.
Be sure to stop by and catch his show while he’s here! Let’s make it so that he keeps wanting to come back! Below is a sample for the treat that you are in for.
Tiny Vipers is going to be performing a tiny set at Easy Street Records tonight in West Seattle in support of photographer David Belisle. If you aren’t familiar, Tiny Vipers is the moniker for the musician Jesy Fortino. Jesy Fortino is an internationally touring artist who is based in Seattle who recently signed with Sub Pop.
As a successful artist that stands alone with an acoustic guitar, Fortino is an inspiration to the singer songwriter community. Even if singer songwriters aren’t your thing, she could still win you over. Her style of music causes the listener to leave the realm of superficial living and remember what it is in life that they have left behind. The notes Fortino strums are as evocative as her yearning voice. It is a gift to be in the same room with her.
Don’t pass the opportunity up to be able to see Tiny Vipers in an intimate setting before she heads off on another mini European tour. Shows like these are fleeting—take advantage of them.
Aw … Beach House gives the staff at SSG the warm-n-fuzzies. Earlier this month, they signed to beloved Seattle indie giant Sub Pop. They make us want to be at a luau (a very slow and ethereal luau, but a luau nonetheless) instead of at work. Beach House, will be here to keep us warm in the NW just a little longer with their show at Neumos on Sunday, September 20th.
When Beach House came through Washington to play at Sasquatch, it was a beautiful thing! That sound was a bit of a mess, but after that got all fixed up, the audience was back in their Beach House happy place. Victoria Legrand has one of those voices that sweep you off into a dream. Her moods are variant, but wherever she takes you, I promise you’ll want to go. (Purchase tickets HERE)
Oh, did I mention there’s a ticket giveaway? There is. You should click –>HERE<– to get a pair, and don’t forget to include your names as you would like to have them listed at the door. The winner will be notified by E-mail. Join us and be swept away by Alex and Victoria’s dreamy melodies on Sunday night.
Here are the dates for the Beach House fall tour around the U.S.:
Sep 19 2009 8:00P Berbati’s Pan-MUSICFEST NW Portland
Sep 20 2009 8:00P Neumos Seattle!
Sep 22 2009 8:00P Department of Safety Anacortes, WA
Sep 23 2009 8:00P The Nightlight Bellingham
Sep 24 2009 8:00P Rifflandia Festival Victoria BC
Sep 26 2009 8:00P Michigan Theatre w/ Grizzly Bear Ann Arbor
Sep 27 2009 8:00P Metro w/ Grizzly Bear Chicago
Sep 28 2009 8:00P Metro w/ Grizzly Bear Chicago
Sep 30 2009 8:00P First Avenue w/ Grizzly Bear Minneapolis
Oct 1 2009 8:00P Blue Note w/ Grizzly Bear Columbia, Missouri
Oct 2 2009 8:00P the opolis Norman
Oct 3 2009 8:00P EMOS Austin
Oct 5 2009 8:00P Variety Playhouse w/ Grizzly Bear Atlanta
Oct 6 2009 8:00P Norva w/ Grizzly Bear Norfolk
Oct 7 2009 8:00P Electric Factory w/ Grizzly Bear Philadelphia
Oct 8 2009 8:00P Orpheum Theatre w/ Grizzly Bear Boston
Oct 9 2009 8:00P Vassar College Poughkeepsie
Oct 19 2009 8:00P Bottom of the hill San Francisco, yup
Oct 20 2009 8:00P Hollywood Palladium w/grizzly bear LA
Oct 21 2009 8:00P Belly Up Tavern w/ Grizzly Bear San Diego
Oct 23 2009 8:00P Fernwood Resort Big Sur
Seattle Show Gal is in hot pursuit of undiscovered talent! How many great bands are out there that are slipping through the cracks? Seattle is saturated with so much music, it would be nearly impossible to sift through it all to find the good stuff. The Seattle Show Gal staff is not so proud to think that we can bring you all of it, but we are actively pursuing all different types of acts to give you a pulse on what is going on--right here in Seattle! (See more in "About")
