Photos: Oxes, Thank You, Witch Hat, Sri Aurobindo

Last weekend Friends Records hosted an epic lineup that included Thank You's final U.S. appearance and a rare (and powerful) set from Oxes. This all-Baltimore lineup also included the likes of Witch Hat and Sri Aurobindo, and Valerie was there to capture all the action. Don't sleep on Oxes' forthcoming 12". Also - thank you, Thank You.

Show: Oxes, Thank You, Witch Hat, Sri Aurobindo

poster by Chris Day

There have already been a handful of "show of the year" candidates, but this Saturday's G Spot bill is a hefty contender. As pointed out in Tuesday's piece that included a chat with band founder Jeff McGrath, this will be Thank You's last show in the United States of America before heading over to Europe for their final tour that concludes at ATP.



In addition, this will be the world's first chance at scoring the first U.S. Oxes release since 2005 - a new 12" called Bile Stbudy that will be limited to 650 copies.




Joining these two heavyweights Saturday evening will be Witch Hat and Sri Aurobindo, both fresh off new vinyl releases. Don't sleep on Brown in a Dog or Eyes, and definitely don't wait too long to grab tickets for this monster of a show.

Thank You Say You're Welcome

There have been a few major casualties this year within Baltimore’s music scene, starting with Ponytail and Double Dagger. A third perennial live force announces it’s departure today as Thank You will play it’s last U.S. show this weekend in Baltimore, and it’s final show this December on a European tour.

In conversation yesterday, band founder Jeff McGrath admitted that Thank You’s G Spot show with Oxes this Saturday and their forthcoming European tour will be their last of a six year run. The band is set to play their final show at ATP’s Nightmare Before Christmas at the invitation of former tour mates, Battles.



Jeff explains, “It sort of just feels like we’re moving out of an apartment.” A few weeks ago William Cashion of Future Islands asked Thank You if they wanted to join them for a January tour. When the band got together to discuss William’s proposal, it became evident to everyone that not all of the members still enjoyed touring or had the will to continue to do so.

Each of Thank You’s LPs since their days with original drummer Elke Wardlaw have been hand-crafted with a strong ode to their live performance. First and foremost, Thank You is very much a live band. Without this component, all four current members couldn’t envision moving forward under the same moniker. Jeff was quick to point out that they’ll all remain best friends, they all plan to stay living in Baltimore, and that they all plan to continue making music - just with different friends and artists. This makes sense, especially when considering the musical cycle currently occurring in Baltimore.

Since Whartscape’s conclusion, a number of pivotal bands in Baltimore’s music scene have disbanded. Besides geography, a few other similarities link together these break-ups. They were executed positively, brought on by pure motives, and instilled the core values of friendship. None involved ill wills, hefty egos, or tugs at fame. They occurred because either the band wanted to go out on top, or because it’s members creativity would flourish more within separate entities.

To the casual bystander, Baltimore’s music scene may appear to have a few holes. However, a closer look reveals at least ten other willing and eager bands for every disbanded group of heroes. Though Whartscape and a handful of its pioneers may have retired their household names, there remains a thriving community that's arguably even stronger than ever.

Pivotol bands might break up, but their members tend to start or join new projects with other friends in town. Jeff McGrath put it rather simply yesterday, “The nature of this city is friendliness.” In a music scene that relies heavily upon a tight-knit community, it’s important to say thank you to friends that help continue its evolution.

Thank You has one final release in store; details are forthcoming.

Mixtape: Baltimore: Spring 2011

  art by Caleb Moore

This morning I posted a new seasonal mixtape on Impose, titled Baltimore: Spring 2011.


DOWNLOAD: [SIDE A] Baltimore: Spring 2011
1. Zomes - "Openings"
2. Weekends - "Home Alone (acoustic)"
3. Ken Seeno - "Cedilla in My Monogram"
4. Lands & Peoples - "Sexting"
5. White Life - "Real Things"
6. Eachothers - "Wild Yonder"
7. Microkingdom - "Aire Metal (Chopped and Screwed)"
8. Ponytail - "Honey Touches"
9. Adventure - "Feels Like Heaven"
10. Daytime - "Life / Afterlife (edit)"
11. Ecstatic Sunshine - "Hello Money"


DOWNLOAD: [SIDE B] Baltimore: Spring 2011
1. Celebration - "Only The Wicked (acoustic)"
2. Zu Shapes - "Olivia"
3. Moss of Aura - "Charter"
4. Winks - "Slap Me Choke Me Cum On You"
5. Dope Body - "The Shape of Grunge To Come"
6. Inflatable Mattress - "Green Tea Girlfriend"
7. Thank You - "Pathetic Magic (Dan Deacon remix)"
8. Avocado Happy Hour - "Daytime Television"
9. Gem Vision - "Untitled 1"

Update: Wildfire Wildfire Last Waltz

As previously mentioned, Wildfire Wildfire's Last Waltz is this Friday night, May 6th. Matthew Papich sent over the above promotional video this morning, for a lineup that includes Co La, Jason Willett, Thank You, Dustin Wong, and Daytime. When asking Matt the meaning of "Paranoid Summer", the video's title, this is what he had to say:

"Ever throw away a cigarette? Do you style your smile? Get suspicious and slip out of your shorts, Paranoid Summer is beginning. Puzzling evidence suggests it's time for a new game in town. Swiss Bank Reggae. Bill Murray Eventide Time Factor. Will the youth know the taste of hash in Stockholm, or will they stay at home?"

Wildfire Wilfire's Last Waltz is  Friday night at Floristree.

Show: Wildfire Wildfire Last Waltz

I don't typically mention shows this far in advance, but next month a show will mark an end of an era. This particular era has been extremely important to Baltimore's music scene. While a functioning entity that represents this time might be calling it quits, it's influence and legacy will remain here in Baltimore in new and similar shapes and forms.



Wildfire Wildfire is a record label from Baltimore headed by Devon Deimler and Matthew Papich, but consisted of many other amazing individuals that helped shape it's success. I sat down with Matthew this past weekend to discuss a few things, amongst which he told me about how Wildfire Wildfire would be coming to an end soon.



The label is throwing one last show, which will be held at Floristree on May 6. The lineup currently includes Jason Willett, Co La, Thank You, Dustin Wong. More TBA soon.



This might also be your last chance to grip some Wildfire Wildfire vinyl, as the label is getting rid of it's entire stock. Anything left over will be given to the artists, though. Stayed tuned for more details on this big big show, and more news involving some of the artists included on their roster. "Celebrate the end of an era. What, me worry?"

Tonight: Thank You, Double Dagger, Witch Hat at Floristree + BOBBY Video Premiere by Nat Munari

Another week full of fantastic shows begins tonight at Floristree, where Double Dagger, Thank You, Witch Hat, and dance collective BOBBY will all be performing. Yes, please.



Thank You are fresh off releasing their new LP via Thrill Jockey, easily one of the best records to come out of 2011 thus far. Double Dagger have been a bit quiet as of late, so it'll be good to see them playing out live again here in town. Also, Double Dagger's Twitter account stated this morning, "We're doing something at tonight's Thank You show at Floristree that will make you love us or hate us." So, there's that.



Witch Hat have likely been creeping up your favorite-loud-band-list, and I'm sure tonight's performance will be no exception to the rule. Dude's have been absolutely slaying it as of late. As for BOBBY, expect more experimental dance beauty to entertain you between sets, much like their performances with Future Islands and Oxes last year.


Above is the premiere for the new BOBBY video, directed by Nat Munari of Oxes fame. This epic seven minute long affair will give you a good idea of what to expect from these lovely ladies, and is more proof that Nat's video skills are beyond amazing.

The show tonight probably starts around 10 PM and will probably cost money.

Tonight: Sex Worker, Psychic Reality, Thank You

Tonight the Golden West hosts a swirl of psychedelics with San Fransisco's Sex Worker (mem of Mi Ami) and Psychic Reality (ex-Pocahaunted) paired with locals Thank You.



Above is "Rhythm of the Night",  the second track off Sex Worker's newest record dubbed Waving Goodbye which is out now on Not Not Fun. It reminds me of the warped R&B found on How To Dress Well's debut LP, but is somehow even more fucked up. More locally, the album as a whole sounds like a much more spaced out and dubby DJ Dog Dick, complete with offerings of harsh noise and the occasional inter-galactic journey.

Toss in Psychic Reality coming to town, and Baltimore's Thank You, and you've got yourself a Monday night. Thank You are about to release their new LP on Thrill Jockey, which I ranted and raved about already. Peep the video for "Birth Reunion" below.

Shows: Wye Oak, Double Dagger, Roky Erickson, Thank You, Arbouretum, Zomes, Height, more

The upcoming weekend supplies a killer event to attend each day, starting tomorrow. Wye Oak headlines the Ottobar, backed by The Art Department and Height with Friends.





If you read this space, your familiar with our love for Height with Friends, particularly Bed of Seeds. The Art Department released their first proper LP with GenPop this summer, and Wye Oak continue to blow up worldwide. Andy and Jenn are also on the heels of a new album, and word on the street is to expect that next spring(ish).





On Saturday, the good folks who hosted the majority of this years Whartscape are having a fundraiser. The lineup at Current Space is pretty awesome, and includes what will likely be the last local Double Dagger show of 2010. Performances from Thank You, Mickey Free, Zomes, Brendan Sullivan, and more can also be expected at this all day affair.



Arguably the godfather of psychedelic rock and roll comes to the Ottobar on Sunday. Roky Erickson headlines, proprietor of all things psych/garage and founding member of the 13th Floor Elevators. Roky will be supported by the doom-folkers Arbouretum. Arbouretum's lineup will also be joined by David Bergander and Walker Teret of Celebration. Video of Dave Heumann singing a new song in a grassy knoll is below.

Video: Thank You - "Birth Reunion"

The folks over at Thrill Jockey just gave us the go ahead to post the new video from Thank You. The short for "Birth Reunion" was shot by Nat Munari, with the help of Katherine St.Paul Hill, Lindsay Pickett, and Za Dawson of the Bobby dance group.



"Birth Reunion" is the second track on Thank You's forthcoming Golden Worry LP, of which I shared excitement for a few weeks ago. It will be available January 25, 2011.



Coincidentally, William Cashion just informed me that Bobby will be performing on November 20 at the upcoming Future Islands seven inch release party, in which I posted the new single for earlier today. Bobby will perform in between sets from Future Islands, Lonnie Walker, and Winks. View that flyer right here. Bobby debuted at this year's Whartscape, and also performed at the Oxes show back in August at Windup Space.

Thank You - Golden Worry

The good folks at Thrill Jockey recently passed along the forthcoming LP from the local trio Thank You. The new record is called Golden Worry, and is due out on January 25.



Above is "Pathetic Magic", which you'll find on the new LP, but was also on a sold out 12 inch that was released last year. "Pathetic Magic" leans towards the new direction of Golden Worry, but carries more of the same spontaneous rhythms and hypersonic melodies we're used to from Thank You. While the familiar characteristics we've come to know and love remain, the new record gains further advancement into more traditional song structures - creating what seems to the band's first rock record. 

Golden Worry could be the band's pinnacle, successfully capturing the unassuming journeys of melody and fusion of industrial-tribal rhythms into a package accessible outside of their live performance. Vocals are now far more prominent, and are precisely interlaced to create and add new depths for the band.

The new LP was recorded by Chris Coady at DNA in New York and mixed by Chris Moore here in Baltimore. It is also the first full length with their new drummer Emmanuel Nicolaidis. In addition to the arrangement you may have witnessed for their live performance, the new records boasts sounds from ‘60s Vox organs, harmonica, mini-moog, jaw harp, sampler, and Fender Twin Reverb amps.

Check back for new sights and sounds from Thank You, Golden Worry drops January 25.

Tonight: Mi Ami, Thank You, Dope Body

Tonight's killer lineup has been moved from Open Space down to the Zodiac, as Mi Ami comes to town and joins forces with Thank You and Dope Body.

Mi Ami are fresh off their latest release with Thrill Jockey, Steal Your Face. Streaming below is the second track off the new LP called "Latin Lover".



This track is a toned down banger courtesy of Mi Ami, with the heavy ecstatic bounce found in all of the trio's work. As seen in the cover art for Steal Your Face above, there's clearly a certain ode to dub to be found throughout the new record. However, this tribute is warped with enough freaked-out lagos and tribal drum sonics to make your head spin in that good way.

In addition to a performance that I'm pretty certain will have you running to grab Mi Ami's new LP, tonight you'll also get a rhythmic bunch of a more local variety - Thank You. These guys are yet another Baltimore band under the Thrill Jockey umbrella, whose last EP showed some signs of good things to come for whatever is next.



Dope Body continue to get better and better, a drowning wave of rage and joy that hits you all at once and deep in the belly. You can still pick up Twenty Pound Brick over at Wtrclr, and the dudes also have some sick new demos up on their myspace. Be sure to check out "Bully".

The show tonight is at 10 PM at the Zodiac.

Clusterf*ck: Shows in Baltimore this Weekend

Clusterfuck is back on full force this weekend in Baltimore, with some options for your ears every night starting this evening. Tonight one great option is at Open Space, where you are invited to "stand in the cement room" and catch Swamp Tease, Witch Hat, Ancestral Diet, and Taboo. Choosing another path might find you at the Ottobar, where Turbo Fruits and Sal Bando play with our favorite local psych force Sri Aurobindo.

Friday evening offers the probable highlight of the weekend, as Celebration play a very special show at the Creative Alliance. The night begins with $6 chili and drink specials, but is capped off with an acoustic AND electric set by Celebration. While their Electric Tarot project might appear to be at a standstill online, the band had been hard at work recording some new tunes. You can still get a peek at some of these new jams from our audio of their last show at LOF.



Check out your three options for Saturday after the jump.

Saturday offers a killer variety of options, most likely a decision that's meant to be made on the fly depending on your mood. If you want to be a part of the likely destruction of the Golden West, head there to catch Drunkdriver. This is a rowdy and fantastic punk band from New York, and my thoughts and prayers are with the moose on the wall.

If destroying restaurants ain't your thing, you've got two more options. Everyone's favorite local free-punk jazzers Microkingdom are at the Penthouse Gallery with Daytime, Sky Way, and Not the Wind, Not the Sky. Daytime's Mirrored World still get's late night plays in my rotation, a disc I mentioned digging late last year.

Last but not least, the always polite Thank You headline the Zodiac. This one's supported by Silk Flowers, DJ John Eaton, and the uncomfortably entertaining Funny Clown. This one will run you just 3 dollars and starts at 10 PM.

Photos: Future Islands, Thank You, Blood Baby at Floristree

Floristree hosted yet another hell of a good time Saturday, with Future Islands closing out a lineup that included Thank You, Weekends, The Art Department, and Blood Baby.

The lineup lived up to what you'd expect. Future Islands put on quite possibly one of my favorite sets of theirs to date, and if you've read this blog you'd know I've been to more than a few. Valerie captured the moment in epic fashion, and you can check out the full set if you read on.


Sam, William, and Gerrit proved they were more than amped for this one, having mentioned how "honored they always were" to play Floristree in a recent interview.


Future Islands have one more local show coming up, but will have to take a rest from touring when Sam has knee surgery. When they get back, a heavy agenda ensues with their debut LP on Thrill Jockey, and a split 7 inch with Lonnie Walker that will be out on Friends Records.

Friends Records is a local Baltimore label that a friend and I are debuting in early 2010. In addition to this 7 inch, our label will also be pressing the next Weekends LP to vinyl, another band that rocked on Saturday night. Much more info to come right here on Friends Records and its releases very soon.


Blood Baby was a whole mess of fun, as you can see Ellie from Sick Weapons was digging her guitarist's other band. The Art Deparment were mind-boggling as always, and Thank You tore through their set in a fury of drums, chants and halfway warped melodies. Thank You played some of the tunes on their new EP, and seemed as tight es ever.

You can check out Valerie's full photo set here, or below in the flash gallery.


Photos by Valerie

Bmore Thankful (Future Islands, Weekends, Thank You & more!)

This week has been weird here in Baltimore, and I look forward to giving thanks. I'll be taking a break from the interwebs after today until next week, and you should probably go ahead and do the same (after reading this of course).

I've got a lot of very exciting news to share when I get back, so look forward to that. Until then, here are a few things to do this coming weekend that are worth noting.

Saturday night, Floristree hosts a big one. Future Islands, Thank You, and Weekends will all be at the H&H Building on the 28th of November. Future Islands have been super busy as of late, with a remix EP on the way, and recently getting signed to Thrill Jockey. Much more to come on these guys soon, some of which you'll exclusively find here.

Weekends have been equally busy, and I recently got the opportunity to put together a podcast recording session with them. However this was no ordinary performance, as it was a collaboration with Weekends and the Copycat Theatre... involving costumes of all varieties. Look for video and audio from this session at Bmore Musically Informed in the coming weeks.

In addition to this monster of a show Saturday night, the Ottobar's got a good one too. This one might be more for those still in turkey comatose, as it features some pretty heady folk pop. Bowerbirds come to town, with local newcomers Secret Mountains and Man & Dog opening the bill. Man & Dog recently dropped an EP which has just made it's way into my rotation, and I'll hopefully have some words on that soon.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank You: Pathetic Magic

Currently off touring Europe, Baltimore's Thank You have a new release dropping September 29th. Pathetic Magic comes at us via Thrill Jockey, a label home to many other fine acts from the city of charm.

If Terrible Two resembled the raw aggression of Haloti Ngata storming the middle, Pathetic Magic is more like Ed Reed precisely calculating each and every next step. I loved Terrible Two, a record drenched in fierce energy and tons of force. But the new EP packs two new tracks, both driven by carefully places melodies, smooth noise, and yet again some killer drumming.

Aggressive percussions are again the focus, with "Pathetic Magic" opening the record. A sprawling affair with slicing guitars, heavy lows, splintered riffs, and some stellar bass chops. "Strange All" steadies down the pace, with tribal chants leading the charge. The noised out rhythms of the center break way to a melodic anthem of sorts, leaving behind a fantastic aftertaste. These could easily be their two best songs to date.

Side B is backed with three remixes, all found within the comforts of 695. Dan Deacon lends a hand, adding his signature digs, an electronically induced symphony of building euphoria. Asa Osborne, of Zomes and Lungfish fame, also graces the record's presence. Jason Urick contributes to a track as well, on the heels of his own Thrill Jockey release dubbed Husbands. I'll have more on Husbands soon, but for now start salivating at this upcoming limited release and just be confused by this ridiculous cover art.

Thank You are now in Europe, but look for some shows when they get back in November.

Thank You / Mi Ami

Experimental rythyms and noises galore stomp your ears at Floristree next Monday. The bill boasts local trio Thank You and California's Mi Ami. Both acts have been touring nationally together, and should be enough alone to get you out of the house on a Monday.

But wait, there's more. Support derives from Bmore's avant acapella act Lexie Mountain Boys. Also opening is Birth Control, who sport a few members from Pissed Jeans. Show is on March 9th at 9 PM and should set you back just a few bucks.

Thrill Jockey Signs Double Dagger

Local postcore trio Double Dagger just got signed to Thrill Jockey, home to Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, and The Fiery Furnaces. The Chicago based label seems to have taken a recent liking to Baltimore's music, with other representatives of the label including Thank You and Arbouretem.

The follow up to the epic Ragged Rubble is being worked on now, and the label will re-release the 7"s Bored Meeting and Sophisticated Urban Living.

Double Dagger will play "Feet Night" of the Baltimore Round Robin Tour, which is being performed once more at Sonar December 18 and 19. They join the likes of Dan Deacon, Beach House, The Deathset, Adventure, Future Islands, Jana Hunter, Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, Videohippos, and so on so forth.

Grab some free Double Dagger mp3s from their site; click the rubble containing drumsets and amplifiers.

Recent Informings

TV on the Radio announced the release of their 3rd LP earlier this week. Much to my pleasantry, it will be released September 23rd right after I go to this out west.

But for those that urn for more instant gratification, a whole lot has come out recently that's in need of your ears. Dr. Dog's newest release Fate is one of which described, and contains guitar pop keyboard goodness.

Menomena's Danny Seim released his 9th LP under the moniker Lackthereof this week. Most of his other releases, including numerous CDR's he passed out amongst friends, have been more sedated folksy endeavors.

Your Anchor displays loads of Menomena-infused jams that float along swimmingly. This is the first one that Barsuk has released of his, and certainly has my strong endorsed recommendation.

Thrill Jockey has dropped lots of love lately. Not only have they debuted the album from Baltimore's own Thank You, They also released Arbouretem and Pontiak's split vinyl action called Kale this week.

In addition to the previous two fine LP's, High Places' collection of singles 03/07 - 09/07 came out on the label Tuesday. This compilation includes experimental fuzz pop gems from 7" vinyls, and some other enjoyable tunes.

The Dutchess and the Duke's debut is also worth your short attention span. The album is full of tracks that sound like an infusion of Exile-era Stones and The White Stripes. Not too shabby.

Also, Bodies of Water's LP, A Certain Feeling, arrived this week. Think Fleet Foxes but infused with opera and soul, and somehow even better than I described. Check out their Daytrotter session right here.