Ticket Giveaway: Gang Gang Dance at the Ottobar

The Ottobar has a whole slew of great shows in the works, one of which features Gang Gang Dance coming to town. The NY-based crew hits the Ottobar Wednesday August 5th.

Gang Gang Dance have been pumping out records drenched in a tribal dance haze over the years, with the most recent being Saint Dymphna. While their latest might be the best received, their prior works are certainly worth your ears.

God's Money illustrates ideas of splintered dub and deconstructed sonic landscapes. The primal percussive waves break way to heavy bass and otherworldly vocals, providing a truly unique and addicting record.

Schizophrenic in the good way, this could quite possibly be the works of some sort of future primitive Native American tribe. Whatever the case, it's hard to turn off.

Gang Gang Dance should prove to be an excellent way to spend your Wednesday evening. I've got a pair of tickets to give away, just shoot an email on over to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com. I'll pick a winner Tuesday the 4th, so be sure to check the 'ol electronic mailbox then folks.

The rest of the bill includes another NYC group Hex Message, and some local flavors still in the works. I'll keep ya posted when things become official.

Weekends: Suburban Dome

It's summer. It's friggin' hot. Sounds like the perfect time for some new Weekends jams. The new EP is called Suburban Dome, and features 4 brand new tracks from the duo.

I mentioned a couple of these tracks a few weeks ago, as they rocked two of them at Whartscape. These new songs had me running over to the merch table in hopes of physical gratification. Fortunately, four bucks granted me this satisfaction.

Weekend's strong suit is creating incredibly catchy guitar riffs, which is surprisingly sometimes a breath of fresh air these days. Drenched in pure rock and roll, look no further than the 11 tracks of their debut for examples.

Suburban Dome isn't a step in any new direction, but an affirmation that these guys are for real. "Raingirls", has to be the best song in their very young catalog. Impossible to stand still to, this is the rowdy summer-soaked rock song we've all been waiting for.

Opening track "Roomate" is a steady psych garage track demanded to be played loud, and boasts a seemingly epic feel. The vocals are still nice and fuzzy on this EP, but the distortion sounds as if to be taken down a slight notch. This allows it to feel more like their live performance, a setting in which the duo is best served.

You can catch Brendan and Adam play the Talking Head this Sunday August 2nd. Headlining is Heavy Hands, also with another local favorite Sri Aurobindo.

Photos: Black Moth Super Rainbow at the Ottobar

Photos by Chrissy

Peep Chrissy's photo set above of Black Moth Super Rainbow's animated performance at the Ottobar this week. Don't forget to check out Eating Us, their stellar new album.

Lands and Peoples: Bad Habits

Baltimore's own Lands and Peoples just released a new 5 song EP. The trio are now 2 extended players deep, with the new one sporting some vocals and hopefully a peak into to what's to come.

"Bad Habits" is a fantastic little number, that fans of Beach House and other dream-filled pop surely won't be disappointed with. Caleb's vocals are warm and filling, while the bass-heavy keys keep a welcoming and addicting trance.

Stream "Bad Habits" below, and purchase the entire EP from their bandcamp site for just $5. You can catch them at the Hexagon this Friday, or opening up for recent Matador imprint Kurt Vile and Philly's Espers August 11th at Sonar.

Ticket Giveaway: The Flaming Lips at Merriweather

Yes indeed, the Flaming Lips are descending upon the suburban Maryland woods of Merriweather Post Pavillion this summer. They headline the amphitheater August 28th, with Explosions in the Sky teaming up the bill.

Do I even need to describe the 20-plus years of psychedelic space rock the Flaming Lips have provided? Probably not. The band is on the verge of releasing their new LP Embryonic, a double disc that promises to leave nothing out. Head over to Pasta Prima to download "Convinced of the Hex" and "Silver Trembling Hands", two fantastic new tracks from the upcoming record.

Those who have seen Wayne Coyne roll around the crowd in his giant hamster ball are aware that these guys spare no expense when putting on a live show. And a tour in preparation of releasing one of their most ambitious works in almost 30 years of records is certainly cause for some elaborate theatrics. Confetti, fireworks, Wayne Coyne teleporting before your very eyes... anything is fair game folks.

Explosions in the Sky have completely mastered post-rock. This Austin based instrumental group are a truly cinematic experience, with rock and roll journey's that build to epic highs and emotional lows. A pretty much perfect accoutrement to spending your late summer Friday evening in the Merriweather lawn with some cold beverages.

This show is clearly a not-miss, and I have a free pair of passes to give away to a lucky reader. Email your plea to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com if you are interested in the tickets. I'll pick a winner on August 17th, so be sure to check your inbox then.

Tonight: Black Moth Super Rainbow @ the Ottobar

The Ottobar's got a solid Monday night affair, with Black Moth Super Rainbow rolling into town. Fans of fuzzy experimental synths of all shapes and beats shall rejoice.

Music with an oddball organic feel, bubbly rhythms are often accompanied by free-wheeling bass, keys and flutes. The band has put out four full lengths and various other releases, including a stellar joint LP with The Octopus Project.

Their most recent, Eating Us, is easily their most accessible to date. Eating Us could be considered their pop album, but don't expect a hit single to be released off it anytime soon. Much like it's predecessor Dandelion Gum, the new LP sports a positive feel with melodies soaked in sunshine. The acoustic accents are polished up a bit, as instrumentation seems to be used more the old fashioned way than in previous efforts. Peep the video for opening track "Born on the Day the Sun Didn't Rise" above.

Parts and Labor front man and rising solo artist Dan Friel will open, rounding out a great way to spend your Monday evening. Show is at the Ottobar and starts at 9.

Live MP3s: Half Japanese / Double Dagger / Baby Venom

The Baltimore Taper was more than kind enough to hook us up with the audio from last night's behemoth of a lineup at the Ottobar. Below, grab the sets in MP3 or FLAC form from Half Japanese, Double Dagger, and Baby Venom. Enjoy!

*These were up for a month, and were taken down by Jeff.
Double Dagger 7/24/09 @ the Ottobar recorded by Jeff
Link to MP3 Files
Link to FLAC Files

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Half Japanese 7/24/09 @ the Ottobar recorded by Jeff
Link to MP3 Files
Link to FLAC Files

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Baby Venom 7/24/09 @ the Ottobar recorded by Jeff
Link to MP3 Files
Link to FLAC Files

Ticket Giveaway: Dan Deacon / Deerhunter / No Age

Oh man. This one week tour was announced a couple months back, originally not plotted to roll through these here parts. Surpise! Just announced last weekend, next Friday Sonar welcomes the Dan Deacon/Deerhunter/No Age Round Robin to Baltimore.

This one is an ADD-friendly, round robin style setup, with the artists circling the crowd and taking turns doing their thing. Also promised are collaborative performances, offering a chance to catch one of a kind joint ventures likely to never be seen again. So if you've ever wondered what Deacon's electronics sound like jamming out to "Nothing Ever Happened", or how Bradford Cox's vocals might spruce up "Ripped Knees", this could be your night.

This is only hitting a few select east coast-ish cities, including a stop the next day in New Jersey at a hotel with a giant pool shaped as an airplane. That show's got a pool party, we get something even better. One ticket gets you into all three rooms that night, including the Taxlo dance party and the Talking Head.

The Talking Head has a superb lineup with Future Islands, Sick Weapons, The Art Department, and Love or Perish. I've already gabbed about how sick three of these bands were at Whartscape, and Future Islands just put out an absolutely stellar double a-side 7 inch called Feathers and Hallways. If you feel like dancing, the club room's got Dave Nada, Cullen Stalin, and Simon Phoenix.

You officially have no excuse not to be there, mainly becuase there's something for everyone. And also, because I am giving away a pair of tickets. Blast an email to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com, letting me know who you want to see the most that night. I'll pick a winner at random next week, and get their name on the list. Be sure to check your email Thursday morning the 30th to see if you've won. See you there!

Caleb Stine: Eyes So Strong and Clean

Baltimore's musical playground is home to all kinds of thoughts and sounds. When the concrete landscape of the inner city feels to be closing in, most turn to local country ambassador Caleb Stine.

Caleb Stine has just released his first solo record, after already putting out one with the Brakemen and one with local rapper Saleem. Eyes So Strong and Clean is his most fulfilling release to date. The songwriting is at the forefront, telling stories of self inspiration in an always hectic world.

While this album is heavily steeped in the rootsy Americana we've come to expect, there's a hefty amount of rock and roll involved. Caleb Stine credits his new guitar for this, an Epiphone Dot with Burstberry pickups. His wistful acoustic tones are still present throughout, but jams like "Rome" and "Right Where It Is" are beefed up a bit.

But, the highlight of this record is his true and natural craft of folk songs. Paired up with his distinctive southern croon, this is modern country at its best. His vocals are crisper than ever, putting any Kenny Chesney or Tim McGraw-type to utter shame.

Most can relate to his tales of boozing and relationship woes, classic folk themes that are even familiar when stuck in traffic on Lombard. When illustrating his touring and travels, its easy to imagine being along for the ride. If you've been needing to fill a void in your country music catalog since Ryan Adams started to suck, Caleb Stine is your man.

You can catch him play at the Golden West this Sunday the 26th. The show is at 10, and also features These United States and Paul Masson.

Ticket Giveaway: Half Japanese / Double Dagger

This one is a no-brainer. Not a weak spot on the list, Friday night the Ottobar features Half Japanese, Double Dagger, Baby Venom, and Yukon. Woah.

This fantastic bill is headed by one of the founders of off-kilter punk, Half Japanese. Since forming in the 70s, the band has been a revolving door of members and sounds. All have been surpassed by originator, Jad Fair. Baltimore's Jason Willet, of Leprechaun Catering, Pleasant Livers, and True Vine fame, was also once a member of the the band.

Double Dagger need little introduction. If you missed their pavement melting performance at Whartscape, this show's a must. Nolan and crew are back home from their tour supporting More, and will be happy to scream in your face with excitement.

The math rocked spasms of Yukon are another welcome addition to the evening. Be sure to grab their more than hearty Medallion EP if you haven't already done so. And I've gushed my love for the synthy lo-fi pop of Baby Venom before. With a recent European tour and gig opening for Deerhunter, this is a trio on the verge of explosion.

I have a pair of tickets to give away for Friday's show at the Ottobar. Send a word or two to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com for your shot at them. I'll be picking a winner Friday morning, so be sure to check your electronic mailbox then.

Bear & Pieces: Rooples : Query

Baltimore's Lost Ghosts Records is home to a few lesser known endeavors, most of which are certainly worth your while. Heavy on art and personal touch, the tunes ain't too shabby either.

If you didn't catch the label's release show at the Zodiac a few weeks back, chances are you've missed out on some pretty fantastic artists. Bear & Pieces has put out a plethora of limited-run releases, and is the focal point of Lost Ghosts. Chris Day is the entirety of Bear & Pieces, and also a member of Witch Hat.

Chris's solo project is full of swirling melodies, ambient bedroom soundscapes at their purest. With looping guitar churns that fade in and out, rich layers are often dwarfed by blissful simplicity. While diving into Wisdom Has No Gaurd and the digital "Allison" single are recommended, Rooples : Query portrays his work in a very appealing light.

This disc is highly limited with only 30 pressings available, and features three hefty tracks from the late summer of 2007. One might assume Chris utilized the common practice of laptop editing, a standard with most lo fi bedroom artists these days. But, Rooples : Query is amazingly all recorded straight to tape. This provides just enough sunny analog fuzz, and leaves the work to bare all of it's natural essence.

These tracks are highly recommended when in need of some heavy zoning out, and are the perfect accomplice to any need for late night inspiration. The sound bites mixed into his other works are enjoyable, particularly when the "sky falls" on Wisdom Has No Guard. But the stripped down nature of this release is truly hypnotic, and quite beautiful.

You can find some of the Bear & Pieces releases as free downloads over at the Lost Ghosts blog, including a recording of his set opening up for Ponytail at Floristee in 2008. Splurging the five bucks for any of these albums is an obvious choice, and do be sure to check out some of their other fine artists.

Photo Review: Ween at Rams Head

Photos by Chrissy

This review was tag teamed by eager and excited Ween newbie Mike Caggeso and resident Ween veteran Matt Weinschenk. Photos by the always talented Chrissy.

My brief indoctrination of Ween going into this consisted of listening to seminal album “Chocolate & Cheese” and their hilarious Pizza Hut jingles. I expected a heavy, groovy dirge dripping with something goofy – be it a lyric or a wanky riff. Like, really wanky.

Ween delivered exactly that, but a hundred times over. Ween not only plays its own flavor of everything between metal and country, but they wear a shit-eating grin all the while. I couldn’t help but laugh after every stewy tune, but the kind of chuckle after hearing a well-crafted, well-executed joke.

Credit that to the band’s quarter-century experience. The drum fills thundering under twin guitar solos in “Buckingham Green” were fucking glorious. And Gene Ween is a resilient vocalist – channeling the high pitch of Rush’s Geddy Lee then belting out low, deep groans at the drop of a hat.

Two hours and 40 minutes later, the band wrapped a set list that would make a Guided By Voices fan shudder. It didn’t take long to get Ween, but the sheer ferocity of their live shows makes leads me to think Ween is more accessible live than via your speakers.

Ween has openly stated that they get road weary on tour and after Gene Ween’s health problems cause him to cancel much of his GeneWeen Band tour, I was worried they may not be at the top of their game. But, they certainly delivered last night at Rams Head.

Because of Ween’s genre-hopping style and oddball lyrics, they often get demoted to a “novelty” band, for lack of a better term. But live performances show how hard they rock… they just have fun doing it.

They played a wide-ranging set-list from GodWeenSatan: The Oneness tunes all the way up to Quebec. At audience request, they played a quick rendition of “Boy’s Club” even though Dean claimed, “We played it once live… And it sucked.” They followed it with my favorite live Ween song, “Buckingham Green,” which is so great in person my non-Ween acquainted friend immediately asked the name of it.

Drummer Claude Coleman amazes me every time, they always pick a killer set-list, and they always deliver on the energy. If you only know Ween from “Push the Little Daisies”, you’ll have a new respect for them if you catch their next show.

Photo Review: Whartscape 2009 Day Two

Photos by Valerie

Oh, Whartscape. I've already shared my love for Friday and Sunday's happenings, and alas we now have a ton of visuals for Saturday. Day two in the MICA parking lot was more than solid, with a wide array of sounds and vibes.

I stumbled up just in time for The Art Department, a band that I've yet to check out live. Their songs left me confused, as I knew they were played all wrong yet I was oddly attracted to them. Their knack for creating quirky pop songs backwards and upside down was truly unique, leaving me repulsed yet wanting more all at once.

Weekends rocked from the pavement, playing right in the middle of the early crowd as they prefer. One of Baltimore's best new bands, they sounded as tight as ever surely winning over some new fans. Sporting some new songs called "Roomate" and "Raingirls", I was pleasantly surprised that these new jams were readily available in CDR form. The new EP is called Suburban Dome, and it comes highly recommended.

The Woes bluesy New Orleans style rock were a welcome surprise, as was the marching band shenanigans of the What Cheer! Brigade. This was a full on marching band that completely stormed Station North, leaving nothing but dancing Whartscapers in their wake. Certainly a new twist on the collegiate sport genre, and a whole mess of fun.

Sick Weapons were fantastic and rocked pretty hard, almost as hard as Vincent Black Shadow. These guys completely leveled the crowd, scorching from all angles with their brand of psychedelic punk metal. Vincent Black Shadow completely ripped it, leaving you feeling all kinds of rowdy and wanting more. A stellar addition to the lineup.

This concludes our Whartscape 2009 coverage. Much thanks to Wham City for putting together such an awesome event, and here's hoping for many more years to come.

Photos: Handsome Furs at the Ottobar

Photos by Valerie

Amidst all of the other fantastic commotion last weekend, the Handsome Furs played the Ottobar Saturday night. Above is the photo set from what I'm told was a pretty great show by the Sub Pop husband and wife duo.

Their new album Face Control was a much more upbeat step in the right direction for the Montreal outfit, and it looks like they are having some fun with it. The banter toward the crowd was said to be goofy and fun, and of course the tunes on point.

Review: The Dead Weather & Screaming Females

Photo Credit: Jimmy's Cell Phone

Fans of Jack White are well aware that it's probably a good idea to follow him into whatever endeavor he chooses. His latest project, The Dead Weather, is no exception.

Their debut album, Horehound, was released Tuesday, a day in which they also played night two of a sold out stint at the 930 Club. Fans of one of the greatest guitarist of our time ascended upon Northwest D.C., to see him play drums.

Yes, Jack White is the drummer of The Dead Weather. But fear not, Dean Fertita can rip it, Jack Lawrence is a solid bassist, and man oh man... Alison Mosshart.

While Jack White was the object of the audience's affection, Alison Mosshart surely turned heads. She twisted and wailed her way throught the set, seeming as if locking eyes might be the death of any spectator. Jaws dropped and hearts were broken. She was a fantastic entertainer, and had quite the set of pipes.

The supergroup headlined an incredible evening, sounding louder and crisper than any other performance I've witnessed at the 930 Club. The foursome grinded out an hour's worth of some of Jack White's most reckless bluesy garage rock jams. The man of the hour even gave up his drums for a chance at guitar, thus filling the hopes of the masses.

New Jersey's Screaming Females opened, and I for one couldn't think of a better trio for the job. Only consisting of one female, the name still suits them, as she has the power of about 20 females. Marissa Paternoster shreds the guitar harder than Kyle Boller used to hit the ground. She bent the guitar in ways I never thought possible, and produced a fury of sound that made every solo an adventure to look forward to. She can sing to, all coming complete in a package that couldn't have been any taller than five feet.