We clued you in awhile back on FYF Festival, happening on September fourth, I’m rehashing the juicy bits below:

In its seventh year running and its second at Los Angeles Historic State Park, the festival includes performances by The Rapture, Panda Bear, Sleep, !!!, Man Man, Delorean, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Cold Cave, Washed Out, Wavves, School of Seven Bells, Best Coast, Warpaint, and much more. It’s truly a solid lineup from top to bottom and should be a no-brainer event you must attend.

The above image, naturally, contains the set times for the day. A couple of conflicts, but what did you expect from a one day festival with so many great artists? Also, Local Natives and Dead Man’s Bones were added! After the initial lineup, the full schedule is very impressive. The Rapture coming on late at night to cap off the day sounds perfect to me although Ariel Pink does have a certain allure. The sub-headliners of Big Fredia, Panda Bear, and Delorean are yet another tough choice. Decisions…decisions.

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Delorean - Stay Close [MP3]

If you were holding out on getting a ticket, and if you need FURTHER convincing, FYF Festival is hooking you up with a Back to School Sale. That’s right, buy 4 get one free. That averages out to $24 dollars, $6 dollars cheaper than a full priced ticket and only $4 more than the presale. We have plenty of numbers to share, so don’t worry.

A number like 21 is special to all of us for various obvious reasons. But to the rest of the world, your big day in the sun falls short. But if your name happens to be Matador and you’ve ushered in a whole wave of music that’s shaped the landscape of culture…well, you sort of pay attention. Any advanced ticket to FYF Festival gets thrown into an Ultimate Raffle. The prize? A 4-pack of tickets WITH hotel to the Matador 21 event in Las Vegas which features performances by Pavement, Sonic Youth, Guided by Voices, Belle and Sebastian, Cat Power, Spoon, Yo La Tengo, and mucho mas. Click here for your ticket needs.

Minutes ago, Hey Champ offered free high-quality access to two hot new remixes of their not-so-new track “Neverest.” Treasure Fingers and Database are both on quite a streak. It appears that they never rest…

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Hey Champ - Neverest (Database Remix) [MP3]

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Hey Champ - Neverest (Treasure Fingers Remix) [MP3]

Darker My Love’s third album Alive As You Are was officially released by Dangerbird Records on Tuesday. And on that warm evening, our ears were treated to the entire album along with a few other tunes at the tiny and dark Bootleg Theatre.

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Darker My Love - Rain Party [MP3] off Alive As You Are

Before the festivities commenced, Tim Presley (lead vocals, guitar, writer, soft-spoken, very cool guy) came out to smoke and chatted with me and another guy who Presley recognized from previous shows. Presley, upon learning that tickets cost $14, was bothered. He said it should have been $10. Now, hearing DML live is worth much more than $14, but “it’s a lot of money,” Presley said. Could I like him any more?

Having heard a few tracks off the new album beforehand, I was aware that it was a different direction for DML-–the right one. It has definitely been a growth period for them, as is quite apparent in not only the emotional lyrics (which stem from difficult experiences in the past couple of years), but the overall musical arrangements and feel, too. DML is a family and they are inviting you over to hang.

Around 10:30 p.m., the floor was filled with eager music lovers to hear the new baby. Presley, Rob Barbato (vocals, bass, writer, bearded dude, jokester), Jared Everett (guitar, obviously works out), Will Canzonerti (keyboards, wish I got a picture of him, but there was no light on him) and Dan Allaire (intense drummer and also with Brian Jones Massacre) all come together as one solid unit. The first three songs were shots over the fence. “18th Street Shuffle” especially caught my attention. The entire set–including past hits “Blue Day” and “Even In Your Lightest Day”–was met with cheers.

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Darker My Love - She Lives (In a Time of Her Own) [MP3] (cover off The Psychedelic Sounds Of The Sonic Cathedral: A Tribute To Roky Erickson And The 13th Floor Elevators

DML’s sound did not completely change. It’s just now topped with layers of emotional lyrics, fresh guitar grooves and a much tighter, fresher sound.

While it was difficult to hear the beautiful words of the new tracks, DML should be proud of the show and their new work. Catch them when they are back in town opening for Band of Horses at the Greek on September 24 and 25 (tickets) and watch for further updates on their blog at darkermydudes.blogspot.com.

Please also note that openers Pet My Saddle and Wounded Lion kicked ass.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW
continue reading "Live From LA: Darker My Love at Bootleg Theatre (Review, Photos)"

The almost-never-political Billy Corgan gets political in a just-released new Smashing Pumpkins track, “Freak.” Check it out:

Smashing Pumpkins - Freak

During their first-ever U.S. tour, Aussie sensation Empire of the Sun played four sold-out shows in LA last week (August 11-14). These were shows that many (including yours truly) have been anticipating since they were announced. I danced at two of them.

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Empire Of The Sun - Standing On The Shore [MP3]

EOTS duo Luke Steele (of The Sleepy Jackson) and his album partner Nick Littlemore (of Pnau) released their debut album Walking on a Dream in 2008, so we were quite familiar with some of the tunes. Unfortunately, Littlemore isn’t touring and it would have been nice to see him there.

Bring on the colors! I’m drug-free, but boy did I feel like I was on an acid trip during this show. A huge backdrop of ever-changing visual effects complemented Steele and company, whose dramatic makeup and bright costumes captured everyone’s attention. This was a full-out orchestrated event where a lot of hard work paid off.

Four barefoot female dancers wearing unique masks and dressed in dazzling unitards walked gracefully out in front of Luke Steele, who stood on a risen platform surrounded by keyboards, while playing guitar. The dancers had a costume change for almost every song. My favorite look: what I call “the fishchicks.”

Steele had a wardrobe that would make all my boys in West Hollywood jealous. At one point, Steele even rolled up in a wheelchair sporting a huge clock around his neck. During the final show, he gave the clock to a fan in the front saying “here’s a little Flavor Flav.” Steele, as Hollywood’s shogun warrior, seemed much more comfortable on stage the final night. I’m not sure if they tweaked some sound, but his voice was much clearer this time around.

You know that Vizio commercial that has a song that sounds a lot like the Pet Shop Boys? EOTS’s “We are the People” was the third song of the brief 50-minute set with electronic/psychedelic sounds that commanded the entire theatre. This was a dance party and also a show you might call “Cirque du Steele.”

The floor was vibrating with heavy bass and I saw the packed house sway with grins on many faces. During the show, Steele made the night of three fans who drove from Washington by stating “nice shirt,” approving of their new EOTS t-shirts.

As I eventually made my way to the back of the room to have another angle, I noticed that the crowd in the back was not talking. Everyone was completely captivated.

“Walking on a Dream” was definitely the highlight of the night.

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Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream [MP3]

I hope they come visit us Yanks again.

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP
continue reading "Live From LA: Empire of the Sun at The Music Box (Photos, Review)"

Oh Jelly, you really outdid yourself this time. First, the weather on Sunday was gorgeous. Granted, Jelly doesn’t control the weather, but still…nice weather makes life better. Next, walking to the Williamsburg Waterfront, you could tell something was happening. People were coming in waves and before 2 p.m., the line was around three blocks long.

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Cut Copy - Nobody Lost, Nobody Found [MP3]

The cause for this was Cut Copy, who, after playing Lollapalooza one day prior, would play their only American show outside of Chicago at this week’s installment of Jelly’s “pool parties.” Fans were not disappointed as the whole day was jam-packed with great dance tunes. The crowd was beyond enthusiastic, destroying the myth that hipsters don’t dance. What could you say, other than that it was a perfect outdoor music experience.

Restless People kicked off the day and it was a great opener. The two members of Tanlines are in the band, adding a great tropical nuance to the music. If this band was not on your radar, they should be. Their sound is effortless and flowing with an irresistible dance hook. They also add some fun wrinkles that come out of left field, bring a smile to your face as the band hits a note you didn’t expect.

Glasser took things down a notch — less dance, more art — but it was a perfectly enjoyable set. Cameron Mesirow, with a backing band she just started playing with, has an aloof, abstract charm to her and the music is layered and buoyant. Mesirow’s vocals are reminiscent of the moment we are living in and she channels mood well. The set was good although it could have gotten lost in the dance shuffle.

House DJ’s for the day, Punches, delighted the crowd. Bringing a mix of bangers and tried and true favorites, the trio was great at hyping the crowd up and dropping the right beats to get the crowd in a frenzy. Between each set, it was a veritable dance party and most people left satisfied by the “secondary” entertainment.

Memory Tapes were fantastic. Kicking off with “Bicycle,” the whole set was a musical collage, bringing themes and sounds back. It all weaved together, and just felt right. The indie disco was mellow, smooth, and the band set up Cut Copy to slay the crowd. The live drummer and Dayve Hawk’s guitar skills help extend the tracks and made them more than just the standard dance fare.

Finally, with only an hour of sleep between them and Lollapalooza, Cut Copy delivered a triumphant closing set. The Waterfront was beyond crowded, the sea of people just seemed to be endless and everyone was dancing! “Lights and Music” started the set, and of course the crowd went crazy.

The hits never seemed to end and the band never relented. The band stuck mostly to In Ghost Colours with a few new tracks thrown in. Although not as lush as the songs off of In Ghost Colours, I was left feeling optimistic with the the new tracks. “Blink and You Will Miss the Revolution” was a new tack that stood out and will be their next single. “Epically epic” is what I think the kids are saying these days, and it is quite fitting for Cut Copy’s headlining set.

Cut Copy Setlist:
Lights and Music
Far Away
Where I’m Going
That Was Just a Dream
Feel the Love
Alisa
So Haunted
Visions
Nobody Lost, Nobody Found
Blink and You’ll Miss The Revolution
Hearts on Fire
Encore:
Sands of Time
Out There on the Ice

Gogol Bordello and the outdoors go hand in hand. Playing a supporting set at the Williamsburg Waterfront, it was an early start but there was quite the crowd on hand to witness these purveyors of gypsy punk. The band’s effortless energy, oozing stage presence,and punk spirit make them fantastic headliners and troublesome support. Can you really top their outlandish performance? There is barely a lull in Gogol Bordello’s set and Eugene Hutz is the perfect ringleader for this circus. As much attention Hutz gets, and it is well deserved, the rest of the band gives Gogol its soul.

The band kicked things off with a nice intro followed by “Ultimate” off of Super Taranta!, a perfect introduction to the band’s spirited live show. “Not a Crime” continued the good vibes and it was apparent that a massive party among friends was happening when “Wanderlust King” completed the trifecta of early hits.

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Gogol Bordello - Pala Tute [MP3]

Gogol Bordello just released Trans-Continental Hustle and the album was well represented. “My Companjera”, “Trans-Continental Hustle”, and “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher)” were the first new songs to be played and it only furthered the live experience. With a great mix of old and new, Gogol Bordello definitely pleased the fans.

Basking in the 6:30pm sun, the breeze is heaven-sent and the setting sun over the city is gorgeous. The Waterfront held its own and the sound system was lound and handled the noise. The vocals came through clear and the music was vibrant and never muddled. Hutz was the efferevescent host to the revelry and luckily the headliner was headliner was Primus, a band more than capable to follow the act. If you haven’t seen Gogol Bordello yet, it is an experience that transcends their recorded material. More pics, including one of the setlist, below.

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP
continue reading "Live Review: Gogol Bordello at the Williamsburg Waterfront"

There’s no turning back now.

After exhausting hard work and toil, playing every tiny, dark, sticky, stinky venue in LA and beyond since 2004 — Silverlake’s own Silversun Pickups finally headlined the beautiful outdoor venue of the Greek Theater. SSPU kicked off their own headlining tour after opening for Muse this year.

SSPU wasn’t the only hometown band playing Friday night. The good-time feeling The Henry Clay People busted out the messy wavy hair and plaid as fans started gathering in from their expensive beer runs. Playing some catchy tunes from Somewhere on the Golden Coast was the perfect way to get the party started. Where’s my PBR?

As jaded as we can be, LA warmly welcomed Floridian’s Against Me! who turned things way up to get some heads banging and bodies moving. Tom Gabel and company tore it up on the guitars and set the bar for our darlings SSPU. Where’s my Jameson?

Finally, our family of Brian Aubert (lead vocals/guitar), Nikki Monninger (vocals/bass), Joe Lester (keyboards) and Christopher Guanlao (drums) took their places in front of a simple backdrop with changing solid colors. Guanlao’s drumkit was set high on a riser so we could witness his head and hair moving in constant rhythm to his pounding beats.

Kicking off the set was “Growing Old is Getting Old” followed by hit “Well Thought Out Twinkles.” After grinning ear-to-ear for five songs, Aubert then addressed his hometown crowd by stating “Holy Fuck! Please excuse the glee that is fucking coming out of our pores. We’re a little excited. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Aubert was truly humbled by the outpouring of applause and cheers as people finally stood up during “Little Lovers So Polite.” Distorted guitar riffs and passionate vocals on “Future Foe Scenario” provoked the crowd to go nuts during Aubert’s screams.

Aubert spoke again, letting us know he wasn’t kidding how truly humbled they were. “Honestly, this is really really fucking insane for us.“ They never possibly imagined it would end here because they had been to the Greek so many times as fans. Aubert pointed out to the people trying to get in the pit — “eventually you’ll get in.” “I can smell the weed”, to the people in the trees behind the theater, “I was that guy” recalling being in the trees for Radiohead.

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Silversun Pickups - Panic Switch [MP3] off the album Swoon

Now that I felt like I was at a family reunion, “Panic Switch” had everyone up dancing and singing straight through “Lazy Eye” which rounded out the set.

Upon return for the encore, Aubert asked the crowd to be quiet as Nikki has a joke. “Want to hear Nikki’s joke?” As Nikki spoke in her soft, sweet voice “Is there a snake doctor in the house?” as she flexes her biceps. “Cuz these pythons are sick.” She then gently kisses each one. Yep, Nikki definitely is a sick bass player and we love her.

Although it’s standard for most bands to play their biggest hits as the encore, I’m glad SSPU didn’t. “Substitution” and “Common Reactor” brought the end to our little fairytale. As Aubert left the stage, he sat down near the monitors and looked up at the crowd beaming. He kept scooting back, playing with us by peeking around to make sure it was really happening, taking it in. Yes, SSPU, it really happened. Where’s my champagne?

Setlist:
Growing Old is Getting Old
Well Thought Out Twinkles
Sort Of
There’s No Secrets This Year
The Royal We
Little Lovers So Polite
It’s Nice to Know You Work Alone
Future Foe Scenario
Kissing Families
Catch & Release
Panic Switch
Lazy Eye

Encore:
Substitution
Common Reactor

MORE PHOTOS OF AGAINST ME! AND THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE AFTER THE JUMP
continue reading "The View From LA: Silversun Pickups at The Greek"

What started as a day full of trepidation ended in a night of celebration. All throughout the day the forecast was for rain. Things were either gloomy or doomed for Metric’s headlining set at Prospect Park but as the hours passed and the sun was still out it became apparent that rain was not going to be a factor tonight. With a clear conscience, fans packed the park and ravenously devoured Metric’s electric headlining set.

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Metric - Help I’m Alive [MP3]

To preface things, a band with amazing fans will make any night special. As Metric’s set time approached, the park started to get crowded quite quickly. Looking back from the stage, there seemed to be barely any empty space and those nearest to the stage were rapt in awe of seeing their favorite band. When Metric started the set with “Black Sheep” the crowd roared in approval as Emily Haines prowled around the stage and with the help of James Shaw on guitar, Joshua Winstead on bass, and Joules Scott Key on drums created a thunderous racket.

Metric live is a living, breathing animal with muscle and bite backing up each track. The pop craft of their records are intact and helped propel each song while the chemistry between the members was on display and was engaging to watch. It’s hard to keep your eyes off of Haines as she roams around or centers herself behind her synth. Her facial expressions and enthusiasm gives away how much she likes to perform and the fans reciprocated with gusto.

Metric deliver on record and on stage. The music is loud and the band does not shy away from being bold and that spirited sense of abandon is what draws fans to Metric time and time again and makes converting the uninitiated rather easy.

Metric Setlist
Black Sheep
Satellite Mind
Help I’m Alive
Empty
Gold Guns Girls
Gimme Sympathy
Sick Muse
Dead Disco
Stadium Love
Monster Hospital
Combat Baby

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP
continue reading "Live Review: Metric ‘Celebrate Brooklyn’ at Prospect Park"

Currently embarking on 3 residencies, this quintet from Newport Beach (fka The Jakes) is a rising powerhouse that I don’t think will stop anytime soon. Although the members are 21 or younger, Young the Giant members Sameer Gadhia, Payam Doostzadeh, Jacob Tilley, Francois Comtois and Eric Cannata come together as a very focused band with solid arrangements and guitar riffs. Gadhia’s smooth voice has complete ownership over songs like “Guns Out,” “My Body,” and “Cough Syrup.”

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Young The Giant - My Body [MP3]

The band has just finished their first full length album with Grammy Award winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Shins, My Morning Jacket) to be released on Roadrunner Records. Their three residencies are continuing throughout August, you can catch them at the following dates below:

Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour, (8/8, 8/15, 8/22 and 8/29)
Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar (8/4, 8/11 and 8/18)
San Diego, CA @ Casbah (8/16, 8/23 and 8/30)