Thursday, May 15, 2014

RBR: The Iowan Redemption - Lipstick Homicide - Out Utero

I've been loving digging into Minneapolis' local music scene, and believe me, there is more to come on that front. However, I must stress that local music support doesn't stop at local to me, and with that in mind, I'm checking out a band from my home state of Iowa.

Pictured: The birth place of awesome! (Awesome is me!)

Lipstick Homicide hales from Iowa City, or since as a former Iowan I'm actually familiar with the greater Iowa City metro area (Hehe), Coralville. I know very little about them other than they are a female fronted punk band and come suggested by the coolest kid I know:

God, that's a sexy plume.

I trust his musical tastes, and judging from a quick glance at song titles and length, I'm confident Out Utero will be filled with plenty of punk gems. 

Not to mention this cover is simply beautiful.

I'm on a tight budget this week, so I'm rocking some Franzia. It pains me a little when I know there are some great Iowa vineyards, but when you're broke, you can't beat 5 liters for under $15 (God, I'm classy). With cheap ass wine and some Iowan punk music in hand, on to the review!

Album:

Alcohol:

"This Time For Real" opens us up with a bang and drive right in to a punk feel. Messy, but in an awesome way, and I like the guitar lead behind the vocals. Nice harmonies too. It has a this great pretty, pretty train wreck sound, and I can dig it. The little guitar lines are simple, but great. There is no slowing at all either. Love it. The little drop to guitar and voice at the end was really cool too.

"I Hope You Die" comes in with high energy and punk pacing, but feels a little more subtle than it's predecessor. I mean... It's not subtle at all, but it's less not subtle... Does that make sense? Doesn't matter. The song is cool, and already over.

"So Happy For You" gives a small pace break. They moved from high energy punk, to slightly less high energy punk in a slowing trend that is okay. This song really just feels more pop punk, but manages to retain better edge than most pop punk. The vocals get a little shaky here, but I won't ask for perfection considering the genre. Fun tune, but the first two were better.

Guitars bring us into"Rockerchick", another pop punk tune. This one reading a little cliched female punk song, but it's still fun and bouncy, and I find the cliche scores more believable here than in any Avril Lavinge(Sp?) tune. Solid track.

Guitars bring a more muted open to "What I'm Searching For". This tune is a little more of a pop punk stretch. As with the previous, it's bouncy, but not overly aggressive, but I really like the halfassed-ish finish to lines of vocals. It's so fitting. Cool little drop out there.. This whole album is moving much faster than my fingers... That's okay with me. =)

Guitar and voice bring us into "Say It To My Face". There are so many cool things happening here. Super high energy (Ofcourse) and The guitars open up here  more. Kinda... In any event, I like it. The scream at the end could use some work, but I appreciate the effort.

Transistion into "Full Throttle" is nice, and the tune itself flows nicely. Shit. Poured some wine and half this song went by. Cool call and repeat vocals, I love the bass movement, and shit... Fun.

"I Don't Wanna Be Here Anymore" opens aggressively and doesn't slow. I really love the vocals. Like, they work on so many levels. And although the album feels textbook punky, it's excited amazingly. Dear god, I'm not sure how the bassist still has fingers or how the drummer has arms. Beautiful.

"Vampire Club, Pt. II" comes in breaking the pace down. Again, only slightly. I'm not sure if I'm missing anything from Pt. I (or if there is a Pt I), but I dig the tune. The vocals get shaky here again. I really think there is a fall off when she tries to go more "pretty" sounding. She needs the edge. I can relate. I sincerely hope this is an indication of the direction of the Iowa music scene.

"Declaration of Codependence" was good. And short.

And ramping up the energy is "Who Stole Molly's Bike". A very standard punk tune, but done great. My fingers are so lost... My mind keeps hearing things and they don't know what to type... I love that little near collapse instrumental part. God, this is so messy, and I love it!

"Rather Disappear" comes in as another pop punk tune. Vocals strong and fun here. This album would be a great road trip disc. So goddamn high energy and fun. Song is killer.

And another super transition into "Doin Nothin". This tune is were I'm getting a little worn. Maybe it's because I like the--wait, that little hardish part brought me back. Yes, I'm still good.

Closing the disc is "Like This Forever" and it's so slow and dry... Not really, another nice punk track. I could say how they strike me as a one trick pony, but when that one trick is so awesome, it would hardly be a complaint. And a solo? Yes. And with great punk taste. I can, and do, dig. A lot. Great close!

Final Thoughts:
Phew! I'm exhausted, and just made it through a 14 track album with only a buzz. I'd complain, but I'm satisfied. Oh, so satisfied. Thank you, Lipstick Homicide, for redeeming Iowa. Never stop doing what you do.

-Badhorse

Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on Facebook! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my Twitter! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's chat! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for EMURG.com.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

A First Listen Before First Ave! Vaudeville - The Masquerade: Part 1

Take a long, hard look at these lovable, talented FUCKS! (Credit)

These guys are some of my best friends. They were my doorway into the Minneapolis music scene when I first moved here, and that goofy looking guy in the suspenders? That is my best friend. I mentioned before how awesome local music can be; these guys are the reason for me. 

Their first album, which was out before I met them, has it's ups and downs, and while very average in production, 2009's Dismantle The Sky had more than enough solid tracks to get me hooked. Then came Vendetta (2012). I was present for some of the writing of this disc and was super stoked for it's release. The release show is, to this day, the best local show I've ever witnessed. Now, we are on the verge of another release from this Minneapolis quintet, and with it, what promises to be a most epic show. The release show is to be held at the historic First Avenue. I've not known of a local show there since my moving here, and the venue itself is amazing. I've heard only one track off of this new album, and I'm so goddamn anxious to hear the rest.

With all the lace on that mask, this disc HAS to be badass!

Now, before you assume that I'm some blind fan boy that will rave just to rave, it should be noted that as with all my reviews, honesty will prevail. I will set forth Vendetta's "Treason" as a track that I have found, and will always fine, blah. Good music is good music, and while there is a precedent with these guys to impress, I will ultimately be judging the album and not the band itself.

Since they are sponsoring the show, I've got some Summit EPA to accompany the disc, and because I'm shaking with anticipation (And quite possibly an addict's need for more booze), let me blab no more! On to the review!

Album:

Alcohol:

"Masquerade Intro", while lazily named, opens us up with an erie aesthetic of carnival-ish music, thunder, and marching cadence. Bells toll and a final rumble of thunder takes us into the disc.

Vocals open on "With Loaded Guns" kicking into a super badass blues rock riff before backing into a groove-esque lower feeling verse. The vocals have and interesting chorus affect, but I'm intrigued to hear minimal delay. The riff opens us back up into the chorus, and you can hear some tell tale Schara-esque guitar effects in the back ground. Second verse lower feeling again, but with a little growth. Nice. Definitely on the groovy side over all on this track, and this is the side of Vaudeville I can't get enough of. While it doesn't sound the SAME, it definitely captures tones of Vendetta's "Hideaway". God, that chorus riff is just badass as all hell. Great first (real) track!

"I'll Follow You" opens with a nice acoustic guitar. A little clean solo... The song is interesting, but definitely is giving an almost pop feel. Not that that's terrible, but it provides a very interestedly harsh contrast to it's predecessor. The chorus is an interesting low key-yet-aggressive-ish sound. It's pretty cool, but over all I'm a little blah on this track.I think the layered vocals in the chorus were a good idea, but the mixing gives them a feel that's a little... Weird? I don't know... I'm definitely not sold on this one...

Here we are at the one track I've heard: "Through Bright Red Skies". Guitar effects open, and a sexy bass groove brings us in. There is this little guitar line that gives such a sexy tag on that bass line. The vocals are soft-ish with a hidden aggression, and the whole track lets you know it's about to unleash hell. And here it comes! Such a great aggressive stop dn start chorus. And back into the pure sex that is that verse. This song deserves a cigarette. Mmm... music smoke. Ooh. Transistion into a VERY Schara solo. Perfectly fitting to the song. Aggressive pounding to finish it off... Hot.

Slowing it sown out of that is "Into The Blue". Opens on acoustic and voice. This song, again, has a slight pop-esque feel, but the production is a little nice on this one.Cool stop there. This is scores ahead of "I'll Follow You". Simple, but elegant. Dropping... Into a build? Maybe, but regardless, I love the vocal melodies here. Ooo. Nice growth... Guitars making a push... so subtle, but sooo there! Into a nice payoff. Driving us onward. Adding a nice bite to the beautiful vocals... And drop off... Awesome. some nice bass licks from Mr. Kosel. Cool.

Guitar and drums open our closer, "Where Darkness Lies". Vocals add to this sexy darkness. Again, such a quiet anticipation is created, and when it opens up, the pay off is awesome. Chorus brings us back around to that killer verse... Builds nicely back into the second chorus. I really love the lyrics in the chorus. The guitar interplay is awesome. builds.. Drops... Bass... And heres the guitar... Way cool feel here... Reminicent of the 28 Weeks Later theme. Sooo cool. Building. Those guitars are just icing to open up... Building awesomely! Mr's Vaudeville, I'm ready for my cumshot... =P Still building. So much whoa... Drops on voice and... Oh shit. Nothing... But, like... And amazing nothing... Like, I was all ready, and then they disappeared and I'm left. Covered in rock splooge, and feeling... Satisfied. Oh, so satisfied.

Final Thoughts:
So, as with Vendetta, there is a single track, that is glaringly not great for me, but the placement is great, because it's sandwiched between a killer opener, and a powerful middle track, I can practically forget it as soon as it ends. That being said, killer effort from what is, in my opinion, THE premier Minneapolis band. From the eerie intro taking us into "With Loaded Guns" to the powerful vanishing act of the close of "Where Darkness Lies", The Masquerade is a ride everyone needs to take themselves on.

It should be noted, I will soon be doing a more "official" write up of this disc on EMURG (Link below), and I will be present at the May 17th Release Show at First Ave. Find me, say "Hi... You're blog is the single best authority on music I've ever read." Seriously say all of that. I might buy you a drink (Not happening, I'm poor).

-Badhorse

Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on Facebook! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my Twitter! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's chat! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency, I also write for EMURG.com.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Modern Kick! - Double Review: The Modern Era - Holiday EP & Kick - Away From The World

I'm so excited for MAY! Yeah, there's Spring (which is taking way to long to fully arrive),  the NFL Draft (Go Chiefs!), and the continuing forth season of Game of Thrones(Is anyone else happy about what happened to Joffery?); but what has me beyond fucking pumped is the local music coming out this month!

Local music is such a beautiful thing too many fail to cherish until it has withered into shitty bar cover bands and overly heavy high school metal bands. I've seen it happen (I used to live in Iowa). This is why everyone should support local music! Find a band that you enjoy. MEET them! Hang with them! That's the beauty of it all. You can enjoy not only the sounds they produce, but the people behind the music. You can experience shows with the bands. Experience their rises and falls. All of this with people creating amazing things right in your own city. Local music is a beautiful privilege, but as will all privileges, it can be taken away. Cherish it NOW! (End lecture)

The point of that lecture is that there are two amazing bands that I am reviewing tonight that I have been around for a while. With each one, I saw them. Loved the music, and later met the members of the respective groups, and now have a connection to them. The first, The Modern Era, I first saw as Machine 22 while playing a show with them in my old-shitty punk band. Since that time, they've sort of rebranded themselves, but are still cranking out killer tunes and shows. The second, Kick, I saw after a friend told me about them. It was a show in the back room of a coffee shop, and I will never forget it. The energy alone was electric, and although front man, Jake Kemble, has promised a more varied showing on Away From The World, I'm sure I will love it. (It should also be known that Kick abandoned Iowa for a more lively music scene in MPLS. Let that in itself be a lesson to all on supporting your local bands!)

What a fine group of young gents!

I am beyond excited for this; I even went out and got a Sierra Nevada IPA sampler because if I'm doing multiple bands, why not have multiple beers? (I mean multiple kinds. I ALWAYS have multiple beers.) 
What are they looking at?

Now, let it be known that just because I love these bands and the people in them doesn't mean I'm going easy on them. If there are things I don't enjoy, they will be known (The beer will see to that); however, I have a feeling they won't disappoint. Now that I've tried a few of my IPA options, I do believe I'm ready to quit yapping and start rocking (But you know, while still yapping), so on to the review!

Album (#1):

Alcohol:

Holiday opens up with "Like A Hot Knife". Guitars come in nice and bouncy before the drums push us into a nice little guitar solo. As the song settles into the verse, I hear Mr. Jack Swaggers smexy voice. The song definitely has a garage-y punk sound, and the little guitar solos are nice. The song as a whole is nice and bouncy, and oh, I loved that little stop and shout thing. Nothing earth shaking about what's happening, but what is happening is awesome. Fun tune.

The disc pushes right into"Everyone We Know Is A Ghost". This track has a little darker feel even though the intro still retains a bit of bouncy. Okay, here we are settling in the verse. As the song moves on it is a slightly slower tune. The guitar moving in the background of the chorus is a nice touch. I love the movement of the tune. And the stripped down verses growing through out and into the chorus. Well done. I love the use of gang vocals here and there. It really speaks to my inner punk kid. Really cool driving finish.

Thaaaat sets us right into "Are You Sure?" a killer punk tune. The guitars keep moving with a cool little duel line. The chorus is short and sweet, but nice. Second verse drops to fuzz bass with guitar accents. I like the change up. Sweet.

Slower to open the closer and title track: "Holiday". Nice movement from bouncy verse into slower pre chorus. This tune has a definite retro feel. I dig it a lot. Some nice "Do-Whaaas" I like. Cool track.

Final Thoughts:
Although it's a small showing, The Modern Era definitely gives a sense of diversity on Holiday. The disc is nice and fun without coming across as fluffy. My only reservation is that it was hardly long enough for this beer to really take hold. I'm hoping for a full length effort sometime soon. Please?

Album (#2):

Alcohol:
See above

"Electric Love" opens us up with a sound of... A record? Moves nicely into a drumbeat, and the guitars fly in before dropping into the verse. Supre high energy here. Nice movement right into the fun chorus. Killer solo to fill in there. The vocals are nice and fun. Hooks are abound. And I love the little tags here and there like the scream before the second chorus. Drop to bass... Ooo.. Gimme that guitar. Building.... Scream, and a nice open up. Beatiful. Killeer.

Moving right along, the guitar opens up "Sick Religion". The song has anise funk rock feel. The vocals stay nice and hooky--holy shit that was the coolest interlude thingy EVER! Weird little speaky thingy, and back into that funk rock verse. And giving me that badass driving interlude. Sick. Dropping to drums and guitar ringing out. And now, guitar and voice... Building... Ooooooooo. Scream! And halftime interlude... Cool. Love it.

"Miricles" slows us down a bit in the open, but then, the electric guitar coms in giving us a little bit of bit. Drops to voice and bass. Growing as the guitar comes in. Beautiful movement and composition there. The song has so many rises and falls, but it doesn't feel jerky in them. Lyrically, it flirts with cheesiness with out ever really getting there, and in fact, hits nicely because of it. Nice drop to acoustic with and electric solo. Growing back into the Oooo-Ooo. Part. Nice pause in the final chorus really pushing things bigger. Nice.

"don't Let it bee" comes in with guitar,a nd bass. And takes off as the drums come in. Dropping down for the verse. The bass keeping things moving though. The vocals by contrast drawing out. And then moving a bit faster.. Build... Drop to guitar and voice..... And bam! Super hooky, and fun. Back into the verse. Very similar here. Voice a little shaky there, and felt rushed, but thoughts of that are washed away by the chorus. Very nice. Nice pouch into the final chorus. Love it.

Another final/title track, "Away From The World" opens with voice and guitar. there is a really cool delay effect happening. The song settles into a nice but VERY slow groove. The guitar showing very different colors here And really, this track drops the enter--nevermind, the bass is coming in. Driving... Awesome pick up there! Still slower, but bigger here. and dirty. Sexy dirty... A second open up... Bigger. Awesome!

Final Thoughts:
Amazing. The first few track fill you with this electrifying energy, and leave you completely unprepared for the epicness of "Away From The World". It's like the whole album is a set up for the most amazing unfunny joke in the world, meant to be enjoyed by all. Am I making sense? No? You're right, I had better drink more.

I should mention, both of these albums will be available for your buying pleasure on May 9th. This is also coinciding with what promises to be a most epic release show featuring both bands. And for all of you close enough to go, tickets can be purchased here.

Go to this show! Support local bands in whatever city you are in. Remember, every band out there that is huge got it's start playing to crowds of 10 at a shitty little bar in their home town. Be one of those ten!

-Badhorse

Like what you've read? Then "Like" the blog for "real" on Facebook! Want to tell me how shitty my review was (it wasn't)? Pollute my Twitter! In a band with an album on the horizon, or know of an album you think I'd like/hate? Let's chat! If you are looking for a review with a little more coherency? I also write for EMURG.com.