If The Walkmen’s set tonight is any indication, their next record is going to be amazing. It will, of course, sound like another Walkmen record filled with wailing, impeccable drums and lyrics that strike every cord. On the standout from the new songs, Hamilton sings “I’m not your heartbreaker” and I beg to differ.
Austra will put a spell on you. Their electro-rock is just club-ready-enough to have the entire room dancing, while encompassing enough rock elements to prevent me from being annoyed. It’s spooky, industrial. The back up dancers have a helluva routine. NME was right when they said you’d be an idiot to not pay attention.
The Lumineers are your new favorite band. They are warm folk with just enough rock to keep you paying attention. Two sing-a-longs were orchestrated during the set. It’s great to watch 1000 people sing “hey ho” and “keep your head up.” This is the first time I’ve seen them as a five piece (as opposed to a three piece) and it made them sound complete. Did I mention they hug each other at the end of the set? Because they did- and my heart melted.
Telekinesis from Seattle, Washington. Capitol Hill Block Party. A self-described happy pop band with heartbreaking lyrics. I love love love seeing this band live, mostly because they appear to be having the time of their lives. It’s an infectious vibe. I can’t get enough.
ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER of Fiery Furnaces proving that all you need is an incredible voice and an electric guitar to fill a room.
Fences seem even more melancholy than normal, as though the last year of touring has started to catch up with them. The new song “Market Place” has a great shout along “I lose, I lose” that will probably run through my head for the rest of the day. Chris continues to write some of the best sad bastard music out there.
Champagne Champagne want to make sure you know who they are, and that their brand of hip hop is here to stay. Their backing music is interesting, and they are clearly at the forefront of the emerging Seattle hip hop scene
Lovesick Empire- This is the first time I’ve seen LE as a four piece, and the full band certainly adds to Alicia’s remarkable, deep, soulful vocals. She is hands down my number one female vocalist to watch in Seattle. Check out their song White Wolf Blood, and pray for a record.
The Fresh and Onlys seem like four dudes from four different bands that together make something awesome. What they lack in crowd engagement they make up for in guitar shredding. And any band that can make you dance to the line “I will be in love with you until the time” and sing along with your hand on your heart is worth paying attention to.
Kurt Vile and the Violators- say what you will about the psyched-out drones of Kurt Vile, but you have to respect a drummer who is willing to pound the drums with his bare hands. I’m pretty sure I would be one of his cult followers too if I smoked, or something.
