Dead Meadow Thursday
Last week, we mentioned how the Dirtbombs had previously tore up Ralphs Corner. Another act returning our way after a three year hiatus is Dead Meadow, who played Ralphs three times and developed quite a following locally (although its hard to say if that remains). The formerly DC based act now resides in LA and will play the Aquarium on Thursday. They've done a lot of European tours since they last came to the FM area and also opened for acts such as Wolfmother, the now defunct Sleater Kinney and the recently reunited Dinosaur Jr. In February, the band released their long awaited 5th studio album (the first since 2005's "Feathers") on Matador Records. Dead Meadow has been around awhile but never been quite prolific in their recording output, releasing an album once every 3 years on average and touring in between. But its live where the band is at their best anyway, putting the listener awash in a sea of psychedelic white noise. Loud and heavy, the band blends 60's psyche with modern prog rock not unlike counterparts and recent Fargo visitors Black Mountain. Its hard to say how many people will remember their previous frequent visits, we have short attention spans and area college kids tend to move once done with school but regardless those who do attend Thursday's show will be regaled with a peel the paint off the walls psyche rock experience. Its amazing to see a 3 piece make this much loud noise but Dead Meadow pull it off and do it well. Opening the show are Twin Cities psyche rockers Daughters of the Sun, a perfect fit for the bill making their Fargo debut and locals Giant Rider, featuring members of Weapon (who are currently looking for a new drummer). Cover is $7 at 10 pm for 21+.
Dead Meadow:
Posted by: Chris Hennen on 5/07/2008 at 10:51 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
The Dirtbombs Sunday
The Dirtbombs return Sunday to Fargo. The Detroit based garage band played a legendary show at Ralphs Corner 4 and a half years ago. In February, the band released their latest album "We Have You Surrounded" on In the Red Records. The Dirtbombs are known for their live shows, an intense showing of sweat, drop kicks and rock and roll. The band also has two drummers making for a powerful performance that doesnt always translate on record. Their songs are quite catchy however this new record, their first in 3 years features a darker edge. So while the songs are still poppy, the general theme reflects on our current society and conjures up the images of fear and war that you see on the news everyday. The Dirtbombs have always been on, but it seems lately the band has hit their stride and is in their prime. While they come to town on a Sunday, this is definitely a show worth being a little tired for at work or school on Monday. They only make it around every 4 years but when they do, its talked about until they come back. If you like garage rock with 60s pop sensibility delivered with powerful punk force, then be at the Aquarium Sunday. Tourmates are Swami's Alabama sensation Dan Sartain and fellow Detroiters The Terrible Twos. Show starts at 10 pm for 21+, cover is $10 with advance tickets available at Orange Records, the Red Raven and http://www.ticketweb.com
The Dirtbombs:
Posted by: Chris Hennen on 5/03/2008 at 4:36 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Bon Iver tonight
You know an indie rock band is having an impact when 43 year old ladies have their record. I was at a liquor store today and the topic of tonight's show came up and the clerk (aformentioned lady) remarked oh you mean the band who's name I can't pronounce....I love them. That would be Bon Iver (pronounced bahn eevair). I didn't mention their name at first because well I thought she would have no clue. But its one thing for a band to be blowing up and people to start paying attention in the indie rock world (basically mid to late 20 year old college kids and young professionals) and another for 40 year old liquor clerks to have the band's record (I can't imagine that being a key Pitchfork demographic). It might have something to do with NPR featuring the record a lot. But whatever the reason listening to Bon Iver, its not suprising they have wide appeal. The debut album "For Emma, Forever Ago" is simply beautiful. Justin Vernon's unique voice makes the record stick out more than most. The hushed guitar and sweet melodies are the perfect winter soundtrack. That's exactly what Vernon was planning to experience when he moved back to his hometown of Eau Claire, WI following the breakup of his band DeYarmond Edison (which had moved to North Carolina from Eau Claire in 2005). Vernon had planned to hole up in his dad's cabin for the winter, chill out and chop wood. He did that but also began profusely writing music. The result was "For Emma, Forever Ago" which he self released in October of 2007 under the name Bon Iver (deliberately misspelled french for "good winter"). The blogs and many others quickly took notice of the record. Jagjaguwar (home of Okkervil River and Black Mountain) took notice as well and signed Bon Iver and re-released the record in February. By then many had heard of it, in fact when the band kicked off a joint tour with Black Mountain in Washington, D.C. NPR broadcast the concert live. Ever since the band has been selling out shows across the country and in March started the headline portion of the tour which will come to the Aquarium tonight. In May, the record gets reissued by 4AD in Europe and the band embarks on a tour to conquer another continent. This is definitely one of those shows that people may talk about for a while and they may be one of those acts who won't be playing a venue the size of the Aquarium if they ever visit Fargo again. They are definitely headed in that direction. Live, Justin Vernon is aided by 3 members giving some of the standout tracks a fuller sound. The songs you have fell in love with, its been said become even better. So tonight probably the hottest acts in indie rock this side of Vampire Weekend will be in town for the low price of $6, make sure you catch it even though its a Monday. June Panic will play first after 10 pm. The show is for 21+ only.
Bon Iver:
Posted by: Chris Hennen on 4/14/2008 at 4:55 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink