The Bay Bridged - San Francisco Bay Area Indie Music

Night Dust: Barn Owl’s Evan Caminiti releases new solo LP

Ben Van Houten — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:30:45 +0000

Evan Caminiti of Barn Owl’s latest solo release is Night Dust, out now on Immune Recordings. The album is out on LP and cassette, and, as Caminiti told Fluid Radio, tape played a big role in Night Dust‘s composition:

I just used a cassette 4 track for basic tracking but then bounced the tracks through an effects chain to a DAW and layered gradually on top of that. I was influenced by the approach of dub mixes so there is a lot delay involved but I experimented with other techniques like playing cassettes back through different amps and re-recording them or playing tapes backwards.

Caminiti performs at Liminal Space on Saturday, May 26th. Check out the below video for Night Dust‘s “Returning Spirits”:

Evan Caminiti, KWJAZ, Marielle Jakobsons
Liminal Space
May 26, 2012
9pm, $7-10

Oakland beatsmith Jel remixes Sleigh Bells

Zack Frederick — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:30:01 +0000

Check out this very cool remix by Jel — aka Oakland’s Jeff Logan — of the Sleigh Bells‘ single “Comeback Kid,” from their newest album Reign of Terror. The remix reduces the overblown guitar attack of the original song into a sort of hazy underbelly for Alexis Krauss’ vocals. It kinda sounds like you’re playing the song through crappy speakers (which you might be) while beats from your roommate’s hip-hop records bleed through the walls.

Jel is also opening for Sleigh Bells for the July segment of their tour. Full dates and the original video for “Comeback Kid” below.

Jel opening for Sleigh Bells

07-02 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
07-03 Boston, MA – House of Blues
07-05 Montreal, Quebec – Corona
07-07 Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
07-09 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
07-10 Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
07-12 Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club
07-16 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
07-17 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theater
07-18 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiwcUdX7XMw

Phono del Sol 2012 is coming in July! Listen to all of the performers (at the same time)!

The Bay Bridged — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:10 +0000

Last year, we teamed up with Tiny Telephone and some of the city’s best food trucks to throw an awesome daytime music and food festival called Phono del Sol in the Mission’s hidden gem, Potrero del Sol Park. If you were there, you know how great it was. If you missed it, don’t beat yourself up, because Phono del Sol will be returning on July 21, 2012. We’re going to have more of everything this year: more food trucks, more music, and more awesome festivities, and we’re excited to start telling you all about them soon.

This year’s music lineups includes a bunch of great Bay Area bands, but we’ve also invited some other West Coast acts to perform as well. Who will be appearing? Find out next week on the Phono del Sol Facebook page, or just listen to all seven performing bands in the below teaser clip. Yes, that’s seven bands performing at the same time for ten seconds. Unpleasant to listen to? Surely, but if you subject yourself to this clip enough, you’ll hopefully begin to pick out some of the Phono del Sol 2012 performers.

The Bay Bridged – Phono del Sol 2012 Teaser

We’re giving away a pair of VIP passes to Phono del Sol (complete with reserved viewing area and other goodies) to the person who can identify the most bands from this clip. E-mail contest[at]thebaybridged.com with the Subject line “Phono del Sol” and your list of who you think is playing. We’ll pick a winner on Monday!

Mixtape: SF Popfest 2012 is one week away!

Jackie Andrews — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:07 +0000

SF Popfest returns for a fourth year for indie music lovers with a sweet tooth. This year’s festival spans three days and two venues, featuring 13 bands and three Djs for what should be a very confectionery Memorial Day weekend. Standouts include Kids on a Crime Spree, Cruel Summer, Manatee, Desario, and Black Elephant (just to name a handful), while the kids from Shine-on will take Saturday into the wee hours of Sunday morning with an indie pop dance party.

Check out the full schedule and get your tickets here, but first, listen to this mix made by Jamie Jams of Shine On to get you psyched:

Tracklisting:

1. Seapony – “Dreaming” 00:00
(Go with Me, LP; Hardly Art, 2010)
2. Cruel Summer – “White Flag” 02:17
(Rocinante Records, 2012)
3. Outerhope – “Twenty Years from Now” 06:38
(A Day for the Absent, LP; Numberline Records, 2009)
4. Boat – Landlocked 11:32
(Dress Like Your Idols, LP; Magic Marker Records, 2011)
5. The Bilinda Butchers – “All My Friends” 14:35
(Regret, Love, Guilt, Dreams, LP; Fastcut Records, 2011)
6. Allen Clapp – “Snow in the Sun” 19:35
(Something Strange Happens, LP; Bus Stop, 2006)
7. Desario – “Call Out Your Rivals” 21:23
(Mixer, LP; Test Pattern Records, 2012)
8. Black Elephant – “Roce Et Roule” 25:14
(Trabajo Records, 2012)
9. Kids on a Crime Spree – “To Mess with Dynamite” 27:18
(We Love You So Bad, LP; Slumberland Records, 2011)
10. Surf Club – “Young Love” 29:29
(Young Love EP; Death Party Records, 2012)
11. Manatee – “Indecision” 31:40
(Slumberland Records, 2012)
12. TV Girl – “Baby You Were There” 34:56
(Benny and the Jetts, EP; Small Plates Records, 2011)

Ticket Giveaway Wednesday: Best Coast, Milo Greene, This Charming Band, Seeking Empire

Christian Cunningham — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:30 +0000

To enter any contest submit an email to contest[at]thebaybridged[dot]com with your full name in the body and the concert you’re entering the contest for in the subject line. You may only submit your name once to only one contest. Winners for each show will be decided using the guidelines listed below.

Friday, May 18th
Milo Greene, Drms, Papa @ Rickshaw Stop
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the THIRD person to enter!
The show starts at 9pm, $10/$12, 21+. Purchase advance tickets here.

Saturday, May 19th
This Charming Band (a tribute to the Smiths/Morrissey)/For the Masses (a tribute to Depeche Mode)/Spellbound (a tribute to Siouxsie & the Banshees) @ Slim’s
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the FOURTH person to enter!
The show starts at 9pm, $15, 6+. Purchase advance tickets here.

Best Coast with Jeff The Brotherhood @ Fox Theater
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the FIRST, THIRD, or SEVENTH person to enter!
The show starts at 8pm, $25, 21+. Purchase advance tickets here.

Seeking Empire, Beta State, New Diplomat, The Bruises, plus DJ Aaron Axelsen (popscene) @ Rickshaw Stop
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the SECOND person to enter!
The show starts at 8pm, $10, 21+. Purchase advance tickets here.

Cruel Summer shares new track off of upcoming EP

Jackie Andrews — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:32 +0000

Jangle-monsters Cruel Summer have shared a new track that will appear on their upcoming EP (release date TBA) on Mt. St. Mtn., so expect limited edition noise-pop awesomeness with spectacular packaging in the near future.

“Carquinez” (yeah, like the bridge that takes one to lovely Vallejo) was recorded in March by Jason Kick of Maus Haus fame at Secret Studios. A popular song during their live sets, it starts out whispy and crescendos into an intense explosion of fuzz and feedback, while settling back down on its dreamy little cloud in the end. Only complaint is that it doesn’t last longer.

Warm Soda (Matthew Melton of Bare Wires) releases first song, playing first show on 5/16/12

Ben Van Houten — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:00:56 +0000

The breakup of Bare Wires after a troubled SXSW tour broke a lot of hearts, but if you’re familiar with Matthew Melton’s past projects (solo recordings, Snake Flower 2), you know he wouldn’t be without a band for long. Indeed, Melton’s post-breakup interview with All Shook Down noted the beginning of a new band called Warm Soda, which is playing its first show on Wednesday night with Thee Oh Sees, The Mallard, and Burnt Ones at the Brick & Mortar Music Hall.

“But what does Warm Soda sound like,” you ask? Take a listen to the brand new song “Reaction” below. It’s pure pop goodness soon to be released on a Southpaw Records 7″.

Warm Soda – “Reaction”

Thee Oh Sees, The Mallard, Burnt Ones, Warm Soda
Brick & Mortar Music Hall
May 16, 2012
9pm, Sold Out

Second James & Evander track from ‘Bummer Pop’ premieres; stream the whole album now

Mike G. — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:30:39 +0000

The James & Evander media frenzy continues as the Kings of Future Pop have dropped a second preview track from their forthcoming debut full-length, Bummer Pop. Prefix Magazine had the honor, but you can listen right here:

The Oakland duo debuted another song from Bummer Pop last week, “Can’t Forget” (this one via My Old Kentucky Blog):

Bummer Pop is officially out May 15th on Velvet Blue Music, and can be streamed in full below.

Philip Glass, Joanna Newsom to host Henry Miller Library benefit show at The Warfield on 6/25/12

Kyle Fortinsky — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:57 +0000

June 25th brings a special night of music to The Warfield, as composer extraordinaire Philip Glass teams up with Joanna Newsom and Tim Fain for a benefit show to support Big Sur’s historic Henry Miller Memorial Library. Pre-sale starts this Wednesday at 12pm with tickets available at FolkYeah.com, and the general public on-sale is this Friday at 10am here.

Located in a setting rivaled only by the musical talent that’s graced its stage, the Library has become a premier destination for top performers from all over the world (in-depth list here). Recently, however, the Library was told they must modernize their water systems and bathrooms to meet federal health requirements or risk shutting down. Specifically, Henry Miller Library must raise $140,000 in conjunction with overall plan approval in order to begin construction this fall.

June’s Warfield show is billed as the fundraising campaign’s official kick-off, but donations are already underway if you’d like to chip in. An open letter has also been posted by Executive Director Magnus Toren on the matter. Despite the mad dash to secure funding, the Library has been allowed an abbreviated musical season between June and October. Check out the current schedule, and watch Glass lead a performance of “Anthem Pt. 3″ from the Hollywood Bowl last August below.

Philip Glass, Joanna Newsom, Tim Fain
The Warfield
June 25, 2012
8:00pm, $62.50-$140

Broke-Ass Stuart celebrates ten years in SF with a party

Ben Van Houten — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:30:14 +0000

Broke-Ass Stuart has been living in SF for a decade now, dispensing top-notch advice for the budget-conscious. Stuart’s celebrating ten years with a party on Thursday night at Public Works that, naturally, features a bunch of great entertainment, and, also naturally, won’t break the bank. Judgement Day, Birds & Batteries, and Social Studies, all for just three bucks? Happy anniversary, Broke-Ass. More details & RSVP here.

Peacocks / Pink Monsters by Judgement Day

Wind Up Wooden Heart by Social Studies

The Brothers Comatose host release party this Saturday at Great American Music Hall for new LP ‘Respect the Van’

Kyle Fortinsky — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:00:47 +0000

San Francisco bluegrass quintet The Bothers Comatose will release their sophomore album Respect the Van on May 22nd, and have scheduled the official release party for this Saturday at Great American Music Hall. Sioux City Kid and Tiny Television will open to kick the night off. Check out the video for “The Scout” (off Van) below.

The band is a product of brothers Alex and Ben Morrison’s family acoustic parties, which heavily influence their current bluegrass-folk fusion sound. With Alex on banjo and vocals, and Ben on guitar and vocals, the lineup is rounded out by Geo Benedetti (bass, vocals), Ryan Avellone (mandolin), and Philip Brezina (fiddle). Following Friday’s show, they’ll be heading out on the road for a busy summer. Check out all the dates below and support ‘em if you can.

The Brothers Comatose 2012 Tour Dates

5/19 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
5/24 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Pour House
5/25 – Evans, GA @ Banjo-B-Que
5/26 – Black Mountain, NC @ Pisgah Brewing Co.
6/2 – Felton, CA @ Redwood Mountain Faire
6/7 – Santa Rose, CA @ KRSH Backyard BBQ
6/9 – Shenandoah Valley, CA @ Barbera Festival
6/15 – Crystal Bay, NV @ Crystal Bay Casino
6/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Mint
6/24 – San Louis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brewing Co.
6/29 – Laytonville, CA @ Kate Wolf Music Festival
6/30 – Laytonville, CA @ Kate Wolf Music Festival
7/3 – Fort Collins, CO @ Avogadro’s Number
7/4 – Boulder, CA @ Golden Hill Inn
7/5 – Carbondale, CO @ Steve’s Guitars
7/7 – Dolores, CO @ Dolores River Brewery
7/7 – Telluride, CO @ The Steaming Bean
7/19 – Kenmore, WA @ Kenmore Concert Series
7/20 – Bellingham, WA @ The Roost
7/20 – Seattle, WA @ Bank of America Plaza
7/21 – Bainbridge Island, WA @ Treehouse Cafe
7/28 – Kemmerer, WA @ Oyster Ridge Music Festival

The Brothers Comatose, Sioux City Kid, Tiny Television
Great American Music Hall
May 19, 2012
9:00pm, $15

April 2010 Monthly Mix (Podcast #211)

Tonight: Black Dice at The Lab

Ben Van Houten — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:15:27 +0000

If you threw arty punk, experimental noise and electronic pop into a meat grinder, you’d probably hear the sounds of Black Dice‘s new album Mr. Impossible while the machine was running. But who knew such a periodically-abrasive combination would also be so engaging? The band is currently touring the US, and they’ll be at The Lab tonight. Listen to the new LP in full below:

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This Week in SF: Picks and a Mix for 5/14-5/20/12

Ben Van Houten — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:00:52 +0000

Below, enjoy an 8tracks mix featuring local and touring bands performing in SF this week. After the jump, find out more about when they’re all playing! For a full list of upcoming concerts in the SF Bay Area, check our Local Concert Calendar.

Monday, May 14
Herman Dune, The Sam Chase, DJ Britt Govea at The Independent
Black Dice, A White Hunter, Stillsuit at The Lab
Beach Fossils, Catwalk, Permanent Collection at Slim’s
Light Asylum, Black Materials, Dark Materials at Public Works

Wednesday, May 16
Thee Oh Sees, The Mallard, Burnt Ones, Warm Soda at the Brick and Mortar Music Hall
Big Tree, Kapowski, Bells at Cafe Du Nord
Sunfighter, The Arabs, Cadet, The Midnight Snackers at The Uptown

Thursday, May 17
Naytronix, Yalls, Mwahaha at the Hemlock Tavern
Suckers, Young Man, Vanaprasta at Bottom of the Hill

Friday, May 18
Sleepy Sun, Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound, Some Ember, DJ Britt Govea at The Independent
B. Hamilton, Minot, Shuteye Unison at The Uptown
Plants and Animals, Cannons and Clouds, Owl Paws at Bottom of the Hill
Cazadero, Nika Aila States at Viracocha
High Castle, CCR Headcleaner, White Suns at Hemlock Tavern
The Avengers, Erase Errata, Carletta Sue Kay at Cafe Du Nord

Saturday, May 19
Melted Toys, Memories, Permanent Collecton, Creepers at Thee Parkside
Cool Ghouls, Meat Market, Poor Sons at Hemlock Tavern
Best Coast, Jeff The Brotherhood at the Fox Theater
The Brothers Comatose, Sioux City Kid, Tiny Television at the Great American Music Hall

Sunday, May 20
Pansy Division, Swann Danger at Cafe Du Nord

Review & Photos: Back From The Grave – The Sloths at the Stork Club 5/12/12

M B L — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:02 +0000

In 1965 they were smoking pot with Hendrix, opening for the Byrds, the Doors and Love, but then The Sloths vanished, their recordings unavailable unless you wanted to spend $6,000 on eBay. More than 45 years later, they return! There was a Friday show at the Rockit Room, but this story could only happen at Oakland’s incredible Stork Club. The crowd was small but huge in its thirst for discounted PBR tallboys.

After two opening acts (keep reading!), The Sloths took the stage. Singer Hank Daniels looked like he could be Iggy’s brother with long straight hair and exposed six-pack. The band started off with the song often credited for the birth of punk, Love’s “7 and 7 Is.” Later they played Love’s version of Burt Bacharach’s “My Little Red Book.” Still later they covered “Hey Joe” with some Love touches as well. Seeing Love in the late 60s musta been life changing. Just listening to Forever Changes a few times can change you. The Sloths were clearly intimate with this material and brought out the full power of the songs. As “7 and 7 Is” came to its apocalyptic conclusion, Hank lifted his fingers and a small blast of flames came forth! For “My Little Red Book” he pulled out his very own little red book (and his iPhone) to demonstrate just how far we have come….or possibly how far we have gone astray? Cool classic covers continued with “Here Comes the Night” from Them.

I missed Tuci and the PJs but made it for Dukes of Hamburg featuring local dj Russell Quan. The guy has played drums for the Mummies, The Phantom Surfers, The Bobbyteens and more, but in the Dukes he is front and center screaming, blowin’ harp and bangin’ that tambourine. Fun 60′s nuggets determined to get yer ass shakin’. And no one shook it harder than Marc Ribak. Marc is another Bay area music madman. He’s the mastermind behind Berkeley’s Rock N Roll Adventure Kids. He played with Nobunny. And along with his fine lady Amy, Marcos created Total Trash Booking which has delivered 3 years of the super sleazy-delicious Total Trash Fest and much more including a load of work on this years uber fun n’ milky Burger Boogaloo.

Turns out Marcos was just warming up. As the clock passed 12:30, he strapped on a guitar and joined LA’s Wounded Lion to close out the evening. I’d imagined heading home ‘early’ after The Sloths, but simply could not. Wounded Lion had it going on. The sounds are catchy and invigorating pop. There’s a drummer plus a percussionist guy hopping like mad. He was sporting a Fungi Girls t-shirt. Clearly he knows his shit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftO9ClIhFAo&feature=fvwrel

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Salva & Grenier – “Wake The Dead” / “Forest Floor”

Ben Van Houten — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:20 +0000

LA’s Salva and SF’s Grenier (aka DJG) have teamed up for a new single on Frite Nite that showcases the collaborators’ melting pot approach to a variety of electronic music sounds. Grenier, who has a solo album coming out later this year, performs at SOM this Saturday, May 12.

Push the Feeling: free show tonight with Shortcircles, Chucha Santamaria y Usted

Ben Van Houten — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:00:55 +0000

The latest installment of “Push The Feeling” is tonight, Friday, May 11th at Underground SF, with live performances by Shortcircles and Chucha Santamaria y Usted, alongside YR SKULL and the epicsauce DJs. It’s all free if you RSVP here. Music from all of the participants can be found below.

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Video: The Ferocious Few play TheNeighborhood.TV

Zack Frederick — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:00:13 +0000

Back in April, we posted about a special intimate show with The Ferocious Few at the Bamm.TV headquarters in SOMA. Well, it happened and now we’ve got the video to prove it. Watch the Mission District’s premiere rock-a-billy band power through the cut “Midnight Ghost” — a track from their debut album Juices — while pulsing white lights give the performance an edgy, almost threatening vibe.

Video: Thee Oh Sees — “Chem-Farmer”

Zack Frederick — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:30:58 +0000

For once, the tireless workhorse that is Thee Oh Sees appears to have taken a day off. Their new video for “Chem-Farmer”, a cut from their 2011 double EP Carrion Crawler/The Dream, features Los Angeles-based polka cover band Alpine Village People exclusively. Watch as director Chezerez Jourdain follows the lederhosen-sporting polka band as they overeat gas station goodies, play a raucous show, and sleep with some good-natured groupies at the after-party, all to the tune of Thee Oh Sees.

Turns out I was just kidding about the band taking a day off. They’re touring Europe right now and then playing the Pitchfork Music Festival and Outside Lands upon their return. I’m worn out just thinking about it. US tour dates below:

07/15/2012 Pitchfork Festival Chicago IL
07/20/2012 Capital Hill Block Party Seattle WA
08/03/2012 Pickathon Happy Valley OR
08/04/2012 Pickathon Happy Valley OR
08/05/2012 Woodsist Festival Big Sur CA
08/10/2012 Outside Lands Festival San Francisco CA
09/23/2012 ATP Asbury Park NJ

Birds & Batteries – “Epic Fail”

Ben Van Houten — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:00:20 +0000

Photograph of a Supernova Remnant SN 1006 by NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

“Epic Fail” comes from Birds & Batteries‘ recent Unfold EP, which finds the band in dark synth pop mode (stream it in full below). The five-song set was actually composed at the same time as the group’s upcoming full length, Stray Light. Birds & Batteries perform at the California Academy of Sciences tonight and at Public Works on May 17.

UNFOLD by Birds & Batteries

San Diego’s TV Girl coming to San Francisco Pop Fest 2012

Zack Frederick — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

San Francisco Pop Fest 2012 is gearing up for this year’s Memorial Day Weekend festivities (May 25-27) with 14 bands playing over three nights at the Hemlock Tavern and the Knockout. Looks like a pretty good time with a solid lineup.

San Diego indie pop duo TV Girl will be making the trip up and you can download their new mixtape The Wild, The Innocent, The TV Shuffle via Stereogum (zip file).

Full lineup for the festival:

THE BILINDA BUTCHERS * BLACK ELEPHANT * BOAT * ALLEN CLAPP AND HIS ORCESTRA * CRUEL SUMMER * DEAD ANGLE * DESARIO* KIDS ON A CRIME SPREE * MANATEE * OUTERHOPE * SEAPONY * SURF CLUB * TV GIRL

Doseone – “End & Egg”

Ben Van Houten — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:30 +0000

Doseone – “End & Egg”

Via Pitchfork, here’s another new one from G is for Deep, the upcoming album by Anticon’s Doseone. The album arrives on May 29.

Review & Photos: Allo’ Darlin, Wave Pictures and SorryEverAfter at Rickshaw Stop 5/8/12

M B L — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:00:50 +0000

The UK’s Allo’ Darlin know how to take on the obscure cover. They played “If You Don’t Pull” from Glasgow’s The Just Joans. The song comes from 2009′s Love and Other Hideous Accidents which existed in only 200 copies. Fortunately you can find it on the web. Singer/uke slinger Elizabeth Morris explained that “pull” is like “pick up (a guy)” in the US, and the chorus goes ‘If you don’t pull then you have to walk home on your own. If you walk home on your own then you’re gonna wake up on your own.” It’s a great song, and The Just Joans’ thick Scottish drawl is pretty righteous. Both bands recorded on the Wee Pop! label, but Allo’ Darlins newly released 2nd LP, Europe, is on Oakland’s very own Slumberland Records. Europe sounds great on white vinyl and includes the beautiful ukulele ballad “Tallulah” that stood out as the other highlight of the Rickshaw show. With a recent spot on NPR, I fear my sweet Darlins may be movin’ to bigger venues soon. That would be a shame. I want them all to myself in tiny clubs and bike shop parking lots.

UK’s Wave Pictures were already on stage when I arrived at 9:45pm. They yelled for Raphi to join them on stage. As it happened Raphi was right behind me in line waiting to get in. I had met Raphi when he played drums with Columbus Ohio’s Black Swans a few months back. Raphi lives in Berkeley and has done a bunch of cool recordings for film and TV. Check them out via Soundcloud. Anyway, he rushed the stage and took on that tambourine. The drummer came up to sing a touching song about shooting his girlfriend…with a pop gun…that says ‘bang’. The lead singer/guitarist even recited a poem. This Be the Verse by Philip Larkin begins “They fuck you up, your mum and dad. They may not mean to, but they do. They fill you with the faults they had. And add some extra, just for you.” There were some nice tropical guitar licks and even a brief Pavement moment. But in the immortal words of D. Boon “cut down the guitar solos!”.

SF’s SorryEverAfter musta played a pretty short set. I did enjoy them at Benders when they played the Noise Pop happy hour, and I am digging the debut EP Meet us When the Lights Go Low on blue vinyl.

Ume announces co-headlining tour with SF show on 6/13/12

Zack Frederick — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:30:51 +0000

Austin-based rockers Ume will rumble through San Francisco on June 13 with co-headliners The Life and Times. Ume have gained significant points around the blogosphere for combining raw rock guitar stylings with the polished, ethereal vocals of lead singer and guitarist Lauren Larson. A little more Live 105 than contemporaries like Cleveland’s Mr. Gnome, Ume are caught in an interesting dilemma: too big of a sound to be neatly slotted in as indie rock, but with no where else to go since alternative (radio) rock mostly sits gasping for air in the gutters of pop culture.

If this sounds like a dilemma you’d like to hear played out on stage, you can buy tickets for the June show at Bottom of the Hill here.

Ume, The Life and Times
Bottom of the Hill
June 13, 9pm
$12

Full Tour Dates:

6/2 – 6/3 – Free Press Houston Summerfest – Houston, TX
6/8 – Red 7 – Austin, TX
6/11 – The Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AZ
6/12 – The Satellite – Los Angeles, CA
6/13 – Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA
6/15 – Bunk Bar – Portland, OR
6/16 – Barboza – Seattle, WA
6/18 – Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT
6/19 – The Walnut Room – Denver, CO
7/15 – Bunbury Festival – Cincinnati, OH

Video: Seventeen Evergreen – “Burn The Fruit (Pegasus)”

Kyle Fortinsky — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:00:38 +0000

Continuing their theme of visually captivating music videos, space-rockers Seventeen Evergreen have released the official effort for “Burn The Fruit (Pegasus)”, the closing track off March’s Steady On, Scientist! album. The video originally debuted on Stereogum and you can check it out (see: become entranced) below.

Interview: Wymond Miles talks new LP, show tonight 5/9/12 at the Rickshaw

Jackie Andrews — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:00:01 +0000

Wymond Miles — chiefly known as the man responsible for the bold and catchy surf leads that hold the beautifully wonk-ish cacophony of the Fresh & Onlys together — has a new solo LP slated to hit shelves on June 12 via Sacred Bones. Under the Pale Moon is a stripped-down follow-up to last year’s Earth Has Doors EP (stream it via Bandcamp) — both home recordings on the big brown behemoth known as the Tascam 388, state of the art in the mid ’80s and now a cult-ish hunk of furniture used by a lot of SF bands, including Kelly Stoltz and Thee Oh Sees (and up until Play It Strange, the Fresh & Onlys as well).

Sacred Bones’ description of Earth Has Doors reads like the dust cover of a humanities course book — “These songs concisely yet esoterically document the existential crisis of our current epoch…” — and is expansive with billowy swells, while Under the Pale Moon is said to be more straightforward pop music, a consequence, according to Wymond, of listening to jangly pop music for Fresh & Onlys inspiration. While he plays most everything on the album, James Kim from Magik Trick did the drumming and Greer McGettrick from The Mallard and also Shayde Sartin and Tim Cohen from the Fresh & Onlys pop up on percussion and bass.

You can listen to the track “Pale Moon” below, and keep reading for an interview with the guitarist and new father who was kind enough to answer a few questions via email despite traveling, playing shows with the Fresh & Onlys, and, of course, the demands that a new family can bring. Wymond Miles is playing tonight, 5/9/12, at the Rickshaw Stop.

TBB: Earth Has Doors is languid and atmospheric, whereas your new song “Pale Moon” has a more jangly Go-Betweens feel to it. Is that the case for the entire LP?

WM: “Pale Moon” was the first song I wrote and recorded when I intended to make this record. It was very off the cuff and fast so when I began recording it I bounced all the tracks down as I usually do in order to layer the song up. After 6 tracks it just sounded done to me. I could’ve sent the tune into a more cosmic-psych place but I was relieved to have something so stripped back sound so dead on. That set the tone of my approach to the record, although some things got very dense in the end. I was listening to lots of dreamy, jangly anglo-guitar pop at the time honing in a vibe for the Onlys so that certainly rubbed off on me, but I went in making this record without any conscious stylistic choices, I just wanted something raw and true to the moment of writing.

TBB: I read that Earth Has Doors was made off and on over several years. What was the time frame for creating Under the Pale Moon and how do the songs differ in terms of your artistic vision?

WM: The Earth Has Doors EP could’ve been a double LP, there were so many songs I had kicking around. I needed to get them off my chest, they were haunting me, I felt immobilized by not seeing them through. So I made a concise work that basically summed up all of those years of tunes, no fat. In contrast, Under The Pale Moon was done over a couple months maybe. I recorded it in between the Onlys hectic touring and recording schedule, we were gone for nearly half of last year. Too much was happening for me last year, there was no time to sculpt a vision. So musically I was writing all the parts as I recorded them, and lyrically it’s a fairly direct mirror of my life at the time. So because the process was so immediate the record has a very thematic charge and sound to it, although this was unintentional.

TBB: The themes of Earth Has Doors were esoteric concepts like Mysticism, the end of the world, Gnostic symbolism, and Anthroposophy — was there a practical reason for that? How does Under the Pale Moon differ thematically, if at all?

WM: I didn’t write any songs specifically around those concepts, they were just my fascination at the time. That atmospheric mood of the EP was certainly grasping for the mystery. I had just moved to San Francisco from the plains of Colorado and was kind of in an open, tender place to take in new ideas, and began a deeper philosophical inquiry to everything. Musically I was neck deep in Current 93, Wovenhand, all these heavy spiritual shaman fellas. This new record kind of began with Pale Moon and it was a love song, albeit a complicated one, something I hadn’t any interest in writing before. Over the past year I just used songs to reflect and unpack things. There’s a lot more sex, death, rebellion, or rather it’s much more direct now I suppose.

TBB: You have an interest in the philosopher Rudolf Stiener who bridged the spiritual and physical worlds, the objective and the subjective….. Do you attempt the same with your music?

WM: When asked, Rudolf Steiner would help show how the subtle — or spiritual if you prefer — is infused and guiding the physical domain. Music is an opportunity to explore the relationship between these realms. No difference between my solo records or the Onlys. Simply and broadly put it’s just a way to observe that through a strict discipline (in this case writing/guitar playing/recording) richer sources of creativity can emerge through you at times. It’s relational. What’s creative in the human process is also innate in the cosmos. When making music there’s a dialog going on with the subtle realms.

TBB: So, you don’t feel there is something you can accomplish as a solo artist that you cannot with Fresh & Onlys?

WM: It’s just another expression of music I’ve felt called to make. Nothing is lacking in the Onlys for me. Really my records are made in such solitude with almost no one hearing any of it, although they don’t sound that way. They are personal but are meant to sound alive and breathing, so far they’re aren’t “Pink Moon” affairs. Onlys are great because it’s all done in the spirit of collaboration with strong willed people just overflowing with ideas, recording our last record was a party with people in and out of the studio all the time. Making this record was the contrasting yin to the Onlys yang, a single vision, with only me recording and dictating what to play. They’re simply different crafts in what they demand of me.

TBB: Tell me about parenting and how it has affected your worldview, your music…

WM: Really it just mellowed me out. Put more play and discipline in my life. Allowed me to stop thinking about myself so much. Parenting insists on creativity at every turn and it also demands strict discipline of rhythm and repetition. It’s obviously an act of sacrifice and humility. It helped me develop a more nuanced kind of observation. Time bends and isn’t like it was before, certain hours are a molasses pace but really it all rushes by so fast. That interaction of creative discipline is what made my records happen this year.

Wymond is currently touring the west coast in support of Lotus Plaza (Deerhunter guitarist), with Greer McGettrick on bass, Ela Jaszczak on guitar, and Kyle Gibson from Fresh & Onlys on drums, and will hit up the Rickshaw this Wednesday. He will continue to tour the rest of the country this summer with a yet-to-be-determined band.

Lotus Plaza, Wymond Miles, Mirror Mode
The Rickshaw
May 9, 2012
7:30, $10-$12

Ticket Giveaway Wednesday: Death Cab for Cutie, Ramona Falls, Beach Fossils, Alcoholic Faith Mission

The Bay Bridged — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:30:56 +0000

Thursday, May 10th
Death Cab for Cutie with Magik*Magik Orchestra, Youth Lagoon @ The Fox Theater
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the EIGHTH person to enter!
The show starts at 8pm, $49,50, all ages. Purchase advance tickets here.

Friday, May 11th
Ramona Falls, Social Studies, Churches @ Cafe du Nord
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the THIRD person to enter!
The show starts at 9:30pm, $12, 21+. Purchase advance tickets here.

Monday, May 14th
Beach Fossils, Catwalk @ Slim’s
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the THIRD person to enter!
The show starts at 8pm, $15, 6+. Purchase advance tickets here.

Alcoholic Faith Mission, You Won’t, French Cassettes @ Rickshaw Stop
To win a pair of tickets to the show be the SECOND person to enter!
The show starts at 8pm, $8/$10, all ages. Purchase advance tickets here.

Song Premiere: Lilac – “Shame”

Anna Gazdowicz — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:00:27 +0000

Lilac made a promising debut back in 2011 with their self-titled EP, a mix of psych-pop and rock and roll that properly introduced the band to the Bay Area scene. Comprised originally of Will Ivy (BRIDEZ, Honey, Hunx and his Punx, Girls) and Kirsten Knick, the band has since grown to a trio with the addition of bassist Chrys Nodal.

In addition to the expanded lineup, the year 2012 means a proper full-length from Lilac – Christine, due out May 22nd via Different Fur. There will also be a cassette release sometime in the future of all Lilac material recorded to date via Burger Records. “Shame” is the first taste from Christine.

Lilac – “Shame”

The album release party for Christine is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th at the Lost Church. This show is actually a double release celebration, as Carletta Sue Kay will also be performing in support of their debut album.

Lilac, Carletta Sue Kay
The Lost Church
May 26, 2012
9pm

Wax Idols 7-inch release show Friday 5/11/12 at the Make-Out Room

Jackie Andrews — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:17 +0000

Wax Idols celebrate the release of their new 7″ on Suicide Squeeze with Wounded Lion from LA and Big No at Make-Out Room on Friday. Chances are, all of you hip little kitties have heard the anthemic new wave A-side, “Shadenfreude”, but you’ll most likely get to hear the (according to their Facebook page) mysterious B-Side called “The Last Drop” as well.

If you miss Wax Idols on Friday, you can catch them in June with The Mallard, and White Lung from Vancouver. (The show was originally booked at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records, but has since been moved. Stay tuned.)

If you haven’t already, check out the new video for “Dilno” (yet another awesome Hannah Lew production) from the 2011 LP No Future which debuted on Hearty Magazine last week, complete with BDSM accoutrements and ball-crushing. We don’t need to tell you how conservative and backwards American culture is when it comes to sex, but it’s great to see a hot, confident woman making pop music outside the mainstream without lookin’ a hot mess or conforming to the tired, hippy free-love shit, either:

Wax Idols, Wounded Lion, Big No
Make-Out Room
May 11, 2012
7:30pm, $10

The Mallard, Wax Idols, White Lung
TBA
June 10, 2012

Delta Spirit, WATERS play The Fillmore Thursday, offer free tour sampler download

Kyle Fortinsky — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:25 +0000

Long Beach-by-way-of-San Diego’s Delta Spirit and SF’s WATERS (Van Pierszalowski of now defunct Port O’Brien) have just offered up a six-track sampler to help promote their current west coast tour. Click the “Free Download” link above or grab it here. Check out the full track listing below, and catch the rockers this Thursday, as they roll into town for a show at The Fillmore.

Delta Spirit/Waters 2012 Free Tour Sampler

1) Delta Spirit – “She’s Not There” (Zombies cover)
2) Delta Spirit – “White Table” (Live)
3) Delta Spirit – “California”
4) Waters – “For The One”
5) Waters – “Take Me Out To The Coast”
6) Waters – “Mickey Mantle” (Live)

Delta Spirit, Waters
The Fillmore
May 10, 2012
8:00pm, $20

Hear A B & The Sea’s debut LP ‘Constant Vacation’

Kyle Fortinsky — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:00:35 +0000

Mother nature has hooked San Francisco up with some fantastic May weather so far, huh? Perhaps you’ve made a mad dash to one of the limitless locales for optimal sun enjoyment over the past week, and perhaps you thought “Hey, some new sunshine-rock would go real well with this day right about now.” Well then, may we suggest A B & The Sea‘s debut LP, Constant Vacation? Give the entire album a listen below or over on Bandcamp.

Constant Vacation by A B & the Sea

There’s a Phoenix-type vibe going on among the band’s catchy hooks that fits these cloudless days real well. Originally formed in Wisconsin in 2008, founders Koley O’Brien and Joe Spargur packed up and bolted to San Francisco soon after, adding Troy Lawton, Ben Laatsch, and David Hunt to the current line up. Check out their current tour dates below.

5/8 – Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55
5/9 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
5/10 – Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar
5/11 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
5/12 – San Diego, CA @ Tin Can Ale House
5/13 – Santa Monica, CA @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club
5/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan
5/23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan
5/24 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan
6/2 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

April’s Best: Our favorite Bay Area songs from the blog last month

Ben Van Houten — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:00:26 +0000

Here’s our latest month-in-review mix collecting some our favorite new (or new to us) songs recently posted on the website. So much good stuff came our way in April that we’ve actually got a two-part mix of blog songs this time. As always, we’ve included links below to download each of these songs individually.

Mixtape: Best of the Blog April 2012 (Part 1)

Mixtape: Best of the Blog April 2012 (Part 2)

Tracklisting:

Mix 1

1. Exray’s – “Ancient Thing”
2. PreTeen – “Nueva York Is Too Far (from me)”
3. Swiftumz – “Willy”
4. Big Drag – “Let You Know”
5. Moonbell – “Nothing Less”
6. Mist Giant – “D-Loop”
7. Ty Segall Band – “Wave Goodbye”
8. The Fresh & Onlys – “Do What I Came To Do”
9. Burnt Ones – “Meet the Golden One (Al Lover Remix)”
10. Sleepy Sun – “V.O.G.”

Mix 2

1. Elephant & Castle – “En Memoria (feat. Tune-Yards)”
2. Some Ember – “Blood Drops from the Burning Heart”
3. Doseone – “Last Life”
4. Trails and Ways – “Tereza”
5. Sun Kil Moon – “UK Blues”
6. B. Hamilton – “Gold Tooth (Parentz Remix)”
7. Still Flyin – “Cleat Talking”
8. Yalls – “Grand Entrance”
9. oOoOO – “CoachBagg”
10. Clipd Beaks – “All The Way Evil”

Giraffage & XXYYXX – “Even Though (Teen Daze Remix)”

Ben Van Houten — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:30:28 +0000

Giraffage & XXYYXX – “Even Though (Teen Daze Remix)”

We recently checked out the title track from the new collaborative EP by San Francisco’s Giraffage and Florida’s XXYYXX, and now here’s Teen Daze’s take on “Even Though.” Giraffage will be performing Wednesday night at the latest Easy Bay Wednesday show in Oakland.

Free Craft Spells show Friday at SF State

Ben Van Houten — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:00:31 +0000

So this week’s Drums/Craft Spells/Part Time show at the Great American is sold out, but Craft Spells will be performing a free, all ages show on Friday, May 11th at SFSU’s The Depot. The band’s new Gallery EP is available for pre-order now.

Craft Spells, Dempsey, Horrorscopes
The Depot at SF State
May 11, 2012
6-9pm, Free

Carletta Sue Kay releases debut album! Finally!

Mike G. — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000

The wait is over at last: Carletta Sue Kay‘s debut album, Incongruent, is finally here. Well, technically it comes out May 15 on Kitten Charmer Records. But astute Facebook fans of Carletta Sue Kay might have noticed that it is already available on iTunes, for the low low price of $6.99 no less. Go on and get it!

Carletta Sue Kay – “Pas Le Meme”

Then go see Carletta Sue Kay belt out the tunes in one of the most powerful voices you’ve ever heard at Amoeba Music on May 17 and Cafe Du Nord on May 18. If that’s too long of a wait, check out this video and try to contain yourself.

Carletta Sue Kay
Amoeba Music
May 17, 2012
6pm, Free

The Avengers, Erase Errata, Carletta Sue Kay
Cafe Du Nord
May 18, 2012
9pm, $15, 21+

Harding Theater Revitalization Project seeks to relaunch historic Divisadero theater

Ben Van Houten — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:30:29 +0000

Despite having attended a number of shows at The Independent, I’ll cop to being more than a little oblivious about the existence of the currently-vacant space next door, let alone the space’s legacy as a historic theater. The Harding Theater opened in 1926 and served as a movie theater and performance space until it became a church in the 1970s. The space has been in limbo for almost a decade, but community members are now seizing the reins to revitalize the theater space.

The folks behind the Harding Theater Revitalization Project are holding a community forum tonight at THEOFFCENTER (848 Divisadero St). There, they’ll be presenting their “vision and strategy for purchasing, rehabilitating, and operating the Harding” going forward. Full details in the flyer above.

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This Week in SF: Picks and a Mix for 5/7-5/13/12

Ben Van Houten — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:02 +0000

Tuesday, May 8th
Allo Darlin’, The Wave Pictures, SorryEverAfter at the Rickshaw Stop
Colossal Yes, Post Paint, Michael Beach at the Hemlock Tavern
Death Cab for Cutie with The Magik Magik Orchestra, Youth Lagoon at the Fox Theater

Wednesday, May 9th
Lotus Plaza, Wymond Miles, Mirror Mode at the Rickshaw Stop
Gauntlet Hair, Dana Buoy, Minot at Bottom of the Hill
Outlaw, Electric Shepherd, The Love Dimension, Myonics at The Uptown
Death Cab for Cutie with The Magik Magik Orchestra, Youth Lagoon at the Fox Theater
Silversun Pickups at Amoeba SF

Thursday, May 10th
Kids On A Crime Spree, She Beards, Spencey Dude & The Doodles, The Pets at The Stork Club
Demdike Stare, Tropic of Cancer, Water Borders at Public Works
The Dead Milkmen, Terry Malts at Slim’s
Delta Spirit, Waters, Tijuana Panthers at The Fillmore
Breton, Vir at the Rickshaw Stop
Paint Fumes, Pamela, Bad Boys at the Hemlock Tavern
Death Cab for Cutie with The Magik Magik Orchestra, Youth Lagoon at the Fox Theater

Friday, May 11th
Dean Wareham, Tortured Genies at the Hemlock Tavern
Black Moth Super Rainbow, Lumerians, Gramatik at 103 Harriet
Ramona Falls, Social Studies, Churches at Cafe Du Nord
Wax Idols, Wounded Lion, Big No at the Make-Out Room
Shortcircles, Chucha Santamaria Y Usted, Yr Skull at Underground SF
Craft Spells at The Depot
Tumbleweed Wanderers, Rin Tin Tiger, Infantree at Bottom of the Hill
Off!, Fidlar, Spider Fever at Slim’s
JD Samson and Men, Myles Cooper, Hi Fashion at the Rickshaw Stop

Saturday, May 12th
The Drums, Craft Spells, Part Time at the Great American Music Hall

Sunday, May 13th
‘Hanging on a Star,’ a Nick Drake Tribute at the Make-Out Room
White Hills, Glitter Wizard, Disappearing People at Bottom of the Hill
Dylan Trees, The Shants, ESFT at Amnesia

Review, Photos & Video: The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys @ Oracle Arena, 5/4/12

Roman Gokhman — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:30:35 +0000

How could a garage band – a duo, no less – rise from basement shows to stadiums? In the case of The Black Keys, who sold out Oracle Arena Friday, it’s the blues.

For many of the young pop and rock-bred fans who bought tickets, the blues is not a very familiar concept. While the music of vocalist-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney is not innovative – even the similar White Stripes came first – many in the audience no doubt felt like they had discovered something new when they first heard The Black Keys.

“There’s so many of you here, it’s kind of crazy,” Auerbach said early in the show before launching into “I’ll Be Your Man.,” a track off their 2002 debut album The Big Come Up.

Pretty much any of the Keys’ songs have the sound that can be heard in a Chicago blues club. That this was being played at a basketball arena is what makes this band interesting. Are the Black Keys an arena act? Judging by the crowd’s reaction, the answer is a resounding yes.

Here’s what hasn’t changed about the band since it began its ascent: The presentation. At last year’s Outside Lands Music Festival, the most exciting thing the Keys had on stage were some inflatable props. This time around, they performed with the assistance of a rudimentary projection screen and some well-placed lamps – the same set-up a band playing in a garage might use.

Auerbach and Carney walked on-stage without any fanfare, along with a back-up organist and bassist, and launched right into “Howlin’ For You,” off 2010’s Brothers, the album that launched them to new heights.

After a handful of songs with the backing musicians, such as “Gold on the Ceiling,” a track off this year’s El Camino, the duo handled the majority of the show by itself.

Older songs like “Tighten Up” and “Ten Cent Pistol” fit right in with new material like “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Money Maker.” They fit so well together, however, that they might not have been discernable to the casual fan.

One of a handful of songs that clearly stood out was El Camino’s “Little Black Submarines.” Auerbach and Carney began it acoustically as a duo and brought the other musicians back a third of the way through, for a straight-up rock tune reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane.”

New track “Lonely Boy,” which closed out the main set, included a brief but effective tribute to the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch, who passed away earlier Friday from cancer.

Attendees to last year’s Outside Lands recall that the band performing on the main stage prior to the Black Keys was the Arctic Monkeys. They were the “openers” Friday. I use the term openers lightly because the arena was packed midway through their set, and many probably viewed the show as a double-bill.

The Arctic Monkeys performed their angular, posturing punk rock for nearly an hour. Highlights included “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair,” off last year’s Suck It and See, and “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” from the band’s 2005 debut Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.

Follow writer Roman Gokhman at Twitter.com/RomiTheWriter and RomiTheWriter.Tumblr.com

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Video: Ty Segall Band – “Wave Goodbye” (live at The Independent)

Ben Van Houten — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:00:55 +0000

Ty Segall, White Fence, Shannon and the Clams, and The Mallard all killed it at The Independent on Wednesday, and thanks to SoberFreeShow, here’s a live clip of Ty and his band performing “Wave Goodbye,” from the upcoming Slaughterhouse LP.

White Fence – “Green Balloon”

Mike G. — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:30:40 +0000

When the hell does Tim Presley sleep? In case you’re not familiar, Presley is the dude behind White Fence. He just put out an album with Ty Segall, Hair, on April 24 via Drag City. He’s got a White Fence double album coming out on Woodsist on May 15. And he’s also putting out a non-album single…? Jesus.

The “Green Balloon” 7″ comes out on UK label Sexbeat May 21. This dude is working his ass off. The least you can do is sit on your ass and listen:

Review: Yukon Blonde, Together, We Can Rule the Galaxy, The Wild Kindness @ Cafe Du Nord, 5/1/12

Roman Gokhman — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:00:59 +0000

Doing his best to ignite a thinning Tuesday night crowd at Café Du Nord, shaggy Yukon Blonde frontman Jeff Innes turned to one of the few good things about the day following the one with the worst reputation (Mondays): Cheap fast food.

That didn’t seem to reawaken the few dozen people who remained close to midnight, but luckily, the Vancouver, B.C., band’s music should convince fans to come out when the band returns; preferably on a weekend.

Yukon Blonde is a dance-rock band in the vein of the Killers, but with a Southern twist when Innes harmonizes with one of his other bandmates, on songs like “Stairway.” There are also elements of Afropop on songs like “Iron Fist,” as well as ‘60s garage-pop. They definitely have the “ooh-oohs” and “woah-ohs” down on tracks like “My Girl,” which translate well from album to the stage.

Probably due to earlier stage slots, two San Francisco openers had a significantly larger crowd than the headliners.

Together, We Can Rule the Galaxy, a ragtag pop-punk bunch ranging in age by at least 15 years, featured complimentary guitarists who more often than not drowned out the vocals, and Summer Glau-lookalike on bass. It was difficult not to picture Terminator Jr. shooting steely glares from the stage.

Breezy surf pop band The Wild Kindness, along the lines of Beach House and Young the Giant, finished their short set with a song based on the plot of the film, ‘Melancholia,” telling the story much better in four minutes than the film did in two hours.

Follow writer Roman Gokhman at Twitter.com/RomiTheWriter and RomiTheWriter.tumblr.com.

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