TBB Premiere: Social Studies – “Away for the Weekend (Painless remix)”
April 10, 2013
Local indie rock heroes Social Studies are releasing their Away For The Weekend EP, which includes a handful of remixes, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere of the title track as reworked by Painless (a.k.a. Nicolas Dobbratz from of Montreal, Yip Deceiver, and Sugar & Gold). The original, off of 2012′s excellent Developer (Antenna Farm Records), is a catchy-as-hell mid-tempo rocker. Painless turns it into a bass-heavy slow burner, mainly using Natalia Rogovin’s vocal hiccups as the melody draped over the drums and low end.
In addition to the original and remix of the title track, the EP also includes two remixes of another standout cut from Developer, “Terracur”, done by Ellie Herring and Skeleton Hands. You can grab a copy over on iTunes.
Related Posts:
Review & Photos: Ramona Falls, Social Studies, Harriet, Mahgeetah @ Brick & Mortar, 2/27/13 (Noise Pop 2013)
March 1, 2013
Photos by Charlie Homo
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of catching Social Studies two years in a row at Noise Pop: I saw them open for Wye Oak last year, and I caught them again Wednesday night with Ramona Falls. While this review isn’t quite a “What a difference a year makes!” piece, because the band was excellent on both nights, the evolution of the band has been pretty exciting to watch.
But before I get to all that, there’s a matter of the two openers. Newcomers Mahgeetah may have borrowed their name and most of their sound from fellow country-inflected indie rockers My Morning Jacket, but that’s okay. The Americana tradition does not demand originality, just decent chops and a capacity for true, authentic expression. I’d say Mahgeetah has these things going for them, and given that they’ve released just one album, it’s maybe no surprise they haven’t quite found their own unique voice.
LA’s Harriet is another newish band, and they’re also working within a somewhat traditional American format, if a bit more rock-oriented. But they threw in plenty of keys and beats that called to mind more danceable electronic music. Truth be told, however, I was having a love affair with a “Chicken Fried Impersonator” sandwish (a meatless “chick’n” patty in between two waffles) supplied by Soul Groove out of Brick & Mortar’s kitchen, and honestly found that a lot more absorbing. But I don’t mean that to knock the band—while the songs didn’t hit me that night, there was a lot of interesting stuff going on and I would definitely check them out again.
Which brings us to Social Studies. Last time I reviewed their show, I name-dropped a particular new song, “Terracur”. It was due to be released on the band’s album Developer, which was still forthcoming at the time. Well, Developer is out now, and has been received with pretty huge critical praise (you can watch the video for “Terracur” here). The band is riding high, and Wednesday night was no exception. They just finished a pretty thorough US tour in support of Ramona Falls, and it showed. The band’s chops were air tight. I especially liked the two-guitar attack, as their road guitarist and hometown guitarist were both onstage. And while I think the Victoria Legrand comparison I made last time around is still pretty apt, singer Natalia Rogovin has really come into her own and never sounded better. Her command over her voice is impressive: sultry in all the right places, powerful when she needs to assert the melody over the intricately arranged compositions. It’s no wonder Social Studies appears poised to continue their winning streak in 2013.
I was not at all familiar with the music of Ramona Falls going into the night, except that it’s the band started by Brent Knopf after he quit Menomena—another band I never paid any particular attention to. Maybe I should have. While there’s something a little too twee about Knopf’s vocal delivery for me, it was nearly impossible not to get into their set. Most of their songs are composed of piano, violin, guitar, and some really energetic beats supplied by a live drummer. The violinist in particular is just a lot of fun to watch: she was bouncing around and clearly having a blast up there, even though she’s been on the road with three dudes for over five months (she did take a moment to protest the fact that they never wait for her to fix her hair, though). I don’t really know what you’d call Ramona Falls’ music. Baroque indie pop, maybe? Either way, their unique approach to songwriting and original sound was a great way to close out my first night of Noise Pop.
Related Posts:
Video Premiere: Social Studies – “Still Life”
January 16, 2013
Social Studies has a new video out this morning for “Still Life”, one of the key tracks off of their November release, Developer (Antenna Farm Records), and we are proud to premiere it here on The Bay Bridged.
This melancholy, vibrantly illustrated animated short cued to “Still Life” was created by Murder Doll House Films, and according to the filmmaker’s website they’re pretty stoked on the way it came out: “Last month I got finished with a project, STILL LIFE, I’m really proud of. It’s the best animation I’ve done so far so really excited for people to see it.” Check it out:
Just this afternoon, the band was also announced as part of the Noise Pop 2013 schedule, playing with Ramona Falls, Harriet, and Mahgeetah on Wednesday, February 27th at Brick and Mortar. This show is part of a U.S. tour the band is on through March supporting Portland’s Ramona Falls, and full dates are after the jump.
Ramona Falls, Social Studies, Harriet, Mahgeetah (Noise Pop 21)
Brick and Mortar Music Hall
February 27, 2013
8pm, $12-14
21+
Related Posts:
Best of 2012: Paul Koehler on Social Studies
December 20, 2012
There are a lot of Bay Area rock bands that I am digging right now, but my favorite local release of the year is Developer by Social Studies, hands down. Of course, I’m biased. My label released it. But we don’t really release “rock” records all that often, so what is it about this band and this amazing album that compelled us to step outside our comfort zone on this? Social Studies’ first album, 2010′s Wind Up Wooden Heart was all twisty and turny, a proggy affair that was somehow catchy even as it threw verse-chorus-verse structures in the trash. It was the closest thing we’d ever released to the old post-hardcore bands I used to play in, and without feeling retro it still reminded me of the mid-90s, when you could go see the Aislers Set, A Minor Forest, the VSS, and Cars Get Crushed play the same show at the Kilowatt or the Chameleon (editor’s note for kids not yet collecting social security: yes the Kilowatt used to have shows, and the Chameleon cleaned up a bunch and is Amnesia now).
But for Developer, Social Studies worked with producer/engineer Eli Crews (Deerhoof, Thao & Mirah, tUnE-yArDs) and totally streamlined their songwriting. They have verses and choruses now. Lead vocalist Natalia Rogovin really challenged herself, dropping her register an octave, and the guitars came front and center. The record sounds live, and it pulses with, for lack of a better word, power. It’s huge. I could hear it from the first rough mixes that I heard way back in the spring, and it just built and built. I’m old and jaded so when I hear a record that gives me spine tingles I stop what I’m doing and turn up the volume.
Related Posts:
Mixtape: Twelve Highlights from 2012 (Podcast #295)
December 20, 2012
Mixtape: Twelve Highlights from 2012 (Podcast #295)
“Best of” lists are intrinsically a tricky proposition, but compiling them is made all the more difficult by the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich pool of local musical talent. This mixtape compiles twelve of our favorite local performers from this year, all of whom had big years in their respective genres. Limiting the list to twelve meant that a lot of talented folks were left off, but this mix offers a nice sampling of some of the best that 2012 had to offer.
Subscribe to The Bay Bridged Podcast!
About the bands:
Ty Segall Band – “Wave Goodbye”
Ty Segall topped a stellar 2011 with an unbelievable 2012, releasing an album with White Fence (Hair), a collaboration with his live band (Slaughterhouse), and a new solo album (Twins). All that time in the studio, though, didn’t stop Segall’s relentless touring and delivering reliably great live shows. Three albums in one year is crazy enough, but that they’re all so good? Scary.
Dirty Ghosts – “Katana Rock”
It took years after Parchman Farm’s dissolution for Allyson Baker’s new project to release its debut, but it was sure worth the wait. Metal Moon is a genre-mashing record brimming with energy, and now that Baker’s solidified her bandmates, we’re excited to see where Dirty Ghosts are headed in the future.
Terry Malts – “Nauseous”
Off a couple of seven inches and riotous live shows, Terry Malts were one of our favorite bands of 2011 and stayed one of our favorites in 2012. The release of their debut LP, Killing Time, this year showcased a lean, winning approach — feedback, super-charged tempos, and Ramones-worthy choruses.
The Fresh & Onlys – “Yes or No”
My favorite Fresh & Onlys album used to be the mid-fi pop glory of Grey-Eyed Girls, until, that is the band released Long Slow Dance, which confidently soared to remarkable new heights. It’s the cleanest sounding set from the group yet, full of songs that are layered and dynamic while retaining Tim Cohen’s touching sense of melancholy.
Blackbird Blackbird – “Tear”
SF’s Mikey Maramag served up lush, beat-driven songs on 2012′s Boracay Planet, blending organic and electronic sounds into tracks suited equally well for a set of headphones or the dancefloor. An upcoming tour with Starfucker is just the latest high profile slot for this young talent.
Social Studies – “Away For The Weekend”
With Developer, their second full length, Social Studies crafted one of the year’s best indie pop albums. Between Natalia Rogovin’s compelling vocals and the group’s tight musicianship, it’s a mature, thoughtful batch of songs that should win them plenty of new fans.
Related Posts:
Ticket Giveaway Wednesday: Social Studies, Mynabirds, Andrew Jackson Jihad and more
November 7, 2012
Lots of tickets to give away this week, including but not limited to punk torchbearers Andrew Jackson Jihad, our friends Social Studies, and …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, who, contrary to my assumption, do not have the longest band name in existence. If none of these are up your alley, fear not: there’s tons more.
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.
Wednesday, November 7th
Smoking Popes, Luther, Dr. Frank @ Slim’s
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.The show starts at 8pm, $15, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Thursday, November 8th
Jeffrey Lewis and the Junkyard, Carletta Sue Kay @ Café du Nord
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.
The show starts at 9pm, $10, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Thursday, November 8th
…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, The Technicolors @ The Independent
To win, be the first ,second, or third person to enter. Winners will receive one pair of tickets each.The show starts at 8pm, $18, 21+. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Thursday, November 8th
Ben Sollee, Luke Reynolds @ Swedish American Hall
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.
The show starts at 8pm, $20, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Thursday, November 8th
The Sea and Cake, Matthew Friedberger @ Slim’s
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.The show starts at 9pm, $21, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Friday, November 9th
Social Studies, The Sam Chase, Jon Gunton @ The Independent
To win, be the first, second, or third person to enter. Winners will receive one pair of tickets each.The show starts at 9pm, $15, 21+. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Friday, November 9th
Delta Spirit @ The Fillmore
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.The show starts at 9pm, $35, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Monday, November 12th
A.C. Newman, Harriet @ The Independent
To win, be the first, second, or third person to enter. Winners will receive one pair of tickets each.
The show starts at 8pm, $15, 21+. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Sunday, November 11th
I Fight Dragons, MC Lars, Skyfox @ Slim’s
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.The show starts at 8pm, $14, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Tuesday, November 13th
Generationals, Races @ Café du Nord
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.The show starts at 8pm, $12, 21+. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Tuesday, November 13th
The Mynabirds, Paige and the Thousand @ Rickshaw Stop
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.
The show starts at 8pm, $10, all ages, Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Wednesday, November 14th
Andrew Jackson Jihad, Future of the Left, Jeff Rosenstock @ Slim’s
To win, be the first person to enter. Winner will receive one pair of tickets.The show starts at 8pm, $15, all ages. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Related Posts:
Interview: Social Studies on the new record, green beer, and being a smart band
November 6, 2012
Social Studies have developed a reputation as a “smart” band, something they kind of scoff at. Still, when I find them sitting in a coffee shop on 24th St. last Monday evening, singer Natalia Rogovin is lamenting the hooliganism that had erupted in her neighborhood the night before, the night of the Giants’ win (a viewpoint that isn’t limited to “smart” people, but she’s expressing herself pretty eloquently). Jesse Hudson is nestled in a sunny corner with a music theory book by one of the brainiest musicians out there: David Byrne.
As the release of their second album, Developer, approaches, they admit to being both nervous and excited – as new parents should be. “I think I keep offending my friends who have kids by saying this, but it’s kind of like having a baby,” says drummer Michael Jirkovsky. “We really just want to share it,” says Natalia. “We’re incredibly proud of it and we just want it to breathe life and for people to hear it.”
It hasn’t been that long since Social Studies got their start, while Michael and Natalia were living in Santa Cruz. “(Our first show was at) a co-op house in the hills of Santa Cruz,” Natalia begins to tell me. “A house party in Santa Cruz on St. Patrick’s Day. (It was called) The Mudhouse, I think…” she trails off.
“Wait, why was it called the Mudhouse?” Michael cuts in. “Was it really dirty or something?”
“It was so dirty,” Natalia says emphatically. “It was around 1-2 in the morning, everyone was super-wasted and started blasting us with green beer…
“It was kind of an awesome way to start.”
Social Studies’ sound has changed dramatically since then, but not that dramatically. “You know, we’re doing less of the proggy stuff, getting in that groove, learning to play slower and not changing all the time,” says Jesse of the band’s new work. Songs on Developer are a little more layered, which may read to fans — in comparison to past work which has typically stayed pretty upbeat — as darker; more somber. “The new songs are a lot more personal,” attests Natalia. “More intimate. I had a little bit of a fear of music being too emotional, especially as a woman,” she says. “We didn’t write the last album right away. Because of that I felt a little more comfortable with my influence.” [More...]
Related Posts:
Live This Month: November 2012 — an audio guide through SF concerts this month (Podcast #291)
October 31, 2012
Live This Month: November 2012 — an audio guide through SF concerts this month (Podcast #291)
In Live This Month, we sample some of the great local and out-of-town bands performing in the coming month in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Who would have expected November to offer a slew of new releases from Bay Area bands? The month promises long-awaited new records — and local shows — from Maus Haus and Social Studies, as well as psychy new offerings from The Love Dimension and Golden Void (a new project that includes Earthless guitarist Isaiah Mitchell). And that list doesn’t even include the new albums and upcoming shows of Mark Eitzel and Tamaryn!
Yes, this mix is a little more local-heavy than normal, but the touring highlights include some big ones. Canadian trio METZ is touring behind a ton of buzz and a loud, rocking new album on Sub Pop, while Welsh band Future Of The Left is bringing their intense, energetic live show to Slim’s as part of a nationwide trip.
Enjoy the mix and then go see some shows!
Subscribe to The Bay Bridged Podcast!
About the bands:
