Wolfmother does not disappoint in SLC

Mute Math and the Cinematics also spectacular

Australian rockers, Wolfmother, played a packed house at In The Venue Wednesday night, April 17, bringing Mute Math and The Cinematics along on their current headlining tour.

Before the show began fans lined the sidewalk of In The Venue, some waiting hours to get inside. Once inside it wasn't long before the floor was packed with a swirling sea of music goers of all ages and the evening kicked off with a wonderful set by Scottish indie band The Cinematics.

Primarily a group of shoe gazers, their actions and energy onstage were nothing to get too excited over, but the amazing quality of the sound, especially on "Break," of their live performance excelled. It made their brief set, covering most of the songs from their debut, A Strange Education, on a stage covered in equipment not their own, seem to come to a close all to soon. But the crowd, a majority of whom couldn't care less about the opening numbers, swirled on anxiously awaiting their retro rock heroes.

The evening ensued as Mute Math stunned a crowd of familiar and unfamiliar faces alike as they took the stage with a power and presence all their own. Those seeing the band for the first time stood confused as drummer Darren King began taping his headphones around his head as the band got situated to begin their show of lights, sound and intense stage presence.

After starting out with the likes of "Chaos" and "Typical" from their self-titled full length release, they delved into powerful and, at times, extended versions of the rest of the LP as well as some tracks from their first EP Reset.

Paul Meany's sweeping, Sting-like vocals completed the in-motion landscape of light and sound that extended from the stage throughout the venue. Their strong performance was full of surprising stage antics, mostly by Meany who was constantly in motion, dancing, jumping off of his Rhodes piano and tossing microphone stands every which way.

But the highlight of this chaotic, symphonic performance was when every member of the band took out drumsticks and began a purely percussion jam, hitting everything they could get their hands on to add to the pounding beat of the bass drum. It was a phenomenal display of musicianship and everyone who was paying attention was filled with a new-found respect for Mute Math's abilities as live performers.

This display made Wolfmother's duties to follow up and create an even more ambient, intense atmosphere more difficult. But the Aussie psychedelic rockers were up to the challenge as they exploded onto the stage, pouring through their, though limited, excellent discography, as well as covering some '70s rock classics, with short jams thrown into each song.

Though short on conversation and direct crowd interaction, Andrew Stockdale (vocals, guitar) still had an excellent stage presence, and definitely cares for his fans and it showed through in his performance. Chris Ross also brought it with his catchy bass and keyboard hooks, wheeling both instruments all over the stage with him as he played. And drummer Myles Heskett kept the beat alive as he nailed each song.

The one and only thing that broke up the hypnosis of the over-an-hour power rock fest was, toward the end of the evening when one young, slippery fan, who had crowd surfed to the front of the stage, slipped by security and up onto the stage. Once up, he pumped his fists and jumped around until security came up after him as he dove back into the crowd and quickly became lost in the swirling mass of bodies.

Overall it was an excellent, though at times lengthy, performance. All three bands played excellent, and the music was as superb as the antics that took place.

Of music, donuts and Vanderslice

Originally ran as an article for The College Times April 16, 2007.


DIY rocker promises new album at intimate performance

As a crowd gathered into Kilby Court in Salt Lake City last Monday night, no one could have predicted how the scheduled two-bill show was going to turn out. Everyone in attendance left with a renewed love for lo-fi indie veteran John Vanderslice, who came to town bringing St. Vincent with him.

St. Vincent, also known as multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark (The Polyphonic Spree, Sufjan Stevens tour band), opened the evening. Clark put together a set of stripped down, raw versions of her music, including the songs “Human Racing,” "Paris Is Burning" and “Marry Me.”

She dedicated “Marry Me,” the title track of her forthcoming album and debut on Beggar’s Banquet due out July 10, to John Vanderslice. The dedication seemed fitting as the choral lyric “Marry me John” needed no tweaking to make it fit the flattering gesture. Clark, who donned a vintage school uniform during her performance, surprised a majority of the gathering crowd, who seemed mostly unfamiliar with the artist.

Regardless, Clark gained instant fans with her stark, honest lyrics, sophisticated and sometimes sharp guitar, and her ability to put together an enchanting experience without the support of a band. St. Vincent’s sound seemed a good compliment — and introduction for — John Vanderslice. The DIY legend came to Salt Lake City this time around playing with long-time friend and drummer, Dave Douglas.

While Vanderslice commanded the show with his guitar and uncanny vocals, Douglas filled out the performance simultaneously commanding the drums, Moog Source (keys), Moog Taurus (bass pedals) and any additional sampling necessary for each song. Still touring on his last release, the two-year-old Pixel Revolt, Vanderslice promised a new release sometime this summer, which will be followed by a return visit during September.

Though sticking primarily to Pixel Revolt during the set, playing songs like “Exodus Damage,” “Angela” and “Dear Sarah Shu,” Vanderslice and Douglas ventured off supplementing a number of older songs — as well as a couple new tunes — including one called “White Dove.”

During the show Vanderslice captured the crowd with his good sense of humor and introduced everyone to some tour favorites, most notably a box of jelly-filled donuts which was passed around to the crowd and wittily dubbed the “Vanderslice Communion.”

There were also some “firsts” for a Vanderslice live performance, some planned and others accidental. One that was planned, but took an interesting turn, was a beautiful duet with Annie Clark that, due to microphone issues, turned into a completely acoustic masterpiece.

Other “firsts” included another guest, a fan named Jason, who responded to an e-mail soliciting guest vocalist for the show, taking over vocals for the song “Radiant with Terror.” It was kind of like a “Vanderslice Idol.” And an acoustic rendition of “Me and My 424” took place at the end of the night, featuring Vanderslice playing out in the middle of the floor with the crowd singing along at his direction.

The intimate setting and the connection Vanderslice established with the crowd turned another visit to Kilby Court into a one-of-a-kind experience. Mishaps became unique opportunities and everyone at the show was a part of the performance.

Local singer/songwriter making big waves with indie folk album

From an article which ran in The College Times April 2, 2007.

Joshua James’ digital release raising eyebrows nationally, internationally

“When I write a song, I have a vision of how it should be played and how people will react to it emotionally,” said Joshua James, a local singer/songwriter in a recent interview.

James’ vision is catching on as his debut album, The Sun Is Always Brighter, has been making considerable waves on Apple, Inc.’s iTunes Store. In fact, since it’s January release Always Brighter has sold around 2,600 copies digitally in the United States and is gaining momentum internationally as well.

“I remember when it was first released on iTunes and we were getting the numbers in,” said James, “it sold 1,000 copies. It sold all over.”

The hype surrounding the release has been growing since. It peaked at 4th on France’s alternative albums chart in January, and has been ranked as high as 30th in the United States. Currently the album is still hanging on around 55 on the alternative charts.

The album has been featured in the “Staff Favorites” on iTunes numerous times. The track “FM Radio” was recently available as the “Single of the Week” for free download in early March. “FM Radio” scored nearly 100,000 downloads, making it the top download that week.

“I didn’t realize there are that many people looking for the next big whatever,” said James his album’s success. Even though the album has been well-received, James said the album, which was recorded in only two weeks, felt rushed.

“The next album will blow this one out of the water,” said James about a follow-up album which is already in the works. He is going back into the studio in June and the final product will likely be available 2008.

For now James and company are “riding the iTunes train” so to speak, letting the album reach its potential digitally. In the future The Sun Is Always Brighter may also hit stores, possibly being made available for purchase physically before the year’s end.

James is also looking to distribute in France, Spain and elsewhere in Europe where his album is also very popular. James said, “I have no idea how people in France even found it.”

James is hoping to possibly tour in Europe in the future, as well as nationally, but in the mean time touring is something for the weekends. Currently the former UVSC student plans to attend BYU in the fall, majoring in audio engineering, unless touring takes him out on the road.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen for me in the future. But if the chance comes I will play shows and tour away.”

Welcome, Welcome

My first blog.

For my inaugural post I will introduce myself. My name is Chad. I am a writer by nature, even though I sometimes neglect my talents, and I enjoy music. This blog is dedicated to both of these loves. As I am studying to be a journalist, my writing is usually featured as such, and I am currently a regular with my college's newspaper, The College Times. My articles can be accessed on the netxnews website by typing my name into the archives.

For the most part this blog will be show reviews, CD reviews and commentary on, usually, music-related matters. The first few posts are going to be archival - articles and whatnot that are somewhat dated. When I've caught up, I'll start some new material.

I am also on myspace, but am particular about requests and such. If you want access to my myspace page, please message me first.

Enjoy,

Chad