About Last Night: Summer Cannibals @ Doug Fir Lounge 01/09

Last night in the cozy confines of the Doug Fir Lounge, those of us willing to shrug off the weight of our work week and dreg through another miserably wet Portland night, were rewarded with an ass shaking, jaw dropping and mind blowing rock show.

By Mark Lawrence IV

Opening the night was the catchy garage pop of the Spookies. This was my first time seeing the band, and now I’m hooked. At times vibrating with a certain kind of eccentric pop madness, the bounding performance of lead singer, Mayhaw Hoons was a true pleasure to behold. Matching the wildness of his ginger locks, Hoons seemed barely able to contain himself at times, stepping from the mic to scream his lyrics with out audio enhancement so as not to overload the system. Energetic and fun, the infectious rhythm of their opening set leapt from the stage causing the audience to break out into random feats of joyous dancing. The uncomplicated dynamic of the bands single vocal set up has allowed Hoons voice to find compliment in the instrumental support of a band of awesome musicians whose focus is absolute in the music they are playing. The end result is a seamless tapestry of sound built with the tightly woven guitar play of Alex Arrowsmith and Jeff Lehman and the rhythm and sway of Nightmaren Couch and Colin Anderson’s Bass and drums that holds to a near perfect groove. The Spookies’ opening set was truly memorable and proved my long standing additive that opening slots are where you can find great bands.

By Mark Lawrence IV

Quick to follow was the bold punk sound of Hurry Up! True to their name the band came on fast and furious. Aggressively raw, this band is awesome and rightly so compiled of Thermals’ Kathy Foster and Westin Glass on drums and guitar and scene staple and The Bangs member Maggie Vail on bass. Every time I see this band I love them that much more and they’re quickly becoming one of my new home town favorites. As though connected on a harmonically psychic level this band’s music is built of a near perfect sonic architecture. Adding to the uniqueness of their music is Glass and Vail's trading vocals. The energy of the band continued the acceleration of the night as the house filled and the crowd grew more excited for the main event.

By Mark Lawrence IV

Finally the time came for the Summers Cannibals to take the stage and they took it with no quarter, launching right into their darkly rich rock ‘n’ roll. Celebrating the release of their new Make You Better EP, this night was all about them and the band was in top form. As always Jessica Bourdreaux commanded the stage with her vibrantly potent demeanor. Tearing through their set with pure abandon the Summer Cannibals were like a storm of sound and fury. Marc Swart and Bourdreaux both dug away at their guitars with an animal like aggression while Valerie and Lynnae's  grooves and rhythmic beats were hypnotically sensual in nature. Yet again this band proved why they are quickly becoming one of my new favorite live Portland acts. Even though they played every song in their catalog, leaving nothing for an encore. When the lights were brought up many of us wished they could have kept playing, the echo of such an awesome rock show so fresh in our ears.    

By Mark Lawrence IV

The Triple Crown: 12/31 - 01/12

Thursday, January 9th 
Summer Cannibals
Hurry Up / Spookies
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Door: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Cover: $5
21 & Over

The gritty mood rock of the Summer Cannibals is a breath of fresh air and further proof that Portland is truly a magical place if you love great music. With their boldly powerful songs and a dynamic stage show, this band is certainly one to watch in the new year. Celebrating the release of their Make You Better EP the band is commandeering the Doug Fir Lounge for an all out rock 'n' roll joyride. Joining them on stage is the ferocious power of Thermals side project Hurry Up and the throwback mod-garage rock sound of the Spookies. In all, this should be an amazing night of awesome music. So start you weekend a little early.  


Friday, January 10th 
The Reverend Horton Heat
Thw Nekromantix / Old Man Markley
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Door: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.: $22 / Day Of: $25
21 & Over

Like a rock 'n' roll tent revival, this show at the Wonder Ballroom should be a near religious experience. Headlined by the amazing Reverend Horton Heat himself, he has surrounded himself with a lineup of awesome supporting acts including the phychobilly saints, The Nekromantixs and the Twangy rockabilly of Old Man Markley. With a line up like this how can anyone not have fun; surrounded by pompadours and dolled up rockabilly girls, one might consider this the perfect formula for a Friday night. 


Sunday, January 12th
Maria Taylor
St. Even / PJ Bond
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Door: 7PM / Show: 8PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of :$12
21 & Over

Th angelic voice of singer/song-writer Maria Taylor is a sonic slice of heaven.Compelled by a song birds heart her music is richly human, breathtakingly honest and has just a touch of the southern charm of her Alabama upbringing. You could easily spend a lifetime listening to her records but watching her in concert is so much more rewarding. Always a fun and comfortable experience her live show has the feel of a family affair. Touring in support of her latest album Something About Knowing, Taylor has brought along fellow artist St. Even and PJ Bonds to join her on the stage of the amazing Mississippi Studios. This is a perfect way to spend a Sunday night and with this sweet music still in your ears, it just might make Monday a little easier to deal with. 

About Last Night: Hurry Up @ Mississippi Studios 05/05

Last night’s show at Mississippi Studios was a showcase of some of the amazing female musicians this city has to offer.

First on deck was the thunderous rock n roll of the Summer Cannibals. The newest group on the bill, this band is truly developing into a local powerhouse. Oozing a boldly aggressive sensuality Jessica Bourdreaux and the crew play their garage dirty tunes with a strutting confidence that builds with each song. Calculating and controlled their performance had a baser feel like a hunter stalking prey. Coordinated guitar attacks and uncanny stage awareness added to the visual aesthetic of their set. While forcefully dive into songs without losing control, proved them to be masters of their art. I swear this band gets better with each show and it’s getting me excited for the release of there debut album, rumored for this July. If you haven’t seen them yet, make it a priority.

Next to the stage were Kim Baxter and her band. Enjoyably confident they performed their dreamy mod rock with a polished crispness that spoke volumes of the experience of these musicians and the bond between them. Radiating a euphoric optimism, Baxter seemed at home on stage and the resulting effect it had on the music was apparent. Beautifully energetic, the clarity of the bands fuzz lovely songs spilled from the stage lightening hearts and limbs while leaving us all doe-eyed for the rock n roll sweetheart that is Kim Baxter. As an audience member it’s nice to see artists that are good at what they do and enjoy doing it. If you loved her in the All Girl Summer Fun Band then make sure you check out her solo material, you won’t be disappointed.

Last up was the local super group Hurry Up. Though the shortest set in the night it truly was the most energetically wild. True to their name, the Hurry Up played fast and furious songs, bringing the punk aesthetic to the night. Trading off vocals between Maggie Vail and Westin Glass gave a unique dynamic to the show making it truly feel like collaboration instead of the Thermals with a different bass player. Musically tight, this band had the work ethic of steam engine punching through one song after another. Ultimately I would have liked to a longer set, but I was happy with what I did see. Hopefully the band will be releasing some material soon, but until then I’ll settle for the occasional show.

Without a margarita or a cerveza I guess it wasn’t much of a Cinco Di Mayo, but with all this good music on stage made for a great Sunday night.

Quick Pick: Hurry Up @ Mississippi Studio 05/05

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Sunday, May 5th
Hurry Up
Kim Baxter / Summer Cannibals
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.:$5 /Day Of:$5
21 & Over

For those of you that are in need of your weekly music fix but want to avoid the downtown madness of Cinco De Mayo, this cheap show at Mississippi Studios tomorrow night is perfect. With an amazing lineup of local acts, there might not be a better bang for your buck in town. Headlining the show is the fitful energy of Hurry Up. A dynamic three piece that plays a raw crunchy rock n roll made of tightly woven full throttle chaos. Consisting of Maggie Vail and Thermals' alum Kathy Foster and Westin Glass this threesome are known to make some ruckus.

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Equally deserving of mention are the two opening acts of Kim Baxter and the Summer Cannibals. Long time Portland music staple Kim Baxter is well remembered as a member of the All Girl Summer Fun Band. Now a solo artist under her own monicker, Baxter is playing a boldly atmospheric electro-mod-rock. Finishing off the line up is the Summer Cannibals. The youngest group on the bill, this band of new comers to the Portland scene has some of the greatest potential I've seen in years. Having caught one of their recent shows I was blown away by the powerful nature of their crunchy fuzz rock and the Honestly raw sensuality of front woman Jessica Boudreaux. This is one of those show where you'll want to get there early to catch all the great music. So come on down and have dinner at one of the many amazing eateries lining Mississippi and make a night of it before you have to start another week of the grind.  

Musicfest Northwest:: The Game Plan

Tonight marks the start of 2011's Musicfest NW, Portland's premier music event of the year. The hype that this will be the grandest Musicfest yet is no lie. With 197 acts playing 21 venues, all squeezed into 5 amazing nights, this will be a week to remember. With all that music though, you have to have a game plan so in lue of a Triple Crown I thought I 'd share my picks for this years Musicfest NW. I hope you all have your own plans, but if you have a few open spots in your schedule, I've listed the shows I most excited about and hope you might check a few of them out yourself.

Wednesday, September 7th

10PM Hurry Up!
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi Ave
21 & Over

Portland's newest punk sensation, Hurry Up has a rambunctiously youthful energy that can only be captured in the thralls of punk rock rebellion. A supper group of sorts that includes Kathy Foster and Westin Glass of the Thermals and fellow underground veteran Maggie Vail, Hurry Up can back up their energy with the staying power of experience. I recently caught them opening at the East End and they were awesome and their show at Mississippi is a great way to start off the week.


Thursday, September 8th

10PM Witch Mountain
Dante's
350 W. Burnside St.
21 & Over

If the 80's and David Grohl have taught us anything, it's that you should always make a little room for good metal in your life. Their is something to say of the cheap high you get killing useless braincells in the act of head banging. In this case I'm making sure to catch Portland's own Witch Mountain. A thick stew of instrumentation, their melodic grind has a bluesy sensuality that is heightened by the soulful voice of Uta Plotkin. Dante's red room atmosphere is a perfect match for this band and their music which will increase the enjoyment of this show as a pairing of the right wine can make a meal that much better.


11PM Handsome Furs
Branx
320 SE 2nd Ave
All Ages

The music of this married couple from Montreal is a shadowy grit-pop that oozes with a seedy industrial kink. The soundtrack of back ally hook ups and unmentionable after parties in skid row hotels, these songs have a lusty seduction to them that makes you crave them like your worst vices. I'm guessing this show will be sinfully fun and I might just need a shower afterwards, but sometimes it's the things that get you dirty that are the most fun.
If you want a taste of their sound, I featured their video for "Dumb Animals" in last weeks Tuesday Double Feature so check it out.


12PM Phantogram
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E. Burnside St.
21 & Over

The jazzy minimalistic dream scape of Phantograms music is a beautifully sparse environment that is inhabited by extremes, each sound making an impact twice as powerful as it's initial energy. Created by the duo of Joshua Carter and Sarah Barthel, I'm looking forward to seeing how their songs translate to the Doug Fir stage.


Friday, September 9th

9PM Anais Mitchell
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
All Ages

For Friday night I feel the best bang for the effort is camping out at the Aladdin Theater for a show case of storytellers and folk song writers. Opening is the melodic beauty of Anais Mitchell. With a diversely soulful voice that can strut about with an attitude of a blues diva or can softly tell a story so touching you can almost feel the soft caress of her breath upon your cheek.Her songwriting is wonderfully organic and has a universal quality that's charming to audiences of all ages, as my 10 year old daughter will tell you. I'm excited to take the whole family to this all ages show at the Aladdin Theater.


10PM Joe Pug
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
All Ages

Following Anais Mitchell is the storytelling perfection of Joe Pug. In my opinion one of the brightest rising stars to have picked up a guitar in the last few years. I might go as far as to say he could be the next Bob Dylan. Imbued with more honesty than Mumford and Son his musical tales are the callused handed revelation of the common man in all of us. I have become obsessed with his music and I look forward to seeing him fill the warmly embracing acoustics of the Aladdin Theater with the comforting sound of his road worn voice.


Saturday, September 10th

9PM Violet Isle
Jimmy Mak's
221 NW 10th Ave
21 & Over

Wonderfully multifaceted the Violet Isle's can be both bold and detailed. Their rich acoustic pop provided each song with a beautifully distinct flavor and their live show provides a lovingly fresh insight into their music that should not be passed up.



10PM Heavy Cream
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi Ave
21 & Over
Somewhere between the Donna's and the Runaways, Heavy Cream, except for their one Y Chromosome, is the poster child for girl empowerment. Screw Hannah Montana and Taylor Swift, these are the girls I want my daughter to look up to. At least they can play their own instruments and they don't need to infect her with their unresolved daddy issues. Powerful and hungry you can hear it in their music. I'm excited about this show at Mississippi, because I can only believe that their live show will blow the audience away. If your curious abut the band,check out the video for "Watusi" which was included in last weeks Tuesday Double Feature. Check it out.


11PM Jared Mees & The Grown Children
Rontoms
600 E Burnside St.
21 & Over

Fun and playful Jared Mees and his Grown Children play the kind of music that makes you skip. Filled with the child like glee of sugar high sleep overs and carefree day dreaming; these songs might make one forget,even for just a moment, the bill buried world life turns into when you get older. I'm sure their set at Rontoms will rejuvenate it's audience with a popish energy that will let them finish the night strong .


12 PM Ravishers
Someday Lounge
125 NW 5th Ave
21 & Over

The jazzy pop of Portland's Ravishers is filled with dreamy urban melodies and a danceable beat that gets under your skin in all the best kind of ways. Vibrant and luscious with the wonderfully light-hearted energy that defines the Portland Pop sound, this band is making the right kind of commotion. I'm certain that big things are waiting for them just around the corner. So take this chance to catch these home town boys before the road claims them for its own.

Birthday Binger-Part 1:Let's hear it for the ladies

It's been 4 years since I drank enough to howl at the moon. In those days I use to be famous for celebrating my birthday with a little more than the needed amount of friendly libations. Now sober, I still have a tendency toward toasting another year of life with a little binging. These days it's with a whole lot of live music in the two weeks leading up to my birthday. So this is the first of two articles previewing the six awesome shows I'm hoping to catch in the next two weeks. I hope to see you at a few.


Thursday, August 18th
Avengers
Roxy Epoxy & The Rebounds/Defect Defect/Ari Shine
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors:8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$10 /Day Of:$12
21 & Over

Penelope Houston is a pivotal figure in Punk rock whether the world knows it or not, and a concert by the Avengers is better than a visit by royalty. Having originally existed in a short span of time between 1977 to 1979 this band ran with the likes of the Sex Pistols, X and the Dead Kennedy's and created some of the most meaningful punk rock that ever existed. Their music was not just rage and rebellion, it was raw emotion given purpose and their brief run might in fact have, in my opinion, legitimized punk rock as a musical form. The ground work they laid has shaped all the music that followed. Whether you like punk rock or not this is a show you don't want to miss.
Blessed with the opportunity to support this band is Portland's siren of synth-punk Roxy Epoxy and her band the Rebound. Energetic and powerful in her own right she is a perfect compliment to these trailblazers of punk. Also on the bill is the berserker assault of Defect,Defect and the unique pairing of Ari Shine's rock'n'roll. If your withing 400 miles of Portland or Seattle this weekend you need to make this show.


Sunday, August 21st
The Ettes
Hans Condor/My Goodness
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$10/Day Of:$12
21 & Over

The musical equivalent to the perfect storm, The Ettes have a power and energy that can lift cars and up root trees. Their fuzz rich guitars and strutting groove makes a raw sexy sound that feel lusciously dirty and is delivered with a speed that causes whiplash in those improperly secured. With the tornado fury of Poni on drums and the deceptively aggressive precision of Coco and Jem; live, this three piece might have no equal.Touring in support of their latest audio masterpiece Wicked Will; Coco and the crew reveal a new unshakable confidence and the slightest effects of the outlaw country of their new home town of Nashville.
I saw this band 2 years ago at Slabtown and have been jonesing for a chance to see them again ever since. Joining them on stage, like two brothers, is the bluesy aggression of Hans Condor whose powerful music is a thunderously sweaty beast while the broken blues of My Goodness has a smoother yet just as effective come on.



Monday, August 22nd
White Mystery
Shannon & The Clams/The Men/Milk Music/Hurry Up
East End203 SE Grand Ave
Show:9PM
Price: $8
21 & Over

The bold fuzztastic rock'n'roll of Chicago based White Mystery is a powerful thing made of an audio force that can topple buildings. Their crunchy garage madness is an assault of viciously raw guitar and a blunt force attack of brutal drumming. Like a page out of Phil Specters "Wall of sound", this brother and sister duo make the music that melts the brain and infects your body with an unforgiving rhythm. Live their energy is highly unstable and verges on volatile. Like their wild locks of vibrant red hair Alex and Francis are barely containable when on stage which will make this night at the East End outrageously fun.
Sharing the bill is four other awesome bands. Headlining is the 50's garage flashback phenomenon of Shannon and The Clams. While the supporting slots are held by the wild sonic freakout of The Man, the boldly raw force of Milk Music and the freshly birthed super-group of Hurry Up. Jammed pact with music there's no better way to spend this Monday night.