Living Room Performance: Screaming Females - "Boyfriend"

Screaming Females - "Boyfriend"

The Hideout

Chicago, Illinois

2014



Sometime there truly is nothing better than a punk rock show. The power,the energy, the raw emotions; the Screaming Females have all these in spades. As this clip reveals, this band is ballisticly charged. Hailing from the same sessions that produced their Live at the Hideout album this performance is one for the records.

"Finals Week with The Hard Lessons": Living Room Performance: The Hard Lessons - "I'm Board"

The Hard Lessons - "I'm Board"

St. Andrew's Hall

Detroit, Michigan

December 26th 2013



"Covering this song started off as a joke at a birthday party for our friend Adam who is part-owner of the Ottawa Tavern in Toledo. It ended up becoming the impetuous to recording our new album. We opened for the Stooges in 2007 and we covered "No Fun" at a gig the day after Ron Asheton died. There's a little Iggy in all of us."- The Hard Lessons

This week, we at BLS are going back to school with the rock powerhouse of Detroit band The Hard Lessons. A long time personal favorite of my own, it's an honor to have the band take over for the week. Not only does this band created some of the sweetest rock 'n' roll out there but their live performance is easily in my top 5 all time greatest shows and that's just from seeing them 2 or 3 time. So get your learning hats on and don't worry, all tests are open book.

Living Room Performance: Vikesh Kapoor

Vikesh Kapoor

KEXP Studio

Seattle, Washington

October 8th, 2013




If you have some free time, here's a little concert of Vikesh Kapoor to get you over your hump day. Like a Bob Dylan for the 21st Century, Kapoor plays a authentic folk rich with story and voice. Beautiful with a uniquely rustic urban sound, you can here the ghosts of Guthrie and Cash in these songs. Kapoor will be opening for Eleni Mandell at Mississippi Studios this coming February 19th. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing artist live.

Living Room Performance: Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas - "Caught Up"

Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas - "Caught Up"

The Magic Bag

Ferndale, MI

July 20th, 2012




The soul-rocking sound of Detroit's Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas is a rich study of cultural and environmental influences. Led by the bold vocal presence of Jessica Hernandez, this band has a thickly wonderful sound that's executed with amazing energy. If you were lucky enough to catch their set as part of this year's Musicfest NW you're a first hand witness. If not, don't despair, the recent release of their Live at the Magic Bag EP might be the next best thing. Also, check out BLS's recent interview with the band.

Living Room Performance: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Medicine

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - "Medicine"

Mophonics Studio, NewYork New York

2010



Recently at BLS we've been talking a lot about soul music. So I thought we'd get the women's perspective in the bluesy seductiveness of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.Still riding high from the release of last years The Lion The Beast The Beat,Grace and the band have spent their summer on tour and will continue into Fall. Having just come through town last month, we might not get to see her live again until next year, but the great thing is no matter her touring time table we always have her music.

About Last Night: Volume Bomb CD Release @ The Tonic

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Last Night the Tonic was bursting with some of the greatest punk bands in Portland, all thanks to Keith Littlefield of Volume Bomb Records. Celebrating the release of Volume Bombs' Portland punk compilation Blown Fuses Bloody Ears, the night was jammed pack with great performances from six outstanding local acts.

Opening the night was the wonderful nerd core of Thundering Asteroids. Always a pleasure to watch the band got the night off right even though initially facing a few technical difficulties. Min and the boys were energetically fun and persevered through the adversities like punk rock champs. This was my wife's first opportunity to see the band and as I anticipated, she loved them.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Next up was the bombasticly dynamic Dartgun and the Vingnette. Being the first time to catch this band I was blown away. Their unique mix of  soul sister vocals and brit-fluence punk came off as one of the freshest things I've heard in years. Controlling the stage like a power crazed dictator Chuck Thrust boldly captured the audience and led us to the the brink of fanaticism. All the while tempered with the beautiful vocal melodies of the Vingnettes. I recall being drawn to their tracks on the compilation but now having witnessed the glory that is this band's live performance I am a true believer.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

A hard act to follow, the Anxieties did good, continuing the energy with their excitable next wave punk. Like Tom Cruve on coke this band played with a powerfully anxious vibe; sounding like a hybrid mix of the Ramons and the Damned. Fun and lively the set was a pleasure to witness and like Dartgun and the Vingette's I look forward to seeing them play again soon.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Now, as for the The Thornes I can't tell you for certain  whether they're metal or punk, but hardcore is exactly what they are. With a two guitar attack and a rhythm section that feels like a prison beating this band drives their sound with the power of a fully loaded semi-truck. I was standing in front or the speaker and the amount of air coming off of them felt like a high power fan. Top that off with the wildly unpredictable stage antics of Justin Thorne and you have a live act I won't ever forget. Even it you're not a fan of their style of music I would tell you that catching this band live is a must.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Even as the night drew long the good music kept coming in the form of  42 Ford Prefect. Roughly aggressive the speed punk of this band has the power to send your body into spastic convolutions of punk joy. While the guttural vocals had a deeply primal nature to them. Most important though was the fact that this night won't have been possible if not for the work of 42 Ford Prefect's drummer Jesse and guitars Keith who's tireless efforts made Blown Fuses Bloody Ears a reality.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Topping off the night was the whiskey growl of Stumblebum. Raw and rough as gravel this band is all you'd ever want in a punk rock outlaw. Playing as abrasively as they sound this band was aggressively bold on stage working the crowd into a frenzy. A perfect closer, this band carried the night to a strong finish making this an awesome celebration of an amazing compilation.


    

Living Room Performance: Caravan Palace - "Clash"

Caravan Palace - "Clash"

Le Trianon, Paris

2012



The French music collective Caravan Palace makes some highly addictive elector swing that will possess you with an overwhelming urge to dance. My advice, just give in. Touring in support of their sophomore album Panic the band will be in Portland this Wednesday, July 24th at The Star Theater. Check out the latest Triple Crown for more details.

Living Room Performance: Sirsy - "Revolution"

Sirsy - "Revolution"

Revolution Hall

Troy, NY

2009


The guitar and drum duo of Sirsy have been rocking their powerful but minimalistic rock n roll for over a decade. Based out of Albany New York this band has extensively toured clubs and venues throughout the Midwest and East Coast and also held opening slots for numerous big name acts.  Awash with their signature two part rock, their latest album Coming Into Frame is finding acclaim and praise. This spring you can catch them touring the West Coast with dates in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.  Unfortunately, we won't be seeing them this far north but there's always hope for their next time around.

Living Room Performance: Fort Frances "How to Turn Back Again"

Fort Frances - "How to Turn Back Again"

Abandoned Grain Silo

Chicago's South Side

2013



Chicago based Fort Frances plays a sun kissed country-folk that swims in a cocktail of breathtaking vocals and warm autumn instrumentation. Well known for their 2011 debut album The Atlas, Fort Frances have been awarded some wonderful opportunists over the last 2 years. Their latest release is last month's Harbour EP which is filled with more their signature musical perfection. Enjoy this unique performance recorded as part of Robert Stockwell's SiLo SiLO web series, that catches bands in the acoustically rich confines of an abandoned grain silo on Chicago's South-side.

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.

Living Room Performance: Lewis Watson "Once Before"

Lewis Watson - "Once Before"

Exeter Chaple, Oxford England

January 2013



It's odd to see such a deeply soulful voice come out of someone so young. The richly soothing songs that spill forth from London based singer songwriter Lewis Watson are unearthly at times. Building in recognition and success since the release of his debut E.P. Another Four Sad Songs, Watson will finally be gracing the US with a handful of shows next month. Here's to hoping he likes us enough to plan a broader tour in the near future.
If you liked what you heard, below is a link where you can sign up and get a Live E.P. of this show.

Living Room Performance: Walk Off the Earth "I Knew You Were Troble"

Walk Off the Earth(Feat. KRNFX) -I Knew You Were Trouble




This video is AWESOME! Yes, it's a Taylor Swift song, but it becomes a whole new creature when preformed as an a cappella beatbox masterpiece.The Canadian based  Walk Off the Earth continues to skirt the boundaries between music and performance art redefining the concept of cover songs and music itself. Joining forces with beatbox extraordinaire  KRNFX to cover this pop radio hit has lead to yet another amazing web sensation.  It defies all human logic the sounds KRNFX is making with his mouth alone.You have to understand there's not a single instrument accompanying the band in this video.

Living Room Performance: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit "Danko/Manuel"

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - "Danko/Manuel"
WorkPlay Birmingham, Alabama
August 17th, 2012



Having launched his career as a songwriting member of the Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell has spent the last several years proving his individual greatness as the lead of his own band the 400 Unit. Isbell released his first full-length live album Live From Alabama  just yesterday. So in honor of the occasion we've posted this performance. Enjoy 

Living Room Performance: Two Cow Garage "American Static"

Two Cow Garage - "American Static"



Ohio based Two Cow Garage is, in my opinion, making some of the best working class rock'n'roll on the road today. Powerful in both delivery and content these boys are due for a breakout.

Luckily those of us in Portland get the opportunity to see them tonight at Dante's. So here's a little preview of what we have in store.

Living Room Performance: Ms Mr "Hurricane"

For You busy people who might not be able to make it To concerts or just need a little fix of music BLS now brings you short shot of some great performances.

Ms Mr - "Hurricane"
Electric Lady Studio
New York New York
June 8th 2012



New York based Ms Mr have spent the summer supporting Marina & The Diamonds and will be making their first trip to Europe in the Fall. Enjoy this performance of their single "Hurricane" form a recent session at New York's famous Electric Lady Studio.

A special thanks to my Daughter Cassidy for her help choosing this video and launching of a new column.