The Run Down - Wednesday March 19, 2008

Holy crap! It's a jam packed Wednesday for local shows. Here in Baltimore, Georgie James, The Courtesy Line, and Gary B and the Notions play the Ottobar and don't miss Stars at Sonar. In DC, The Cribs, Ra Ra Riot, and Jeffrey Lewis & The Jitters play the Black Cat, Holy Fuck, A Place To Bury Strangers, and Sons & Daughters play the Rock and Roll Hotel, and The Most Serene Republic, Miracle Fortress, and Liam Finn play DC9. Finally in Philly, Tilly and The Wall, Capgun Coup., and The Bee Team play the First Unitarian Church.

mp3: Ra Ra Riot - Ghost Under Rocks --> website --> buy
mp3: Georgie James - More Lights --> website --> buy
mp3: The Courtesy Line - The Lake --> website --> buy
mp3: Holy Fuck - Royal Gregory --> website --> buy
mp3: A Place To Bury Strangers - I Know I'll See You --> website --> buy
mp3: The Most Serene Republic - Why So Looking Back --> website --> buy
mp3: Miracle Fortress - Have You Seen In Your Dreams --> website --> buy
mp3: Liam Finn - Lead Balloon --> website --> buy
mp3: Stars - Reunion --> website --> buy
mp3: Tilly and the Wall - The Freest Man (CSS Remix) --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Thursday March 6, 2008

You can get a taste of Baltimore in Philly tonight by checking out The Courtesy Line at The Fire along with Ayundar and The Night Birds. In DC, the Cadence Weapon/Born Ruffians tour moves in to DC9 with US Royalty opening for them. Finally you can also check out Screen Vinyl Image and Julie Ocean at the Velvet Lounge in DC. Have a time to remember...or at least hazily remember.

mp3: The Courtesy Line - The Lake --> website
mp3: Screen Vinyl Image - Chaser --> website --> buy
mp3: Julie Ocean - At The Appointed Hour --> website
mp3: Born Ruffians - Hummingbird --> website --> buy
mp3: Cadence Weapon - In Search Of The Youth Crew --> website --> buy

In Review - Among Wolves & Others @ Lo-Fi 1/12/07

The Lo-Fi Social Club rests precariously between North Avenue and the Charles Theater. Being comprised of two row homes, the Lo-Fi brings a comfy and relaxed atmosphere with artwork and couches to peak your interest in between drinking and listening to music. It also hosted a wondrous show last night where indie pop rock blended seamlessly with blues, folk, and country music. The Red Vines led off the night with music that is comparable to indie legends Wilco. Featuring the drummer from Among Wolves, The Red Vines laid out a great set (with a trombone even) of prepossessing alt/country/folk/pop gems. After that, the audience was surprised to find an additional act that wasn't even on the bill. Justin Collins rolled in from Nashville with his guitar and a purpose - to astound listeners with his powerful 50s rock and roll voice. Seriously...he was marvelous. Abby Mott followed with a sound that I was unprepared for and, frankly, taken aback for a few moments. Mott has a tremendous voice that some might compare to others (Neko Case maybe), but shouldn't. Her songs were...how do I say it...the bee's knees...no no...treasures...yes that'll do. Pop treasures with a country song in there for good measure. Following Abby Mott, The Courtesy Line played. Short their lead guitarist due to a death in the family, TCL strung out a series of quality folk pop tunes. The real bonus came today when I popped their recently recorded demo into the old player. The tracks were superbly written and almost had the old Death Cab For Cutie sound going. Closing the night was Among Wolves. The crowd had thinned much by this time of the night (WHY?!!!) which is a shame, because AW put on the best performance of the night. Their music is fresh and unheard of in my mind. Who can blend experimental indie pop rock with synthesizers seamlessly with straight up country rock? Among Wolves. They threw it down, even throwing a Johnny Cash cover into the mix when they did the band member switch-a-roo (bass player played drums-piano player played bass- drummer played lead guitar and sang). If you get a chance, please go check them out...they put on a show that is worth every cent.

mp3: Among Wolves - Baltimore --> website --> buy
mp3: The Courtesy Line - The Lake --> website
mp3: Abby Mott - Wild Desire --> website --> buy
mp3: Justin Collins - Sweet Misery --> website --> buy
mp3: The Red Vines - Once --> website --> buy

Among WolvesThe Red Vines
Abby Mott
Justin Collins
The Courtesy Line

The Run Down - Saturday January 12, 2008

There are two shows that should satisfy your musical hunger tonight. In Baltimore, The Lo-Fi Social Club plays host to Among Wolves, The Courtesy Line, Red Vines, and Abby Mott. All you Philadelphians are in for a treat because Ravens and Vultures, Dragons of Zynth, and Ape School are rocking Johnny Brenda's tonight. Good times.

mp3: Among Wolves - Queen of England --> website --> buy
mp3: The Courtesy Line - Goodnight Goodbye --> website
mp3: Ravens and Vultures - Willow Song --> website --> buy

Its time to stand in The Courtesy Line

Hailing from right here in B-more, The Courtesy Line, have a crisp indie sound with strong vocals. They have an EP called Needle and Thread which they are apparantly giving away at shows while supplies last. If you want to get your hands on one, or just rock out, go see them January 12th at the Lo-Fi Social Club.

Mp3: The Courtesy Line - Goodnight Goodbye --→ website
Mp3: The Courtesy Line - So Long