If You're Going To SXSW....

There's a couple of SXSW shows that feature bands that we enjoy greatly at Pasta Primavera. If you're heading out that way in March, be sure to check out Georgie James, Le Loup, Pash, Middle Distance Runner, These United States, Carol Bui, Jukebox The Ghost, and Exit Clov at the Cream Vintage Store on the 13th. The address is 2532 Guadalupe Street. Another band that we adore playing SXSW is Ravens & Chimes. They hit the SXSW day stage on the 13th and a showcase at Club Deville on the 14th. If you catch either of these shows, please feel free to let us know how it went.

mp3: Georgie James - You Can Have It --> website --> buy
mp3: Le Loup - Planes Like Vultures --> website --> buy
mp3: Pash - 1000 Cranes --> website --> buy
mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Monochrome Boys --> website --> buy
mp3: These United States - Diving Boards Pointed At The Sky --> website --> buy
mp3: Jukebox The Ghost - Victoria --> website --> buy
mp3: Exit Clov - Working Class Hero --> website --> buy
mp3: Ravens & Chimes - General Lafayette! You Are Not Alone! --> website --> buy

Middle Distance Runner @ Jammin Java 1/28/08

Monday was Pasta Primavera's first visit to Vienna, VA's Jammin Java. Located in a strip mall in between an Outback and a supermarket, Jammin Java doesn't look like your typical indie rock venue. I guess that's what makes this place so good. They had a superb sound system, a cafe, a bar, and most importantly Middle Distance Runner playing. Opening up for MDR was Ungdomskulen. I'm not sure what Norwegian punk rock sounds like, but if it sounds like Ungdomskulen, then I love Norwegian punk rock. Clearly stating they came to rock, Ungdomskulen blazed through an energy filled set complete with the soon to be Norwegian national anthem, Spartacus.
But the reason I was there was Middle Distance Runner. Having seen them late last year, I was in dire need for more more MORE! In my previous post found here you can hear me rant on about how Erik Dean is the greatest drummer in the world. Well that's a fact, still. I came away with something different from this show. Stephen Kilroy (Vonnegut fans eat your heart out!) sings with determination and emotion, but more evident from this performance was the injection of soul he has flowing through him. Channeling Otis Redding, Stephen belts out vocals that make you smile for no good reason one second, and then tear up the next. This is a band that must be seen and heard and then seen again. Speaking with the band members, many of them feared sounding rusty, but there was no rust. All I saw and heard was bright, shiny, and flat out rockin' indie music. They're off of touring for a while to start recording new material (yes!), but look out for them to play a couple of shows in the area.

mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Monochrome Boys --> website --> buy
mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Top Of The Stairs
mp3: Ungdomskulen - Ordinary Son --> website
mp3: Ungdomskulen - Modern Drummer

Middle Distance RunnerUngdomskulenMore photos here.

The Run Down - Monday January 28, 2008

Shows on a Monday? Yep...and good ones too. Down in VA you can catch Middle Distance Runner, Ungdomskulen, and Lady In The Radiator at Jammin' Java. At Johnny Brenda's in Philly you might want to consider chcking out Mahjongg, Get Him Eat Him, and RunRunner. Finally at the Red and the Black in DC there's a great one in The Shackeltons, Raise Up Roofbeams, and Frenemies. Good times.

mp3: Middle Distance Runner - That's A Lie --> website --> buy
mp3: Mahjongg - Aluminum --> website --> buy
mp3: Get Him Eat Him - Exposure --> website --> buy
mp3: The Shackeltons - Your Movement --> website --> buy
mp3: Raise Up Roofbeams - Heavy Machine --> website --> buy

Middle Distance Runner - R&R Hotel - Decmeber 14, 2007 - Review

Sometimes I'm-a-walkin' down the street and people stop me and say, "Hey Laurent! What separates good bands from 'friggin great' bands?" Then I turn to them and say, "Who the heck are you and how do you know my name?!! But to answer your question. The live show."
When I first heard Middle Distance Runner, I was impressed. They played catchy indie rock with varying styles intermingled within. They were good. I was a fan. Fast forward to last night at the Rock and Roll Hotel, where MDR not only rocked their set completely, but 'friggin killed it'! They blazed through their set with passion and emotion that energized the packed crowd. If I were to pick a highlight...hmmm...the whole thing. One thing I love to hear is a good drummer. Well my friends, crown Erik Dean the greatest drummer in the WORLD!!! Well maybe that's a bit much, but trust me...he's good. It doesn't stop with him. Steve Kilroy, the lead singer of MDR, sings like there's a burning in his soul that needs to be unleashed. All of this wouldn't matter, though, if they all didn't come together and perform as one. And they did. Middle Distance Runner was a good band. Now they're a great one.

mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Man Of The People --> website --> buy
mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Naturally

You Saved The Day Middle Distance Runner!!!!

Sometimes music can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It can pick you up and hug you when you're down, or it can shovel the last pile of dirt on your grave. A pivotal time of day for me is the drive home from work. The long day has worn me down. The selection of songs the old pod chooses could make or break my evening. Yesterday music saved the day. I was in a fairly drab mood when the tunes began to play. 'What's this?' I said to myself while a smile slowly came across my face. I looked down. It was Middle Distance Runner's 'The Sun and Earth'. Those of you unfamiliar with MDR should make it a priority to know them. This song simply rocked my brains out!!! It's great when you listen to a song and you can feel the energy and emotion flowing out of every note and beat being played. MDR's recent EP captures that the whole way through leaving your finger next to the repeat button. So if you're looking for a good soundtrack for the ride home, go track down DC's Middle Distance Runner. They are currently on tour with Mobius Band and the Epochs, and will be at the Rock and Roll Hotel on December 14th.

mp3: Middle Distance Runner - The Sun and Earth --> website --> buy

As for the rest of the drive home, these were the next to songs:
mp3: Voxtrot - Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, and Wives
mp3: Nada Surf - Blizzard of '77