The Run Down - Friday February 15, 2008

There's not too many shows today, but the quality of the shows is awesome. First off, if you missed the Black Cat show a while back, you have another chance tonight to catch Yeasayer, MGMT, and the opener Fang Island at Johnny Brenda's. Of course if you don't have tickets, you're out of luck...sold out. Here in Baltimore, The Red Vines are having their CD release party (see our review here of the album) at the Golden West Cafe in Hampden along with Caleb Stine and the Brakemen and Small Sur. That should be pretty sweet. That's it!

mp3: MGMT - Boogie Down --> website --> buy
mp3: Yeasayer - Forgiveness --> website --> buy
mp3: Fang Island - The Landing --> website --> buy
mp3: The Red Vines - Puncturing Staples --> website --> buy
mp3: Caleb Stine and the Brakemen - Come Back Home --> website --> buy
mp3: Small Sur - Second Chances --> website

The Red Vines can’t fool me

The Red Vines full length release, Everyday Needles for Electromagnetic Lovers, may say 2008 on its back cover, but I just can’t believe it. Here’s what I think happened: The Red Vines formed a band, but found themselves without inspiration. So what would any good band without proper muses do? Of course, go back in time! The Red Vines went back to the 1960’s and hung out for a while, finding inspiration from the prospering musical tapestry of the time. Their song structure is both classic and innovative. The production sounds very old school, pulling back solid guitars and drums to showcase the vocals of Ryan Finnerin and focus on harmonies to create an album with contemporary appeal.

Mark your calendar's for February 15, when they will be having their formal CD release party at the Golden West cafe in Hampden with Caleb Stine and Small Sur.


Mp3: The Red Vines - The Nameless
Mp3: The Red Vines - 10,000 Watts ---- 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