Sky larkin/ Los Campesinos

Despite my life going belly up over the weekend (my pet got sick) we still made our way up to South Burlington, Vermont to the only place and date that was possible to see Sky Larkin play their first American tour with the fun band Los Campesinos!
Higher Ground must have a capacity of about 400 and the bands managed to get a reasonable turnout.
Sky Larkin as always put on a sweet performance, Katie charming as always, Nestor frenetic fury but grinning incessantly and doug providing the strong bass that provides the strength that you can miss within the music until you listen a few times and it hits you.
Fossil,I, Pica, Summit, Beeline all amazing and my only regret is not hearing Keepsakes. It was also nice to catch up and hear their thoughts on SXSW.
Los Campesinos! if you read their blog you already know the basics of what happened, Tom's pedals broke in different sequences causing the band to work like crazy to keep the concert moving.
As the band came on for an encore they gave up on the normal format and Tom, Gareth, Neil and Aleks all went into the crowd ending the gig on a frenzy of crowd participation which enthralled everyone. It wasn't perfect playing but it was an amazing performance which made everyone feel privileged to have been at the gig.

Gig review

Its been busy, probably busier than its going to be for a while with the recession preventing the normal amount of bands coming over.
Friday teh 13th was Titus Andronicus and Los Campesinos! at the Paradise. With high expectations of a raucous expectations I felt Titus let us down, fun but no craziness described from other gigs. Titus did you decide to phone it in.
They did play Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman which was fun.
Los Campesinos! how I love thee. I have listened to their music ever since someone pushed 'It started wit ha mixx' my direction before they properly released anything. They are listed as Twee pop but 'We are Beautiful we are doomed' though with poppy tunes has bitter lyrics and hard guitar and rhythms behind the twee. Adorable!
Again they did not disappoint with seven people on stage there is always something going on and someone being fascinating. Gareth, at times clutching at his asthma inhaler, daned around, belted out the lyrics at a rate of knots and played xylophone and bashed at drums - Wow. Gareth enthused at their welcome, had memories of an emptier Paradise last time - though I thought it sold out then too. He claimed they palyed longer than normal and just kept playing. Gareth's trip through the audience kept folks amused and on their toes while Tom crowdsurfed with everyone around trying to make sure he was held aloft.
Fun fun fun.
Sunday - middle east upstairs - shrinking Islands were an acceptable support not entrancing but fun to listen to. Depreciation Guild remindedme hugely of Evangelicals which isnt a bad thing.
Then came Pants Yell! - sorry I LOATH this band. Why is it acceptable to sing bad lyrics in a flat tone, give it up and please make a vow never to sing on stage again.
Pins Of being pure at Heart, middle east really butchered a lot of the vocals and I still can't see the total picture here - OK but not stellar.
Tuesday Great Scott was Operahouse. Very happy to see them play and it was a nice set - there should have been WAY more folks there - watch this band.
The Duke Spirit - radio gig at Felt on Thursday. Said it before its so not fair Leila is beautiful, stylish, friendly, sings like a demon, puts a on a great show and the songs are amazing - how can one person be so talented.
seen them many times now and its never enough and they never let you down.
I hopefully will have some pictures up soon that show some of the energy that was there.
Delta Spirit tonight review later I hope
I love duke spirit and you should too.

Boston gets exciting

At the start of the month foals knocked my socks off at The Middle East Downstairs. I am just astonished how tight these guys are and how danceable their music is.
Worth so much more than ticket price.

Then The Long Blondes came to town, channeling a sound reminiscent of past times with a new indie feel I think you are either smitten or not. I fell in love over three years ago after hearing 'Christmas is canceled' and Autonomy boy. I waited with baited breath until they came last year and my only regret was when they stopped. This May they came to town to play Century plus old favorites. I loved chatting to them before (so down to earth and friendly) and adored the songs even more - wow listening to Autonomy boy.
Kate is so petite and gorgeous I should hate her if I wasn't totally awed.

British Sea Power took a chance and gave us another gig despite Boston's boorishness at the last concert. something changed and they charged through an amazing and prolonged set which it is obvious they enjoyed tremendously almost as much as the audience.
Los Campesinos! romped through almost everything (where was 'It started with a Mixx'?) providing a great background for a dance party.
Air traffic came to town and treated the sparse crowd to most of Fractured life and two new songs. They did ask us to bring all our friends next time.
Frightened Rabbit came to town and the scenesters jumped on the bandwagon crowding Great Scott for a rousing rendition of most songs off the Midnight Organ Fight.
A rather disturbing instance did occur when we realize that no matter how much you love the music screaming emotive cries just makes you sound deranged- shudder.

And there's more.........
Sunday has Switches and Be Your Own Pet playing, again Switches have proved to be very sweet approachable guys who play fun (though not serious music).
Tuesday has us on a road trip to see The Wombats in NY, too crazy (us or them?).
Thursday is The Breeders and we all turn into Kim Deal fans and show our age.
Saturday give us the chance to check Pela's Billy hasn't injured himself yet.
Sunday has Dev of Lightspeed Champion hitting Great Scott.
Monday, blow off the Kooks and go see These New Puritans instead- much better.

There is more but that, is another post

SXSW bands

So as SXSW approaches I want to mention some bands I am learning about and already love.
I will try to punctuate this with youtube videos if possible.

Starting now
The Whip
I know little about them apart from the fact they trash their instruments and are supposed to be great live.
listen to their track Sister Siam


The Law- recommended to me by a message board I visit, this track seems catchy and may be worth investigating Milk and Honey


I was a Cub Scout
I have been listening to this band since Lammo played them - Great band, great album!
I am making this band a priority to see
Pink Squares


Los Campesinos!
they eventually came to Boston in December and played a great show.
Love them and if the schedule allows will definitely see this band.
International TweeXcore Underground


The Pan I Am
confused? Don't be if you liked Larrikin Love here is Ed Larrikin's new project.


The Dykeenies
Another talented new Scottish band, we saw them last year at The Great Escape, nice live act.
Clean Up Your Eyes


The Duke Spirit
Hey guys, why are you not coming to Boston? We miss you!
amazing new album out, they have been away too long
The Duke Spirit - Lassoo


Sons and Daughters
From Glasgow, primal going to some scottish wild impulse for me, I love these guys, though I would prefer more male vocal like the last album
Sons And Daughters - 'Darling'


The Wombats

Well seeing I am on their DVD from SXSW - 'Dancing my ass off' it should be no secret that I love this band
The SXSW documentary with my appearance right at the end.

The Wombats Moving to New York