Morgan Greenfield – Vinyl Mag

Laura Marling: ‘Short Movie’

Posted on March 24, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

After many grueling hours in the studio, up-and-coming artist Laura Marling may deliver the best folk Americana album this month. With every song drenched in depth, this singer-songwriter branches from her usual acoustic to much grungier electric guitar.

The album’s concept primarily lies within Marling’s exploration of herself. As a child growing up in London, she started strong in the business, even racking up a famous relationship with a Mumford brother. Marling moved to LA during her time off from the scene and searched for her soul, taking a full break from music. However, after two years, she found her way back. Short Movie, recorded in London’s Urchin Studios, marks her return.

The album features musicians Matt Ingram on drums, Ruth De Tuberville on Cello, Nick Pini on bass, Tom Fiddle, and of course Marling on guitar. All songs were written and produced by Laura herself.

The album starts off with song “Warrior,” a Bonnie Tyler/American lyric-inspired synthy western love story. She presents herself in this moody, ambient mix, reminding listeners of exactly who she is as an independent singer/songwriter.

The album only gets better with “False Hope.” Marling fans have probably played this song a thousand times from her “Short Movie Sessions” available both on her website and YouTube. The song shows off not only Laura’s lyrical abilities but also the band that helps bring her magic to life. As she sings about her life in New York, her band – even live – hits every note perfectly and provides the ideal balance with every riff and drum beat to this upbeat yet melancholy piece of genius.

The next song, which is just as brilliant, has a similar sound to the “Warrior.” Unlike “Warrior,” however, “I Feel Your Love” includes the beautiful sounds of the violin instead of synth. Touching on relationships in life, this song provides you with a continual chill as she creates an image of a caged bird yearning for freedom, regardless of the love she feels.

The album takes a turn with the song “Strange.” Instead of showing off her singing, Marling speaks straight poetry as bongos and maracas play, giving a different twist to this folk game she plays.

Tracks “Easy” and “Gurdijeff’s Daughter” have a similar taste but differ in the lyrical scenarios Marling presents. And trust me – the album only gets better – “Worship Me” is not one to be overlooked – and worship you, we do, Marling.

Although Marling has been placed in the folk-Americana-indie singer/songwriter genre, which has become overrun with many musicians these days, Marling strives for innovation through self-reflection in this album. Every song brings a different thought to the table.

5/5

SXSW 2015: Bright Light Social Hour x Vinyl Mag

Posted on March 17, 2015April 1, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

Bright Light Social Hour are returning once again to the South By stage this year after the recent drop of their new kick-ass album, Space is Still The Place. Known for their heavy touring, BLSH has gained quite the fan following – to say the least.

Their music, for those who haven’t caught the BLSH bug, is meant for the dance pop rock people with a psychedelic mind.Their sound is clean, wet, and bluesy but consistently driven by effects. Curtis Roush’s vocals consist of a beautiful falsetto but so drenched in reverb that you can trip on his voice alone. The only words I can write for Jack O’Brien’s bass mind is that he has an absolutely amazing talent, creating fills that are just so good you will get chills. Edward Braillif’s guitar handling is the washiest and cleanest of all the instruments included. Joseph Mirasole completes this foursome with his Strokes-like drum banging as he highlights their pop tones while also staying true to their bluesy vibes.

Be sure to check out Bright Light Social Hour at SXSW this year. For more info about their new album, their advice for navigating SX, and what is next on their agenda.

Vinyl Mag: Congrats on your new album, Space is Still the Place. I read that the concept of “Future South” sparked the creativity behind the album. Who coined that phrase? What inspired you guys about it?

Jack O’Brien: Thanks. Curtis did; it kinda summed up a lot of vibes we’d been bouncing around.

VM: I see you have been on quite the tour route through the southern side of the US. What was your favorite city you’ve played? And why?

JO: Personally, I love playing New Orleans. It’s just gritty and sexy and so much cross-dressing. It’s pretty future.

VM: When on tour, what’s the one thing you miss the most about Austin?

JO: Fresh jalapeños and family.

VM: I saw that you guys have recently affiliated with the non-profit Adopt A Star, giving away free downloads of “Infinite Cities” to those who adopt a star and win the contents. What sparked y’all’s interest in Adopt a Star?

JO: We all just thought that was such a cool gift, to give someone a star and even name it after them. It’s so cool, and not to mention proceeds help fund internationally-collaborative space research.

VM: Who are your brother bands? As in the bands that you call your great friends and don’t mind touring with.

JO: Migrant Kids, Spaceface, Walker Lukens and the Side Arms, The Tontons, Megafauna.

VM: As a native Austin band, what local advice do you have for SXSW-attendees – any restaurant recommendations?

JO: Hydrate. Be love. Eat only beef.

VM: Are you barbecue or taco truck people?

JO: Brisket breakfast tacos forever and ever amen.

VM: Who are you excited to see at South By this year?

JO: Talk in Tongues.

VM: What’s your favorite memory of SX?

JO: Probably going in high school, not being in a band, and trying to sneak into parties.

VM: What is next for you after the album release and SXSW?

JO: Tour, tour forever.

SXSW 2015: Speedy Ortiz x Vinyl Mag

Posted on March 16, 2015April 1, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

One of Northhampton, Mass. finest, Speedy Ortiz, will be hitting the stage this year at SXSW, giving fans the proper dose of straight American indie rock. Originating in 2011, Sadie Dupuis’s creative brain birthed her solo career at a creative writing camp. With the help of Mike Falcone on drums, Matt Robidoux on guitar, Darl Ferm on bass, and Devin McKnight on guitar, Speedy Ortiz formed.

The sound consists mostly of melodic grunge guitar and bass tones absolutely drenched in feedback and gunshot chords. The drums, on the other hand, are a pop lover’s dream, with tight rolls with every measure. Of course, Dupuis’s vocals are nothing but one-of-a-kind. Very clean with a touch of vibrato, she sings about sarcasm, the best subject around. Best for those who are absolutely bonkers for The Cranberries, Joanna Gruesome, and Parquet Courts. Fans, if you are at South By and miss this band, you truly are missing out.

Vinyl Mag: What does your song-creating process include?

Sadie: Usually, it starts with me playing guitar, or humming out some melodies. Then I’ll make a demo – sometimes just guitar and vocals, sometimes bass and drums and keyboards, too – and then the band will learn from that, adapting my parts or writing their own.

VM: Foil Deer, your new album, comes out on April 21; what is the concept behind the album?

Sadie: It’s about self-protection, growth, ditching the haters. And it’s about glitter, too.

VM: I see you guys are also playing Shaky Knees, whose lineup is awesome this year. You guys excited to play that festival as well? Who are you excited to see play?

Sadie: It’s always exciting seeing TV on the Radio live. I’ve seen them a half dozen or more times, and each show has been markedly different, which is something I admire in a band. And it’ll be good to hang out with our buds in Metz, Mitski, and Dr. Dog.

VM: Sadie, I saw the you are the new advice columnist for She Shreds; how has that been?

Sadie: I’ve clocked more hours listening to Dan Savage’s Savage Lovecast than I have listening to some of my favorite bands. And I read Dear Prudy religiously. So I feel like I’ve been training to be an advice columnist for some time. Plus, She Shreds is one of my absolute favorite publications, so I’m honored they tapped me for this column.

VM: You guys really associate with comics. I really liked the comic design Michael DeForge did for you guys on Pitchfork. Is there a comic you guys like the best?

Sadie: The comic I like best is Michael DeForge singing “Flavor of the Weak” at karaoke.

Seriously, though. My all time faves are probably Los Bros Hernandez (duh). Suzy Exposito’s “The Best Song Ever” made my heart swell while she was still publishing it. And Simon Hanselmann is unparalleled at making me LOL IRL.

Darl: I have to give a shout out to Michael DeForge for Ant Colony, but some other favorites include Like A Velvet Glove Cast In Iron by Daniel Clowes, Sleepwalk by Adrian Tomine, and Black Hole by Charles Burns.

VM: On your Facebook page it says you guys are snack rock and “illegally loud” – what does that mean exactly?

Mike: We’re on a mission to increase the snackage of all listeners. Science has proven that certain sounds may affect appetite glands. We have accordingly chosen our effects pedals and chord progressions based on what’s most likely to stimulate the hypothalamus. The sludge band Crowbar is also snack-rock.

We also occasionally overlook noise ordinance. Cops have shown up at shows to tell us something along the lines of “stop playing because you guys are too loud,” which is then sometimes followed by “the music was good though.”

VM: What were your favorite bands growing up?

Mike: A lot of the obvious stuff. The Knack, J. Geils Band, Gerry Rafferty, Gore Beyond Necropsy. And of course P.O.D.

Sadie: No Doubt. Mighty Mighty Bosstones. No Doubt covering The Clash.

VM: How did you guys form?

Darl: Through the dark web.

VM: You guys are from Massachusetts – what’s your favorite thing to do back home?

Mike: Chuggin’ Dunks. Also known as Dunkin D’s. Can’t get enough.

Darl: Listen to the Dropkick Murphys while drinking a seasonal Sam Adams and watching The Departed in picture-in-picture with a Bruins game.

VM: Are there any pre-show rituals you do?

Sadie: Sometimes, we put our hands in the center and shout “cash money” or “camaraderie” or something. Then we dump out a bunch of champagne into a sewer drain. Who drinks champagne anymore?

VM: Who are you excited to see at SXSW?

Sadie: TV on the Radio… Mitski… Metz… all my answers are redundant. Pile. Earl Sweatshirt (tryna wife him, always). Um…Alvvays. Screaming Females. Courtney Barnett. And the queen Brandy. Oh and we’re playing with Failure, which is like, a life goal for all of us. Major bucket list entry.

VM: What is next after SXSW?

Sadie: We’re gonna do a video for “Raising the Skate” and hope not to fall asleep in the middle of it since we have to fly home at like 4 a.m. after playing. It will involve a lot of fake blood.

*Catch Speedy Ortiz all this week at SXSW! Show details below:

3/16: 2:15 pm at Spotify Party, The Spotify House, 901 E. 6th St.
3/17: midnight at Ground Control Touring Showcase, The Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St.
3/18: 1:15 pm at Pitchfork Party, The Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
10:15 pm at FLOOD Magazine Fest, Cedar Street Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St.
3/19: 4:20 pm at BrooklynVegan Showcase, Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.
11:55 pm at Carpark Records Showcase, Swan Dive, 615 Red River St.
3/20: 5:25 pm at Exploding In Sound Records/ Stereogum Party, HOLE IN
THE WALL, 2538 Guadalupe St.
11:20 pm Yahoo Showcase, Brazos Hall, 204 E. 4th St.

Saturn Valley: ‘On The Rings’

Posted on March 6, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

Without a doubt, the streets of Athens consistently churn out exceptional musical talent. One particular band to take note of is the up and coming Saturn Valley. Consisting of five players Chris Freiberg on Keys, Christian McDaniel on percussion, Nick Jones on guitar, Zach Webster on drums, and Scott Andrews on bass (previous bassist/bassist on On The Rings Charlie Ferrell), this band channels the funk of Santana, the skills of Jimmy Page, and the overall essence of Widespread Panic. Each and every song consists of creatively different jazz tones, especially in their recent album, On the Rings.

The song “Odysseus” begins with one of the tastier riffs on the album. However, once the drums ensue, this tune starts to take on many different routes. The drums lead listeners into a metal-based synth spell and then bring listeners back to that original riff. Quite a fitting song title for such a journey.

“Rusty Bane” brings out the more sensual side of SV. The song begins with a horn section, opening the door to the keys and guitar’s simple, soul-filled notes. Then, all hell breaks loose when nothing but funk enters the mix, a surprising segue from the prior melancholy tone. Each note then ventures into classic funk, leaving you bouncing as there music fills your speakers. Billy Cobham fans, this one is for you.

“Tollbooth” is another great catch on this album, focusing primarily on the skills of Frieberg as he takes the lead in his own style. This song shows truly the skill and effort these lads have dedicated to this band, as well as their love for music. Miles Davis circa Bitches Brew would be so proud.

What’s truly beautiful about this album is the apparent and absolute hard work these guys have put into its creation. Each song was well mixed – including their live show, which you can find on ReverbNation.

Saturn Valley has created music that can relate to any music lover out there (unless you are truly against instrumentals). With their hard work and experience, Saturn Valley can really rise. Athenians, you can currently snatch this catch at Wuxtry.

3.8/5

Bright Light Social Hour: ‘Space Is Still The Place’

Posted on March 5, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

Touring legends Bright Light Social Hour are at it again with their kick-ass new album Space Is Still The Place. Courtesy of band mates Jack O’Brien, Curtis Roush, Edward Braillif, and Joseph Mirasole, this compilation will be just another step of progress in the name of Rock. Woven with funk, soul, psychedelic tones, and straight good ole fashion rock n’ roll, this album brings a unique sense to the scene moving this band up in the ranks alongside artist like Moon Taxi, The Tontons, and Quiet Company.

The premise behind the album comes straight from Bright Light’s insane touring schedule throughout the south. After their southern binge, they created the concept of “Future South” and collaborated to bring this idea to life.

The album starts off with a bang with the song “Sweet Mandele,” a western trip backed by a Beatles mentality. The drums provide an almost tribal element as the guitar rings out bluesy chords with the occasional post punk twist. However, you will receive inexplicable chills once the breakdown occurs. Slowing tempos and spacy vibes turn suddenly into the perfect indie dance tune.

The next song to turn to on this album is “Dreamlove.” Bringing out that synth that fans adore these days, this song brings you back to 80’s culture, releasing memories for those who remember when the Jam and Bauhaus reigned supreme. Diving deeper underneath the musical fills, the bass line is quite amazing. A total jam song you should play at your next party – trust me, the entire song seems to be about getting high.

The bass lines only get better with “Ghost Dance.” Starting off with killer bass runs accompanied by those Jimi-inspired guitar riffs, “Ghost Dance” is just another hit on this album. By this song, fans will get a sense of Jack White-esque writing.

Their slower tune, “Sea of the Edge,” is also noteable. The guitar gets more simplified, and a jazzy tone shines through. This song is one of the more generic sounding listens on this album, reminding us more of their genre counterparts, really.

Such basicness becomes completely overruled once “Outerboros” hits your speakers. With repetition, this band brings the blues back with yet another Jack Whitey sounding song, yet still possessing that badass southern feel.

The next song shows BLSH’s diversity by bringing forth a pop sounding beat. The drums are tight as the guitarist strums those chill chords. The song holds true to the BLSH sound, but adds more of a radio-sounding side to their portfolio.

The album overall is worth a listen. There truly is a song for anyone. Good job, boys.

Be sure to catch BLSH on tour (dates below), and pre-order Space Is Still The Place here and here for vinyl.

5/5

BLSH Spring Tour Dates:

3/5 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (Early Show)

3/6 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (Late Show)

3/7 Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle

3/27 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s **Official Album Release Show**

3/31 New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa

4/1 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall

4/2 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits

4/3 Orlando, FL @ The Social

4/4 St. Petersburg, FL @ The State Theatre

4/6 Macon, GA @ Cox Capitol Theatre

4/7 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

4/8 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle – Back Room

4/9 Washington DC @ DC9

4/10 Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right

4/11 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East (Upstairs)

4/12 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Showcase Lounge

4/14 Montreal, QC @ Quai Des Brumes

4/15 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern

4/16 Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders Brewing Co

4/17 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle

4/18 Cincinnati, OH @ The Woodward Theatre

4/19 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway Nightclub

4/21 Nashville, TN @ The Stone Fox

4/22 Little Rock, AK @ Revolution Music Room

4/23 Tulsa, OK @ Vanguard

4/28 El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace

4/29 Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

4/30 San Diego, CA @ The Hideout

5/1 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg HIFI

5/2 Costa Mesa, CA @ The Wayfarer

5/3 San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel

5/5 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios

5/6 Vancouver, BC @ Media Club

5/8 Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern

5/9 Spokane, WA @ The Bartlett

5/10 Boise, ID @ Neurolux

5/12 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court

5/13 Denver, CO @ Bluebird

5/15 Dallas, TX @ The Kessler Theater

5/16 San Antonio, TX @ Jack’s Patio Bar

6/6-7 Houston, TX @ Free Press Summer Festival

Tom Hanks’ son Chet Hanx releases worst rap video of all time

Posted on February 25, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

In efforts to step out of his father’s shadows, Tom Hanks’ son, Chet Hanx, formerly known as Chet Haze, has begun to forge a career with club music in mind.

Hanx released a video for his single “The Thirst,” just in case you didn’t pick up on his uber-whiteness from the track alone.

The video, filmed by Armen, encompasses a day in the life of this super hip street thug, which obviously entails – what else? – hooking up with prostitutes. He sings about how his woman comes after each call, accompanied by various shots driving in his car calling on women and then ending up with them in a hotel room.

The best part is the over-dramatized shots of water splats as a male voice whispers through your speakers the word “splash” (you can’t make this up) and the awkward white-boy dancing that starts at the two minute thirty second line. It’s actually painful to watch.

Luckily, after a few goes, the video does create some ironic hilarity and even may be worthy of a hardy drinking game to those who dare.

I think it’s safe to say that Colin is the Hanks’ best shot at a legacy.

Scarlett Johansson forms girl group, releases first single

Posted on February 21, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

Stepping off the big screen and into your speakers, Scarlet Johansson teams up with Holly Miranda, Kendra Morris, Julie Haitigan, and well beloved Este Haim to form the new pop super girl group The Singles. Today, these lovely ladies released their new electric pop song “Candy.”

With their Madonna-esque vibes, The Singles bring the bounce back into pop with their indie, almost MGMT-goes-girl sounding effects. The recipe was simple. Add movie star, great musicians, and TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek to form one sweet song for your hearing pleasure. Scarlett told Rolling Stones earlier:

“I would say it’s super-pop… the idea was to write super-pop dance music written and performed by girls… I love Grimes. And I love Bangles. And I love the Go-Go’s. I wanted it to be like those bands. Ultra pop but also a little ironic, a little in on the joke.”

The joke, I am assuming, is the song itself. Although this was a gallant try, ScarJo should maybe stick to movies. As their first song, this was nothing truly original, and the vocals were slightly off – sorry, Scarlett. The music did have a catchy tempo accompanied by catchy lyrics.

Overall, however, the competition could eat this for breakfast.

2.5/5

Jack White premieres interactive 3-in-1 video for “That Black Bat Licorice”

Posted on February 18, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

With help from creator/cartoonist James Bagden, Jack White opens up his world to the popular dimension of music video animation in his new video for “Black Bat Licorice.”

At first listen, the song sounds almost reggae. However, this illusion clears as images of an Egyptian goddess and bats fly across the screen. The video encompasses poor Jack lying in his bed dreaming of the love that the goddess Horace could provide him, constantly yearning for her companionship as he is oh-so-alone.

Another element is the song’s literal translation in the video. A precise picture accompanies every lyric on your screen, including when Jack sings about cutting off his tongue…gross.

Luckily, there is some humor attached, as men dressed in George Washington masks head bang along with you as you watch.

One critique I do have is that, although this “lyric video” style is classic, I’m getting a little bit of a been-there-done-that feeling. The masses were consumed with Girl Talk and A$AP Ferg’s rendition of a very similar style video for their song “Suicide.” This video seems like the Rock knock off. Regardless, “Black Bat Licorice” definitely adds some pizazz and will leave Jack White fans saying, “What guac?”

Kirk Knight: “Brokeland”

Posted on February 10, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

Infamous rap crew Pro-Era’s very own Kirk Knight hits us with a fist-full of Brooklyn in his new single, “Brokeland.”

Filled with head-bobbing beats, this new crew has always been known for dropping tapes featuring self-produced music, and Kirk Knight is no exception. With rebellious tones, Knight sticks to hip hop norms by rapping about – you guessed it – guns and drugs. Life on the streets of Brooklyn is quite the ghetto adventure.

The music behind the track brings listeners back to the 90’s with its up-tempo bounce. The song starts with simple keyboard-separated chords that slowly but surely turn into a complex, Biggie-sounding beat.Throughout the intro, the rappers hype fans up with sounds of gunshots accompanied by shoutouts to their crew.

Once Kirk Knight starts to spit his game, you feel as though you want to get up and dance even though his lyrics are anything but light. He raps, “To try and flash clothes and fair guns / Because where I’m from for amusement shoot the fair one.” Heavy.

4.9/5

Kendrick Lamar: “The Blacker the Berry”

Posted on February 10, 2015March 13, 2015 by Morgan Greenfield

After an interesting night at the Grammy’s, rap icon Kendrick Lamar shocked fans with the release of his new single, “The Blacker the Berry.”

With help from producer Boi-1da, Kendrick Lamar uses his lyrical gifts to shine light once again upon social issues pertaining to our generation’s form of evolved racism. Not to mention Lamar’s genius timing, as February is also Black History Month.

The music behind the lyrics presents a of haunting tone. Full of dubs and loops, the tune will get stuck in your head and bring a little badassery to your day.

The lyrics, on the other hand, are evocative of the hate and rage that any ostracized person feels. He raps, “You hate me don’t you / I know you hate me just as much as you hate yourself / jealous of my wisdom and cards I dealt / Watchin me as I pull up, fill up my tank, then peel out” – perfect for the theme he presents.

As a whole, the song is a bit of off tempo. The lyrics really do not match up with music behind it, and the lyrics are very oddly placed. Regardless of the failure to follow formula, the song is genius and an oddity that will continue to gain Lamar the respect he rightly deserves.

4/5