April 20th: Interview with John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees

1. First of all, how've you guys been? You guys just got off tour and it seems your going back on tour in about a month. It seems like you guys are doing pretty well.

        

   The band is well, we have been very busy but fruitful I think. We have a lot more coming up so just trying to stay healthy and hearty.   

2. You also seem to be putting out a lot of records. Seems like three after Warm Slime. Which leads me to my next question, what is your inspiration for songs.

   Life as is with any song writer I would imagine. No great mysteries here I think we can all have common ground with our day to day existence  

3. The lyrics are pretty interesting, and alot of times short like "I Was Denied," and "Adult Acid," which is unusual for most bands who seem like they're always trying to fit more lyrics in.

   I am in no rush to fill ears with words. Some songs though tend to be a bit longer. I dont know I guess I just didnt have notion either way.

4. Another thing that is unique about you guys is your instrumentation. What are your main instruments and rigs like?

  12 string 68' burns

   6 string kay

   roland space echo

   wurlitzer mlm II

   fender jaguar 

   drum kit 

5. How did you guys come together?

       The band just kept growing from the original 2 piece. Petey I knew through other bands he played in. Brigid   from the local coffee joint and Mike from his previous live show with old bands. 

6. What has it been like with the band? You guys have received some success at least from what I've seen at Fuck Yeah Fest and the show in Eagle Rock.

  We are doin comfortable. Slow and steady wins the race, I am in no rush for success and am not a staunch supporter of the contemporary hype-machine.

7. Are you guys releasing anything new soon? Have you just released something?

   "single collection 1+2" on my label castleface all the singles so far

   "castlemania" on in the red a collection of more home brewed recordins

   "carrion crawler/the dream" a full band heavy blaster recorded and ready to be mixed due out in the fall on in the red

   and a split single with scottish artist david shrigley due out soon with hand drawn covers by D. Shrigley!!!!

8. Alright thanks very much for doing the interview, any last words?

       Be well and good luck. 

ALBUM REVIEW: Dum Dum Girls: He Gets Me High EP

The newest release by this all girl quartet He Gets Me High, is a pretty good EP. I have been a fan of them since I heard "Jail La La," but I don't know, this release wasn't really what I was looking for. I think my favorite track on it is the title track, and it is probably the best. With fuzzy and distorted instruments this makes a good little tune. The rest though for me was a little slow. This doesn't mean that I don't like slow tracks (believe me I do) but it just wasn't as strong as their older songs. This EP has an interesting cover of The Smiths' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." I have to say they do a good version of the Misfits' "Last Caress," if you're open to hearing a popped out version of it. (Its on the b-side of "Bhang Bhang, I'm a Burnout") I would still recommend getting this EP if you like DDG, but if you don't know them, I would definitely listen to is before you buy it!

Buy Here at: www.subpop.com/releases/dum_dum_girls/eps/he_gets_me_high

April 8th Narwhal Party/Halloween Swim Team

 

Last Friday, I went to yet another gig at the Smell (I swear it is my home away from home, and counting that I live close by doesn't help) This time to see Narwhal Party and whatever band I could catch before. I got there missing two bands. The band onstage almost starts immediately after I get there. At the start it is two guys on synths, a bass player who eventually goes to a third synth, and from what I've heard, a recently-added drummer. The dudes have great pop hooks with a very unique music that sets a mood and almost a wall of sound. They also got me with their onstage presence, they had something that most synth bands don't, some movement during songs. I really like this band and hope to see them again soon. Then after a little delay for Narwhal Party and a nightmare-come-true the bass players strap comes off and the bass hits the floor, NP goes on. They self described themselves as sounding like cats in a meat grinder and I guess its true if the cat has some sort of good pitch. These guys use A LOT of pedals which accent the band perfectly. They really have a good sound and there is a definite link between Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant and Kyle Souza of Narwhal Party. They must have similar influences in singing or they just sound like one another, either way it is a singing style that I really love. They played a great set, even if they kept insisting they messed up a lot, I sincerely didn't notice nor would I care. This is a great band and you should get whatever merchandise you can, especially recordings, what I have heard off of their myspace page is great and hopefully I can get some more!

P.S. Sorry I could not get a picture of HST but watch their video for "Pitch Black" one of my favorites: http://vimeo.com/14298911
P.P.S. I cannot go another blog without saying a very big THANKS! to Bob Cantu for putting me in his zine Baby Jeepers I really appreciate it and hopefully I will keep writing for him!!