Month: July 2009

Grand Duchy @ Siren

Frank Black is easily one of the most influential musicians of the last two decades. From directly influencing grunge (see Kurt Cobain) to setting the stage for the 90s alternative scene and making music many new musicians today grew up spinning, he’s had a hand in making alternative and indie music what is today. On… Continue reading Grand Duchy @ Siren

Future of the Left @ Siren

Raging forth from the stage like the Kraken from the sea (1981’s Clash of the Titans anyone?) was the furious sound of Future of the Left. Playing by far the most angst-ridden set all day, the three boys from Wales delivered tight, crunching guitar rock made complete with roaring screams and head thrashing (the latter… Continue reading Future of the Left @ Siren

Forest Fire’s Survival is curious, memorable, intriguing

Here are some things that are instantly noticeable about Brooklyn-based band Forest Fire‘s debut, Survival: The male/female vocals and harmonies The near-constant strum of acoustic guitar A wealth of instruments poking their heads in at random parts of songs What you might not notice so quickly, though, is how driven by percussion this record is.… Continue reading Forest Fire’s Survival is curious, memorable, intriguing

Micachu & the Shapes @ Siren

At some point during Micachu & the Shapes‘ set, Lee described them to me as music made up of weird, disjointed parts that somehow come together. (That’s paraphrased. I didn’t take notes on his notes, gosh.) But I’d have to agree. There’s nothing musically conventional about Micachu. Besides the made up guitar chords (see: “Vulture”)… Continue reading Micachu & the Shapes @ Siren

The Raveonettes @ Siren

On a day full of jocularity, spontaneity, and just general insanity, The Raveonettes were an anomaly. Having never seen the Danish folks live, I was curious how their relaxed music would translate to the stage. Would they amp it up? Would they scream and shout? Would they take their clothes off?? All can be answered… Continue reading The Raveonettes @ Siren

Frightened Rabbit @ Siren

Allow me to preface this post before I delve into Frightened Rabbit‘s performance at Siren. They were, by far, the act I was most looking forward to, as I have been utterly obsessed with the The Midnight Organ Fight, and to a lesser extent, Sing The Greys. I also was well aware of the fact… Continue reading Frightened Rabbit @ Siren

The Fiery Furnaces keep it simple, solid on I’m Going Away

The Fiery Furnaces have made their career with bizarre, off-kilter, ADD alternative music. So one can only come into a new album with zero expectations. But as the metaphorical needle drops on the title track of their latest LP, I’m Going Away, a surprising thing is immediately noticeable– it sounds almost normal. But far from… Continue reading The Fiery Furnaces keep it simple, solid on I’m Going Away

Thee Oh Sees @ Siren

A lot of things don’t shock me. I grew up with Mortal Combat, our childhood cat brought all sorts of things to the doorstep and yes, I’ve seen “BME Pain Olympics.” But nothing (not even Monotonix’s ridiculous set) could prepare me for Thee Oh Sees. Front Man John Dwyer has a reputation for being, well,… Continue reading Thee Oh Sees @ Siren