PurrView #52 - Moment of poetry: "Old-Fashioned Haunt"

Treading the waters of an old-fashioned haunt

The timeless tale of yearning and want

To be more than this-- to answer a higher call--

Than just to be laid to rest, merely ash to ash and dust to dust

And on the banks of this old-fashioned haunt

I emerge, journey set before me, moving forward, I stomp

Relentlessly toward that which awaits me, my dreams, after all

Sitting there begging for action

While many are waiting-- waiting to be enthralled...

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #51 - Yuna

http://www.yunamusic.com/

Yuna is not quite a household name. But the four letters that label this talented Malaysian songstress are much akin to her musical style: simple packaging that yields mind-blowing, yet subtle and mystifying soul.

The first time I heard Yuna's break-out single "Live Your Life,"-- which is produced by Pharrell Williams-- I couldn't help but turn up the stereo to the delicate, albeit refreshing tune;  a tune that's like a lily pad sitting atop the pond that is popular music today. When I was a turn-of-the-century raver, I would never have imagined that in 2012, I'd be running for cover from the cavalcade of house music that's permeating the music industry today. But here I am, searching for reprieve from EDM in the arms of Yuna's music. And boy, does it feel good! Or perhaps I should say GIRL, does it feel good!

Yuna's sound is one that ranges from an old, yet progressive funky-soul feel to a feel that is more acoustic and folk. Her sound (sometimes reminiscent of Sia) matched with an ethereal, sultry voice, sophisticated string touches and intelligent bass lines are a match made in heaven. Her inspirational, substance-laden lyrics are almost metaphysical in nature. As you bob your head to her quality tracks, you'll find yourself contemplating life, dreams, goals, aspirations, and perhaps even the spell that's been cast on your auditory senses.  

Besides being an acoustic and aural goddess, the beautiful law school graduate/singer-songwriter also co-owns IAMJETFUELshop-- a women's clothing boutique in Selangor, Malaysia. This stunning Scorpio is full of talent, beauty, creativity and grace that I could only hope to emulate.

The Kuala Lumpur native previously released two albums and an EP in Malaysia, and now (after coaxing from American indie music-scenesters) she's brought her sound to the states. She released an EP titled "Decorate" in March of 2011. Her self-titled debut American album was released on April 24, 2012 under FADER.

Here's an added bonus-- check out Yuna's visit to the world-famous, awe-inspiring youngsters of PS22, as they performed "Live Your Life" for her.

  

Yuna graced the stage at Bonnaroo last week and will be blessing the audience at Lollapalooza this year as well. I, for one, am praying that she makes her way to Las Vegas sometime very soon. That would just be lovely!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #50 - Almost Normal

http://www.almostnormalmusic.com/

Since its formation in the summer of 2007, Vegas synth-pop-rock outfit Almost Normal has flourished to its current state with frontwoman Ashley Lampman's beautiful voice polishing off the band's sound. Almost Normal is a dim melody perched pleasantly at the crossroads of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Paramore. It's a union of clean, effective musical deliverance and youthful accounts of love-as-we-know-it. The band's catchy name started out as a random joke among the friends that-- in the end-- held a lot of meaning with these Blink-inspired musicians.

I recently had a chance to catch up with Andrew Zakher who's on drums and keys for Almost Normal. When I asked him who has the song-writing prowess in the band, he explained that it's a collaborative effort. "One of us would bring an idea to the table, whether it's a short simple melody, or a fully structured song," Zakher said. "We each input ideas until it clicks." He also informed that the band has celebrated recent successes like opening for acclaimed solo instrumentalist The Rocket Summer at Hard Rock on The Strip, a June 22nd show at the House of Blues with acts like Beau & The Outfit and Burning Agrestic, and of course the release of their second EP earlier this spring.

I Shot the Moon, six-track EP from Almost Normal hit iTunes on May 1st. I had myself a listen and found the record has a pleasant pop-punk undertone melded with alternative synth-rock touches. Tracks like opener "Escape" consist of your typical hopeless romantic lyrics-- simple and lighthearted accounts of a yearning heart.  "Hear Me Out" has a Southern California emo-tronica sound w/ satisfying guitar touches resonating throughout.  A favorite of mine on the EP is "Write Me a Letter": a creative tune that starts with a hypnotic intro complete with background music of children playing, leading into a nostalgic tune about growing up (or trying not to). Lampman's spoken-word break during the song was a nice accent as well. "Scarecrow Dreams" starts out with a clean, upbeat intro that segways into a relatable tune about playing the vicious game of love. And closer "Breakup Season" presents a bittersweet break-up scenario that we all know too well. At least they can sing about it in the most positive apologetic way; the track sheds a warm light on honest feelings in a break-up. I must say that just about every track on Almost Normal's second recorded effort are worth a listen or three.

Keep an eye and ear out for Almost Normal as they play around Las Vegas:

Twitter: @AlmostNormalDUH

http://www.facebook.com/almostnormalband

Everyone can stream the new EP on Almost Normal's website/soundcloud:

http://www.almostnormalmusic.com/

Ashley Lampman - Vocals / Keys

Cris Hanna - Bass

Andrew Zakher - Drums / Keys

Shane Ouellette - Guitar

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #49 - Cave Singers hit up Las Vegas

(photo: squeaker-box.com)

Touring Seattle band The Cave Singers took the stage last night at Beauty Bar Las Vegas bringing their folk rock sound to the hot, desert night.

Locals Coastwest Unrest opened for the act; an apropos pairing for the indie folk vibe of the evening. The Cave Singers delivered a short, yet satisfying and sweaty set. Though they recently brought bassist Morgan Henderson on board, the quartet was reduced last night to only a trio consisting of frontman Pete Quirk, guitarist Derek Fudesco and Marty Lund on drums. Despite being one member short, the band did not fail to deliver their feel-good vibe that gets festival goers across the country moving, shaking and stomping their feet.

(Pete Quirk)

The band played upbeat selections from their repertoire, leaving the sleepier psychedelic ones on the shelf. Tunes like "Black Leaf" from their third album No Witch were performed with the same soul and detail as the songs' recorded counterparts-- washboard percussion and all. They closed and left the crowd pleased with staple song "Dancing on Our Graves" from debut album Invitation Songs.

(Marty Lund on drums and washboard)

The band will be hitting the studio almost immediately after they wrap up this current tour. "We'll start recording our fourth album with our new bassist four days after we get back," Quirk said. In closing, I asked him what he loves the most about Vegas. "The Pinball Hall of Fame," he smiled in reply.

(Me and Pete Quirk after Cave Singers' set)

 

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #48 - Summer Feel-Good Playlist

(photo: theneotraditionalist.com)

My summer's gotten off to a marvelous start, as I've just returned from a month of traveling our beautiful, diverse country.

One week I was in the Midwest with air so thick and hot you could almost cut it with a knife; the next I experienced the cool, crisp overcast conditions of the Pacific Northwest; and at yet another leg of my journey I was in the windy, chilly, almost winter-like May weather of the Bay Area.

Whether I was with friends, family or strangers, I really got some particular, feel-good songs stuck in my head during my journey. As a result, I've devised the below Summer Feel-Good Playlist; musical samplings of my travels.   :)

The Knife - "Heartbeats" - A sweet low-pulse synth beat from this Swedish duo

Grouplove - "Tongue Tied" - A song fit for a house party (and probably a subsequent drunken make-out sesh)

Flight Facilities - "Crave You" feat. Giselle - An electronic ballad of young love

 

Alabama Shakes - "Hold On" - "Come on, baby girl. You got to get back up!" croons Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard in her stunning bluesy voice.

Jack White - "Love Interruption" - Yes, another song about love... Oh, but it's a damn good song! ;)

Mac Miller - "Donald Trump"- Corny, yet fun. Why hate on his Donald Trumpin' ways?

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #47 - Imagine Dragons - "It's Time"

http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/

I was recently lying down, listening to music and spacing out as I frequently do, when a superfun song with hand-slapping, foot-stomping and the sweet sound of a mandolin caught my attention. After listening a moment longer to this catchy, syncopated tune, I realized that the singer's voice sounded awfully familiar and close to home. Is Palladia playing Imagine Dragons? I thought. The answer: Yes.

It was, in fact, the sweet sound of Dan Reynolds' voice that I heard; and Palladia isn’t the only music channel playing the catchy sound of Imagine Dragons. MTV has also deemed the Las Vegas band "buzzworthy" and declared them the 04/16/12 MTV PUSH Artist of the Week. Pandora listeners have also had the pleasure of experiencing Imagine Dragons' flourishing exposure on their favorite synth-rock-group stations.

The band has independently released three EPs previously. And since Imagine Dragons signed with Interscope records for their latest EP titled Continued Silence-- produced by the reputable Alex Da Kid-- the band seems to finally be getting the exposure and notoriety they deserve. "It's Time" is the latest single-- as well as the above-referenced music video-- from the Vegas art-synth-rock outfit.

Check out the video for "It's Time" - It's like a dark, beautiful dream

I picked up Imagine Dragons' first (eponymous) EP after catching them play Ovation at Green Valley Ranch back in February of 2010. I was reeled in by their stage presence (which seems mature beyond their years) and by Reynolds' hypnotic persona and facial expressions. Since then, I've harbored fondness for the band, so-much-so that I definitely know Reynolds' voice and the band's catchy energy when I hear it.

I truly admire Imagine Dragons, and I'm impressed with their continued quality recordings and consistent performing at gigs like SXSW. Their goods just keep getting better! One thing I must mention, however, is that I'll miss hearing the beautiful feminine touches of former member Brittany Tolman's vocals. Where did she go, I wonder?

If you dig bands like The Bravery, Young the Giant or The Killers, you should check out this talented and handsome quartet of gifted Vegas art & music scenesters! They are currently touring with The Jezabels and a couple of the remaining stops are sold out. No offense, but soon The Jezabels might just have to start saying they’re touring with Imagine Dragons.   ;)  

If I had to sum up why I love Imagine Dragons in 15 words or less, it would go something like this: Impeccable attention to melodic, electronic and percussive detail joined with strong vocals and proficient harmonizing.

Dan Reynolds - Vocals

D. Wayne Sermon - Guitar

Ben McKee - Bass

Daniel Platzman - Drums

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #46 - Absinthe Las Vegas

http://absinthevegas.com/

                When friends of mine enthusiastically recommended I go see Absinthe-- a sexy, tantalizing, politically incorrect, traveling circus-esque, acrobatic variety show held on the Royal Plaza of Caesar's Palace-- their rave reviews did not prepare me for how absolutely awesome the intimate show turned out to be. Their descriptions of Absinthe were actually quite brief; perhaps they just couldn't find the right words to describe it. They resorted to simply stating that I just need to go watch it. In a post-script manner one friend added, "…and don’t bring your mom."   

(lasvegasblog.harrahs.com)

The venue was a single-ring circus sized tent with Bohemian décor and wooden audience chairs encircling the stage in the center. The style of the show was one that suggested a sexy Gypsy freak show (with some of the hottest, most daring and most flexible freaks in the western hemisphere).  The performers were close enough to spit on; every seat in the house was a good one. But I certainly felt bad for a couple of the faint-of-heart, bashful audience members that regretfully sat in front. They mostly gawked in horror throughout most of the show and tried their best not to make eye contact with any of the talented, erotic performers. The majority of us however hooted, hollered, and laughed our asses off the entire show when we weren't silenced in awe at some of the stunts performed.

(absinthevegas.com)

The Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets

(millerpolooza.wordpress.com)

                Our compere-- a mustached, racial slur-spatting, Borat-resembling creep known as The Gazillionaire-- led the audience through the circus of naughty acrobatics, comedy, stunt routines, and feats of strength suggestive of a lucid, bizarre (wet) dream world. His sidekick Penny Pibbets threw in just the right amount of additional awkwardness and a kooky slant indicative that females can be just as creepy, hilarious and perverted as the male species. And sultry singer Melody Sweets made love to our ears and eyes with her sexy voice and ravishing features-- she had me turned on before the first layer came off.

Melody Sweets

(photo: Tom Donoghue)

                If abundant use of the S and F words, twisted humor, sexuality, and flexible, glistening, fit-as-all-get-out Eastern Europeans all sound like great entertainment to you, Absinthe is a must-see Vegas show. Though many would find the spectacle offensive, vulgar and discomforting, there were only two discomforting feelings I personally experienced: pain (in my face from laughing so hard) and goose bumps (from watching the amazing acrobatics).

Here's a taste of Absinthe

~Meow~

Pennies