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

PurrView #45 - Snoop Dogg feat. Tupac - Coachella 2012

(photo: pitchfork.com - Snoop, Left; Tupac, Right)

Snoop Dogg closed out the first weekend of Coachella 2012 on Sunday night, April 16, with help from beloved and dearly-departed fellow West-sider Tupac Shakur. Thanks to the beauty of technology, Snoops’s revolutionary performance with Tupac’s hologram made the onstage collaboration powerful, magical and a bit spooky for audience members.



(photo: Getty Images - "Tupac" onstage at Coachella 2012)

What started out like any normal, smoky performance for Snoop, turned into a tech-savvy recreation of his past onstage chemistry with Tupac. The set included collabos with friends and big-name recording artists Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent. “The D-O-double G’s” rap-superstar set was also added to by the fresh, young Wiz Khalifa, who blew the audience away at Coachella 2011; he’s been a frequent Top 40 name ever since.

(photo: pitchfork.com - Dr. Dre, Left; Snoop, Right)

On September 7, 1996, Tupac was gunned down in Las Vegas. He died a few days later on Friday the 13^th. Fans continue to mourn the loss of the rapper, and rumors that he is still alive continue to sporadically resurface. But for the first time since Tupac’s death, he has-- in essence-- hit the stage once again to perform "Hail Mary," and to join Snoop for an apropos performance of “2 of Americaz Most Wanted.”

(photo:rap-up.com)

Without a doubt, Goldenvoice Productions should pat themselves on the back for hosting another revolutionary move in the music world. They've left the music festival community and an eclectic mix of fans in shock-and-awe at this hologram performance of one the most respected poets of Gen-Xers and younger.

Check out the amazing, albeit trippy performance at this link before it gets taken down. 

(Fair warning: explicit lyrics)

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #44 - Of Monsters and Men

                New to the American music scene, Icelandic sextet Of Monsters and Men embodies a melodious, artistic and catchy-- yet intelligent-- sound that's got a delightful, earthy folk vibe. The band is headed up by founding members and singer/songwriters Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdòttir and Ragnar "Raggi" Pòrhallson.  

                Of Monsters and Men nods to the well-orchestrated instrumental prowess of Arcade Fire and captures the gypsy-like cadence of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetics Zeros, while also harnessing the folksy, heart-rending emotion of Mumford & Sons. They are an act that will surely be on the radar in 2012. The tambourine and accordion accents are enough to make your heart dance. But fair warning-- singers Nanna and Raggi's voices melded together might also make your heart melt.

                In February 2011 the band signed on to craft their debut album with Record Records in Reykjavik, Iceland. Released in September 2011, My Head is an Animal brought the band to its cozy No. 1 spot on Icelandic charts. And subsequently, the album's captivating dual-vocal track "Little Talks" shimmied its way on over to the hearts and ears of Americans.

                In December 2011 Of Monsters and Men released a four-song sample of their debut album via EP Into the Woods, leading up to the band's April 3, 2012 worldwide release of My Head is an Animal; both under Universal Records.

                The band is now in the midst of their first American tour which began at SXSW festival in March. I eagerly welcome a chance to catch them in person so I can find out if they're as fabulous and entertaining live as they are in my earbuds.

Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdòttir - guitar / vocals

Ragnar "Raggi" Pòrhallson - guitar / vocals

Brynjar Leifsson - guitar

 Àrni Guôjónsson  - piano / accordion

Kristján Páll Kristjánsson - bass

Amar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson - drums

"Little Talks" in-studio performance, KEXP Seattle --> http://youtu.be/8Dw8qdmT_aY

~Meow~

Pennies