Mae - Back From The Dead

I normally don't post news stories on my site, but anything about Mae is too good to pass up! 

Mae has come out of the woodwork and celebrating the ten-year anniversary of  their classic debut album Destination: Beautiful and fan coveted compilation Destination: B-Sides! They're doing this with an online performance at StageIt.com on June 7th. The band will be performing from their studio, and fans will have a chance to interact with them.

In addition to this exciting news, Spartan Records has also announced they plan to release Destination: B-Sides on limited edition vinyl record for the first time in the near future. The exclusive vinyl will be available for pre-order during the band's StageIt performance, where a portion of the proceeds raised from the show will go towards re-recording of a few tracks, which will be included on the vinyl pressing of the album.

 

Pick up StageIt tickets now at http://spr.tn/maegeit.

 

For More Information:

https://www.facebook.com/mae

http://whatismae.com/

Manchester Orchestra & Balance & Composure & Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band - House of Blues - 5/3/2014

The only thing that can top seeing one of your favorite bands (Manchester Orchestra) in concert, after almost ten years of listening to them on record, is seeing them play with another one of your favorite bands especially one you've been following since they started - a proud moment. 

Balance and Composure has been playing smaller venues than they're worth for years. Their star quality has been obvious for a long time, and it only took the world catching up with the times to realize it. When Manchester Orchestra announced they'd be taking the two on tour with them, it was a very exciting moment for all involved. Their show at the House of Blues in Hollywood sold out almost instantly, to no one's surprise. The line I encountered upon arrival to the House of Blues was the first sign of just how popular these three bands are. I've never stood in such a long line to get into a show before, and it was great to see the excitement fill the venue as everyone was let in. The only thing better than a concert where you know all the words to most of the songs, is a show where the whole crowd is singing along with such emotion and passion, it becomes an entirely different type of experience.

Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band is a hidden gem of a band, because while they may be somewhat unknown for the time being, their fame is coming up rapidly. They were the perfect band to open for this tour, starting with high energy music that got everyone excited for the night of beautiful sounds to come. A surprising amount of people knew them and were able to sing along, but I guess in LA that's not that unusual.

Balance and Composure was on next, and sadly, singer Jon Simmons was quite sick. He alerted the crowd of this pretty early on, but it was already easy to detect, for someone like myself who has seen them play multiple times. Despite his apologies for his voice not being up to par, his vocal performance was barely affected. The band definitely picked up any slack due to his illness, making for an incredible set. They played a mixture of songs from all of their albums, pleasing all fans, new and old. It's a difficult venture to play a show soon after a new album has been released, but I didn't hear any complaints or shouting from the crowd. I was surprised, however, at the lack of stage diving, crowd surfing, and moshing attempts that I normally see at their shows at smaller venues.

Manchester Orchestra didn't disappoint in the two claims I'd heard about their live performances: great sound... and LOUD sound. It was one of the only times I've ever worn earplugs in my show-going life, and I was glad to have them. It was a pleasure to be able to hear an array of songs from all of their albums, being that they just released their newest album, Cope, and nobody really knew what to expect in terms of a setlist. I was impressed by the amount of people who were even able to sing along with the newest songs and how rowdy they got during such an emotional time.

By the end of their set, as though anything could make such an evening better, the band brought up Matt Sharp from Weezer to perform a couple of songs with them, which made the entire crowd into an even louder, cheering mob. You could definitely tell it was a surprise because of the volume of the screams.

Photo by Up Late Reviews

Photo by Up Late Reviews

Photo by Up Late Reviews

Photo by Up Late Reviews

Photo by Up Late Reviews

Photo by Up Late Reviews

Manchester Orchestra - "Cope" Album Review

Recommended Tracks: “Choose You” & “Every Stone” & "The Ocean"

My initial thought having listened through the album all the way the first time was how amazing it was. Several times later and I was thinking, “Wow, they’ve managed to make an incredible album that doesn’t have me sobbing my eyes out. I’m actually happy about this.” If you've listened to Manchester Orchestra often or even at all, you'll understand what I'm talking about. Right away, I felt the high energy, dynamic, in your face type of music and writing that I'd missed being in my life without even realizing it. 

I missed the sensual crooning, the complex lyrics, the sadness hidden even behind the loudest and most brutal songs. Even though writing about music has been and continues to be a common thing gracing the internet, words sometimes just aren't enough to express how music makes you feel. Oops, and there goes the whole "not crying" thing. 

This band has a way of grabbing you by your collar and shaking you until all your feelings fall out and you're embarrassedly trying to grab them all back up and shove them back inside, like a woman who drops her purse and all of her private items are on display. If you don't have a very good poker face like I suffer from, you'll probably want to be alone when you listen to it, at least for the first few times. That way, when you inevitably break down into an emotional mess, you won't have anyone to hide from. 

It's loud, it's messy, it's emotional, but at the same time, it picks you up and drags you down and brings you back up again in such a way that you won't be able to stop listening. It's addictive and I want more of it.

From start to finish, I was so captivated and impressed with each track. I know I've said it before, but if an entire album can satisfy me and not have any tracks I tend to skip over, then color me impressed. The hardest part about writing this was choosing which songs to recommend.

Say Say @ Bardot Hollywood 2/24/14

Photo by ULR

I haven't been to that many shows since the new year and returning back to the US from Israel last month. I have all sorts of excuses, but all that matters is I'm getting back out there, and I can't explain how happy I am that seeing my buds in Say Say was one of my first shows of the year. It's easy to say that seeing friends play makes you biased, but these guys are genuinely so talented.

Photo by ULR

Singer Adam Reiter has a way of capturing a raw passion in his live performance that is rare to see on a stage. There's something about the way he sings that carries so much emotion and depth to it. Paired with well written lyrics, a talented drummer (Nick Jordan) and singer/keyboardist Jesse Gurtis, it's a captivating combination.

Live music usually has one of two effects on people. Either it acts as background to a scene, like in a bar or festival, where people aren't paying much attention, have their cellphones out, are chatting and barely notice that someone's playing a show, or it silences a crowd. And the latter is what Say Say did to Bardot on this special night.

I've personally become obsessed with their music, whether it be their live shows or listening to the recorded tracks and reminiscing about how great their live performance is. It's truly an experience you have to have in order to understand. This band is definitely going somewhere huge.

Photo by ULR

Mystery Skulls & Robert Delong - El Rey Theater - January 31, 2014

Robert Delong

One of the things I love most about a live show is when I haven't seen the band or artist perform in a while, so that I have something to compare the performance to. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of pretty much any type of performance - new or old to me. There's just something great about being able to say to yourself, or if you're fortunate, the artist, "Wow, you've come a long way." In this case, I was able to say that very thing to both artists.

I first saw Robert Delong perform at Echo Park Rising almost 2 years ago, Summer 2012. He wasn't very well-known then, at least not to my knowledge (or by the appearance of how many fans he had at that point). He had much less fancy equipment then. Fast forward to January 2013 and he's selling out a headlining tour and having the Mowglis surprise everyone on-stage.

Mystery Skulls (aka Luis Dubuc)is a new project, but it's obvious as the time passes that Luis has such diversity as an artist. Having just seen his first performance as Mystery Skulls last summer and enjoying it thoroughly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I found out he was touring with Robert Delong. From the moment I stepped into the room and saw his extensive set-up on stage and felt the energy of the crowd, I knew that he had grown even just in the past months since summer.

The way that he owns the stage and has this presence over everyone, that isn't looking down on them, but making an experience everyone can enjoy together, is astounding. He truly has a way of capturing an audience. Although many of the fans may have showed up initially for the headliner, Robert Delong, I can't imagine anyone left forgetting Mystery Skulls' name.

Balance and Composure - "The Things We Think We're Missing" Album Review

One of the saddest moments of album reviewing is having to compare two albums or multiple albums by such a brilliant band. The old and the new are rarely the same; sometimes it will disappoint and sometimes it will be exactly what you're hoping for. Separation was and probably always will be a favorite album in not only my mind, but many fans of the alternative/post-hardcore genre (or whichever genre a person may feel fits the band best). With songs that I'm likely never to forget on Separation, the anticipation for the new release by Balance & Composure was at an all time high. There's a strong likelihood that many had no clue how the band would be able to follow-up such a masterpiece.

But they did. The Things We Think We're Missing has such a captivating, emotional pull to it, you could think it was planned as a continuation of Separation. The recording quality on this album sounds really stellar, and definitely a step up from the past. Heartfelt lyrics sung with such desperation, you can't help but getting sucked in emotionally.

Although each track is different, the album comes across almost like a story, each different song a chapter that all ties together smoothly. Starting off with a bang, the first song "Parachutes" quickly became a favorite, with its first lyrics, "My vacant heart, how is it that you split in two parts? I'm checking in to reminisce, a roller coaster in the dark to places I don't want to go." A great description of how B&C songs can make one feel  - like you're on a roller coaster.

From the very beginning, you will be able to tell you're in for an incredibly bumpy, but beautiful ride. As always, Balance & Composure brings long-time listeners to an emotional place that not many bands can. Although  not quite as devastating as previous songs, the tracks on this album definitely make you feel similar things.

"Back of Your Head" instantly became another favorite, with its hard-hitting, melancholy lyrics and softer vocals. The way that they can deliver such an emotional message in such a strong, but calm manner really throws me for a loop sometimes and leaves me shaken and impressed.

"Notice Me" really hit home, with true B&C style vocals that make you feel like they're crawling up the walls in desperation to be understood and to save you from feeling the same way. "And I can see the evil games you love to play. Don't give a shit, take all of me. Left me in the open, cut me deep, cut  me right."

The worst thing about listening to this album was trying to choose favorites to include in the album review. "Cut Me Open", "When I Come Undone" , "I'm Swimming" , and "Keepsake" should also be mentioned as tracks you've got to listen to if you want to get an idea of the album's well-rounded sound, if for some reason you haven't yet committed to listening to the whole thing.

All in all, being able to make life's hardest moments easier has become the biggest thing that this album has in common with Separation and what the band seems to be best at. They obviously understand what you've gone through, because they've experienced it too, and they want so desperately to ease the hard blows that come with life.

If you're unfamiliar with the band,  RIYL: Brand New, Polar Bear Club, and Joyce Manor.

Interview with Norma Jean

Norma Jean is one of those bands that so many people recognize their name, regardless of whether they've listened to them or not. Old fans, new fans, and strangers alike take interest because of their name or their reputation in the industry. I was lucky enough to have some time with Cory Brandan (lead vocalist) who gave me some really in-depth answers to my questions. He also has quite the sense of humor, which hopefully readers will appreciate.

***

"Wrongdoers" seems to almost return to the roots of Norma Jean stylistically, while at the same time, staying true to present day NJ, was there a change in approach when it came to writing this album, as opposed to previous albums?

Not really. If anything we just took a few steps back and looked at what we’ve done and tried to get away from it. I think that decision to make a mental and emotional separation from our past helped us to focus more.

Tell me about your inspiration for this album as opposed to your previous albums. Did your approach to writing it change? If so, in what regard? Since it sounds like you really refound yourselves and brought your A-game, many are curious as to what went into that.

In short (very short) We started writing this record feeling like Meridional was still lingering. We went into writing with that in mind. In a way we were kind of thinking “how can we beat that record?” We had a pretty stressful 5 or so months of writing. We did a Europe/Russia tour and when we came back we lost a couple of members which didn’t help. After a short mourning period, we embraced it! We had to. It was that or be done. We transformed into more a collective rather than a band. We made sure we found the right guys and they brought a great new energy. Got away from Meridional and wrote Wrongdoers. I think all of that struggle without mentioning everything had a huge part on the inspiration of this record. We wanted to make something that proved that we still love this and will continue to put out music that matters.

On the subject of writing, what's your process in general? Who focuses on what parts of the process?

I think the process changes every record. It usually take a little bit to figure out what we’re doing. But eventually it all clicks. We usually all write separately and bring it all together throughout several practice sessions. This time we found we were writing a lot of the music on the spot based on how we felt that day or in that moment. Jeff and I wrote all the lyrics together. Along with a little help from our previous guitarist Scottie Henry.

What are your favorite songs to play? And which are the most meaningful?

Right now my personal favorite is Hive Minds. Of our old stuff, I’ve always had a special place for A Small Spark vs A Great Forest. It’s such a fun song to perform as well.

What has it been like and how has it affected your transitioning over the years with lineup changes?

It’s never easy losing a member. I’m not going to pretend like it is. Especially when you play with someone for 10 plus years, you build a chemistry with them. That’s not easy to replace. On the other hand, bringing in new blood has brought a new energy that I truly feel like Norma Jean needed. We wouldn’t have Wrongdoers without any of them, though.

Seeing as many of your contemporaries (Underoath, for example) are no longer active, does that inspire you to keep working hard to "stay alive" as a band?

In a way yes, but it hasn’t been a factor in why we do what we do. We love music and want to continue to write and play. It’s really that simple. We have a lot of fun doing it and as long as that door is open, I’m going through it every time.

Speaking of that, what is your drive to keep making music? Do you feel there's still lots to be done that you haven't done yet?

I decided a long time ago that I had already achieved everything I wanted as a musician and more. Knowing that, it’s made everything else icing on the cake. On that note, there is so much more we want to do now.

I imagine you may get this question a lot, but...Do you hate being compared to Botch?

Haha no!! I remember the first time I ever heard that I thought. “Dang! Thanks! We love that band!” Heck, we even recorded O’God with Matt Bayles, but in reality we are much more influenced by other artists. What people need to remember is that we are from the same era of music. Go listen to Deadguy, Coalesce, Will Haven, Angelhair, Honeywell etc.... That’s what we came from and I think it still shows in remnants. That’s ok with us.

How did it feel to be nominated for a Grammy for your O'God the Aftermath album artwork?

It was cool. Something I could tell my mom and she could be impressed a little bit.

If you could collaborate with one band or artist, or bring someone on for a track, who would it be?

Definitely Sean and Jes from Coalesce.

What do you think the future holds for you? 

We have so many ideas and things we want to do. We hope Wrongdoers will get us some good support tours. If not, we’ll be out there by ourselves playing anyway.

And finally, what do you think of the current metalcore music scene and the bands around you?

I feel like that question is starting to sound like “what do you think of the little kids who run on your lawn?” haha. I’m an old school dude. I don’t like a lot of it, but I have nothing bad to say about it. There’s definitely some cool stuff out there and we’ve been able to tour with some of those bands. It grows on you on tour. I like that I can like something new still without blowing it off. I don’t want to be that bitter old man yelling “get off my lawn!!”