KEXP | Heartbreaking Bravery

February 19, 2014

Watch This: Vol. 13

Again, sincerest apologies on the delay involving this 13th installment of Watch This. What would regularly run on Sunday was pushed back this week due to an obscene overabundance of material that needed some serious navigation. When the realization of the source of last week’s excess of material could be traced back to two events, things became a little more manageable. Now, at least for this week, there will be three standalone videos and the final two spots will be occupied by video playlists; one being the Marked Men weekend, the other being the Don Giovanni showcase. Brooklyn, you had a surreal wealth of incredible music this week, worthy of anyone’s envy. For all of those videos, as well as a few more, watch everything posted below.

1. Dog Day – Sandwich (exclaim!)

Kicking off the series this week is Dog Day, a quartet whose sound is steeped in shoegaze aesthetics without ever crossing the line into that genre. Instead, they offer up a very singular take on brooding post-punk that carries a lot of noise and no wave heft. As for the band’s performance, it’s detached to the point of being eerie, effectively elevating the sense of unease. A very strong, very curious, introduction to a band that has a decent shot of gaining a very faithful following.

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2. Sandrider – Gorgon (KEXP)

HOLY FUCK.

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3. Porches. ft. Frankie Cosmos – Fog Dog (Live at Woodbury)

Porches. continue to impress every time the project surfaces. This fan-shot performance clip of “Fog Dog” may actually be the most arresting material to come from Porches. to date. It helps that Frankie Cosmos vocals lend the whole thing an almost unbearable lightness. A genuinely gorgeous piece of entertainment- and the ending? One of the most endearing things to have shown up in any kind of film this year.

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4. The Marked Men Weekend (Live at St. Vitus)

So, the other weekend an enormous wealth of material consumed Brooklyn and lit the NYC punk community on fire three times over. A large, large, part of this was the three sets that reclusive basement punk icons The Marked Men graced the city with, bringing along an assortment of their friends to share the moment. All three of The Marked Men’s sets were captured in full by the always-reliable unARTigNYC, who also filmed single clips of the support acts; Tenement, Radiator Hospital, Worriers, Kim Phuc, Iron Chic, Future Punx, and Shellshag. Those clips appear in that order and are all worth watching (especially Tenement, who will get an emphasis on here whenever there’s an appropriate excuse, and Radiator Hospital, whose Something Wild was one of 2013’s very best).

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5. The Don Giovanni Showcase

While The Marked Men weekend was happening over at St. Vitus, the Don Giovanni showcase was going strong just a stones throw away. There were a few bands that made appearances at both (Tenement, Worriers, and Shellshag) and made sure the wealth was lovingly spread across the city. Now, Don Giovanni’s a record label that’s earned a lot of mentions here by virtue of their roster, one of the strongest in DIY music. While not being able to attend was painful, it’s easy to tell that it was an incredible time from the videos that were presented by Don Giovanni themselves. Curiously, sets/songs from the explosive combination of Screaming Females and Tenement were left out (though a performance of “Doom 84” in Cleveland has been tacked onto the playlist- along with the previously-mentioned Shellshag medley– because as long as this video playlist cheating is taking place, why not cheat a little more?) along with a few others but there’s still a lot to love here.

Contained in the playlist are the following: Nude Beach (who absolutely lit Quarters Rock N Roll Palace up in Milwaukee last July with Midnight Reruns and Tenement), Black Wine, Groucho Marxists, Priests (especially Priests, who, as one of the most original and exciting bands in music, are going to be given a lot more words here in the very near future), Vacation (a few members of which have found growing success in their other incredible band, Tweens), Worriers, Nuclear Santa Claust, California X, and, as mentioned, both Screaming Females and Shellshag. Watch it all below and buy a goddamn guitar already.

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February 9, 2014

Watch This: Vol. 12

Another week, another Watch This. In this 12th installment, there are full sets, acoustic takes, and studio performances. From the Albini-indebted strains of Into It. Over It. to the irrepressible manic glee of Los Campesinos! there’s plenty of range in this week’s edition. Enough with the introductions, onto the music. Watch it all below.

1. Cumulus – Middle (KEXP)

Cumulus recently stopped by Seattle’s most legendary radio station to deliver a set full of sugary shoegaze pop. “Middle” is all kinds of accessible, offering the clearest signal yet of the extent of shoegaze’s resurgence. A dirtied up bass line and swirling guitar lines wash over an undeniably pop vocal, while the song itself is packed full of hooks. All of the sudden, the future of pop music doesn’t look as bleak as it once did. There’s serious potential for a major crossover here. For now, take a step back and marvel at how effortlessly graceful this performance of “Middle” really is.

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2. Los Campesinos! – Cemetery Gaits/What Death Leaves Behind (Brooklyn Vegan)

Los Campesinos! have been an anomaly for a long while now. Their brand of twee-punk, even as it evolved into something more aggressive and cynical, was always leaning too far twee for the punk kids and too far punk for the twee kids. A few on the outer rings of both circles had trouble accepting them because they were either too accessible or not accessible enough. That unwillingness to commit to the easily classifiable has always made them interesting and the band thrive on it. Their high-energy live performances have always been reliably endearing as well. This BV Studio Session is no exception.

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3. Into It. Over It. – Where Your Nights Often End (Audiotree)

Into It. Over It. are a band that’s becoming similarly hard to pin down. Very frequently grouped into the emo-revival discussion, the band’s resisted embracing and denying that classification in equal measure. Frequently appearing on bills alongside the likes of LVL UP and Ovlov, their live set has also sparked a fair bit of admiration. They’re one of the bands that evokes the Albini studio aesthetic most readily. For proof of this, watch the exquisitely filmed Audiotree video of “Where Your Nights Often End” below, which features Kate from Kittyhawk on backing vocals.

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4. Cassavettes – Full Set

Cassavettes recently played Philadelphia and youtuber Will McAndrew was on hand to shoot the whole thing as it happened at the reliably excellent house venue The Great Indoors. Noisey recently posited that Philly has the best punk scene in the country and fondly extols the virtues of its bands but doesn’t speak much on how supportive that scene is to the bands that pass through. With more and more full sets like this hard-hitter from Boston-based basement punks Cassavettes (think The State Lottery with a little less gruff), it’s hard to argue Noisey on that one.

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5. Hot New Mexicans – Damned Distractions (Pink Couch Sessions)

This week’s Watch This band to know is unique in a certain distinction; it’s no longer a band. That said, Hot New Mexicans are a band that people deserve to be hearing about for a very long time. After a promising debut, the band released a string of classics with their self-titled sophomore effort (a legitimate best-of-decade contender) and a pair of seriously incredible 7″ releases. In a way, the closest band to Hot New Mexicans was the “band to know” from the very first Watch This, PURPLE 7 (they share a pivotal member). In this clip, Patrick Jennings (the aforementioned PURPLE 7 member) plays an acoustic version of Hot New Mexicans standout “Damned Distractions” for IYMI’s Pink Couch Sessions series (who will be featured on Watch This soon). Enjoy- and order/buy Hot New Mexicans material wherever it can be found. It’s a collection necessity.

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January 26, 2014

Watch This: Vol. 10

As the new year starts to find its footing, new material starts to continuously roll out. This week was one of the first indicators that the year-to-year turnaround lull is coming to a close, if not already over. For the first time in over a month there was actually an excess of material and the clips had to be cut down to the standard five. From KEXP to the storied stage of Schubas, here’s the (admittedly eccentric) tenth installment of Watch This. Enjoy.

PAWS (KEXP Session)

PAWS’ Cokefloat! was one of the best records 2012 had to offer. An absolute sugar-rush of manic basement punk from New Zealand, the record’s represented well here. KEXP presents it all in their characteristically outstanding fashion and manages to remind everyone that this band is far from finished.

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Mac DeMarco – Treat Her Better (La Blogotheque)

Mac Demarco, everyone’s favorite sleazeball, recently made a stop at the Sundance Film Festival to perform one of the new tracks from his upcoming record Salad Days. It’s exactly as goofy and earnest as it sounds. It’s also an absolute pleasure to watch.

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Moonface – Julia With Blue Jeans On (Live at St Pancras Old Church)

Heartbreaking Bravery’s debt to Moonface has already been covered in previous Watch This installments. Simply put; without Spencer Krug this site likely never comes into existence, at least not with this title. There are very few artists operating on an artistic level as high as Krug and the exploration of his most recent solo venture in live performance videos has been one of the more consistently rewarding video projects of late.

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Porches. – Xanny Bar (Out of Town Films)

Porches. just can’t seem to miss their mark these days. Every new instance of material from the band has been worth sharing with anyone who will listen. Bolstered by great performances on both ends of the loud/quiet spectrum, expect to hear a lot more about this band in 2014. Start here with this transfixing version of “Xanny Bar”.

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Perfect Pussy (Live at Schubas Tavern)

This particular selection, given recent events, was always going to have a spot in Volume 10. A sincere thanks to whoever the brave soul was that shot this.

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January 5, 2014

Watch This: Vol. 7

Traditionally, the first week or so of a new year is one of the slowest (if not the absolute slowest) for notable music items. Fortunately for everyone, there are some places that cease to stop producing incredible content and just barrel on forward. Which is why the main section in this week’s edition of Watch This only features full sets from one of the most incomparable institutions in music; KEXP. Year after year the Seattle radio station has been providing the most incredible live sessions (audio and video) this side of NPR. The past week or so has been no exception and served as a strong reminder of what makes 90.3 so important. Enjoy.

1. Wimps

Wimps, a local Seattle band, raised one hell of a racket last year and found themselves in more than one basement punk enthusiasts top 10 list. They’re an intriguing proposition that immediately seem just a little off as they deviate from the norm in both sound and appearance- which, frankly, is exactly what most scenes need more of. Their session here is light and inspired, offering up an early indicator of something special.

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2. Crystal Antlers

There are very few bands as immediately attention-catching as Crystal Antlers, who push all the write buttons via their genre melting pot sound. Tints of shoegaze, post-punk, powerpop, no-wave, and ambient characterize their best releases and the band’s a force to be reckoned with live. None of this changes for their KEXP session, which only furthers the chances of the station having secured what may be likely to be one of the year’s best sessions in its first week.

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3. Pétur Ben

Like Crystal Antlers, Pétur Ben is a beyond-appealing mix of influences, recalling everyone from David Bowie at his most relaxed to Joy Division at their most spry to The Smiths in full-on smoldering mode and Dinosaur Jr at their most restrained. Hailing from Iceland, both Ben and the group he’s assembled behind himself are already one of the year’s great surprises. Everything on display here clicks effortlessly and comes off seeming like something that would’ve been considered classic today had it been released 30 years ago and has a shot at being considered classic to those in the know 30 years from now.

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4. Wampire

Apart from Gap Dream, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the Burger Records aesthetic embraced as fully as Wampire have managed. Their psychedelic garage pop comes in the technicolor variety, complete with oddly-shaped brightly-colored sunglasses. Wampire’s sound also manages to exist in one of the smaller paradox that makes Burger such an interesting label; it’s undoubtedly relaxed but there’s a sincere sense of urgency coursing through each respective song’s veins. All of this would just be a footnote if the band’s music weren’t so absurdly good- and it is absurdly good- for proof just watch the session below.

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5. Gravys Drop – I Get Down (Music Video)

Gumball was one of 2013’s most overlooked releases and brimmed with an enthused confidence that made the record all the more enjoyable. One of Burger Records’ artistic triumphs, the label recently released a music video for the fun-loving band that accurately captures the sort of no-stakes ethics at work in bands like this. It’s a refreshing reminder that there are still bands (and labels) out there that know they’re allowed to relax and enjoy themselves. One of the best summer records anyone could hope for. Listen to it in full here and keep an eye out for more from Gravys Drop in the future.

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December 29, 2013

Watch This: Vol. 6

Another year comes to a close and offers up a luxury; a chance to go back for looks at videos this site never got to cover because it came into existence far too late. In this week’s addition of Watch This, all of the videos featured are standout takes from earlier on in the year that deserved a spotlight they weren’t able to receive the first time around. So, take a break between football games this Sunday and give these a watch; they’re all worth it. Regularly-scheduled time-sensitive posts will resume on Watch This next Sunday. Until then, enjoy some of the best live videos that 2013’s first stretch had to offer.

1. Savages – Husbands (KEXP Session)

Savages landed in the US with a considerable amount of fanfare, a lot of which can be attributed to stunning live performances like this take on Silence Yourself standout “Husbands” for KEXP. The decision to release the clip in black-and-white only furthered the band’s sense of mystery (and aggression). There may not have been a better KEXP session all year.

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2. The Frankl Project – Dissatisfaction at its Finest (Blue Recipe Radio Session)

One of the year’s most pleasant surprises came from a small Cincinatti power trio that were once considered to be more ska than anything else. The Frankl Project’s Standards is a testament to DIY ethics and self-reliance. Additionally, it happens to be one of the better records of 2013 and possibly the best the pop-punk genre had to offer. This Blue Recipe Radio Session included two other standouts (“My Hands” and “Alive on the Road”), so be sure to give all three a watch- it’s passionate, exhilarating material.

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3. Amanda Shires – Bulletproof (Rhythm N’ Blooms)

A wildcard among this deck, Amanda Shires’ “Bulletproof” earns its spot on the strength of the second verse alone. What starts off as an ostensibly twee tune about a good-luck charm suddenly turns dark and examines humanities darkest tendencies; a desire for exploitation, violence, and empowerment. When Shires (now officially Amanda Isbell) hits the line “bring out the switchblades”, after a brief pause, it’s delivered with such a frightening amount of verve that it’s hard not to be completely taken. Definitely a talent to watch.

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4. Mozes and the Firstborn – Time’s A Headache (Live at Biscuit Studios)

There may not have been a better live video that Heartbreaking Bravery encountered all year. It’s not much more than the band playing a standout cut from their self-titled debut effort in a basement but holy hell, do they ever play that song. The young Antwerp hell-raisers lay into “Time’s A Headache” with everything they’ve got to the delight of the crowd gathered around them in the basement where this was shot. There were a myriad of discoveries to make in 2013 but Mozes and the Firstborn (and this video) were among the very best of the “hidden gems” category.

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5. Midnight Reruns – Grand Slam / Basement Guy (TCD’s Take One Session)

This marks the third time Midnight Reruns have appeared on a Watch This and it’s very unlikely it’ll be the last. This band simply isn’t getting the recognition it deserves and anything this site can do to further their exposure, it will do. ThirdCoastDigest started a video series earlier on this year called Take One where local area WI bands play an acoustic version of a song or two for their cameras; despite outstanding efforts from the likes of Midwestern Charm and Vic & Gab, the most intoxicating session belong to Milwaukee’s Midnight Reruns. “Basement Guy” and “Grand Slam” both take on noticeably different forms from their LP versions and are just as strong, if not stronger, for it. Get a jump on the inevitable and stop sleeping on these guys- they’re a band worthy talking about as early as possible.

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November 24, 2013

Watch This: Vol. 1

Welcome to Watch This! A new series installment that takes a look at recent videos that mostly consist of bands performing live. All of these are worth a view or three. Look forward to five of these every Sunday. Four of these will be new and the final slot each week will be occupied by a band that deserves more exposure. Make sure to watch out for new installments every Sunday. Enjoy.

1. Midnight Reruns – Summer Smoker

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel invited one of Wisconsin’s best bands in for a live performance. This song alone serves as a good indication of just how good these guys are. Don’t sleep on this one.

2. Swearin’ – Dust in the Gold Sack

This is a stripped-down take for WNYC on one of the year’s outright best songs from one of the best bands going right now. Crutchfield’s voice is genuinely haunting throughout this duo performance and when Gilbride finally joins her for some falsetto work, it’s enough to freeze just about anyone.

3. The So So Glos – KEXP Session

The So So Glos are exactly what the pop-punk genre has been needing for years; a band that incorporates some believable grit. Their 2013 triumph, Blowout, pushed them to the levels of recognition they deserve. Naturally, KEXP invited them into their studios for a high-energy session that includes performances of a few songs from Blowout and a brief interview. The sessions stands out as one of KEXP’s best this year.

4. Nico Vega – Lightning

If nothing else, let this serve as an introduction to Jam in the Van. The series has some of the most consistently intriguing booking, featuring everyone from Nobunny to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Dive in and explore their archives.

5. PURPLE 7 – Poison Ivy

Today’s final slot belongs to PURPLE 7, who are based out of Bloomington, IN and feature members who were previously in Hot New Mexicans, Landlord, and Defiance, OH. “Poison Ivy” is a charming combination of each member’s respective styles and VOLUME 2, the record from which the song is taken, is well worth purchasing. Enjoy.

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Tag: KEXP