Missing Records

Sometimes we can treat our favorite bands a little bit like they are our own children. We love watching them develop their own personalities and grow. We are proud of their achievements and we can be a little hurt by their struggles. We brag about them to our friends and maybe even get a little possessive of them at times. We also sometimes might think a bit nostalgically about "when they were little."

In watching Grand Hallway's triumphant performance at a packed out Neumo's last night I found myself experiencing some of these very emotions. The show was a celebration to release the band's latest album Winter Creatures, and as a long time fan of the band I didn't want to miss it. I had pre-ordered the album from Porchlight Records a month ago so I was already familiar with the new songs, and I was excited that the band would be playing the album in it's entirety.

As I watched and listened, I began to notice how the band has changed over the years. Violinist Jacyln Shumate was playing a bit more keyboards and her long time partner in crime Alina To was noticeably missing. There was a new keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist and I was still getting used to new drummer, Brian Wright. Thankfully, Jeremy Koepping, Kevin Large, Shenandoah Davis & Tomo Nakayama were all still there to help me feel secure. I have to admit, I do miss seeing former members Alina, Chris and Joel up there, brining their unique energy to the songs. But I was also really enjoying how the band has evolved.

The new lineup and the new songs aren't a huge departure from what we've come to expect from Grand Hallway, but there are some changes. Tomo Nakayama, the band's nucleus and songwriter, exhibits a refinement in his songwriting that only comes from experience. He wisely doesn't stray far from the musical formula's he's perfected, but the songs seem clearer and cleaner in their message and musical approach. This maturation and the slight changes in the accompanying instrumentation, create subtle changes in the overall Grand Hallway sound.

While it's clear that Tomo's genius is at the heart of Grand Hallway, I have always been adamant that Shenandoah is at the very least the lungs. Her vocal contributions and dynamic piano melodies more often than not, breathe life into Tomo's gentle hymns. She also seems to inspire him to let go and really belt it out, and I love it when the pair lead crescendos at the same time. When it was revealed that she would be taking a "leave" from the band I was instantly saddened. I am still getting used to the latest changes, I can't handle this! (this would be the slightly possessive part I mentioned earlier) I am not sure if she will be back, but I for one will remain hopeful that it's not permanent.

After playing their new record, the band launched into a string of greatest hits. It was so joyful, I felt like I was both looking back in time and able to be totally present. From Blessed Be, Honey Bee, to Raindrops, to one of the best performances ever of Sirens, to the magnificent classic, Seward Park. I truly enjoyed all of the new elements that more recent band members brought to the songs. New drummer, Brian cut loose at the end of Sirens and seemed to come alive after what had been a very steady, albeit somewhat safe performance throughout the band's set.

In the end, as the attentive crowd roared with enthusiasm and thankfulness, I couldn't help but feel proud. I feel blessed to have been able to watch this incredible band evolve and mature over the years, and I'm so happy that they've become such hometown favorites. The band heads off today on a west coast tour to promote the new record and are playing in Portland tonight with Drew Grow & the Pastor's Wives. But don't worry, If you missed the show at Neumo's last night you can still catch the band do a live in-store tomorrow and grab a copy of the new album.  4pm, Sonic Boom/Capitol Hill 1525 Melrose Ave [ map ]

Bumbershoot has been revealing a piece of their 2011 lineup, every day on their Facebook Page during the month of May. This is a lead up to the full music lineup announcement on June 1st. With over 100+ artists coming to the festival, this sneak peek of 31 has been a nice mix of music legends, local favorites, and hot national acts. Here's a list of who has been revealed so far:

Wiz Khalifa, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Minus the Bear, Little Dragon, Broken Social Scene, The Kills, The Lonely Forest, Mavis Staples, Fitz & The Tantrums, Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs, Leon Russell, The Presidents of the United States of America, Urge Overkill, Over The Rhine, Toro Y Moi, Atari Teenage Riot, NoMeansNo, STRFKR, Grant Lee Buffalo, Warpaint, Vetiver, Phantogram...

Bumbershoot also has released some sweet ticket deals but only on a limited basis. They have an Any Day Ticket for just $29, that allows you to decide which day to attend at the last minute. They haven't had this ticket option for a while so it's nice to see it back. It's only available until May 31st, when the regular priced day specific tickets are released. The best deal is the $75 3-Day Pass, but quantities are limited on those so once they are gone, they are gone. If you want to get in on the deals go to Stranger Tickets.

photo by Kate Becker

It was a love fest last night at the Moore Theater in Seattle. Rising local stars The Head & The Heart returned fresh from a national tour and quickly ignited the clamoring crowd with a virtually flawless set. I love seeing bands return home after a long tour because typically the songs are super tight from months of playing and the energy is ripe from a crowd of supportive hometown fans. This perfect storm was evident last night and it was great to hear the crowd erupt after almost every song from the band's debut album. 

photo by Kate Becker

The Head & the Heart's debut album is quickly becoming a classic and its re-release on Sub Pop has catapulted this beloved local band to national fame in a very short time. So great! They are "well on their way" indeed. 

Opener's Ivan & Alyosha and Grand Hallway provided inspiration and really exemplify the deep talent pool we have here in Seattle. For a big fan of Grand Hallway it was like a set of greatest hits. The lovely "Raindrops" really connected with the crowd and started a wave of excitement that lasted the entire evening. The set had a nice mix of classic older songs like "Blessed Be, Honey Bee" and "Sirens" mixed with hot songs from their upcoming album Winter Creatures. My favorite new song last night was "Wildfire" and I loved watching both Tomo and Shenandoah come alive on the Moore stage while singing "I don't want to die" in a beautiful swarm of melody. 



Thematically, both Head & the Heart and Grand Hallway examine that relationship between the joys of life and it's fleeting nature. It's heavy subject matter that they both somehow deliver in a lighter way that builds comfort as opposed to anxiety. It's a sense that acceptance of our limited time here together only strengthen's our need to appreciate one another. Last night we did, it was truly a genuine love fest for these well deserving, hard working local bands.  Awesome!

Burning Building Recordsoffered a night of great music at The Sunset on Thursday showcasing artists from their latest compilation "We Heart this Comp Volume One". The comp features a nice mix of alt/indie and post hardcore bands from the Pacific Northwest. Yarn Owl from Pullman, WA were on stage when we arrived. The place was packed with excited fans and Yarn Owl was delivering with a buoyant set of country pop goodness. The sets were short due to several acts on the bill so each band kept it short and sweet. Our good friend Daniel G. Harmann was up next along with the Trouble Starts. The band launched into “Family Rifles” and didn't let up during their too short set of just three songs. I guess they just left us all wanting more! The set ended with the epic “Estrella” with rising guitars reaching a barely contained frenzy.  Exohxo hit the stage next with two guitars, two violins, keys, bass, drums and a xylophone barely fitting on the Sunset's stage. A massive wall of sound engulfed the place and I had a hard time recognizing sounds coming out of this highly energetic band. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the band's keyboard and xylophone players hammer out what appeared to be amazing parts but they seemed lost in the cacophony of instruments and voices. I was also quite enamored with how much Exohxo's lead singer reminded me of Leonard from the Big Bang Theory. You May Die In the Desert followed and basically unleashed a pummeling of intricate post hardcore instrumentals that just never let up. They were both brutal and melodic which made for a unique experience. Post Harbor finished off the night with a set of powerful indie rock wrapping up an impressive night of great local and regional artists. Thanks for the comp BBR!

So happy to head to the Vera Project on Wednesday to see legendary Dutch punk band The Ex. In 1999, my wife Kate and I produced a show with Fugazi, The Ex and Sleater Kinney at DV8. Fugazi's Ian Mackaye was such a fan of the band (who at that time had already been playing for 20 years together) that he took them out on a full U.S. tour. At that show I became an instant fan of The Ex and their truly unique mix of traditional folk songs, odd tribal drumming and challenging, angular punk rock guitars. That show also promoted awareness about the Teen Dance Ordinance and ended up being a catalyst for Vera Project founders James Keblas, Shannon Stewart and Kate Becker to come together. The Ex, recognizing the suffocating state of All Ages shows at that time opined about Vera Groningen, a legendary All Ages venue in the Netherlands that ended up heavily influencing the development of Seattle's own All Ages institution right down to the name. 

On Wednesday the band launched into their set with a hyper energy that was infectious. I found every part of my body twitching and hopping to each song. Sounds emanated from amplifiers in strange ways creating a beautiful sonic dance of melody and dissonance. I imagined the epic world music of Peter Gabriel being smashed into early Sonic Youth's driving anthems. After almost 30 years together the band recently added new member Arnold De Boer after long time vocalist Jos Kley retired. 30 years together as a band is unique enough but 30 years as a cutting edge band is truly amazing. The band wraps up it's U.S. tour tonight in Los Angeles at Satellite (formerly Spaceland) promoting the band's 31st release "Catch my Shoe" which was produced this past year by Steve Albini in Chicago.

Don't miss it!