MP3: Delta Spirit – “Bushwick Blues”
Delta Spirit rolled into Pittsburgh last Tuesday in support of their excellent new album, History From Below. If you haven’t heard these guys before, you’re doing yourself a disservice; the San Diego natives combine folk, Northern soul, and rock and roll into a muscular sound that can hold its own against any band touring today. Continue reading…
A Cloud Cult show feels more like the product of an art collective than that of a band. The group is led by affable singer/guitarist Craig Minowa, whose Earthology Records is equal parts record label and environmental organization. The band also includes Minowa’s wife Connie and artist Scott West, each of whom completes an original painting on stage during the set. Watching all eight members perform, it quickly becomes clear that they have more than just music on their minds. Continue reading…
MP3: Cloud Nothings – “Hey Cool Kid”
MP3: Cloud Nothings – “Can’t Stay Awake”
In recent years, Ohio has found itself on the receiving end of many jokes. Yet despite some unfortunate sports teams and economic problems, the Buckeye State remains fertile ground for great music.
In particular, the Akron, Ohio scene has produced legendary punk bands like The Cramps, Dead Boys, and Devo. More recently, The Black Keys exploded onto the national scene with their intoxicating mix of garage rock and blues. And, if it wasn’t for Oberlin College, the world may never have heard of Yeah Yeah Yeahs — singer Karen O and drummer Brian Chase met while attending the school and were both inspired by Ohio’s legendary 80s and 90s-era punk scene. Continue reading…
Parlour Steps are a self-described electro-pop/motown band hailing from Vancouver. The group’s engaging sound would fit nicely between The Decemberists and The New Pornographers in your record collection.
In 2009, Parlour Steps released a catchy gem of an album, The Hidden Names!, and have been touring in support of it ever since. In a rare offstage moment, front man Caleb Stull recently compiled a list of his favorite music-related movies for us. His Poetic Memory is below. Continue reading…
Cloud Cult are nothing if not prolific. The Minnesota band just finished up their eighth studio album, Light Chasers, which is set to hit stores on September 14th.
Light Chasers picks up right where Owl and Bear favorite Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) left off, exploring the relationship between the human experience and the unknown. Frontman Craig Minowa took some time out from tea-partying through tornadoes to talk to us about loss, the environment, and what the band has in store for us in the future. Continue reading…