Media

Paradigm shift

Eddie June 2, 2005 No Comments

Although SN&R isn’t presenting the summer concert series in Cesar Chavez Plaza, this year’s lineup delivers on all fronts (and then some). Fans of the pop-alternative band Paradigm will be happy to know it’s finally releasing the long-awaited Thirty Stories High. Of course, the CD isn’t quite finished yet, so Paradigm’s fans must be appeased by a free (yes, free) live show. After playing countless colleges and live-music venues across the greater United States, the band has seen its fan base and sound grow exponentially, for the better. If Standing In Line, the band’s first proper release, was any indication of things to come in the near future, Paradigm should have no problem selling its new material to the masses. If you’re a fan of Sarah McLachlan, Jem, Anna Nalick or any of the Nettwerk-managed artists, you owe it to yourself to show up. Paradigm plays Cesar Chavez Plaza on Friday, June 3. The show starts at 5:30 p.m., and Paradigm plays promptly at 7:30 p.m.

(SN&R)

Life after the El Dorado Saloon

Eddie May 26, 2005 No Comments

If you were one of the few hundred or so folks that stayed around for Kyuss’ headache-infused, extended set at the now defunct El Dorado Saloon, you witnessed history in the making. Not only would Kyuss unceremoniously break up and somehow achieve cult status, but the members of the band would go on to their own projects. Queens of the Stone Age is perhaps the most successful post-Kyuss project, largely due to singer/guitarist Josh Homme. What started in the clubs with a small, word-of-mouth buzz (the band played at the Press Club several years back on the Rated R tour) has grown into a behemoth-sized tour-de-force. The band’s latest album, aptly titled Lullabies To Paralyze, continues Homme’s rich tradition of hypnotic melodies amongst a plodding, incessant rhythm section. Although bassist Nick Oliveri is missing from the current lineup, the new songs aren’t missing anything. Queens of the Stone Age play the Empire Events Center, located at 15th and R Streets, on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. with Eagles of Death Metal. The show is all ages and tickets are $25. Visit www.empireeventscenter.com for more info.

(SN&R)

On the phone with Team Sleep

Eddie May 19, 2005 No Comments

While Team Sleep’s self-titled, debut release for Maverick Records came out rather quietly on May 10, the band hasn’t been sitting idly. The first leg of its current tour, which officially kicked off at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 30, will keep the band—Zach Hill, Rick Verrett, DJ Crook, the Deftones’ Chino Moreno, and Todd Wilkinson—on the road until the end of June. Unlike the group’s previous tour, which only included a handful of dates, this one includes an overseas jaunt with several festival dates. Among them is a coveted support slot on the Napster Stage at the highly anticipated Download Festival in England, which features such notable acts as System of a Down, Motorhead, Slayer, Black Sabbath and many more.

On the new album, the band melds a fine blend of hypnotic rhythms (see the awkwardly titled and executed “King Diamond” track) alongside a backdrop of dense, multilayered melancholy. Songs like the magnificent “Ever” and “Blvd. Nights” and the shuffling, impatient beats of “Ataraxia” might lead listeners to believe that Moreno’s current band is a bunch of depressed introverts.

This notion couldn’t be farther from the truth, as the band is wholeheartedly enjoying its time on tour. “I’m fuckin’ trippin’ right now. Me and Chino are getting faded on the ‘grassy knoll,’ you know, where Kennedy got shot. It’s fuckin’ crazy out here tonight,” said Wilkinson, Team Sleep’s guitarist, as he and Moreno were getting towed down the streets of Dallas on skateboards. It was a Sunday night at 11:30 p.m., and the two had chosen to take an interview while mobile, literally.

“The last couple of shows were kinda weird, but tonight’s show was great,” he continued above the din of skateboard wheels traveling on concrete.

Wilkinson handed Moreno the phone. “We’re getting towed up,” Moreno started to explain. But, within seconds, he said, “We’re getting pulled over by the cops right now.”

“Is it a bad time?” the writer asked, having heard tell of the pair’s propensity to consume large amounts of alcohol.

“Nah … let’s do this,” he said, sounding flustered, drunk and obviously unfocused. Then he changed his mind and said he’d call back. Almost a half-hour later, the two called from outside the venue. As it turned out, they were able to break away and avoid arrests. (Moreno had no ID and mentioned he was freaking about the police.)

“We’re just a bunch of kids having a great time, and we’ve been skating around, visiting shit like the Alamo and whatever else,” said Wilkinson. “We’re planning on playing Sacramento, Seattle and more after we get back from Europe. We’re also supposed to play Japan and Australia as well, possibly before the next round of U.S. dates.”

Sounds like Team Sleep isn’t living up to its name.
(SN&R)

DMBQ

Eddie May 19, 2005 No Comments

The Essential Sounds From The Far East

Although virtually a household name in Tokyo, DMBQ is still very much an underground unknown in the United States. The band has shared international stages with such disparate acts as Fugazi, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Sonic Youth. Its latest long player straddles the great divide between garage rock and experimental noise. Led by guitarist and vocalist Shinji Masuko, this able quartet delivers a potent platter that constantly shifts gears without losing its momentum. From the plodding Sabbath-esque riffs of “Mo-Ya Mo-Ya” to the full-on juggernaut of “She Walks,” DMBQ is perhaps the quintessential bar band. If you’ve been looking for the soundtrack to swill loads of cheap Pabst Blue Ribbon to, DMBQ will deliver by the keg.

(SN&R)

It’s not Far

Eddie May 12, 2005 No Comments

If you grew up in Sacramento, chances are you’ve heard of Far. One of the area’s most revered bands, Far unfortunately never quite achieved the super-stardom of its friends the Deftones. Nonetheless, Jonah Matranga, Far’s ex-frontman and a current member of Gratitude, has become somewhat of a rock icon, drawing hundreds of kids to his shows in every state across the nation. What’s his secret? Perhaps it’s his modest, well-mannered nature and his ability to bring a crowd into his world. Gratitude, which has a new album out on Velvet Hammer via Atlantic Records, is arguably his best post-Far project (others included Onelinedrawing and New End Original). Catch the band on Friday at Cesar Chavez Plaza, located at Ninth and J streets. The 5:30 p.m. show is absolutely free and includes Headrush (featuring ex-members of Simon Says and Splender) and Zero To Heaven (members of the unfortunately defunct Pocket Change). Visit www.downtownsac.org for more information.

(SN&R)

The Perishers

Eddie May 12, 2005 No Comments

Let There Be Morning

Sweden’s latest export, although signed to the same management company that handles Sarah McLachlan and Dido, shares little in common with the aforementioned artists (thankfully). Vocalist and guitarist Ola Klüft and his childhood friend, keyboardist Martin Gustafson, have been working together since 1997, and the cohesion is more than obvious. Fans of early Eels should appreciate the tempered delivery of “A Reminder” or even “Trouble Sleeping.” Although comparison to Coldplay will come from throngs of writers, upon further inspection, the Perishers are doing something uniquely their own without sounding compromised by radio standards (song length, structure, etc). If “Nothing Like You And I” doesn’t make you stop and listen, perhaps you’re too far gone. A nice, well-rounded debut U.S. release.

(SN&R)

It is what it is

Eddie May 5, 2005 No Comments

If the hard rock ain’t broken, Shortie’s not fixing it

7 p.m. Friday, May 6; with Mozart Season and Dissimilar; $5-$7; all ages. Club Retro, 6521 Hazel Avenue in Orangevale, www.clubretro.net.

For a while, it seemed like every band that played The Boardwalk was buckling under pressure to be the next nu-metal or karate-kick sensation. Through it all, the members of Shortie (vocalist Pogus, bassist Kyle Klima, guitarists Allen Wheeler and Pag, and relative newcomer Robbie Nelson on drums) have held their ground and kept doing things their own way. Whether you’ve noticed or not, the band has grown by leaps and bounds, both musically and on the home front, since its formation in the mid-1990s. Shortie’s current live show is replete with body gyrations, vocal and physical calisthenics, and airborne musicians—proof positive that the band has fine-tuned its performance skills.

In a recent interview, Pag discussed the band’s new focus. “When we were all younger and rockin’ out, we never thought about making music a career,” he said. “But as we get older, and we have families and responsibilities, we would love to make it last as long as we can. We all feel like we have grown a lot musically. Pogus has had some changes in his life and has been writing about all these new things on the new album, Without A Promise.”

Although making the new record took more time than the band had planned for, it was well worth the wait. “The recording process for this record was a little bit different than before,” Pag explained. “We went in to record with Michael Rosen [who recorded Rancid, Tesla, A.F.I. and others], and he started producing the band. He came in and changed a lot of our parts musically and did a lot of work on lyrics and melody. We never had anyone come in and work with us on that sort of level before. It was an awesome, inspiring learning experience. However, we started running out of time while starting the vocals, so we ended up asking the label for a bit more money.”

Now, duty calls, and touring looms in the near future for the band. “The current lineup is totally tour-ready!” noted the overtly excited Pag. “We’ve been booking shows all over the West Coast, from Texas and back, preparing for [larger] tours. … The label wants us to focus on the U.S. before going to Europe to tour, but they do want us to go to Europe. Hopefully, we will go this year.”

Even with new additions to the Shortie extended family, the band members still have maintained their work ethic. “Pogus and Kyle both have a kid,” Pag said. “It has not really affected our touring schedules, and we have made it work so far. Luckily, they have really great families and friends that have helped with their situations and have really been supportive of the band. We owe all our families a lot because of all the help they have given us.” Indeed, family has kept Shortie’s ship afloat. From the folks at Sacramento’s 720 Records—the band’s management and former label—to the musicians’ fans, their children and their immediate families, Shortie has never been short (pun intended) of a support system.

Now, with a new CD on Earache Records scheduled for worldwide release on May 17, these five young men will get their chance to play their cards in the music business with a proper debut. If fans of Papa Roach or hometown heroes the Deftones don’t catch on to the immediacy of Shortie’s music, perhaps we can only attribute it to today’s short attention spans. At the very least, Shortie has stayed true to itself and its slowly diminishing genre. Let’s hope the boys get their cake and get to share it with us Sacramentans.

(SN&R)

The Decemberists

Eddie May 5, 2005 No Comments

Picaresque

Trying to pigeonhole the Decemberists, Portland’s traveling troupe of gypsies, is becoming a tedious task these days. While the group’s catalog and fan base grow exponentially, so does its varied sound. Once coined “literary pop,” the band’s latest is sure to invoke considerable amounts of head scratching. From the folk-tinged “Eli, The Barrow Boy” to the raucous “The Sporting Life,” this album has something to offer everyone. Vocalist Colin Meloy and his crop of performers, too numerous to mention, have struck upon a chord that aims at the psyche while invigorating the body and inciting leg spasms. If artists such as World Party, Robyn Hitchcock or even the Mountain Goats mean something to you, you’d best find this album soon. The Decemberists have done good—real good—again.

(SN&R)

Do you have an appointment?

Eddie May 5, 2005 No Comments

I was working at the now-defunct Valley Media offices in Woodland several years ago when the unassuming British guitar virtuoso Adrian Legg paid a visit to play for the staff. As I was picking up my mail from the front office, I noticed that he was having trouble getting past the front desk. Although the receptionist wasn’t familiar with his large body of work, his guitar should have been a hint that he was the featured performer for the day. Thankfully, his feathers weren’t ruffled, and his performance that day went down as one of the best performances we’d ever been treated to. Today, as Legg celebrates his latest release on Favored Nations, he pays a visit to the Palms Playhouse—only a short distance from where he played in 1997. Chances are he won’t have the same problem at the door. Legg plays the Palms Playhouse, located at 13 Main Street in Winters, on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are only $15. Visit www.palmsplayhouse.com for info.

(SN&R)

Product placement

Eddie May 5, 2005 No Comments

If you were one of the several thousand people who attended the KSFM 102.5 Cinco De Mayo 2005 concert on Sunday, May 1, chances are you might have felt cheated by the lack of actual live music. One look at the day’s posted schedule—which featured acts like Frankie J, Baby Bash and Angelina—revealed set lengths that would rival an extended Porta-Potty visit. Sure, we understand that radio-sponsored festivals often feature abbreviated set times, but 15 minutes borders on criminal.

Like other radio-station festivals that have preceded it, KSFM’s was set in Discovery Park and featured an oversized beer garden; Blimpie concessions; a shaved-ice vendor; pizza; barbecue fare; and, of course, a large area for kids, with inflatable houses, slides and even dueling games. Although the event was billed as a Cinco de Mayo bash to celebrate the holiday and the talent, a seemingly nonstop onslaught of emcee banter and shameless self-promotion made it hard to focus on the performers.

Likewise, there was no lack of vendor advertising to further distract attendees from the main stage. Sponsors like Ralphs supermarkets, Phillips 66-Conoco-76, Miller Brewing Co. and even the California Correctional Peace Officers’ Association (which at least gave away nice key chains) filled up literally every space imaginable with a bevy of contests, giveaways and promotional tchotchkes. And if that weren’t enough, you couldn’t walk 10 feet without being solicited by some local artist’s street team handing out yet another glossy, throwaway postcard. While the station did its best to emphasize the cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo by infusing spurts of traditional Latin music, it was during these times that folks would find solace by visiting the Jarritos booth for a soda sample and a chance to win free swag.

One of the most perplexing problems was the presence of Navy, Air Force and Army recruiters, whose appearance resembled that of vultures circling their prey. All their tables had near-perfect positioning to catch the occasional strollers who just wanted to cruise the vendor tables. Open-ended questions like “What have you done for your country?” came from the military-recruiting tents as people passed. Well, who doesn’t need a little forced American spirit to break up their day? At least the booths’ free tote bags could carry all the promotional crap attendees picked up at the 76 gas-station table.

Once considered a medium used to expose up-and-coming talent and even “break” new artists, it seems that radio-station events like this one have effectively shifted the attention to advertising. Had KSFM taken cues from KZZO’s A Day in the Zone festivals and devoted its attention to songs instead of advertisements, this might have been the perfect forum to introduce these new artists and even other local talent to Sacramento audiences. Instead, I have a new Ralphs Frisbee. You can’t say I didn’t get something for my money.
(SN&R)