Premiere: MANICS show their shine on “Embrace”
The flair of NY disco and flashiness of contemporary synth-pop are just two stems that make up the bouquet MANICS' unique sound, and their newest single has them in full bloom. Combining the efforts of Jordan Deherrera and Chris Sanders, the San Francisco-based duo founded POPGANG Records in 2013 and since then they have worked to promote local talent while elevating their own live show to new levels. Accompanying the new single, "Embrace," is a video counterpart that serves as a preview of what to expect for the groups show at Rickshaw Stop March 16. Opening the evening for the [...]
Pearl Charles gets glossy on ‘Sleepless Dreamer,’ plays Santa Cruz next week
The evolution of an artist is always something that warrants recognition. What Pearl Charles, the LA singer-songwriter with vintage California-country vibes, has done on the follow up to her self-titled debut is just that — steer away from her past and into the future. What was once gritty now bears a glossy finish — Charles has tilted her southern-rooted California twang, and she's done it quite gracefully. The flow of the album shifts late with the danceable standout, "Night Tides." Slow-grooving and funky, the tune is driven by a walking bassline while Charles showcases her silky voice and reminds us: [...]
Ghost & The City offer wholesome soul on “N.W.T.A”
(photo: Sean Martens) Before immersing oneself in the vastly ambient "N.W.T.A" off Ghost & The City's Time, one should note that this is only the band's second effort. Kia Fay, Will Jenkins, and Ash Maynor create a lush bouquet of complementary textures with a composure that long outmeasures their time as a band. The Oakland trio's sophomore EP, which received production treatment from Eki Ahara, will be self-released March 30. Including the brass stylings of Ross Eustsis, the work is a full-bodied taste of electronic soul that is sure to please. https://open.spotify.com/track/3ouzvLTq46zASkHcrW6JbA?si=jSI7Y4DBSfWnB_dyY4cueA Taking part in the upcoming Noise Pop Festival, [...]
Public Access TV’s “Lost in the Game” brightens a gloomy winter
Despite the frigid temperatures that have blown through the East Coast, New York’s own Public Access T.V. have emerged with the ever-warming, “Lost in the Game.” That is to say, it sounds like a bubbly summer tune, but beneath its candy shell is a much more down-and-out feeling. Amidst busty horns, the steady stroke of a cowbell, and a riff that embodies a pool-party liveliness, John Eatherly narrates with indifference toward his current state of affairs. "The days go by / And I wait for the night / So what / Who cares? / Goodbye." For those brushing shoulders with [...]
Ticket Giveaway: Desert Daze Caravan to kick off at The Chapel
Many moons ago, in the mystic haze of desert night, a map was drawn. In the right hands, it would lead to dazzling spectacles of light and troves of sonic majesty. Now, the map has been unearthed, plotting a path across the nation on a journey named the Desert Daze Caravan tour. Taking part in this year's Noise Pop Festival, the journey will begin in our backyard at the beloved Chapel. From top to bottom, the bill for the night is a treasure in and of itself. Just weeks ahead of the release of their second LP, Volcano, Temples will [...]
Lady Lamb unveils living room tour in support of ‘Tender Warriors Club’
To say Lady Lamb has never done anything but wear her heart on her sleeve would seem obvious to any listeners of the debut, After. Lyrically and musically, Aly Spaltro left no emotional stone unturned from the start but somehow Tender Warriors Club, has lifted a veil of emotion and further exposed her trials in song. The gates of the album open, and the waterworks are immediately cued. Spaltro spills: “Ttrying to be good / Trying to be kind / Trying to stay true / I just want to do right by you / Pale blue eyes” in the opening [...]
Giveaway: DonCat’s Year-Ender Bender to hit Milk Bar
DonCat, aka Duncan Nielsen, aka San Francisco's sultan of soul-drenched folk, first lassoed our attention with the 2014 debut, Don Gato. His sound carried the air of a dusty Lone Ranger-type that had had his heart broken once or twice, but forged ahead. Even still, the rebellious must hang up their boots, and as the 2016 follow-up, Easy Cowboy, suggests, our wayward son has softened up just enough to let that special lady know he still cares. https://soundcloud.com/doncatmusic/la-in-84 As the tense and stressful year nears its end, we are more ready than ever to let the good times prevail. Find us at The [...]
The Big Moon shine down with Madonna cover and US tour
In light of the recent "supermoon" spectacle, our eyes have been distracted by news of The Big Moon's long-awaited US tour. While it has been just over a year since their gripping CMJ performance, the raucous quartet of London-bred musicians have been anything but stagnant. Hot on the heels of a punk-peppered cover of Madonna's "Beautiful Stranger," the group continue to prove their stamina and originality as they forge ahead. https://soundcloud.com/commoonicate/beautiful-stranger As winter approaches the group will be gracing our side of the pond in support of The Japanese House with a notable stop at Rickshaw Stop. Tickets are available [...]
Lady Wray brings ‘Queen Alone’ to the West Coast
While the name Nicole Wray, aka Lady Wray, may be new to some, her presence on the scene has been bending ears since she was fifteen. Discovered by Missy Elliot in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, Lady Wray was put on the fast track to a well-deserved gold record by the age of 17. But this early victory only marked the beginning of a tumultuous career. The endeavors that followed were short-lived: A signing with Roc-A-Fella Records and a collaborative project with Terri Walker both saw their ends before coming to fruition. Yet, in the face of adversity, Wray forged [...]