Album Premiere: Unconditional Arms, ‘Formation’
Jeff Wright of Unconditional Arms So I think it's safe to say we're all in a transition period, right? Both as individuals and as a society? Yeahhhh. That's why the timing for the release of Formation, the new album from Unconditional Arms, could not be more apropos. The Oakland post-rock group has been in a constant state of transition since its inception ten years ago. And, IMHO, post-rock is the perfect music for self-isolation anyways — it's almost scientifically engineered for deep introspection and emotional catharsis (I don't want to count the times I've driven around in the [...]
Once + Future Band’s “Freaks” is freakin good
Photo Cred: Rob Williamson This month, Oakland’s Once & Future Band released two fresh singles off their forthcoming album, Deleted Scenes. Single “Freaks” is a tune with that jumps in with an energetic baseline and snarky, relatable break up lyrics. Songs have a touch more of a rock and roll pop vibe than their first album but those ELO and Paul McCartney influences are woven strongly throughout. Once & Future Band manages to sound epic yet grounded, fantastical yet relatable, and lord bless them, likable. Deleted Scenes is out April 10 on Castle Face Records and in the meantime, support your [...]
The Saxophones release anticipated “Lamplighter”
(photo: Conner Sorenson At long last, Oakland’s the Saxophones have hit the waves with a new song and it’s, ah, just what we were hoping it would be. Husband-wife dream duo Alexi Erenkov (vocals, guitar, synth, woodwinds) and Alison Alderdice (drums, vocals) create a soothing and expert blend of warm sexy sax, Erenkov’s resonating vocals and tickling guitar plucks. The Saxophones are a unique and pleasing blend of jazz, folk and sad indie pop for fans of The Magnetic Fields and dreaminess. The tune has some great storytelling and just wait for that breakdown sax, living up to its name. [...]
Throwin’ Bo’s presents punk, rock, folk favorites at Eli’s
Those Throwin’ Bo’s folks are at it again, plunking down some of our favorite musicians and getting them all in the same room. And what better place to see a solid local show than Oakland’s Eli’s Mile High Club? A fellow to keep your eye on is one Andy Bender, whose online presence is a bit of a mystery outside of Spotify and the still shot video of this amazing dog with a banana on its head. Song “The Dark” is one for the slide guitar nerds out there and his full catalogue has a bit of a Daniel Johnston [...]