Pitchfork has a lovely treat for all you Jenny and Johnny (AKA, Jenny Lewis and her just-as-cute, just-as-talented boyfriend Johnathan Rice) fans out there. You can listen to – and download – the duo’s new song, “Big Wave,” from their upcoming album, I’m Having Fun Now, out August 31. Check it out HERE. The duo play Black Cat in Washington, D.C. on September 16.
The Junior League Band
Jelly Roll
Beaver Records
By Jim Simpson
The Junior League Band’s third full-length release begins with the most promising and enticing invitation to a party as ever there was one: “Give me some sugar and hold me tight/The whiskey’s out, don’t be a stranger tonight.” With banjo player/lead singer Lissy Rosemont’s breathy and mesmerizingly original vocal style, it’s hard to resist the offer. The Atlanta native and current Washington, D.C. resident has assembled quite a tight and confident band, including – check this out – Levon Helm’s horn section. The woman is, in a word, connected. … Continue Reading
Think back to the first round of “American Idol” season nine contestants who made it all the way to Hollywood. In that group of hopeful singers we met 16-year-old Charity Vance from Little Rock, Ark. With her quiet but powerful voice, Vance wowed the judges with a jazzy/soulful rendition of “Summertime.” It was clear, when it came to singing, Charity was talented.
Although she didn’t become the season’s “Idol,” Charity definitely didn’t give up the her dream. Since season nine, Charity has released her first single “Icing,” has been working on a full-length album and is currently planning a tour!
See Charity Vance live in Little Rock at Juanita’s this week – Friday, June 25 with opening act Benjamin’s Army.
Charity Vance
Live at Juanita’s
Friday, June 25
1300 Main Street
Little Rock, AR.
Follow Charity Vance on Twitter at twitter.com/CharityVance
Venice is Sinking
Sand & Lines
One Percent Press Records
By Scott Roberts
Underscoring the fact that Sand & Lines, the hypnotically-dreamy third release from Athens quintet Venice is Sinking, was recorded live in the now sadly decimated-by-fire Georgia Theatre, the opening track “Sidelights” begins with a few warm-up drum hits, followed by some incomprehensible conversation and then coughing before the beauty begins. The song’s soothing, unhurried beat provided by drummer Lucas Jensen, Karolyn Troupe’s mournful viola, and vocalist/guitarist Daniel Lawson’s sleepy singing all serve to create and establish a laid-back, yet emotionally stirring mood that permeates the entire CD. … Continue Reading
The Constellations
Southern Gothic
Virgin Records
By Sam Parvin
These guys held out on releasing this album for a while, and boy I’m sure glad they did! After their celebratory show at The EARL with Soulphonics and Ruby Velle just hours after inking their autographs on a contract with Virgin Records, the crowd knew the next time they heard such tunes as “Setback” and “Felicia” they would be coming from their iTunes playlists, polished up and shining with a level of production characteristic of a true blue record deal. … Continue Reading
Pigeons
Secretly Canadian
By David Courtright
I saw Here We Go Magic at The EARL around this time last year. I had listened to a few of their songs on MySpace, and though none of them hooked me into a mad dash for the box office, it was good – it was agreeable to listen to. While the show was fun, the songs went on an average of five minutes too long, and turned what were tidy hooks and segues on their first album into drawn-out, over-acted jams. It felt like the band was playing only for themselves – which sometimes is just what you want from a band. Perhaps the immediacy of internet music culture and our attention-deficit culture pushed me to wish for a “next” button. What I came away with from that show is essentially the same way I feel about this album: that the songwriting is solid, the hooks are memorable, but just when you want it all to shift up a notch, it fades and dissolves; or adversely, draws itself out just when it should fade away. What I really adore about the new album Pigeons though is exactly that restraint: it listlessly coaxes you through it, building slowly and backing down just before you want it to climax. As a whole, it evokes and inspires just what this kind of humid mid-June weather demands: languor. … Continue Reading
Take a Vacation!
One Haven
By Alexandra Edwards
Plenty of musicians begin their careers making music in the indie world and later move on to major label deals and MTV exposure. But is it possible to follow that path in reverse?
That’s what Los Angeles band The Young Veins are trying to find out. The band consists of two former members of Panic! at the Disco, an MTV darling of a band if ever there was one. Three other, more anonymous, members round out the quintet, and they’ve just released their debut album, Take a Vacation! … Continue Reading
We hope you have your tickets to see one of the hottest new bands of the year, because Sleigh Bells’ July shows in Atlanta and Rock and Roll Hotel are officially SOLD OUT! The D.C. show sold out the day it went on sale, and the Atlanta show just sold out. Enjoy the show!
Fever
ATP Recordings
By Eileen Tilson
Rumor has it that if you walk into certain bars in Amsterdam, you can walk up to the bartender who will then promptly ask you how you would like to “feel,” which you can then order from a long list of drugs to give you your desired effect. From hot to hazy, Sleepy Sun’s latest export Fever, could be referred to as the Cornucopia of Amsterdam’s goodies. With the capability to mix dark psychedelic rock with spaced out vocals, and smoky mountain voodoo, Fever will leave you wondering whether you accidentally ate the “special” mushrooms on your pizza. … Continue Reading
British indie band Field Music first came on the scene in 2005 with their full-of-catchy-tunes self-titled debut album. Fronted by brothers Peter and David Brewis, the band lived on the quirky side of rock, but gained a loyal fan base with their unique brand of pop. Unfortunately for the band (and fans), Field Music went on an indefinite hiatus just weeks after releasing their second record Tones of Town, in 2007.
After a couple successful solo projects for the Brewis brothers, Field Music returned to the studio and in February released their third effort, a double LP titled Field Music (Measure). Receiving rave reviews, Field Music has been hard at work, playing all over Europe, touring with Belle & Sebastain, and this fall they’re scheduled for a handful of dates in the U.S.
Field Music
Saturday, September 25
at the Rock and Roll Hotel
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