Soon at Neptune's

I made a last minute decision to go see Soon at Neptune's on Wednesday, and I'm really glad I did. I haven't posted much since my mom died a year ago this week. I've been writing for About.com, but that's really it. Recently, though, I've been hearing -- and seeing live -- some music that's gotten me excited again, so expect to see more action on the blog.

Soon, which is perhaps best known for being a new project featuring The Love Language's Stu McLamb, just might be my new favorite local band. You would be forgiven for questioning this project's heaviness. McLamb perfected beautiful, hazy harmonies both with The Love Language and his previous band, The Capulets, but he's never been known for writing heavy music. In fact, I've heard of certain local people saying they won't go see Soon because of who's in the band. That's pretty short-sighted because this band is plenty heavy -- thanks primarily to the powerful rhythm section of bass player Robert Walsh (from the supremely doomy Bitter Resolve) and drummer Thomas Simpson -- while retaining McLamb's signature harmonies. In fact,  it's that mix of heavy and poppy that makes Soon so listenable, especially when McLamb, Walsh and guitarist Mark Conner sing together. The result is a dark, and at times droney, Americana that should appeal to fans of Jex Thoth or True Widow. The next time they play, I recommend you go see them

Check out the video below. I don't know the name of the song. Will update as soon as I know.

 

New video from The Love Language

The Love Language - Heart to Tell from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Extra bonus: It was created by my former co-worker, the supremely talented Jason Arthurs. I'm pretty sure this footage is from last year's joyously crazy Pour House show, where the entire audience ended up on stage with the band.

This week's cool shows: Rebus Fest, Love Language opens for Phoenix and more!

By now you've probably heard the big news that The Love Language will open two dates for Phoenix, including the big Koka Booth show tomorrow night in Cary. You probably won't see me at this show. While I'm mildly curious about Phoenix, I'm not $32.50 worth of curious. If someone can find me a couple of $10 tickets, I'm there. But I do congratulate LL on securing this spot. I have a feeling they'll be headlining that place before long.

(Photo of Stu, above, by Jason Arthurs)

And just to get you in the mood for this show, here's an .mp3 from the band's soon-to-be released "Libraries" CD on Merge.

Of course the other big show of the week is the fourth annual Rebus Fest, happening from noon-6 p.m., Sunday at Rebus Works in Boylan Heights. There's a lot going on that day, so I asked Rebus Works owner Shonna Greenwell to tell us about it with 5 Questions.

1. What can we expect to see, hear and taste at this year's fest?

We have more vendors than ever this year, including both new and returning artists that will be selling a wide range of handmade items. We hope that attendees support these artists setup outside, and that each artist has a successful day, good enough to ensure their return next year. Without these artists, there would be no RebusFest!

To highlight a few of the vendors, we have Edge Barnes who integrates horse hair and bird feathers into his ceramics, Matt Butler is bringing his linocuts, and Caitlin Cary will have her collection of great baby clothes. Many of the artists have images that are on the web page that Sarah Blackmon put together for the event.  

We also have DJ Yes! sputnik this year starting us off for the first hour. He specializes in indie, electro, disco, funk and new wave. He will be filling in between sets as well. The first band is Pecosa (formally Tin Star) from Durham. They have a female singer whose voice is soft and ethereal. Second is Starmount with their atmospheric instrumentals that make any moment seem dreamy. Third is the The Small Ponds, which features the great songwriting duo of Caitlin Cary and Matt Douglas. Forth and going in the opposite direction is Torpor who describe themselves as grunge, thrash and crunk. The show will close with  Natural Science  (formally Heavy Pets) with the recent addition of a keyboard.

I'm very excited about the food choices this year.  Only Burger has been coming to Raleigh on First Fridays, (setting up outside of Rebus Works) and I've tried one of everything they offer, and it's all delicious!  They use "happy meat", a local butcher, a local baker and serve handmade french fries and veggie patties.  I can't say enough good things about this company. 

This will be the debut for Fired Flour at Rebus Works and they will be offering 10"  wood fired foods from $6 to $8. They do not currently have a website, but you can view a PDF about them on the RebusFest page.
  

Then finish off your meal with a tasty Locopop or baked goods from Crumb.  YUM!

And, of course, there will be plenty to drink from Carolina Brewing Company!

2. Why was it important for Rebus to sponsor a festival like this?

The idea for RebusFest grew from an artist lecture that was held at Rebus.  We (Sarah and I) were complaining about the lack of recognition and celebration that was happening in Raleigh at the time for both artist and musicians.  Basically the artist said "stop complaining and do something about it". That's exactly what we did, with the help of family and friends we pulled off the first RebusFest with only one month's worth of planning. We had also been advised that we should offer some type of food for day-long event. This has always been the most difficult part of planning but I really think this year we scored on the food choices. Overall, it is important for Rebus to sponsor this festival because we can. We have the space, the resources (artist and musicians) and it falls into our mission statement to promote community events. It all really boils down to bringing the community together and making something positive happen in Raleigh. I think from the time we started RebusFest to now (four years later!) there has been a tremendous amount of growth in the recognition of local talent.  

3. What's your favorite Locopop flavor?

I love all Locopops!  But if had to pick one I would go for the Mexican Chocolate, for the cream flavor, and Mojito for the sorbet.  

4. Tell us about the show up in the gallery now, "Life is Rich and Full" by Luke Miller Buchanan.

Having Luke Buchanan work up for RebusFest 4 is perfect.  His theme for "Life is Rich and Full" is all Raleigh-based imagery with layers and layers of content.  This is by far his best body of work to date and I believe this is just the start for Luke.  He is one of those artist who is interested in becoming better by doing.  

5. Any chance Rebus Fest will expand and become a larger festival?

This year's festival is larger. We have over 30 artist who will be set up outside, more food and music. I can not imagine being larger, I already ask Sarah Blackmon (the gallery manager and graphic designer for Rebus) to do way too much.  Sometime small is good, it's rare but it has it's place. 

And if the food choices aren't enough for you, the rumored Landmark-Two T's joint party is happening this Sunday evening with a fish fry on the patio of the Landmark. You should go ahead and ask for Monday off now.

Sometimes the balcony offers the best view

Generally I like to get right down in front when I see any band, but I've been known to stay in the balcony at the Pour House, especially when seeing a band like The Love Language. They've now gotten to the point where any time they play, the club is going to be packed with people who react almost in a Shamanistic way. That photo was taken after Stu McLamb invited the audience up on the stage (much to soundman Jac Cain's chagrin), but it shows what was happening throughout the show: arms flailing, bodies thrashing, heads banging. Seriously. I saw one dude literally head banging and whipping his hair. That made the balcony the best place to be in order to avoid getting mauled and to snap photos like the one above. BTW, I love the zombie-looking girl holding up the blue camera.

Thursday's show was my first time seeing the new Love Language line-up, and true to reports, it's both stripped down and more polished. With fewer people on stage, the show seems more straightforward. I have to say I miss seeing Jordan McLamb (the tall guy who used to play acoustic guitar and tambourine) dancing around out front. He's now behind the drum kit and doing a fine job of it. Check out their version of "Providence" from Thursday and see what you think.


The Love Language - Providence from Mann's World on Vimeo.


Thursday's show was very heavy on  the old material. In fact, I think they only played one new song, and that was during the encore.

Light Pines were one of the openers (didn't get there in time to see the first band), and they once again blew me away. Seriously, I think they're my favorite local band of the moment, and I will be at Tir na Nog next Thurday to see them again. They remind me a lot of the T's, not musically, but in the way that they sound really familiar, but at the same time don't sound exactly like anyone in particular. They sound like an amazing, long-lost band from the '80s, one that only college DJs from that era would remember. Bass-driven, but with lots of guitar and keyboards, dancable, but not in a disco sort of way. Very much like The Bolshoi with elements of U2, INXS and New Order. Check them out below.


Light Pines from Mann's World on Vimeo.

New music from Love Language, plus video!

Snowed in with The Love Language from Jason Arthurs on Vimeo.

If you're having a hard time waiting for the release of The Love Language's new album, here's a little something to tide you over. First is a video from my former N&O co-worker Jason Arthurs (who is becoming the go-to guy for local music videos) showing Stu McLamb recording the album in Raleigh during last winter's blizzard. Second, here's an .mp3 of "Heart to Tell" from the upcoming album "Libraries" (cover art pictured above). Expect video from yours truly of the band's show tomorrow night at the Pour House.

Karen's Top 5 local releases of the year

Yes, we've been fortunate enough to have some really fine releases in the Triangle this year. That said, this list wasn't a terribly difficult one for me to make.

1. The Love Language: "The Love Language"

No other local release got as much play in my world -- or as much attention from the masses. Kudos to Bladen County Records' Matt Brown for making the incredibly wise decision to release Stu McLamb's lo-fi solo compositions as-is. And kudos to Stu for putting together a very fine live band to interpret those compositions.

2. The Bronzed Chorus: "I'm the Spring"
A fine release from the most compelling band I've heard, local or otherwise, in a while.

3. Lonnie Walker: "These Times, Old Times"
Listening to "These Times, Old Times" just makes me happy. And that's good enough reason to put this on my list.

4. Megafaun: "Gather, Form and Fly"
On the other hand, "Gather, Form and Fly" often makes me feel apprehensive. Even the quietest numbers have a calm-before-the-storm feel to them.


5. Polvo: "In Prisim"
Polvo returns, and isn't afraid to show their Led Zeppelin influence.

Song of the year:
 I Was Totally Destroying It: "Done Waiting"
Nothing made me sing at the top of my lungs like the "Whoa-ohhhhs" in this song.

New video from The Love Language

Check it out on The Independent's YouTube Channel: The Love Language has debuted a new song called "Heart to Tell Her" from the Drughorse Collective show last Friday. Lots of other goodies from the show on there too, including videos from Mount Moriah and Max Indian

Check out my interview with Stu McLamb

Just published on New Raleigh, my interview with The Love Language's Stu McLamb. Thanks to Stu for doing this, and thanks to Bladen County Records owner (and former Raleighite) Matt Brown for facilitating.

Music news round up

Megafaun, HNMTF and many more to play this year's TRK Fest out at Piedmont Biofuels.

The Love Language's video premieres on Spin.com.

Someone caught video of The Avett Brothers playing National Record Store Day at a store in Nashville (New Raleigh).

Hear a sneak peek from Bombadil's new album (Triangle Music).