independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
Astounded. That was the feeling when I left MUTEMATH’s recent show in Portland, Oregon. It has been a long time since I was truly surprised at the visual artistry of a performance, but these gentleman delivered nothing less than a stunner. I arrived at the Crystal Ballroom late, rushing through the traffic and the rain... Continue Reading →
The hot weather has finally broken in Portland, and on the heels of that crisp fall breeze blew in pop/rock favorite Moon Taxi this past Thursday at the venerable Wonder Ballroom. They have been a constant presence on my playlist as of late, and their show an affirmation of their constant rotation in my headphones.... Continue Reading →
“Sometimes we ask other twins we meet if they’re the kind of twins who like being twins or hate being twins. It’s totally a thing. We’re definitely the kind that like being twins,” laughs Laurie Shook, who, with her identical twin sister Katelyn make up Portland-based indie folk duo The Shook Twins. “Maybe it’s because... Continue Reading →
It was a sultry night last Saturday, as the temps climbed into the upper 90s, unusual for those of us here in Portland, Oregon--but unbeknownst to the passersby, the Doug Fir Lounge was hot inside as well – not for lack of A/C, but because Seattle’s Pickwick played a show that set us all on... Continue Reading →
The night was cool, but the vibes were psychedelic and warm--the fractured alt-pop beats of Motopony carried the last show of their tour into history at The Goodfoot in Portland Sunday night. After three openers roused the intimate crowd and riled them up for their headliner, Daniel Blue and his eclectic group stole the night;... Continue Reading →
A loss for words. That's a hard thing for me to say, and an even rarer phenomenon, but Knox Hamilton at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland made it happen. They burst on to the stage with a confident stride, grinning and whipping us into a frenzy with rhythmic drums and vocal melodies I am... Continue Reading →
“We love you Portland…you’re actually our favorite Portland”… as a native New Englander, I wanted to protest this statement for my beloved Mainers. However, shortly after Atlas Genius played their first song this past Tuesday at the beautiful Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon, I was actually fine with it. This Australian sensation wooed us like... Continue Reading →
Portland-based rock outfit Balto, who released their latest album Strangers in February, are enjoying some downtime to recharge their creative batteries—however, frontman Dan Sheron is on the road playing solo sets around our great land to keep spreading the gospel of Balto to the eager masses. Balto actually began as Sheron’s solo project several years... Continue Reading →
I recently caught up with Los Angeles-based pop band Heathers, comprised of Michael Francis (guitar, vocals), Thom Lucero (bass, vocals), and Michael Wegener (drums), who are currently on tour across the country and were in NYC for a show. The band will bring their rowdy brand of 90s-inspired guitar-driven pop music to the Music City on... Continue Reading →
