Category: Music

Junip was formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, in the late ’90s led by José González. With several organs, synchs and drums the songs are more dynamic than his solo stuff. Although they didn’t play many of the old stuff that has darker undertones which I prefer, the new stuff was engaging. At times trace-like, other times jammy, but always groovy. If you are into the combination of ambient krautrock, check them out.

http://www.Junip.net
http://www.myspace.com/junip

School of Seven Bells is shoe gaze music full of tension. It’s psychedelic and dreamy with hypnotic singing on top. They sold out 2 late shows back to back and it’s a perfect soundtrack for a late hot summer day.

old-y but goody black cab session.
http://www.sviib.com/

Stars put on a spectacular show by putting on 2 sets. The first showcased their new album The Five Ghosts in its entirety. It was my first time hearing any of the new material and it had lots of sombre numbers sprinkled with a few danceable tunes. I felt the first set of songs on the album were a bit more dynamic and stronger than the muddy second half. After a brief intermission the band came out again and played a set entirely based on votes from fans. They played all the hits including “A Thread Cut with a Carving Knife,” which only the NY crowd asked for. Considering it was a song about a “hot and sultry” afternoon in June ending messy was quite fitting for the evening. The night was a successful experiment with rose petals thrown into the crowd throughout the entire evening.
http://www.youarestars.com/home/

Nahaniel Rateliff put on another solid performance. He played some new tunes that I really enjoyed. Tonight was a treat to see him in such an intimate space like Union Hall. His story song-writing is definitely worth listening to live.

http://www.nathanielrateliff.com/

With classic ebony & ivory pop tunes, Jukebox the Ghost plays the likes of Ben Folds but in their own unique way. Couldn’t stop imagining a modern day Billy Joel up there. And you really can’t hate Billy unless he’s drunk driving his car into your house.

Free Energy is good ol’ vintage rock n’ roll and they kick started it with their very addictive self-titled single. That song has quickly become my summer anthem, and each song on the new album is just as catchy. These guys stirred quite a buzz at SXSW as the crowds always mentioned one of their many rocking shows. I’m not surprised by this attention considering the whole set was jammed with guitar riffs and infectious lyrical hooks. This is a great summer album to rock out to.

http://www.jukeboxtheghost.com/
http://www.myspace.com/freeenergymusic