Reviews

Austin City Limits 2015: the best moments

Austin City Limits came to a close on Sunday night and it is time for us to reflect on the best moments of the weekend. The beautiful city of Austin hosted their 12th annual festival this yea and it has one of the most diverse lineups in its history.

Billy Idol still has it going on at 60. It seems as though we were transported back to the 1980’s as Billy Idol and his band came out sporting Idol’s classic blonde hair and clad in leather and denim. Still looking great at 60, it seems like Idol and the band haven’t aged at all in terms of energy. Playing hits like “Dancing With Myself” and Rebel Yell” (although having to restart “Rebel Yell” three times and sarcastically saying “one more time and if we can’t do it this time, I’m retiring”). It was an energetic set was jam-packed with hits and new material, which seemed to drag the show a little bit. However, the band can still put on a dynamic show 34 years later.

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Father John Misty did everything you could ever imagine him doing, and even more. He walked out, immediately raised his mic stand behind his back and continued to do his usual pretend striptease as Misty and the band went straight into their set. Although there were not as much sarcasm as expected from him during the set, he still made fun of those filming with their iPhones and even faked filming on a lucky fan’s phone, moving around and holding the phone out. His performance was dramatic, smooth, and entertaining as one would expect from Tillman.

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Tame Impala brings a psychedelic mood to the festival as they played a variety of songs from their catalog of albums and EPs including their debut album, Innerspeaker. Moving from song to song, the band accommodated to their hour-long set, joking about the heat and spraying water bottles over the front rows of fans during an instrumental break in between the songs. Kevin Parker’s voice was as trippy as it is when Tame Impala is in the studio. Even though they played shorter than they should have, it was a still a stunning set.

 

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High intensity is the simplest way to put Twenty One Pilots’ set as they played through their songs, ranging from hit to hit from “Tear In My Heart” from their smash album, Blurryface to “Car Radio” from Vessels. Running around across the stage, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun seemed to be relentless and filled with energy. They also initially came out in ski masks and Joseph with the classic black on his body that represents insecurities that he and everyone face that suffocates them. The highlight of the set was when Joseph climbed their stage, the Samsung stage, the largest stage at the festival, and performed the rest of “Car Radio” (or at least tried to with microphone issues) at the top of the stage, holding onto the Texas flag.

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As dreamy as in the studio, José González performed at Tito’s Homemade Vodka stage and seemed to put his audience into a trance with his enthralling yet quiet voice and fascinating instrumentals. Without talking much, González went through his set, which included a Junip song and new songs from Vestiges & Claws. The light show that went on  worked perfectly with his calming music and the setting sun behind the audience. His set was like the calm before the storm at the hectic, crowded, and sold out Saturday of the festival.

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Although coming on ten minutes late and the occasional slip of lyrics, The Strokes performed a worthy set for being closing out the first weekend of the festival. With the occasional snark from frontman Julian Casablancas, the band played through the majority of their discography including a large chunk of their hits including “Reptilla,” however disappointing a number of fans by not playing “Under the Cover of Darkness.” It was a special set as there have been rumors of the band having internal conflicts, but still recording a new album. Nonetheless, the band still sounded and performed as intensely as ever, even performing a one song encore, if it should be called that as they left the stage initially twenty minutes before they should have.

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There is one word to describe the Foo Fighter’s headlining two-hour set on Friday night: rambunctious. The band tore through their career-spanning hits, from “Best of You” to the set opener, “Everlong.” Still in the “throne” Grohl performed as energetically as ever, lecturing the crowd how to scream like him, claiming his secret his “vocal juice” (his champagne and beer). It was, to say the least, expected from everyone in the crowd that Gary Clark Jr. would join the band on stage as they recorded What Did I Do? / God As My Witness with him at the legendary Austin City Limits studio in Austin with him and Clark performed at the next stage an hour before. Nonetheless, it was as rowdy and loud as anyone would expect from the Foo Fighters, even twenty years after their debut album. Die-hard fans and the casual listener can all agree that this set proves that the band still has it going on.

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Austin City Limits

Isabella King, the sole writer for the Melodic Tree is currently at Austin City Limits and as the connection to the Internet is not ideal, there will be no posts for today , the 3rd, and tomorrow, the 4th, but, no fear, we will be back up on Monday with photos of the amazing festival and the best moments of the festival! 

Talk soon. 

The Melodic Tree’s 5 Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far: #1 I Love You, Honeybear

Josh Tillman, under the pseudonym of Father John Misty, has returned this year with I Love You, Honeybear, the much-anticipated follow-up to Fear Fun, and gives a passionate performance throughout the album. The obvious stand-out track on the LP is the hit, “Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins)” in which it has a massive sound to it with its brass and strings arrangements. Another stand-out track was the following song, “True Affection” which maintains Tillman’s classic lyrics but with an electronic sound to it, straying away from the general vibe of the album as a whole. Overall, this album is an ode to his wife, and a sincere one, demonstrating the intimacy and closeness he has felt out of it.

 

The Melodic Tree’s 5 Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far: #2 Goon

The heart-wrenching debut album from Tobias Jesso Jr. will pull at the heartstrings of anyone, no matter whether or not they have experienced the same level of heartbreak as Jesso expresses on Goon. He has an ability to express simplicity and yet still display his emotions in a powerful way. The moving and slow stand-out track, “How Could You Babe” builds up until it reaches the climatic chorus and stays that way until the contemplative ending, where there is still the hint of desperation from his heartbreak. In general, this LP is a simple and yet special album that anyone could relate to.

The Melodic Tree’s 5 Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far: #3 Vestiges And Claws

Singer-songwriter, José González, returned this year with self-produced Vestiges and Claws and even when there are other instruments, González seems alone throughout each track. Through the subtle layers in every song, his voice remains soft and gentle with the cyclical guitar. In “The Forest”, the flute and cello seem to add to the solitude expressed in the album. Although his songs are soft and gradual, they have big themes such as how one could situate in the world and how to make your voice heard. As a record that meditates on the nature of humans, González manages to carry that theme throughout.

The Melodic Tree’s 5 Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far: #4 To Pimp A Butterfly

The highly anticipated album from Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly, has a cinematic way of dealing with its themes, networking a variety of dramas and a variety of characters. Lamar has an overarching mood of chaos and wryness, seemingly all at once sometimes, but underneath the chaos, there is the narrative of trying to avoid the sultry manifestation of the devil, Lucy as well as saying his fame has not helped his family at home in the track “u”. Behind the tragedy shown throughout the album, it is a celebration to continue living no matter what.

The Melodic Tree’s 5 Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far: #5 No Cities To Love

After a decade-long silence, Sleater-Kinney breaks it with their eighth album, No Cities To Love. This album continues the band’s legacy of skepticism, intellect, and emotional capacity they had maintained over their previous seven albums. The trio’s urgency for change is part of Sleater-Kinney’s identity and is shown especially in this album, although they still maintain their low-tuned rock tropes with an essence of punk. No Cities To Love is the band’s most accessible album, incorporating a new pop sound into it, with shouted choruses that reel in the listener. Much like their previous work, the lyrics are immensely empathetic, and even after ten years, Sleater-Kinney can still bring in more and more listeners.

Alamo Basement Sessions: January

San Antonio is on its way to creating a new and exciting music scene that has seemingly grown over the last several years. Music store, Alamo Music, now hosts a series of local bands once a month, beginning last month (December 2014). The inaugural session began with a kick with San Antonio bands, You and I Underwater and Televangelist. This month’s basement session was no different.

Starting the night with Tera Ferna, the band premiered new songs off of their upcoming record, which is due out in the fall. The indie rock outfit is native to San Antonio and began initially as a solo project by the lead singer. Matt Charles. As time went by, Charles added bassist, Brandon Kent, guitarist James Perez and formed the band, which was later joined by keyboardist Richard Castillo and drummer Anthony Washington. Richard Castillo came roaring in on keys followed by Anthony “Junie” Washington who keeps it tight in the pocket behind the drums. Rolling out song after song, the band had endless energy bringing out piano melodies and guitar solos.

Following Tera Ferna, Lonely Horse, a dark folk rock duo, began after singer and guitarist, Nick Long burned incense around the basement. After a speech given in order to fix technical difficulties, the duo went from song to song in an effortless-like attitude. During a particularly exuberant guitar solo, Long spontaneously unplugged his guitar and yet continued his solo and returned to his feet and plugged in a new guitar. Using his pedal board to create the atmosphere of multiple songs and sampled his own voice, as well as members of the audience’s. Drummer Travis Hild performed an impressive drum solo which flowed into a couple more songs until the end of their explosive set. There is most definitely something about Lonely Horse that shows that at every set, not only at these sessions, that they are a force to be reckoned with.

the next Alamo Basement session is February 21, you can RSVP and find more information on the even through its Facebook page.

The Melodic Tree’s top 10 albums of the year

10. Post Tropical – James Vincent McMorrow: The dramatic change between Post Tropical and Early In The Morning was something that was shocking and yet extraordinary at the same time. McMorrow’s shift from folk to a more soulful sound seems to suit his voice that can hit beautiful falsettos.

9. Be Impressive – The Griswolds: Australian pop-rock rarely sounded as good. With catchy guitar riffs, such as in their hit song, “Beware the Dog,” and infectious lyrics, this is a stellar debut album from the Griswolds.

8. Sonic Highways – Foo Fighters: The concept of this album is one-of-a-kind and the way the Foo Fighters recorded it was original to say the least. Collaborating with different bands in each of the cities where they recorded, it is undoubtedly the most creative album of the year. Even with all of these collaborations, there is still the climatic sound of the band laced into it.

7. Supermodel – Foster the People: Foster the People returned this year with what feels like one of the best pop albums of the year. The dark lyrics are matched cool and bubbly instrumentals making the themes in this album virtually inconspicuous.

6. Everything Will Be Alright in the End – Weezer: The comeback from Weezer seems like a breath of fresh air from their previous two records, Raditude and Hurley. The hooks on this album return and gives the fans just want they want. It is reminiscent of their old days and yet guides us into their future.

5. They Want My Soul – Spoon: This follow-up to their 2010 Transference feels as though it’s a new era for Spoon and this is their first album with new guitar and piano player, Alex Fischel. This is a great comeback for the band after taking a few years off. There are hints of new influences throughout the album and yet, there is still the grit that has given Spoon their signature sound.

4. Sun Structures – Temples: The debut from Temples is the perfect album for anyone nostalgic for the 1960’s and 1970’s. With mellow vocals and keyboards, there is no doubt that Temples understand their abilities. The rhythms from drummer, Samuel Toms, on this album are beyond what most bands as young as they are capable of doing.

3. Singles – Future Islands: 2014 was quite the breakout year for Future Islands and it’s obvious with this album why so. The emotions in the lyrics and voice of Samuel Herring are strong and the backing instruments are just as climatic. The synthesizer on this album is one of the many elements that make this album so phenomenal. Singles is of those albums that will be on anyone’s playlist.

2. Young & Sick – Young & Sick: Artist and musician, Nick Hofwegen goes under the pseudonym of Young and Sick for both his art and music. His self-titled debut is a synth-driven R&B album with infectious bass lines. Whether or not you like R&B, Hofwegen seems to incorporate so much into the songs on this album, there is at least one element that everyone will like.

1. Strange Desire – Bleachers: Bleachers’ debut album Strange Desire can seemingly transport its listeners to a John Hughes movie. With climatic songs such as “I Wanna Get Better” and “Rollercoaster” that brings his melancholic lyrics together with intricate melodies and create something refreshing in the world of alternative rock. Frontman, Jack Antonoff creates new and exciting concepts on this album whether it is eccentric collaborations with Yoko Ono or incorporating Grace Dunham’s, Lena Dunham’s younger sister, talking about graduating college into his music.

Smallpools, Magic Man, and Panama Wedding at Emo’s (Live Review)

On November 13th, Smallpools performed at Emo’s in Austin, Texas with Magic Man and Panama Wedding. As this was their first headlining tour, it came with much excitement that they were coming through Texas.

Being a year and a half old, the band has received much critical reception for their EP, Have a Great Summer!, it comes to no surprise that the band has flown under everyone’s radar. Personally, having seen the band twice already open for Grouplove and Neon Trees, I already could tell the show was going to be fun and energetic, especially since they were going to perform songs from their new album, which, they hope, will come out early next year.

Originally, the three bands were billed to perform at the Parish in Austin, however, they soon changed it to Emo’s in order to fit a larger crowd.

Panama Wedding was the first band to come on that night and raised the spirits on the shivering crowd. Known for their two singles, “Uma” and “All the People,” Panama Wedding has a very 80’s synth-pop sound to them. The band performed songs from their Parallel Play EP and had an enthusiastic performance overall.

Magic Man, the synth-pop band behind Before the Waves, played after Panama Wedding and danced their set away. Opening with the opening track from their album,”Texas,” and ending with their hit, “Paris,” Magic Man got the crowd going and singing along. Lead singer, Alex Caplow seemed to never stand still, moving and dancing to the music.

Smallpools set, in the slightest of terms, started in grand terms. Walking on stage, Beau Kuther, drummer, Michael Kamerman, guitarist, and Joseph Intile, bassist, it seemed like an odd choice for the band to enter with classical music. But, once Sean Scanlon, singer got on top of an amplifier in a shirt and dress coat, pretending to conduct, it all came together. After this grandiose entrance, Smallpools went into “No Story Time.” The energy in the room sky-rocketed from this entrance and went on for the entire set.

The set included songs from their EP and new songs from their upcoming album, including “Bruce Lee.” The onstage banter was enjoyable as the band made witty remarks and interacted with the crowd. Scanlon told a story about how in the beginnings of the band, they would search for themselves online only to find rants about killer whales being kept in small pools. This, incidentally, lead to their latest single, “Killer Whales.” As usual, the band threw inflatable killer whales into the crowd, including a massive one with the band name spray painted onto the stomach. As an ongoing tradition, before the band performed their last song, “Dreaming,” they took a picture of the crowd with their two small dogs.

All three bands had lively sets and it will be interesting how each of them will do next.