Portland
Track: Wild Ones – Show Me islands
We’re not quite used to heat waves here in the north of England, so when we get one, like today (the hottest July day on record, apparently) we get all giddy, kicking back in the garden and drinking beer. I’m sat between work and work, in a supermarket cafe (with no air conditioning) so I’m …
Track: Brownish Black – Life Lessons
I’m here, stuck in traffic, and yet, with a bit of sunshine outside and the new Brownish Black single Life Lessons, and you know what – life’s all ok here. The Portland based octet started out as a three-piece garage rock band, who have expanded and added a soul edge to their garage roots. Life …
Meet: Light Club
Earlier this month Light Club released their debut EP ‘Youth is Fading’ and ‘they’ have now been kind enough to answer some of our questions. Come inside, meet the family… We are: Gabe Mouer: all instruments ! We are from: Portland, Oregon Our name doesn’t come from: Nightlife or club culture, despite having “club” in the …
New Music: Light Club – Youth Is Fading
In amongst the days and places that I’ve been listening to this, the debut from Portland, Oregon’s Light Club, I think I’ve found the perfect accompaniment: bright early autumn sunshine augmented by a strong, fresh breeze. I’m sat in my back garden, watching fragments of cloud cruising across the heart-stirringly blue sky, with washing snapping …
Just Lions – Great. OK
I’m worried about Chandler, and not for the first time. Before it was The Bing Man: increasingly strung out, sweaty, scrawny and unable to convince us that there was any light left with which to leaven his self-disparaging quips. Right now, however, it’s yer man Strutz who is our Chandler of Concern There’s clearly trouble …
Video: Just Lions – Paper Cage
Today I have been enjoying the new video for “Paper Cage” by backseatmafia.com faves’ Just Lions’. You can follow an increasingly threatened lead singer Chandler Strutz being chased through Oregon City by his paper creations. Rotoscoped (or some such technique) alterna-Chandlers, brought to life by blue Bic biro, it would seem, are hunting our brave hero …
Track: Aan – Daylight, plus album and US tour news
Portland four piece Aan released their debut album, ‘Amor Ad Nauseum’ on 4th February and from that they have released the stand out single ‘Daylight’. Bud initially delivers a delicate vocal in the track until the songs builds, accompanied by soaring guitars with subtle but steady bass and drums. It’s fragile and romantic and just …
Aan – I Don’t Need Love
Consider this a precursor. Early next year we’re expecting Aan‘s debut album so this is just to tide you over… Yes, yes, yes, they’re ANOTHER band from Portland, Oregon. It isn’t my fault that they keep on making them over there. ‘I Don’t Need Love’ is a huge slice of experimental indie rock. This is …
Video of the day: Wild Ones – From Nothing
A shot in the arm to protect you against those early-winter blues. Filmed in the nearly-empty city of Shaniko, progressively deserted after the railroad moved on, this single is taken from the Portland, Oregon band’s debut album “Keep It Safe”. Singer Danielle Sullivan walks with a sway down 5th Street, past This Ole House, turning …
Video of the Day: Just Lions – Monsters
So I’m too late for Hallowe’en. Who gives a rat’s arse ? I was on holiday carving Pumkins (sic) and doling out sweets and had scant time for the interweb there. Now I have the time and who better to help me make up that gap than Just Lions. I know, I know, I already …