Driven Far Off

The latest on the indie, alternative, and rock music scene including news, music, contest, interviews, and more. Best described as your favorite place to find new bands.

The Weeks @ The Ryman Auditorium

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A few weeks back I went to the Ryman in Nashville to see Jake Bugg, upcoming singer-songwriter from England, along with The Skins and The Weeks. I expected a great show from Bugg, but I hadn’t taken the time to listen to The Weeks prior to the show.

As soon as they hit the stage they had the audience in the palm of their hands. Their energy was strong and for a few seconds I forgot that they were the opening act. They sang the fan favorites such as “Buttons” and “Slave to the South,” but they also played songs from their old EP and previous album.

Lead singer, Cyle Barnes, has a unique tone to his voice, and when he performs you can sense he is comfortable in his art. The interaction between the band members also adds to the performance; they dance around, feed off each other’s solos, and simply have a good time.

The crowd was on their feet throughout the entire set and they were easily one of the best bands I’ve seen perform live. At the end of the night they got their gear together and filed out of the Ryman’s side door into the alley with back packs and guitar cases. No entourage, no quick escape- simply taking in the night and enjoying the company of friends and new listeners.

At the beginning of February they wrapped up their tour with Jake Bugg and embarked on a solo tour through select US cities. Click here for dates.

The Weeks standing in the Ryman's side alley

The Weeks standing in the Ryman’s side alley

David Bazan’s Strange Negotiations and Live in Akron

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Meet David Bazan, an indie rock musician from Seattle. He was the force behind the now defunct Pedro the Lion. The front man of Headphones. Currently he performs under his namesake.

Under Pedro the Lion, Bazan marketed his remarkable sense of assonance. His songs were based on theology. He spent the better part of a decade battling his religion and inner personal issues. His loss of faith and questioning of his world turned into a drinking problem. In an attempt to rid the demons and see angels, he went solo.

Three records in under David Bazan and each one is better than the previous one. Bazan recently finished up a slew of Living Room Shows. Which were exactly as they sound. He played in strangers living rooms across the country. The shows capped out at fifty people and he played with his guitar and nothing else. In between songs he opened the floor up to the audience for q&a’s. He answered honestly and played requests.

More recently, Bazan has released his newest solo album, Strange Negotiations. It’s a powerful record about humanity and battling self-delusion. It weighs heavy on what it means to be human and more than that, what does it mean to be apart of the human culture? It deals with love for life and the disgust for the world our lives exist in. Bazan battles the age old question of how to fight the battle while still being a part of the battle. He succeeds with his biting tongue, his keen sense of lyrical structure, and catchy choruses. It might be his best record yet.

On Sunday, Bazan and his backing band made their way to Akron’s Musica. It was one of the few times I’ve witnessed him live with other people playing and it was incredible. His energy was high as usual. His set list was impeccable. Surprisingly, he stayed true to his q&a technique. The questions were more broad and a lot funnier than they usually are. But again, he answered honestly.

Bazan is an extraordinary and rare musician. He’s humble, he’s funny, and he’s got a voice that sends chills throughout my body. His music evokes deep thought and dancing. Is there anything better than a poignant, gut-wrenching musician? Nope. This is as good as it gets.

So, stop reading and start listening.

The Lonely Forest – LIVE

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The Lonely ForestThe Lonely Forest are about to head out on tour in support of their “big brother” Chris Walla and the rest of Death Cab for Cutie. I had the chance to check out their set and talk with the guys on their last tour through Minneapolis in April and wanted to share my thoughts and overall recommendation of the band with the fine readers of Driven Far Off. Also be sure to check out the full tour dates and ticket links for their roadshow with Death Cab and their album Arrows (read review | buy).

The Lonely Forest kicked off their April 2011 show Minneapolis somewhat quietly with “Turn off This Song and Go Outside.” No, the music was not lacking in decibels; rather, the four-piece simply did not waste a second to chat the crowd up, opting instead to let the music speak for itself. Folding into “(I Am) The Love Addict” with manic dancing and over-sized expressions on singer Jon Van Deusen’s face, the band set an above-average energy level for the set and never turned it down.

Van Deusen never missed a note as he wailed away. Braydn Krueger translated the full drumbeats from the album Arrows into a ravaging show – rivaling Animal from the Muppets on “Tunnels” – but also found time to sweetly provide high vocal harmonies. Bassist Eric Sturgeon briefly scaled the drum-set to swing from the ceiling, and guitarist Tony Ruland (somewhat painfully, it turns out) collapsed into the drum kit to end the set.

Rise to Prominence

The band’s energy level could easily fill a longer set and a bigger stage, but for now, the foursome say they’re comfortable with their slow rise after playing together for five years. While they joke about being “the tortoise” in the race towards prominence, the guys say they plan to continue doing what they know best. The plan? Make decisions focused on longevity and steadfastly avoid compromising gimmicks.

Not surprisingly, they’re down to earth and thankful for their success thus far. It’s a great feeling to be the first (and still only) band on Trans, Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie’s label, the boys say. “It’s like a science experiment… but definitely one with lots of good ingredients,” remarks Sturgeon.

And while Walla patiently waits for the right second signing to come along, The Lonely Forest are enjoying the spoils of being an only child on Trans. Though they may be guinea pigs, the guys feel that they’re in good hands, noting that Chris is not only easy to work with, but also “like a long-lost big brother who has shown up in your life and is awesome and takes you to the arcade.”

Music and Messages

That nature crops up repeatedly is not because of any agenda, says Ruland. Rather, he attributes the many references to nature to nurture: the boys grew up in Anacortes, Washington, with the Pacific in their backyards and evergreen forests in their front. Impressive natural environments are simply ever-present in their lives and therefore perhaps more present in their songs than in those of other contemporary rock bands, he adds.

The ability to produce songs about more than just heartbreak makes the band seem quite mature, and so it can be quite surprising to find out that lead singer Jon is just 23 years old. With all the energy and talent they’ve got, we can only hope* that the road ahead of the band stretches far into the distance and that The Lonely Forest may keep on singing in time together for a long time.

* (beyond buying an album or hitting up a show to support these guys, of course).

The Lonely Forest – Arrows

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Artist: The Lonely Forest
Album: Arrows
Label: Trans (Atlantic)
Release Date: March 22nd, 2011
Purchase: [itunes link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-dont-want-to-live-there/id424480278?uo=4″ title=”The Lonely Forest – Arrows” text=”iTunes”]

Overall: 9
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 9
Production: 9

The Lonely Forest’s Arrows is a powerful major debut for the band from Washington state and for Death Cab For Cutie frontman Chris Walla’s new label, Trans. The album kicks off with “Be Everything”, which although a successfully heartfelt song, starts things off on a note that is just a touch too whiny. But keep listening. Or “Turn off This Song and Go Outside” as you’ll be told on the second track in its catchy chorus. No, but seriously, keep listening. This is an enjoyable album through and through.

John Van Deusen’s minor vocals are reminiscent of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe at times with a sort of lazy quality. However, Van Deusen doesn’t quite hit the whiny peaks of Stipe. Throw in a little taste of the Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz and update it to 2011 with Vampire Weekend style “oohs” and “ahhs” and you’ve got the Lonely Forest’s vocal sound. The band supplies catchy riff and choruses one after another, but perhaps the most attention-grabbing attribute after the vocals is the relentless drum beats, fast and full-bodied, which power every song.

Already with “Turn off This Song and Go Outside”, the guys set a motif for the rest of the album: the Lonely Forest, as its name might imply, pumps out sad songs about fallen love, but also pulls nature into the mix quite a bit. This refreshing quality, moving beyond the well-covered songwriting territory of joys and sorrows of the heart, is best displayed in the album’s second single, “We Sing in Time”, which pulls in a political message without being too overtly preachy. The more big-picture philosophical questioning in “End It Now!” is also a treat for a mind seeking stimulation to think of something other than love.

Overall, I’m happy these bites are spinning on my hard drives and echoing in my head.

Review: Yellowcard – “For You, and Your Denial”

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Yellowcard is set to release their new album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, on March 22. The bands first single “For You, And Your Denial” is available now on [itunes link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-you-and-your-denial/id412806419?uo=4″ title=”For You and Your Denial” text=”iTunes”].

Yellowcard’s Ocean Avenue was a turning point for the band and by far a fan favorite. A mixture of long touring and a change in direction led to a few lack luster follow ups and eventually a hiatus in 2008.

With the bands return, they are also making sure to keep the energy high on their new album and “For You, And Your Denial” showcases this energy like its still 2003 and Ocean Avenue is playing on everyones retro iPod or even better, an actual CD. “For You, And Your Denial” features the classic violin we have come to know from Yellowcard while still brining the energetic guitars and what even feels like a bit of darkness to it.

Can we expect a great album from Yellowcard? Will it be like they never left? Will the fans still line up to hear their new songs or will they just be hoping to hear the classics? Let us know your thoughts on the song and the upcoming album.

Tim Kasher Show Review

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Tim Kasher of Cursive/the Good Life fame is embarking on his solo tour. The solo tour is in support of his upcoming solo debut The Game of Monogamy.

I wasn’t exactly sure what the show would entail as the record isn’t entirely long. Would we get Cursive, the Good Life or covers? Kasher played essentially all of his solo songs and despite the record not being released yet, that didn’t stop the crowd from screaming along.

The show included a few surprising Good Life song. Such as “O’rourke’s, 2:10 A.M”, which launched the crowd into insanity. As well as a twice failed attempt at Cursive’s Driftwood. After the first two attempts, Kasher grabbed his Jameson, chugged, grabbed the microphone, and talked himself through the lyrics. He drank more Jameson and told the crowd how he didn’t pay attention during practice because this song was so old. On the third attempt, however, he managed to get it right.

The new material is typical Kasher-style. It’s sad, contemplative, at times loud, and always emotionally driven. The songs were received well and played even better.

Even if Kasher was a terrible musician, at the very least, he’s hilarious. His infamous random drunken tangents are worth attending the shows. This time around, he went on a five minute rant about his fantasy relationship with Dido.

The crowd was thin compared to a Cursive show, but that’s not to say that the place wasn’t packed. The solo songs are solid and while I loved every second of it, I’m still anticipating the next Cursive or Good Life records. That’s where my heart lies and hopefully Tim’s too.

Tim Kasher @ the Grog Shop – Cleveland, Ohio – September 29, 2010

Jenny & Johnny @ The Beachland Ballroom

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Jenny and Johnny is composed of Jenny Lewis and Jonathan Rice. Lewis of Rilo Kiley fame is name enough to sell out venues before the bands debut record ever dropped.

Lewis is a goddamn pro. She’s commanding with her dull red hair and bright red dress. She smiled like a child and waved as if she had no idea she was so adored. She’s used to being a front woman, but for the night, it was obvious she was sharing the reigns with Rice. Rice looked dirty with bands obstructing his view and a goofy smile plastered on his face. The two of them sounded magical when they harmonized, their voices blended just right. They shared glances and lovesick smiles. They made jokes and shared brief moments of intimacy. Rice is a better musician with Lewis by his side.

They performed the majority of their record and while the material isn’t as good as previous work by Lewis, it stands out on its own as something entirely different. The crowd went insane when the two of them launched into Lewis’ solo material. While most of the songs were off of Acid Tongue, a mediocre record, Rice enhanced them.

They also played “Melt Your Heart” from Rabbit Fur Coat, which was an odd choice considering how slow and quiet the song is. The crowd was almost overpowering with their chatter. But that’s not to say, the two didn’t nail it.

Lewis debut a new song, “One of the Guys,” the song was better than their entire record. It was straight up country and it put Lewis in both her element and back as the lead. These songs aren’t groundbreaking, but Lewis is endearing and enchanting.

The show ended with a cover of “Love Hurts” just like every other show and it felt right and they did not appear bored. In fact, they owned it.

Jenny & Johnny will probably never become what Rilo Kiley was, but who cares? These two are having fun now and that’s what really matters.

The Secret Handshake – Night & Day

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Artist: The Secret Handshake
Album: Night & Day
Label: Triple Crown Records
Release Date: August 17th, 2010
Purchase: [itunes link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fresh-start/id382919365?uo=4″ title=”iTunes” text=”iTunes”]

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.5

When I first heard of The Secret Handshake planning to release an album entitled Night & Day, I won’t lie when I say I expected much of the same sing-song lyrics, with electronic beats and plenty of auto-tune. But after listening to the new album from Luis Dubuc (the main component behind all the music), that this album is completely different from everything beforehand, and a step above that material as well.

The album implements old school instruments and production techniques to really give it a classic, soulful feeling to it. In comparison to his other work full of electronics and computers, this makes the album feel incredibly liberating from the first vibrations and rising effect of “Every Single Time”, to the body rocking finale of “Here’s To You”. Night & Day creates this raw vibe that rings true to how Luis appears to feel about his music, where it feels compassionate and honest, as if he has finally become an adult in the musical world, discovering himself and the music he wants to make.

Although the album at times borders the realm of cheesiness, in how honest it is trying to be embodying the vibe of an old school soul record, there are plenty of songs that can and will work today in our modern music radio world. The fun retro vibe of “You Got Me” or the catchiness in the lyrics of “Woman” would fare well amongst the average teenage crowd. Along with The Secret Handshake’s female contemporary Lights, the two put together a duet entitled “Used To Be So Sweet”, that will make fans of either side light up with joy.

There is no doubt that fans will be split about this album, seeing as how it is a complete rebranding of the artist’s sound, but it is most definitely worth a listen. A newer, more mature, and different/distinct image for Luis will only garner newer fans and even catchier tunes. Night & Day might be an album people will be skeptical to listen to, but after hearing the new motown inspired tunes, there will be many new fans or at least much more respect for this sensational artist.

The Pretty Reckless – Self-Titled EP

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Artist: The Pretty Reckless
Album: Self-Titled EP
Label: Interscope Records
Release Date: June 21, 2010
Purchase: iTunes

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 9

The Pretty Reckless is fronted by sixteen-year-old actress Taylor Momsen. Momsen has gained her fame portraying bad girl, Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl.

When the show started, she was fourteen, innocent and natural. By the second season she was in the process of turning into a bad ass. In interviews, she’s rude, short, and proclaims, “I’m not trying to be a role model!”

She’s given shit for the way she dresses, chain smokes, and her all around persona. She’s an easy target for all of these reasons and because she’s a young actress turned singer and who isn’t sick of that? But the truth is, Momsen has a wonderfully gritty voice. She sounds like someone who has smoked way too many cigarettes or maybe a little like Courtney Love. The actual music isn’t bad either. Her songs sound like b-sides to music recorded before she was born and that’s not a bad thing.

The lyrics are a bit weak, but she’s young. It would be surprising if the music was complex. That’s not to say the lyrics are bad. “I’m just sixteen if you know what I mean? Do you mind if I take off my dress?” They’re fun and a little like a kid trying on her older sisters grown-up clothing. But it works.

Momsen conquers what few actresses turned singer have. She’s doing what Miley Cyrus has failed to do, be young, edgy, and talented with out selling underage sex. She is breaking out of the teeny bopper mold. Yes, she’s young. Yes, she’s singing about things she shouldn’t know yet. And yes, she looks significantly older than she is, but who cares?

Like it or not, Taylor Momsen is talented. The EP isn’t perfect, but she has the rest of her life to create a number one record. And who says she can’t?

Murder by Death Live in Cleveland

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When I go to shows, I like to keep myself in the dark about the openers. I suppose I do this in hopes of being utterly surprised. Usually it’s the bad kind of surprise and I find myself, bored and disappointed. For this show, however, both openers nailed it. The first band, Linfinity, was overly loud, strangely energetic, and a treat to watch.

The second, Ha Ha Tonka, was one of the most fun bands I’ve ever seen live. Their name is silly, but their music and presence is out of this world. The first few songs were a bit slow and not my style, but out of nowhere they transformed into a killer jam band. Their last song was an overcrowded party featuring members of the previous band and Murder By Death. Even better? Both bands sound wonderful recorded.

Murder By Death took the stage at 11:00 p.m. to a crowded, hot, dark venue of eager kids. Before they fully took the stage the crowd was wild, throwing their PBR’s in the air and swaying like Adam Turla was already serenading them. The second he did open his mouth, the crowd cheered and the party began.

The first few songs were classic old school Murder by Death and no one enjoyed it as much as the band themselves. They were at home playing their old time favorites. Early in the set Turla announced, “We’re going to play some new songs for a bit.” It’s always exciting to see bands play their new songs live. Though they only played a couple.The crowd knew the words as if these songs were ten years old. They drank, they sang, they smiled. It was a party.

And then started the slew of whiskey songs. “All of our songs are about doomsday or whiskey.” This elicited lots of “fuck yeahs!!!!!” And rightly so.

For the encore, the band slipped off the stage, drank and waited as the crowd screamed louder and louder for their return. When they finally emerged from the dark hallway near the stage, Turla said, “We’re going to play a song from the new record. The one that seems to be getting good responses.” He started the chord and hesitated, but launched right into my favorite off of the new record, “Piece by Piece”.

Murder by Death’s music is dark and serious, yet, seeing them live is a dance party. The band’s music is powerful, captivating, and a blast even when the message is anything except this.

Show took place Sunday May 9th @ the Grog Shop – Cleveland, Ohio