Downtown Live
OLLA PODRIDA O’ MUSIC
by Jamie Manser
The Solace Bros.
n April, the trio released its first full-length album, I think of you, and are traversing the country with it for 2 weeks in both June and July.
The nine-track LP is a pop-y, punk-y, catchy, dynamic delight with well-crafted pieces that feature humorous, witty and cogent lyrics. You can’t help bobbing your head and tapping your toes while mulling their message.
Big Shot is a cheeky song poking fun at the dorky pretense of some types in the biz. “Got a good look. And a guitar hook. Got myself a slot on a Saturday night. Wanna be a hero, but it’s very clear, yo. Three turns left and you’ll end up on the right.”
Cactus Factory, is probably my fave – “Take your Puget Sound to a border town; it’s like a newborn child. You know the desert’s hot, but your salsa’s not, I’d say it’s pretty mild. Got a northwest smile, enchilada style, you know you got it made. Mariachi light and you can paint it white, at cactus factory.”
The fun continues with Moulan Blue – “What a turn on, what a gas! Cast that rod. Sturgeon and bass, this boat is moving fast.”
If space constraints weren’t an issue, I would go on forever. Bottom line - the whole album is really damn good. John Polle’s guitar/vox, Dan Naiman’s keys/vox, and Justin Donaldson’s drums are prodigiously visceral. My only minor complaint would be that the first song, 20 Hour Ride, doesn’t really set the tone for the rest of the cuts, but, whatever. It’s an excellent release.
Buy it online for twelve clams at www.TheSolaceBros.com.
At the Plush…
fter over two decades of being a supporting musician, bassist/guitarist Ken Andree released an album of his own songs, Beatitude. “It’s a real thrill because I’ve always been a hired gun,” Andree said. Back in the day, Andree has played with the Sand Rubies, Rich Hopkins and the Luminarios and The Texicans. His CD release party is on the 3rd with Ernie Mendoza drumming, Robin Johnson on gee-tar, Mick Garrison on bass with Keith Green on keys. “Because, you have to have a band with Mick and Keith in it,” Andree laughed. The rip-roaring fun, funniness and goodness of Ozlo will open the show.
Camp Courageous is currently in the studio recording their second album, tentatively titled The History of Things to Come. “It’s a left turn from our first album. Lots of weird, organic, ambient songs,” said bassist Jon D’Auria. CC plans to be back in the studio after releasing their second album as they are writing tracks for their third album right now. Catch ‘em live on Saturday, June 26.
P.S. There is a new club opening on the Ave. Check the Focus on Fourth section to read about the Surly Wench!
“Like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway…”
Manifold
itting at Che’s Lounge with PBR in hand and a P-Funk in the other, vocalist/guitarist Todd Alexander is straightforward and undemonstrative when discussing Manifold’s upcoming tour.
“This is our biggest tour yet,” Alexander said. “We’ve added elements that we need to be more successful.”
Indeed, having a publicist and a booking agent helps open the proverbial doors and has garnered the band first time shows east of the Appalachian Mountains.
“The furthest east we had been was Indianapolis, Nashville, and New Orleans. Now we’re hitting the east coast and Canada – Toronto.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a lot of work, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”
The group is scheduled to play Congress-size venues and is rather excited about gigging at NYC’s famous-for-helping-to-birth-punk club CBGB.
Manifold currently has six new songs recorded and “probably will release an EP of 5 or 6 songs. It’s taking a different direction from (2003’s release) Departures and Arrivals. It’s a little more rock.” The band is also re-mastering and re-releasing D&A.
The second weekend of June offers two chances to see the boys perform before they put the pedal to the metal. On Friday, June 11 Manifold and Is To Feel will tear up 7 Black Cats and Ennui hosts an all ages show on Saturday, June 12 with Mister Metaphor and Mission Statement also scheduled to play.
Check out www.ManifoldMusic.com for the latest scoop.
The Haps @ Hot Cong
lub Congress is celebrating its first summer with the “under the stars set up,” aka their stylishly fenced in parking lot, and are promising talent hotter than high noon. If the June line-up is any indication, they ain’t lying.
Here are a few highlights: the ever-loving Calexico plays home base with Tortoise and Beans on the 6th, Bob Log III waves his freak flag on the 25th, and the legendary MC5 will kick your ass on the 27th. On the 18th, Dead Hot Workshop is coming back (after six months and not four years this time! yay!) to open for the Sand Rubies in what is being dubbed a Desert Rock Revival.
During the dog days, Congress is turning its Tuesdays into Twilight Cabarets, starting June 15 at 6:30pm. The cabarets will feature the blues, jazz and experimental music of BASSCK with Harvey Brooks, Larry Cobb and Tom Kusian. BASSCK also plans to bring in the finest guest musicians. Door donations will benefit Pima YOUTH Partnership, www.PYP.com.
