Soul Distraction

If you’ve ever dug through your parent’s vinyl collection and felt a slight sense of apathy you can’t really explain, trust in me that you are not alone.  Most of us in our 20’s and early 30’s know that there was a period of time, in which some of us were actually alive, that you could turn on the radio and hear a song that was absolutely to die for.  Although most of us can’t really remember such a time.

Soul Distraction — “Talk About It Later”
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Talk-About-It-Later.mp3|titles=Talk About It Later]

Now, we all know such ideals are pretty much dead and gone (save for the resurrection of Cee Lo Green), and we are more app’ed (get it?) to digging around on our iPhones and finding the next underground sensation from a city we may have never heard of, and will probably be disbanded within a year after a SXSW appearance and a west and/or east coast tour.  We love the music for the music.  But, we seem to have lost the Cheap Tricks and the Deep Purples that once were ruling the airwaves, as well as our hearts.  And if you long for that classic rock vibe that has seemed to disappeared into the depths of the indie rock sea, fear not, because the sound has been recaptured in a way you probably never imagined.  And the high definition lens showing us the future, as well as the past, is seen through the eyes of Portland’s Soul Distraction.

Soul Distraction is to old school rock n’ roll what renaissance fairs must be to monarchy buffs.  Hearing these their heavy guitar riffs mash up with Elsa Faith’s soothing yet demanding vocal chords is a sure fire reminder of what it used to mean to be an all around talented group of folks making music that not only appeals to the masses, but shows an array of emotion that is trumped only by the spirit and courage to move forward in a world where total obscurity is more important than the ability to turn the old into something completely fresh and original.

There are many bands from the golden years of rock n’ roll that always seem to stick out in the mind’s of most when it comes to pure musicianship.  And, in their own right, they might have deserved the recognition they have earned.  But it can mostly said, most of these bands are shit.  This could be a potential tangent that is best saved for a later date.  So let’s just leave it with this theory:  Soul Distraction takes the original blueprints from their predecessors, and perfects in a way that they never did, and never will, really be able to portray on stage or on the recorded surfaces.

For an in depth perspective of Soul Distraction’s ability to create a more defined and original “classic” rock sound, check out their new track “Talk About It Later” from their latest album set to be released later this year.  For even more examples, their 2009 release Ticket To Paradise is chalked filled with wonderful rendition of original tracks that will definitely send you through the looking glass of time, and contemplating all that you thought was holy in in your Dad’s collection of hand me down vinyl pressings.  Soul Distraction is the finest definition of homegrown rock n roll redefined for the new age.  There is absolutely no question about that.

Andy Botterill

The danger with lo-fi pop is pretty obvious.  It draws the same sort of sometimes warranted typecasting of non-creativity that punk music received in the late 1970’s to the mid 80’s:  it all sounds the same!  Now, those who actually listen to the music know that this is not entirely true at all.  But, give one good reason why The Ramones are world renowned, and The New York Dolls, although critically and cult acclaimed, are just a quick blip in history.  Both were sensational in their own way, but someone always has to stand out.

Andy B – “Talk About it Later Baby” from Days Pass Me By
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/04-Talk-About-It-Later-Baby-MP3-192-VBR.mp3|titles=Andy B – “Talk About it Later Baby” from Days Pass Me By]

And who stands out the most in lo-fi pop?  More specifically, British lo-fi pop?  Well, Simon Bish and Andy Fonda of Pop Noise Records might get nods for obvious reasons.  But, the man that simply cannot be left out is the sensational Andy B.  This is a guy who truly understands the beauty and power of a simple pop song.  And he works his ass off!  He’s released two DIY albums, in less than a year on his, also very DIY, label Pastime Records.  He’s also the driving force behind the spectacular group Falling Trees (who’s Youth Disco EP was one of my favorites of 2010.  See “Recession Proof Music“).  And even better, his first studio album is in store for a 2011!  The man doesn’t stop!

Andy B’s (B for Botterill, by the way) work ethic is trumped only by his immense talent.  He may stick to a similar style throughout his catalog, but he’s sticking to what works.  His work as a teammate to the likes of Bish and Fonda is absolutely nothing to balk at.  He also happens to be the bassist for the brilliant act A Fine Day For Sailing from the Pop Noise roster.   But in his solo efforts, we see the man at his finest and most personal.  And as he moves from recording on the living room floor up to the real recording booth, you can definitely expect some wonderful things.  But, he only needs to perfect the sound in a physical sense.  He needs no changes in the spiritual sense.  He’s got that one nailed to the wall.

To learn more about Andy B’s solo work, visit his Myspace Page.
To learn more about his work with A Fine Day For Sailing, and more, visit the Pop Noise Records Website.

The Seven Fields of Aphelion — Periphery

One of my favorite record labels, Graveface Records, went through a bit of a tragedy earlier in the year when parts of their catalog were damaged in a flood. This left some very good records unavailable — three of them: The Appleseed Cast’s Two Conversations, The Seven Fields of Aphelion’s Periphery, and Dreamend’s Maybe We’re Making God Sad and Lonely.

With some great help, Graveface is now able to relaunch the records, and they’re now taking preorders. Get them while you can. I can’t recommend any of them enough.

The Seven Fields of Aphelion – “Mountain Mary” from Periphery | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mountain_mary.mp3|titles=The Seven Fields of Aphelion – “Mountain Mary”]

· Check out the Graveface store

Keith Canisius - This Time It's Our High

Here’s a bit of fun, engaging shoegazey stuff for you. It’s Keith Canisius, dream pop craftsman, with something from his second release, This Time It’s Our High. Check it out; it comes highly recommended.

Keith Canisius — “The Beach House” from This Time It’s Our High | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/KeithCanisius-TheBeachHouse.mp3|titles=Keith Canisius – “The Beach House”]

Photo by Martin Hausler, courtesy of Sneak Attack Media

Jack Dishel (or, if you will, Yevgeny Leondovich Dishel) — best known as the former Moldy Peaches guitarist, is off to those indie rock races again, this time on his own under the name Only Son, and this time with a new album. As a preview for his forthcoming Searchlight, to be released Jan. 18, 2011, check out “Magic.” If the rest of the album continues with this pop nous, there will be something very good here, no doubt. For a video of the track, read after the jump, or just check out this mp3.

Only Son — “Magic” from Searchlight | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/magic.mp3|titles=Only Son — “Magic”]

The Fun Police

The Fun Police are… well… fun! A quick listen of their most recent EP, Spring Break EP, had me dancing in my seat. Released for free at their website, www.thefunpolicemusic.com, the EP is three songs long with “Gringo Merengue,” “We Don’t Want No More,” and “Rather Be Dead.” The Fun Police are a refreshing reggae/ska band from Tacoma, Wash., with an impressive range of musical talent. With hints of blues, jazz, and frequent tongue-in-cheek lyrics, the band guides listeners through layers upon layers of funky, fun music. Definitely worth the listen, even (if not especially) for those not familiar with the genre.

The Fun Police released their first full length album in November, 2009, titled You Better Run, available at CD Baby here: cdbaby.com/cd/FunPolice. They are frequently playing shows in the Puget Sound area and “a sidewalk near you” in Seattle/Portland. The list of upcoming shows, as well as any other news from the band, may be found on their Myspace page: myspace.com/thefunpolicestation.

Upcoming Shows:

• Apr 2 2010 8:00P World Famous Bob’s Java Jive Benefit TACOMA, WASHINGTON
• Apr 6 2010 8:00P The Funhouse w/ Ocelot Omelet, Spillway and Neighbors SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
• Apr 7 2010 9:00P Tony V’s Garage w/ Posum Fat EVERETT, WASHINGTON
• Apr 9 2010 9:00P The 4th Ave Tavern w/ Dreaded Knuckles OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON
• Apr 10 2010 8:00P The Shelter w/ Back Ally Kicks and Go Get The Scissors! CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON
• May 8 2010 8:00P The Hub Bar and Grill w/ Black Market Review and Go Get the Scissors CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON
• May 21 2010 8:00P Cafe Venus and the Marsbar SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
• Jun 26 2010 8:00P Private Party TACOMA, WASHINGTON
• Dec 25 2010 4:15PA Sidewalk Near you… SEATTLE. PORTLAND, TACOMA, BEDALE

Nouela and Brian at The Sunset (credit: Christen Shaw)

People Eating People is the solo piano pop project of Seattle artist Nouela Johnston, and it is absolutely astounding. Johnston has gone through much turbulence to arrive at her current position. In 2007, Johnston was locked into a contract with Mon Frere, the band who won the SoundOff! Battle of the Bands in 2007, which she immediately regretted. Johnston dropped from the band which caused her “[…] a shit-ton of legal messes,” as she explained to The Stranger earlier this week. Unable to release her own music until, among other things, the sum of $5,000 be paid to Cake Records, and she played and toured for-hire with three other bands: Say Hi, Fall of Troy, and Creature Feature. All the while, Johnston was recording a demo which eventually reached the hands of Nabil Ayers, current label manager for 4AD, who offered to release her full-length album.

Her self-titled album, People Eating People, released in November 2009, is an emotional outpouring of jazzy vocals and piano. Johnston is classically trained in jazz piano — she began performing recitals by the age of 4. Being that she is classically trained, her music is technically masterful and complex — her vocals are to match. Her lyrics are personal and emotionally driven; we can see such in “I Hate All My Friends.” Pounding and fast jazz keys supplement her apparent anger as she sings a tale of lies and deceit. With “All The Hospitals,” Johnston shows her flexibility as a jazz pianist. Fluctuating, complex rhythms, all the while delivering the similarly fluctuating jazz-style vocals. A highly emotional tale of depression, making references to suicide amongst other things; “don’t cut too deep, take all those pills…don’t swallow… everyone you love is on your side.”

People Eating People — “All the Hospitals,” from People Eating People (2009) | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/PeopleEatingPeople.mp3]

See below for upcoming shows, live videos, and a video interview.

People Eating People is being very well received in the Seattle music scene and have what seems to be a glowing career ahead. People Eating People are not currently on tour, but frequently play shows locally at just about all the venues here in Seattle. Information about show dates/times are frequently updated on People Eating People’s myspace page, myspace.com/peopleeatingpeople.

Upcoming Shows

Mar 9 2010 8:00P
Chop Suey Seattle, Washington

Mar 13 2010 8:00P
Sunset Tavern Seattle, Washington

Mar 26 2010 8:00P
The Moore Theater Seattle, Washington

May 14 2010 8:00P
Chop Suey Seattle, Washington

Band Members

• Nouela Johnston
• Recorded Drums: Mark Gajadhar
• Recorded/live Drums: Ben Libay/Brian Turner
• Recorded Guitar: Christiaan Morris

Lightspeed Champion

Lightspeed Champion is the brain child of Devonté Hynes and has been active since 2005. In 2007, he released Falling off the Lavender Bridge to critical acclaim. This record was recorded and produced in Omaha, Nebraska with the help of Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis.   Mogis is most famous for his work with Connor Oberst and Bright Eyes. Falling off the Lavender Bridge has a star studded guest list, including Nate Walcott, pianist and trumpet player for Bright Eyes, and The Faint drummer Clark Baechle.

Now, in 2010, Hynes has finally released the followup to 2007’s Falling off the Lavender Bridge, titled Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You and is a bit more complex than the initial Lightspeed Champion release. Where Falling off the Lavender Bridge is often simple and poppy, the new record is thick and speckled with new sounds. Now, it’s not to say that Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You doesn’t feel like the same band that captured the indie folk scene’s heart back in 2007, but it is definitely a departure from the earlier release. Devonté’s voice is definitely stronger on this release. The 2007 release had a kind of sweet nervousness to the vocals, which have since been replaced with vocals soaring with confidence and intention.

You can currently purchase the both Lightspeed Champion albums at Domino Record’s website on vinyl for $12.99, CD for $8.99 and digital for $7.99. The band is currently touring the UK and western Europe.

The Cat From Hue, indie/psych-folk quintet from Camano Island, Washington, are an interesting listen. Clearly influenced by other indie bands from the northwest, Modest Mouse and Portugal. The Man, this young group uniquely portrays the Puget Sound in their lyrics alongside upbeat, folksy instrumentals. In “Welcome Back The Rain,” through well constructed folk guitar, slow drum beats, tambourine, and high keys, their music emulates the sound and feeling of a typical rainy day in the Puget Sound. Their lyrics in this song are delivered strong and sleepy, with the verse declaring “We watch the days run down to the hour change/We watch the green leaves turn around, and walk through the sleet and the rain…” and more cleverly sour lyrics regarding the Seattle music scene: “I hear the Puget Sound is Land of the Green/I reciprocate the meaning with the speech about the scene […] just a crow in my crow’s nest/tippin’ back my Seattle’s Best Coffee.”

The Cat From Hue — “Welcome Back The Rain,” from Shoreline
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/04-Welcome-Back-The-Rain.mp3]

The Cat From Hue — “Stumble On,” from Shoreline
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/03-Stumble-On.mp3]

The Can From Hue are currently unsigned and have many shows lined up. To see more information about the band visit their myspace, myspace.com/catfromhue, or visit them on Facebook. See below for a video of them live, acoustic, as well as a look at their upcoming shows.

Members of The Cat From Hue

• Nikko Van Wyck – Guitar | Lead Vocals
• Wes Williams – Lead Guitar | Vocals | Audio Engineering
• Matt Olsen – Keys | Vocals
• Evan Downey – Bass | Vocals

Upcoming Shows

Feb 26 2010 8:00P
The Slab w/ Subtle Like A T-Rex, Animal Outfit and Special Guests
Seattle, Washington

Feb 27 2010 8:00P
Columbia City Theater w/ Still Time, Candysound, and Quilt
Seattle, Washington

Mar 13 2010 7:00P
Ground Zero w/ Town Called Machine, Lets Get Lost, Celebra, and To The Sea
Bellevue, Washington

Mar 19 2010 8:00P
Candysounds Tour Kick off @ The Hell House w/ The Oregon Donor
Bellingham, Washington

Apr 30 2010 8:30P
Zippy’s Late Night w/ Candysound and Astronomer Royal
Everett, Washington

May 28 2010 8:00P
Laughing Ladies w/ Emily Lewis
Seattle, Washington

Hooves and Beak, credit: Brady Harvey

Whitney Flinn of Hooves and Beak, originally from Lawrence, Kansas, is currently on extended hiatus in Seattle, Washington. A participant in the Sound Off! Battle of the Bands, Flinn advanced to the finals of the Sound off! Battle of the Bands with a performance Saturday.The Sound Off! Finals will be held on March 6th at the EMP|SFM, the Experience the Music Project, and Science Fiction Museum.

Flinn is the sole member of Hooves and Beak and an inspiring musician. She masters the layering of strong, emotional vocals with harp, piano, accordion, banjo, and guitar — all self-taught. The vocals in her current recordings are vaguely reminiscent of other female indie vocalists — namely Joanna Newsom. Setting her apart is the clear emotional influence behind her words and supplemental strings. Flinn plays her harp in a colorful, folk style unlike any I’ve heard. Her voice is strong and clear, and her strings emulate this. In “Doorman’s Song,” Flinn sings of lost love, an addiction to drinking — all wrapped in her uniquely forlorn harp she creates a heart-wrenching and beautiful anthem.

More information about the Sound Off! may be found at their website, empsfm.org. You may also hear Flinn’s recordings on her Myspace profile, myspace.com/whitneyflinn.