Archive for April, 2010

Posted on April 29, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Turn off the volume: a Loud Off Interview

The new Eeardrums compilation (just check it out in case you missed it) has been universally acclaimed with lot of love and true enthusiasm by any living creature on Planed Earth with two ears and an internet connection. Once again this seasonal sensational little worldwide event was a pleasurable excuse to discover new bands and artists. My attention was caught by a song by a band called Loud Off. (more…)

Posted on April 27, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Watashi Wa The Message In A Bottle

They had their time between 1978 and 1984. Police arrived just in time. They heard the call, they already knew they wouldn’t miss their target. The band was born with punk rock, when zillion of youngers tried to rush their way to success with a primitive and abrasive sound, sarcastic and blaspheme lyrics, a dirty and spooky look. Clean and blonde: that what you got from Sting band. (more…)

Posted on April 25, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Now something rare: Nick Lowe Labout of lust

Right here right now, on this time of my life, I’m listening a lot of Nick Lowe. I mean… A LOT! I’m quite addicted actually. Blame on me for never having cared about this magnificent and talented artist being the quintessence of the gist of classical Brit-Pop with a good vitaminic sprout of good ol’ rock’n'roll reminding me so much of best George Harrison classics and a bit of The Attractions for the jazzy sound of so many tracks and of course for being the producer of some of the finest Costello works (that’s right, “”(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” was written by Nick). (more…)

Posted on April 20, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

The Quite Life of Sad Lovers and Giants

“They seem tough / but it’s just a bluff” ~ from Cowboys

There’s something haunting in the music of Sad Lovers and Giants. There’s absolutely no groove on the perfect  metronomic 3/4 drumming of Nigel Pollard. On twelve albums Tony McGuinness never has a variation on his chours effected arpeggios, always perfectly balanced with Ian Gibson bass lines, spinning on perfect layers Grace is always so thifty to visit with his voice. (more…)

Posted on April 19, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Why is the answer

American hip-hop and indie rock. Why? That’s the correct answer. The show at Bronson was absolutely satisfying, having the creature of Jonathan “Yoni” Wolf invading the stage with a load of irreverent poses and energy sprouts after letting the Josiah Wolf The Drummer having is little solo show in order to promote is solo debut. This man talent is incredible. (more…)

Posted on April 18, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Catching Tigers: Tiger Trap Supercrush EP

Is it possible for a band being called a cult after having seed more EP, splits and 7 inches than albums in one year only? Yay if the name of the band is “Tiger Trap” and you’re considered to be one of the main founders of the American response to Twee Pop. This band always fascinated me, especially for the genuine nature of their music (two school friends deciding to form a band) and the decadent elegance of its works. Then again: how could I be indifferent to an indie band picking their name after a Calvin & Hobbes cartoon? (more…)

Posted on April 15, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

My Teenage Stride, an interview with Jed Smith

There’s some kind of Daniel Johnston tension on the Fratellis drumming of  “Heart Shackles”. My Teenage Stride is surely force to dig out curiosity and surprise on the instinctive and amused approach Jed Smith uses to carve his works out. This kind of kind arrogance attitude reflected on their music hit my attention and humor on this interview as well. Brookliniers, World, look out for Jed Smith and its band. (more…)

Posted on April 13, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Slide Over Kiara

I like the way Vandal Records works. Having a nice logo it’s not enough (but it’s a really good and smart square one). You have support the band you believe in showing blood and being enough professional to avoid the evidence of any pulpy situation providing a good p.r. working and a fine detailed planning and organization. (more…)

Posted on April 12, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Laura go home. This is Patrizia’s World

Mix tapes and road trips are the most reliable things when it comes down to catch the gist of the brightest days of your life and get to know new impressive stuff from friends. I mean, something so special you don’t certainly wouldn’t have the chance to casually listen on the radio or in a supermarket. That was the case of Patrizia Laquidara, an impressive (and cute!) Italian chanteuse brought in da stereo by a friend of a friend. (more…)

Posted on April 11, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

The Many names of Marian

Marian Trapassi is one of the best kept living secrets of tiny Italian underground pop scene. Being an art-school student in her early years, having experienced and explored international sounds in America and written an amazing debut and its sophomore, it was such a surprise to be lucky enough to being aware and take part at her intimate live show in a nice club in Milan called Cisso Simonetta, near the Navigli area, just about the place where Pizzicato 5 took their cover picture for “The Happy End Of The World”. (more…)