Mat Brooke (formerly of Carissas Weird and Band Of Horses) has formed a new band, Grand Archives. Stepping completely into the spotlight has revealed three things: he is an incredible songwriter (anyone who had heard the songs he wrote with Band Of Horses including “Funeral” would attest to that), he has a fantastic voice, and he knows how to assemble a perfectly complimentary band (including former Carissas Weird bandmate Sera Cahoon.) Grand Archives self-titled debut is already one of the best albums of 2008. They will perform in Salt Lake at In The Venue on May 30th.
UPDATE: I had no idea that we would be getting response from all around the United States and around the world. It has been really great to hear from so many dedicated fans of The Mars Volta. I should have been a little more clear about the contest. It is a contest to promote the concert on May 19th in Magna, Utah (just West of Salt Lake City), and we had planned to give the posters to the contest winners at the show.
We have received 10 fantastic hand screened posters for The Mars Volta’s upcoming show, and we want to share them with our most dedicated fans. We’ve decided to hold a promotion competition.
It’s simple, post an ad (or show preview) for The Mars Volta on your myspace page or blog. (Here’s the URL for the ad: http://www.postfontaine.com/images/marsVolta2web.jpg) Once the ad is posted send us a message or email (postfontaine@gmail.com) and include a link to your page with the ad on it. The first 10 people who send us a qualifying link will win an awesome poster. Extra points if you link the ad to the ticketing page : http://ktix.ticketforce.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=862&a=1&backurl=default.asp. The contest starts… NOW!
We just started a Facebook page. It basically has all the same information as our official website and our official myspace page. We understand that everybody has their own preferences when it comes to digital communities, so we are happy to provide a variety of titillating options. As newbies to the world of Facebook, we are asking for your help. If you are a “Facebooker,” visit us and become our fan. We in turn will return the love with nice messages and special offers.
As a dedicated Postfontaine enthusiast, we are offering you an early chance to secure yourself a spot at The Mars Volta show on May 19th at The Great Saltair. The presale starts tomorrow, Thursday, April 17th and runs through Friday, April 18th. To purchase tickets, click the link below on Thursday or Friday and enter the presale password. There is a 4 ticket limit on the presale offer. Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday at 10:00 am. Video below is for the song “Televators” off the album De-Loused In The Comatorium.
EVENT: THE MARS VOLTA @ THE GREAT SALTAIR DATE: MAY 19TH BUY TICKETS:www.ktix.net (presale offer Thurs. and Fri. only) PASSWORD: goliath
EVENT: FLOGGING MOLLY @ THE GREAT SALTAIR DATE: JULY 19TH BUY TICKETS:www.ktix.net
Starting as a pub band in L.A. in 1997, Flogging molly had no great aspirations other than making good, enjoyable music. Eleven years and seven releases later, Flogging Molly have won over a legion of loyal fans the world over. Blending mix of traditional Irish folk music and highly energetic punk rock, they have carved out a sound all thier own. The Great Saltair will provide an amazing setting for this highly entertaining show. With a new album, “Float,” in stores now, the band will be sure to provide plenty of hits new and old.
We found a pretty decent live video of the band performing the title track of thier new album at Stubbs BBQ in Austin, Texas. We thought you might enjoy:
EVENT: NOFX / NUFAN @ IN THE VENUE DATE: MAY 3RD BUY TICKETS:www.24tix.com
Two of the biggest, best, and most influential bands to emerge from the punk revivalist movement on tour together? Yes, it is true. These bands have done nothing but put out good album after good album, while helping out other up and coming bands. If you’re anything like me, most of the music of your formative years was produced, inspired, or made possible by these guys. This one will take you back-the official music video for “Stickin’ in my eye” from the album White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean:
How’s this for indie cred - Death Cab For Cutie’s first album “You Can Play These Songs With Chords” was self released on cassette. I must say, that simple fact puts them a couple of notches higher in my book simply because I have always loved and been pretty loyal to cassette tapes. Both vehicles in our family feature a tape player, and I’m still adamant that the best mixes are created on magnetic tape. If there were a way to track the number of times bands were featured on a mix tape or CD gift between friends, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Death Cab at the top of the list.
Their music has a transcendent quality that appeals to everybody from the love scorned eighth grader, to her ultra-hip older brother, and their open minded parents. Death Cab have created a wide and loyal fan base the old fashioned way - by touring relentlessly during the early years of their career. There is an inherent intimacy to be discovered in the carefully crafted songs full of heartfelt and witty lyrics. Tracks often begin with a simple phrase or idea that is explored steadily into a crescendo which dwindles and builds again, simplicity becoming carefully complex.
If you attended last year’s Jamboree Music Festival or the Arcade Fire show at Thanksgiving Point, then you will understand how great this venue is. Mature trees, green grass, great food, and brand new facilities, all at the base of the snow capped Wasatch Mountains. With support from Tegan and Sara and Rogue Wave, this show is certain to be one of the best of the year.
EVENT: DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, Tegan and Sara, Rogue Wave
It seems like it has been a little while since a really good punk show came through Salt Lake. April 2008 will certainly bring a change to that as four great shows come to town featuring the likes of: The Unseen, Anti-Flag, The Street Dogs, The Briggs, The Bouncing Souls, and Time again among others.
Since the emergence of punk rock in the late 1970’s there have been countless attempts to define “punk,” to place it in a box and store it on a shelf for safe keeping. This is and always has been a mistake because it was precisely that kind of conformist attitude that the punks were rebelling against in the first place. Basically, rock had become painfully overcomplicated and boring. Bands like The Eagles made it clear that rock and roll had turned against itself. The music had become safe and predictable.
The punk bands that emerged were on a mission to save rock and roll. They resorted back to the roots of the genre when rock was dangerous and bands had attitude. Characters like Chuck Barry, Elvis, and Buddy Holly among many others were viewed by many in their time as radicals who were out to corrupt the youth. Drawing inspiration from the early pioneers of rock, they sought to emulate the rawness and energy that had shocked so many in the 1950’s.
Many argue that the real punk movement died in the early 1980’s. Whatever your position is on the last sentence, it’s important to recognize that there are still bands out there who embody the ideals of punk rock. With that in mind, here is a brief preview of the shows that are coming up in April.
THE UNSEEN
BUY TICKETS: April 11, 2008, with A Wilhelm Scream @ In the Venue
Fast and brutal hardcore punk straight out of Boston, The Unseen have proven they have staying power. Great riffs and huge, fist pumping choruses drive their music. Both are evident in the video below for Scream Out, a song about how music can be the best therapy for troubled youth.
ANTI-FLAG, STREET DOGS, THE BRIGGS
BUY TICKETS: April 12 with Fake Problems @ In the Venue
“Anti-Flag is not anti-American, Anti-Flag is anti-war.” I remember reading that on a poster in my friend’s room in back 1998. Obviously it had some impression on me, seeing that I can quote it 10 years later. One of the first bands I came across that had a strong political message, Anti-Flag use their music to influence youth across the world in an attempt to promote positive change, to fight for an end to intolerance, and to put an end to war. How’s that for punk rock? Below is a video for “This Is The End” calling for an end to mass media’s exploitation and manipulation of self image in young minds.
THE BOUNCING SOULS
BUY TICKETS: april 16 with Static Radio NJ @ In the Venue
The Bouncing Souls struggled for years trying to no avail to land a record contract. The eventually came to the realization they were better off doing things themselves. They self-released 8 records and toured relentlessly before being signed by Epitaph. The first Bouncing Souls record I ever heard was “Tie One On.” It is a live recording of a show at The Continental in New York City, and it continues to be one of my favorite records. The sincerity, humor, and energy of the Bouncing Souls was brilliantly captured, although it resonates through all of their releases. Below is the video for “Gone,” a song about how music can help lift you out of your lowest and darkest times.
TIME AGAIN
BUY TICKETS: apr. 18 The Playdead Movement, Racist Kramer @ In the Venue
Time Again are a street punk band from California. Listening to their music, you can’t help but draw comparisons to some of their biggest influences like Operation Ivy, Rancid, The Clash, etc. However, Time Again have developed their own style and their own voice. With two full length albums and an e.p. released, they have already developed a great collection of punk rock songs. Below is the video for “Cold Concrete.” Enjoy it.
Mason Jennings is an artist who has never been afraid to take a step into the unknown. After dropping out of high school in Pittsburgh, he traveled the country and eventually settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he got his start making music. It would prove to be the start of another journey that would take him around the world, performing and building a large and dedicated fan base.
His first four records were released on his own independent label, Architect Records (distributed by Bar/None Records). A DIY ethic coupled with healthy dose of sincerity distinguish Jennings’ large catalog of songs. From contemplative ballads to high energy, fast tempo “folk rock,” Jennings embraces the experiences of life. His music caught the attention of Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse, and Jennings was asked to tour with the giants of indie rock. This lead to Mason Jennings signing with Brock’s Glacial Pace records (distributed by Epic Records). His first Glacial Pace Release, Boneclouds, is in stores now.
Click here to view the video for one of the best songs of our generation - “Sorry Signs on Cash Mashines” by Mason Jennings.
Alison Sudol’s music is beautifully haunting and melodic. Her piano driven indie pop is the amalgamation of a wide range of influences. From classical to Motown, from Elton John to Radiohead, she channels the diverse elements encountered into a sound that mirrors her personality. Shown below is the official video for her aptly titled single “Almost Lover.”
The Starting Line’s new album Direction (Virgin Records) is available now at your local record store. It has been creating quite a buzz, and you have most likely been hearing some of their singles on the radio lately. This talented, young group are on the road now and will be visiting Utah on Saturday, March 29th. Tickets can be obtained by clicking the link below.
BUY TICKETS - The Starting Line @ In the Venue, March 29th, 2008
Mike Ness spent his childhood years in Orange County, California filling his mind with early rock and roll and American roots music. Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones, Woodie Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Creedence Clearwater Revival were favorites not only because of their songs, but also for the independent spirit and rebellious attitude that permeates their music.
This same attitude was recognized by Ness with the emergence of punk rock. As the movement developed in Orange County in the early eighties, Ness at Seventeen years old would found one of the most important and influential bands of his generation: Social Distortion. The band stood out among others because Ness understood that great bands are able to draw inspiration from the legends of the past while establishing their own voice.
Forever steeped in the great tradition of American roots music, Ness’ solo albums mark a return to the music of his childhood. Listening to the old country/rockabilly sound on his records, one can’t help but feel the honesty and sincerity of the music and lyrics coming through the speakers. A healthy respect for the past has allowed Mike Ness to take his place among his heroes as a great American troubadour as his musical journey has come full circle.
BUY TICKETS - Mike Ness @ The Depot, May 26th, 2008
