Artist: July Talk
Song: “Guns & Ammunition”
Why you want to watch: A straightforward piece emphasizing the lead singers in a stark and sexy way.
Details: Canadian band with fascinating vocals by Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay. Don’t know this group? Familiarize yourselves now – they have a date in Seattle at the Sunset on June 1st.
Show Review & Photos: Smallpools & Magic Man @ the Neptune
Smallpools & Magic Man @ the Neptune, 11/24/14
Show Review & Photos by Dagmar
Dear Smallpools and Magic Man: You amaze me. Your music inspires great love and happiness. Thank you. Even looking back at these photos from November 2014 I can relive the fun show.
I’d seen Magic Man twice before this show, and no surprise here for me – they are a joyful band with that beloved synth pop sound. The Boston quintet made major waves (get it, get it? stupid joke, stupid joke alert) with Before the Waves last year, and it’s an album you should have in your library. If you don’t like their music, there is most likely something missing in your heart.
Same goes for Smallpools. In their case, I had never seen the group before, but I had listened to their music and thought, “Damn, this is a mighty fine band.” From Los Angeles, Smallpools also makes the kind of music I thrive on. “Karaoke,” a key song off their debut, LOVETAP!, is perfect sweetness. From the second singer Sean Scanlon leaped from nowhere on that Neptune stage and in the process kind of scaring the hell out of me while I was taking photos, I (and the audience) had a blast with this band. On a huge tour right now, they will be in Seattle on May 23rd to headline the Crocodile. Go and have fun everybody.
More Photos Smallpools @ the Neptune
More Photos of Magic Man @ the Neptune
Photos: Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line @ Tractor Tavern
Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line made a stop at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard last week during her lengthy US tour. The Tractor was the perfect venue for the Americana band who recently released their third album, Wake. Party Line members included Josh Vana (guitar), Matt Boley (drums), Joe Overton (guitar, banjo) and Brian Duncan Miller (bass).
Photos: Reykjavik Calling @ Neumos
Reykjavik Calling, an annual event presented by Taste of Iceland, brought the musical side of its festivities to Neumos in October 2014. As in prior years, Icelandic and Seattle musicians collaborated to create some magic, and performed that magic live. Bands included Júníus Meyvant, Cataldo, Kithkin, Sin Fang, Sóley, Say Hi and the Seattle Rock Orchestra. All photos by Simon Krane:
Photos: Nikki Lane @ Tractor Tavern
Self-styled alt-country bad girl, Nikki Lane recently played at the Tractor Tavern near the beginning of her current US tour. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter and her band are out supporting her third album, All or Nothin’, which was released last year. Look for Nikki back in Seattle during Bumbershoot on September 6.