Photos: Pentatonix @ Showbox SoDo

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A capella powerhouse, quintet Pentatonix, were here in Seattle on Saturday evening for an appearance at Seattle’s Showbox SoDo. With a debut album and a holiday release already in hand, we’re expecting album number two out very soon. The band’s bio sums up the incredible opportunities such a group of people have: “They will continue to create new music, consistently testing any and every preconception of what vocal music is and just how big it can be.” Yes! Enjoy some exclusive shots by photographer Josh Daniels of the Seattle appearance:

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Pentatonix

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Pentatonix

Show Review & Photos: Phoenix @ the Paramount

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Phoenix @ the Paramount, 3/29
Show Review & Photos by Abby Williamson

When the lineup for Coachella was first announced, the first thing that went through my head was “these people will be playing Sasquatch too!” So when the Sasquatch lineup was announced and Phoenix wasn’t on it, I was a bag of mixed feelings. Why Coachella and not Sasquatch? Don’t you guys love us?

But my anxiety was short-lived, as right after that, Phoenix’s full list of tour dates was announced and alas! Seattle was on it!

So yeah, you could say that I was excited.

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Thomas Mars of Phoenix

When that day finally did come, when the adorable Frenchmen graced the Paramount Theater with their presence, I was ready. Ready to rock out to some of my favorite hits like the last time they came to Seattle, over three years ago. But surprisingly, we weren’t given a huge log of hits dating back to the Lost In Translation days, but the entirety of their new album Bankrupt! There were a few other songs like “Lasso,” “Fences,” and “Long Distance Call,” among many others. But we were given a full 20 songs that night. That’s a lot of songs.

The opener, Canadian bro-rocker Mac DeMarco was an odd choice for the night. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy him, but it just didn’t feel cohesive with Phoenix’s set. I really appreciate opening bands that are not only entertaining and talented, but also mesh well and ready you for what’s to come. Phoenix’s new stuff is so electronic that Demarco’s sound seemed to lo-tech compared to it. The younger kids in the crowd seemed to enjoy it, but those of us that have been Phoenix fans for longer than a couple years; it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Phoenix’s set was perfect. It was energizing and each song hit you, one after the other. Even the downs of the night weren’t even downs. It’s hard to find a more polished and in sync live band than Phoenix, and they’re a prime example of a group that has been together for over ten years. Unfortunately Bankrupt! did leak several weeks before the official release, so that might have been why they decided to play all the songs from the new record, but they all sounded amazing. My one criticism would be that they should have put a warning sign outside for people with epilepsy because oh lord was there a lot of flashing lights.

In short, the whole night was pure joy.

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Show Preview & Album Review : Cody Beebe & the Crooks Release Out Here @ Neumos, Fri. 5/10

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Cody Beebe & the Crooks w/ Eclectic Approach + Eternal Fair + Daniel Kirkpatrick & the Bayonets
Neumos – May 10, 2013
$10/Adv – 21+

Cody Beebe & the Crooks, one of the hardest working bands in Seattle, returns to Neumos on May 10th to celebrate the release of their second album, Out Here. Join the band along with Eclectic Approach, Eternal Fair and Daniel Kirkpatrick & the Bayonets for a night of great music, old and new. I’m thinking that some “surprise” collaborations are probably in store for those who attend. This also serves as a preview of sorts for Chinook Fest, as 3 of these 4 acts are on that bill.

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Cody Beebe & the Crooks

Cody Beebe & the Crooks – Out Here – Album Review:

With hundreds of shows, thousands of miles and almost three years between releases, Cody Beebe & the Crooks return with their second album, Out Here. Sophomore slump? Not for the Crooked. Out Here builds upon and fleshes out the unique brand of Northwest roots rock first introduced by the Friends of the Old Mill. There are more jagged peaks, more lush meadows and definitely more heavy themes.

The topical, timely, relevant issue of gun control works its way into the conversation through the first single, “Hold the Line.” The music video is generating buzz on the Internet, with 10,000 views as of this writing.

The album was produced by John Goodmanson (Death Cab for Cutie, Brandi Carlile, Nada Surf) at Seattle’s legendary London Bridge Studio. His production adds an attractive finish to the sound but doesn’t overdo it. The history of London Bridge Studio sneaks ever so subtlety into the sound of the album. “Never Too Young” features the didgeridoo of Seattle by way of Australia musician Blake Noble. The song exudes a strong Pearl Jam influence.

“Dangerous” showcases the funky side of the band with prominent keyboards, horns and a great duet between Beebe and guest vocalist Fysah. The piano-driven title track tells of hard times on the prairie, a world away for most of us. Even so, the story of struggle and strife to make ends meet hits far too close to home for far too many.

The second half of the album features the slowly building rocker “Bitter Run,” the heavy as it sounds “Anvil” and the Zeppelin style acoustic folk guitar of album closer “Counting Sheep.”

Out Here is an accomplished, organic step forward for Cody Beebe & the Crooks.
~ Chris Senn