Review & Photos: The Ponys @ The Tractor

Posted on 05/01/2010 by BBS

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The Ponys fired on all cylinders for very appreciative fans at The Tractor. Jered, Melissa, Brian, and Nathan wowed the crowd with their punk-inspired rock that had the fans smiling and cheering every time a different song began.

Normally a band has one or two standouts who you remember after the show is over. Not so with The Ponys. Each member has their own distinctive style and they were really fun to watch. Diminutive Melissa on bass was more than a match for front man Jered Gummere. If you ever get a chance to see The Ponys…do it. They were billed as an Indie Garage band but that’s much too limiting for this charismatic band.

The Tractor
I’ve seen several shows at The Tractor in Ballard and it’s a wonderful place to see a show. As a fan it’s great because the owner allows anyone to bring in a camera to make their own memories. As a photographer it’s difficult because the lighting is quite low which really adds to the mood. If you bring your own camera, be prepared for very low light. These photos were taken from ISO 6400 to ISO 12,800.

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Photos: Portugal. The Man & AutoVaughn @ the Showbox Market (Galleries)

Posted on 04/29/2010 by Dagmar

Portugal. The Man and AutoVaughn were at the Showbox recently as part of Rhapsody Rocks. When I say recently it was several weeks ago and I wish I had gotten these galleries up sooner! I covered the event way earlier but every so often I am ashamed to admit I get a little behind here. I had a blast at this show and can’t wait to see Portugal. The Man when they return to Seattle at Neumos on June 25th. I also want to see AutoVaughn again – they hit Seattle on June 17th.

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AutoVaughn – all photos by Dagmar

Gallery of Portugal. The Man @ the Showbox
Gallery of AutoVaughn @ the Showbox

Show Review & Photos: 22-20s @ the Crocodile

Posted on 04/27/2010 by Dagmar

22-20s released only one CD, 2005’s self-titled LP and then the British band split up a couple of years ago. This was a huge disappoint for me as I was hooked on their CD immediately. Have been hooked ever since. Their CD was one of my favorites of the decade. I caught their two appearances in Seattle – one opening for Graham Coxon, the other a headlining set at the Crocodile. I was incredibly surprised when I saw their name pop up on the Crocodile’s site on the same bill with Band of Skulls, and, wondering if someone else took the name, I did some research. They were back together! This never happens to me with bands. Once they go, they are gone. Anyway, I saw them on Thursday night; they’ve got a new guitarist, Dan Hare and about 95 percent of what they played was brand new material – brand new smoking great material, including Bitter Pills, Latest Heartbreak and Shake, Shiver and Moan. It was hard to see a band who obviously had so much in them disband, but this summer they’ll release their second LP. It’s going to be a blessing.

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22-20s – review & all photos by Dagmar

Gallery of 22-20s @ the Crocodile

Show Review & Photos: Band of Skulls @ the Crocodile

Posted on 04/26/2010 by Dagmar

The pulverizing Band of Skulls nearly took out part of the Crocodile on Thursday night. Towards the end of the British band’s set one of the photos on the wall fell to the ground under Band of Skulls’ sonic weight. They’ve just put out their debut CD, 2009’s Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, but the happily rabid reaction they received from fans proved them to be a major player. You will hear much more from these Brits. My favorite songs of the night, songs you could feel pounding in the air? Fires, Death By Diamonds And Pearls and I Know What I Am.

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Band of Skulls – show review & all photos by Dagmar

Gallery of Band of Skulls @ the Crocodile

Show Review & Photos: Public Image Limited @ Showbox Market

Posted on 04/24/2010 by Dagmar

The bass of Public Image Limited is wicked. Also wicked is one of the most original voices in rock, John Lydon. No one else sounds like him and I don’t think anyone can even try. Maybe you hate his voice; I don’t really care if you do because I love it and all those people who showed up on Tuesday night are on my side. Part of what really got me going during this show (in addition to Lydon’s unreal howl) was the rhythmic brilliance of these songs. They are some of the best dance songs you’re going to come across. Flowers of Romance? Yes, yes yes. Tie Me to the Length of That? And arguably their pièce de résistance, Religion I? John Lydon said he wrote the song 30 years ago and it’s as relevant today as it was then. It’s not every night you see a band this significant. Lydon didn’t appreciate the fans in the bar so much, pointing out they were too cool to be on the main floor. But that’s quite okay to be singled out by Lydon in his way. According to Rise, Anger is an energy . . . Photos:

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