(The Crinn)
(Zebulon Pike)
(The Body Beneath)
(Ambassador Gun)
Our exclusive photo coverage of the The Crinn’s must see return show and their equally awesome local support continues after the jump. Enjoy! Continue reading
To the satisfaction of many and ire of few, Finch regrouped last year and released a self titled EP to followup on their 2005 opus Say Hello to the Sunshine. If you missed the release the Cali-based post-hardcore-rock-prog-punk-psychedelic-whatever quintet has now made the album available for free download via their newly relaunched official website. Those who are interested, head over here to download one of the four file formats for the enire 2008 EP for free (including a few “goodies”, as well).
DOWNLOAD: Finch, Finch EP
You know, I don’t know why I’m on such a music video kick this week, but maybe it’s just that there’s where more music videos coming out this summer that are worthy of my attention than usual. While I’m reminsicing of my time spent in front of the TV as a youth, absorbing any and all videos coming for late night MTV2, I won’t slow down; Vivian Girls have posted a video for the new track “Moped Girls” from their new 7 inch on Rough Trade (the same cats who are also peddling the new “Get Over It” 7-inch from our local favorites in Solid Gold) which is limited to 1000 copies; grab it now while they’re still cheap. Additionally, the vinyl will contain a b-side track called “Death”, and you can pick this up over at Rough Trade’s website.
MUSIC VIDEO: Vivian Girls, “Moped Girls”
What the fuck is up with all these punk bands from the 90s rearing their heads this year to show that they’re still on the ball?? Propagandhi started 2009 off with the fantastically abrasive new album that is Supporting Caste (ps. they’re also playing at the Triple Rock in two weeks), Green Day is proving that they’re never going to go away with 21st Century Breakdown, Rancid is ready to deal out their first LP in 6 years on June 2nd, and Anti Flag continues the trend with their newest The People or the Gun on June 9th. It’s like these bands looked at all they happened since they slowed down and realized that it was finally time to use their elder knowledge and teach some people some lessons about how to play punk rock ‘n’ roll.
Really, though, I shouldn’t even be including Anti-Flag in this group; they’ve consistently been pumping out albums roughly every two years for more than a decade, and haven’t noticeably slowed down, to say the least. Last year when I saw their set at the Ripple Effect during the RNC (alongside such other diverse acts as Michael Franti, Dead Prez, .. and RATM..), it was obvious that they still have just as much passion for their cause as ever. As such, this video for “When the Lights Go Out” is a beautiful representation of them at this point in their career; never forget, Anti-Flag’s passionate fire for justice and prevailing against what holds you down is forever burning strong.
This is the second time I’ve posted about a local punk and hardcore show that was captured by Degross Punk Photography, and there’s something about the vividness of Degross’s photographs that I don’t think I’ll ever get over.
Head over to his blog to view his entire set from the recent Earth Crisis headlined gig with Walls of Jericho, Reign Supreme, Unholy, and Blood Stands Still at Station 4 in St. Paul.
The Mississippi river basins modern folk vagabond William Elliot Whitmore recently made a trip over the pond to show his literary and musical vocal talents to the British population, and the results that were captured on film are stunning. Whitmore’s powerful, old-time oration skills are truly a wonder in this day-and-age, and in this video performance for his “Old Devils” he sounds spectacular.
The last time I had the fortune to see Whitmore play live, he was sandwiched between the chaotic grind of local metal band Ambassador Gun and the expansive post-rock of Red Sparowes. Though the bill was quite an unlikely one for Whitmore, he handily won over any doubters with the passion of his exceptional performance and some sensibilities that could easily appeal to any fan of socially aware Midwestern music. It’s great that his career seems to be picking up steam on a global scale, because music this authentic, emotional, and beautiful needs to be honored the world over. Check out “Old Devils” live on Jools Holland below:
(Disembodied @ Triple Rock)
I just stumbled upon the page of Degross Punk Photography, a supreme quality photographer based in my own Minneapolis who seems to share a taste for some of the most revered and respectable names in hardcore and punk; I thought it was important to pass along my new knowledge to everyone else, hence this post. Recently, Degross shot at shows for HR (solo show from frontman of Bad Brains) and Destruction/Krisiun at Station 4 (that I also attended), as well as local sets from Agonstic Front, Have Heart, Suicidal Tendencies, The Bronx, Trash Talk, and the brilliant show that a rejuvenated Disembodied put on at the Triple Rock Social Club on Cedar a couple weeks ago. Click the link to go to his blog, and book mark his RSS or something. I’m certain his page will be updated quite frequently as the spring/summer heats up with the future ENR showcases and all other types of madness. Stay tuned!