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If you are looking for something new and heavy, check out Big Business’ “Head For The Shallow” CD on Hydra Head Records. The band features Jared from Karp/Tight Bros and Coady from Murder City Devils/Dead Low Tide. You’ve heard this about other bands, but they are a two-piece that just seems bigger than the sum of its parts. In the case of Big Business, they’re totally fucking loud and heavy. They somehow combine post-hardcore with ‘80s metal into a catchy, yet chaotic blend. This shit will melt your face.
• When the CD from Portland band Camaro Hair arrived at the plush Tablet offices, I exclaimed, “Fuck yeah!” My expectations of either blistering metal or humorous ‘80s hair rock were quickly dashed upon listening to “Far From OK.” The band instead has some awful ‘80s pop and glam rock blend that seems more appropriate for LA in the ‘90s. I’d go so far as to say the pretentious singer annoys me enough to make me wanna punch him in the nuts. Hard.
• Seattle band the Charity Stripe’s “Islands” CD EP equally rubbed me wrong. I just hate breathy male vocals over really poppy music. My god, if you are going to do ridiculous sugar-coated pop, at least be creative enough to do it with humor or irony like Tales from the Birdbath. The Charity Stripe’s take on pop is too serious; too seriously boring. Well, I’m sure it’s age appropriate for eight-year olds, but not anyone reading this column.
• A pop band that does excite me is locals the Upskirts, who put out a CD EP entitled “Tube Top Tease” fairly recently. The band has a tight catchy sound that has enough elements of ‘70s punk to draw me into their sticky web.
• The Hollow Points have a new 7” out on Disaster Records. I think the band kicks ass, but either my copy was defective or the recording and production on it were on the low-end. The new single just didn’t have the punch I love in the band’s music.
• Have you heard the new Ms. Led album yet? Damn, it smokes. At a few points in “These Things We Say,” I actually think I’m listening to Bikini Kill. And that’s not a dis at all. I loved Bikini Kill and delighted not only in the band’s reference to them in their opening track, but the overall rebellious girl rock’n’roll feel throughout the CD. They are hard, catchy and make you wanna raise your femi-fist.
• The Vera Project, Seattle’s all-ages music venue, community space and more, has an open call for a collaborative event planning program that they are running with One Reel. The program will train people in all the elements of event planning through seminars with industry experts and hands-on experience with Bumbershoot and events at the Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheater. They are looking for enthusiastic people between the ages of 16-24 and the program is free! The application deadline is January 7 at 5pm; email eventplanning@theveraproject.org for more info.
• What have I been diggin’ on you ask? The amazing new BellRays CD “The Red, White & Black” comes out in mid-January. I’ve had my dirty little hands on it for a few weeks and it kicks some serious booty. For the uninitiated, singer Lisa Kekaula harnesses the power of rock’n’roll as a soul priestess fronting one kick ass garage rock band. Whether she’s hollerin’ about love or revolution, Kekaula’s soulful vocals are matched perfectly with her band’s rocking energy. I’m sure they will tour behind this album, so don’t miss the BellRays’ live show. The Organ’s “Grab That Gun” has also been getting’ heavy airplay in mi casa, fans of Joy Division and the Cure might want to check these gals out. They’re playing the Pit Pub in Vancouver BC January 27 and just might be worth the road trip.
• Before I’m out the door, I just wanted to plug a of couple great shows this month in Seattle. On the 1st the Intelligence and Pulses will be throwing down at the Funhouse. Hop on over to Ballard on the 13th since the Clorox Girls kick ass and don’t play here all that often. They will be playing with Milwaukee’s Catholic Boys, the Blank-Its and the Juvies, who include ex members of the Candy Snatchers and the Girls. One of the best all-ages shows of the month takes place January 15 at the Vera Project with the Fitness, Ms. Led, Dalmations and the Cripples. And finally, the 21st at the Comet is a great straight-up punk show with the Hollow Points and the Dreadful Children.
I love the sound when I smash the glass…
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