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• The first time I saw Seattle band the Valley they took over a small stage in a fairly empty club and simply laid down the rock so loud and heavy I was floored. Their music hit on some crazy sonic level like Godheadsilo used to, where you not only hear it, but you feel it vibrating from the stage, across the floor and through your body. I think I actually felt queasy at first. If you mention the Valley to anyone who’s seen them, they usually say “The Valley are fucking loud!” Now, I’m not sure that being known as a loud band is usually a good thing; you don’t want to be known for driving people out of the room. But somehow it works for the Valley both live and on their debut album, released in January on Swingline Records. The band’s heavy distortion, heavy guitars and heavy drums are balanced by melodic songs and catchy vocals. With equal parts grunge and pop punk, the Valley blend two styles I love, but rarely find together.
• Changes are going on in Seattle’s two main clubs that book punk and heavier rock. Funhouse closed for the month of January to have some structural work done on the floor. While you probably won’t notice any cosmetic changes at the club, long-time Seattle booker and KEXP DJ Brian Foss has become one of the owners. Yes, this means Brian is booking Funhouse again, something many have hoped for. Over at Graceland there have been both an ownership and name change. The club bookers Dana and Lori bought the club and changed its name to El Corazon. During January they closed for renovations. I talked to Lori about the changes and she said they won’t be too major; they are more cosmetic, including resurfacing of the floors, walls, bathrooms and dressing rooms. There will be a new look to go with the new name. “Sort of a Mexican and tattoo theme; you will understand the name El Corazon more when you see it,” Lori said. Along with the new look there will be a new menu, Monday Funday will return, and they will have DJs and happy hour in the bar area. El Corazon wants to become the center for local all-ages hardcore and punk shows along with its 21-and-over events.
• While Funhouse and Graceland were closed, I spent more time at other venues around town. For small shows I really like the Comet, despite the fact that they don’t sell booze. There was a de-facto Go Kart Records showcase there a few weeks ago when the Shemps from NYC came to town and played with the Amazombies. The Shemps owned the crowd from the beginning of the first song, when the singer came out dressed as Wonderwoman. The band rifled through their set with so much energy it was amazing. And despite half the band being sick, the Amazombies downed a bunch of Sparks and still put on a great show.
• My favorite venue in town for live music is the Sunset Tavern. Something about its ambience, small stage and fun crowds makes me always have a good time there. Recently they’ve brought back Sunday’s “Four O’Clock Rock” with Jenny Blendel doing the booking. There’s nothing like getting hammered Sunday afternoons while watching some of the best up and coming local bands, I highly recommend checking that action out. The Sunset has played host to some great live shows lately, including the Gloryholes, the Royal Pains, the Hot Rollers, Portland’s Clorox Girls and locals the Blank-Its, who get better and better every time I see them. At the Gloryholes’ show the band put on yet another one of their out of control fun sets where singer Doug spent almost more of his time in the crowd than on stage.
• February 7 the Hollowpoints CD “The Black Spot” comes out on Disaster Records. We’ve had a copy of their new CD kickin’ around the office for a few weeks and I’m totally hooked on it. Recorded with the infamous Duane Peters, I definitely like how the band’s sound has progressed from their earlier releases. Long gone are the clean vocals and guitars, as well as the fairly simple political lyrics. The years of touring and maturing have roughened and toughened the band’s sound for the better. The songs are catchy but rough social commentaries, often in the vein of bands like Rancid and Good Riddance. It’s so good to have a band like the Hollowpoints coming from my hometown, flying the punk rock flag loud and proud in a liberal town that’s not always as supportive of rebellious music as it should be. “The Black Spot” is the record that’s gonna shine the national spotlight on the band. Catch their CD release show at the Vera Project with the Amazombies and the Insurgence February 25, it’s gonna rock!
Gimme gimme gimme, I need some more...
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