Cemeteries + Night Moves

Some really great new bands for you all today. We'll start off with Minneapolis band, Night Moves. Their brand new album, Colored Emotions just came out on the 16th. The sounds that Night Moves produce encompasses all sorts of indie genres, yet not generic to just say it is plainly indie music. With harmonizations that soar to falsetto heights and slide guitars backed with acoustic guitars there is some country twang to their rock-pop beauty. I really enjoy this album from start to finish. Colored Emotions has a lot to offer listeners who like all kinds of indie music.




Next up is Cemeteries, the artist from Buffalo, NY. This is chill dream-pop music at it's finest. Their debut full length album is called The Wilderness. The album is outrageously good and chill. Cemeteries embodies a lot of different chill 'n' roll influences. I hear a lot of The Radio Dept., Real Estate, and Washed Out in their music. They have lots of catchy guitar riffs that drift over landscapes of ambient synthesizers. The Wilderness is a fantastic album that everyone should know about and listen to. So check it out below, my favorite tracks are "Young Blood", "Summer Smoke", and "Leland".

Dan Deacon + The Hood Internet

Hey everyone, got some really groovy music for you all today. We'll start it off with the ever clever Dan Deacon. His newest release, America came out back in August. I'm really digging on this album, it is really good. With crazy collaboration of electro/dubby beats and an Americana folky feel to it, it's really something brand new to your ears. I believe this is a really great soundtrack to where America is today, holding on to old traditions while exploring newer technologies to push the future forward. I also really like the way the album is laid out. The first track "Gilford Avenue Bridge" starts out with a bang and a sweeping electro sounds accompanied by some really cool tribal beats. The album then moves onto super catchy electro-pop songs like "Lots," then ends with an epic four piece movement called "USA." This album is such a great listen so check it out below.

Next up is chillwave masters The Hood Internet with their newest album called FEAT. This album is all about collaboration with awesome artists and bands, the result is some of the freshest songs this year. Some of the artists on the album include Cadence Weapon, Hooray For Earth, Psalm One, and many more. These beats are super funky groovy that you will have to dance to them, and the album has a great flow to it as well, which is hard for a compilation album. I guarantee that you will find a song on this album that you will play at your next party. Listen to it below and make sure you listen to "More Fun," "Won't Fuck Us Over," "Our Finest China," and "These Things Are Nice."

Brainstorm + Soccer Babes

Hey everyone, got some more new music for your face holes today. Starting with Portland's duo/ trio Brainstorm. Their new full length album, Heat Waves, came out yesterday. This is a great album from these guys/girl. Really catchy drum beats with jangly guitars and cool harmonization make up the sound, there is some tuba in there as well. Heat Waves is like listening to a hot island song that quickly melts an ice cold heart. I bet if you listen to it, you'll find your new favorite song. Whether it's "Flat Earth," "Forms Without A Frame," or "Maybe A Memory." This is a really great album and you should buy it from our friends at Tender Loving Empire.




Next up is Eugene, OR post-punk trio, Soccer Babes. These guys have a really great sound, that gives a fresh take on post-punk pop. If you like Surfer Blood and Japandroids, you will like Soccer Babes. With great drumming skills and shredding guitars, it's very hard not to head bang to their latest EP titled EP II. So take a minute to listen to them below. My favorite track is "Island Mana."

Onuinu + The Raveonettes

A great debut full length album from one of the hottest bands here in Portland came out this week. I'm talking about the band Onuinu's album Mirror Grazer. This is one of the better albums that I've heard this year. Mirror Grazer is a super groovy, booty shakin' electro-boogie sounding record. I've been blasting it on repeat all week. Check it out below, my favorite tracks are "Always Akward," "A Step In The Right Direction," "Ice Palace," and "Happy Home."




Next up is the latest album from The Raveonettes called Observator. I'm really enjoying this album as well. They remind me of a noisier XX. The Raveonettes put out a really cool indie noise-rock album that sounds fresh with each track. I really like the variety that they offer throughout, it definitely doesn't get repetitive which can happen with some noise-rock bands. Check it out below, it's really good to listen to for the new fall season.

Band Of Horses + Seapony

Hi everyone, I got some new music to share with you all today. We'll start it off with Seapony's brand new album, Falling. This Seattle threesome is all about the dreamy indie pop-rock. I really enjoy this album, they have really catchy hooks and riffs that make you want to sway back and forth. My favorite tracks are "What You Wanted" and "No One Will Be." Check it out below.




Next album I want to share with you is the brand new one from another Seattle band called Band Of Horses. This is their fourth full length album and it's called, Mirage Rock. Another great album from these guys, they have such an incredible sound of indie rock, it's hard not to like them. Mirage Rock sounds a little bit different than their previous efforts, it feels a little more intimate this time around. This is a really solid album that should be heard by all so check it out below. My favorites are "Shut-In Tourist" and "Heartbreak 101."

Music Fest NW Night 5

The last day of Music Fest NW was on Sunday and it had a bittersweet end to a very hectic week. All shows were at Pioneer Courthouse Square to close out the festival. The night started with Atlas Genius a four piece alt pop-rock from Australia. Drawing on the same vein as Foster The People, Atlas Genius brings catchy riffs and dancing bass lines through their sound. Check out a couple of tracks from their debut EP below.






Next up was School Of Seven Bells. Their latest album Ghostory was released in February this year. They have a shadowy pop type of sound to them. They put on a good show at the square as people were starting to fill in for the main attraction of the night.




That attraction of course was Silversun Pickups. I've been a fan of SSPUs since they came out with the single "Lazy Eye" from Carnavas. Since then they have been evolving their sound into something maybe a little more polished, but still as impacting. They're one of those bands that no matter when you become a fan, you are happy that they have made it to the stage they are now. For me it's like watching a young relative grow up so fast. They always put on a fantastic show every time I get to see them, this time was no exception. They played all the hits including a few older songs as well. I'm really excited to see where they go in the future. Check out their debut EP Pikul below, it's super good.




I want to thank Music Fest NW and Willamette Week for putting on a great music festival. And of course to the bands that all rocked face out there last weekend. I look forward to going next year. Check out all the photos from last Wednesday to Sunday over on the website KillingSasquatch.com.

Music Fest NW Night 4

Saturday night was a night of rock and roll and lasers. I started the night out at Pioneer Square seeing local rock stars Starfucker. The guys were stoked to be playing at the square and their performance showed that. They played all the great hits like "German Love" and "Millions." They have a bunch of shows throughout the year so check here to see if they are coming to you. You don't want to miss them.




The next show I wanted to see was The We Shared Milk, but instead my car got a flat tire and I missed the entire show getting the spare on. So after that mishap I went over to Bunk Bar to see local Portland band Mission Spotlight. This five piece indie country rock band was a real treat to watch and drink a beer to. They have such a great sound with their slide guitar and blend of post-rock and country music. The slide guitar plays my heart strings and his voice sounds almost god-like. Check out their new album called Everything That Floats.




Next up at the Bunk Bar was Seattle duo, My Goodness. And my, did they rock so freaking hard! These guys might just be my new favorite band. They play an awesome blues-rock that reminds of early Black Keys. My Goodness is another reason why rock 'n' roll isn't dead. Check out their bandpage here and watch the bad-ass video of their single "I've Got A Notion" below.



The last band that I caught was Sad Baby Wolf. Started by Marty Crandall and Neal Lanford, former The Shins/Flake Music members, this post-rock outfit totally rocked out the Doug Fir Lounge. Super high energy lo-fi post-rock mixed with catchy choruses and riffs, these guys are worth a listen to. They also had really cool finger lasers that were fun to play with. I'm really stoked to hear more from these rockers from Albuquerque, NM.



Check out the photos at our website KillingSasquatch.com

MFNW Night 3

Friday night was night 3 of Musicfest NW with yet another fantastic lineup. I started the night off by going to see Beirut at Pioneer Courthouse Square. It was a great show that had many different instruments from tuba to accordion. Beirut has such a dynamic sound, and the crowd was getting down to the music. Though I didn't stay long at Beirut I really enjoyed their performance. Check out some of their newest material below.





The second band that I went to go see was Lake at Backspace. Lake is a four piece band from Olympia, WA. Their sound is so joyful, mixing elements of easy rock 'n' roll and pop it's easy to sway back and forth to. When you listen to Lake you don't want their songs to end. Definitely worth a listen to.




Next up I went over to the Crystal Ballroom to see Unknown Mortal Orchestra. These guys are super cool lo-fi pop-rock with a little funk mixed into it. Their show was a little hard to get into at first, but after a couple of songs they opened up a little bit and started shredding the hell out of the stage. UMO had a fantastic show and I highly recommend seeing them live.




Unknown Mortal Orchestra opened up for fellow Portlanders, The Helio Sequence. This brother combo is one of the best pop-rock outfits that we have here in Portland. They put out excellent material on a consistent basis and are coming out with another album tomorrow the 11th. The ballroom was packed as Helio Sequence took the stage as usual, they have played at every Music Fest NW for the last 12 years. If you haven't heard them yet check out their new single "October" and an older track, one of my favorites, "Can't Say No."






Last band that I saw Friday night was another local duo Talkdemonic. They played at Bunk Bar which is a little place for a band with a big following. I would classify Talkdemonic's sound as folk-tronic. They play mostly instrumental music with drums and electric violin. They put out a great energy at the show and hopefully they play more local shows in the near future.



Check out KillingSasquatch.com to see the photos.

Music Fest NW Night 2

Thursday night saw the second night for MusicFest NW and everyone was out to get down on some great live shows. I started the night off going to Backspace to see three piece band Cheap Girls from Michigan. They have a great alt-rock sound that is reminiscent of the 90s. They have a bunch of catchy tunes that end up rocking your face off when you least expect it.




After Cheap Girls I hopped over the river to go see Lemolo at Mississippi Studios. I had some good timing since the venue started to fill in soon after I arrived. The two girls from Seattle have some serious talent. They have some really cool looping features, great songwriting, and amazing vocals. To me they bridge a gap between classical, metal, and pop music. Definitely worth checking out live.




After Lemolo's set I headed over to Ted's Berbatis to see Purity Ring, but with the line going down the block and around the corner I decided to instead to go back over the river to see Onuinu at the Doug Fir Lounge. I got there just as they were firing up their single "Ice Palace." The lounge was pretty crowded with people dancing and swaying to the electro beats of Onuinu. I really enjoy Onuinu's ability to mix electronic-pop with some rock elements, it reminds me of a chiller Neon Indian.





The last band for the night was Tanlines over at the Holocene. Tanlines have a really cool tribal like electro-pop sound to them. The crowd was getting down as the duo started up with their single "Brothers." They will be playing Fun Fun Fest in the fall so be sure to check them out.

Music Fest NW Night 1

Last night was the first night of MusicFestNW. It was a great start to the end of the week leading into the weekend. I started the night off by going to the Crystal Ballroom to see LP open up for Passion Pit. LP was a great surprise for me, they have a great alt-rock sound fronted with a highly talented singer. This lady has golden pipes, it was incredible to hear her live. I highly recommend seeing them perform, they give off a great energy that is easy to get down to. Check out their live EP that came out earlier this year below. My favorite is the title track "Into The Wild."




Passion Pit came on next to a full house at the Crystal. Talk about high energy, frontman Michael Angelakos knows how to get the whole city of Portland fired up and dancing. Though Passion Pit is a little more main stream pop oriented than what I usually cover, I had a blast at the show. They started it off with the new hit single "Take A Walk" from the newest album Gossamer. It was a great show so make sure you check here to see when they play near you.



The last stop I went was at Mississippi Studios to go see LA band Superhumanoids. Having never heard them before, I was in for a treat. They have a great heavy synth-pop sound that was very easy to get down to. These guys, and girl, have great song writing skills that makes listening to them a treat. Towards the end of their set they pulled out a cover of "I Wanna Be Sedated" and it was one of the best covers I have ever heard. Superhumanoids has great talent and I can't wait to hear more from them. Check out the photos over on our website KillingSasquatch.com.

Hustle And Drone + First Borns

Got some new local Northwest artists for you today. I'll start with one of the hottest Portland bands recently to come on the scene, Hustle and Drone. This electro duo puts together some of the most bad-ass - slow motion walking like a boss - beats. Seriously these guys make great music that should be recognized as some of the best electronic music out this year. Their self-titled EP came out about a month ago and it is super fantastic. If you aren't hooked by the first track "Index" definitely check out the closer "Body Wash." Listen to it below and feel like a total slow-motion badass.




Next up is a Boise, ID band called First Borns. Going in a different direction here, First Borns is a lo-fi shoe-gazey three piece. This band also makes super cool music, really hazy/echoey vocals, catchy guitar riffs, bass with heavy fuzz, and chugging drum beats is what you'll get with First Borns. Their sound reminds me of the part of the night you want to keep partying but the sun is almost up and you're out of energy, but you don't want to have such a memorable night end. I really enjoy their brand new self-titled EP which came out on Wednesday. Definitely worth a listen and a dollar donation for download. I'm really excited to hear more from these guys. Check out my faves "She Does Drugs," "I Know...," and "Gene."

New Animal Collective + Wild Nothing

Got some brand new music for you lovely people. First up is Animal Collective's newest full length album Centipede Hz. I really enjoy this album a lot! I personally think Merriweather Post Pavilion was a little over-rated, still good, just over-rated. This new one though has a great sound, it's like a nice mix between Strawberry Jam and Merriweather Post Pavilion, but totally new and exciting. There is some great vocal manipulations and brand new sounds that I've never heard before. Animal Collective has a great way to make pop music sound so fresh in a psychedelic way. I highly recommend this album check it out over at NPR's site for a free stream, and watch the freaky new video for "Today's Supernatural" below. My favorite tracks are "Applesauce" and "Monkey Riches."

Next up is a more contemporary pop-rock band called Wild Nothing. Their second full length album comes out tomorrow the 28th and it's called Nocturne. Wild Nothing has a really cooled out sound with relaxed drum beats and echoey guitars. The breathy vocals give a lot of texture to their sound as well. You can check out Nocturne streaming below. I like the title track and "Midnight Song," definitely worth a full listen to.

Why? + Sundaze

One of my favorite bands Why? has come out with another EP called Sod In The Seed. I absolutely love Yoni Wolf's delivery and songwriting and Sod In The Seed is no exception. It is really nice to hear some new Why? This new EP is fantastic! They give what every fan wants, something different, yet keeping the same kind of sound. Check it out below, my favorite track is "Shag Carpet," but clocking in at 16 mins it is worth an entire listen.




Next up is local Portland band Sundaze. This trio has an awesome sound that takes from shoegaze, lo-fi indie rock, and dream pop to make something super cool and chilled out. I'm really digging on their Snow Falling EP that came out in April this year. Super reverbed guitars and vocals along with some sexy drum beats make up most of the tracks on their EP. Check it out below and if you're not taken in by the title track definitely check out "Night Walkers" and a cover of "Who Loves The Sun" from Velvet Underground.

Aan + Eight Bells + Zechs Marquise

Got some great math metal for you all today. Those unfamiliar with the term, math metal is a sub-genre of metal that includes weird time signatures and awesome syncopation. So first up is El Paso, TX band Zechs Marquise. These guys rock super hard, with driving bass lines, dynamite drumming, and psychedelic guitars. Their latest album, Getting Paid is absolutely fantastic, it's a lot like exploring a place that you haven't been to before. Check them out below. Getting Paid is a really cohesive album so you should listen to it all the way through, but if I had to choose a couple of tracks check out the first two and "Time Masters." The cover art is also really cool too.




Next up is local Portland band Eight Bells. I was able to see them recently at the PDX Pop Now festival, and they totally rocked faces off there. More along the lines of noise rock, it's hard to believe there are only three people in the band. A sweeping guitar that can go from 0-150 mph in 0.3 seconds into a screeching, blistering solo, some crazy awesome drumming, and bass lines that either glide or set the tone on where to head bang. These ladies, and gentleman, know how to please the ears. Check out their demo Isosceles below, and be on the lookout for their debut full length hopefully coming out at the end of the year.




Last up is another local band called Aan, pronounced on. These guys are more of an experimental pop-rock band. You can also say that they have some folky undertones to them as well. I really enjoy their sound, and their singer has a really cool voice that lends to their unique sound. I'm really looking forward to their debut full length album that is set to come out in the fall. Check out the single "I Don't Need Love" below, also their 7" that came out last year.

Back In Action

Hi everyone! It's good to be back writing about music again. I have some great bands for you all today that will be at Music Fest NW in a couple of weeks. First up is alt-country band Mission Spotlight. A local Portland band that has the americana sound down to a key. Their latest EP is called Everything That Floats and is available on bandcamp for name your own price. Twangy guitars, smooth bass lines, awesome slide guitar riffs, and a booming voice is what makes up Mission Spotlight's sound. It's perfect for sitting around the campfire or riding into town on your trusty steed. Check them out below. I really like the first two tracks and "Paris."




Next up is Albuquerque, NM band, Sad Baby Wolf. This outfit came to be when a couple of former The Shins members decided to play some music for a benefit. Almost a second coming of Flake Music, Sad Baby Wolf has that great lo-fi fuzz rock 'n' roll. I'm really digging on their two singles "Survival Guide" and "8th Level." I'm really excited to hear more from this band of great rockers. Check out their tracks below.



Last up for today is Seattle duo, My Goodness. Hitting the same vein as (earlier) The Black Keys, My Goodness gives your ear drums a good beating. Big overdrive guitar backed with awesome drumming and incredible vocals is all My Goodness needs to rock your face off, kick it when it's down, and then put back on your skull so that it can melt. Check out their debut self-titled album below, also the kick-ass video too.

Live At Disjecta: Peaking Lights

Last night was the final night of Sometimes A Great Notion Festival capping off a weekend with one of my favorite bands, Peaking Lights. This was my first time going to the North Portland art center Disjecta and I have to say it is a really cool place. With benches built into a grassy hill for an outside stage and beautiful setup inside with a lot of local art. I got there around 7:00 as The Emergency was setting up to play inside. The Emergency is a three piece band that specializes in ambient club music. Their newest album Last Exit is full of swirling synthesizers and heavy drum beats. I really enjoyed their set and their sound. You can check out the single "Afterlife" below and download the album here.

The second band that I caught was local one-man band Jeffrey Jerusalem. Creating a minimalist 80s dance-pop sound, Jeffrey puts his unique voice into different harmonies to lend to a new kind of new-wave type of music. I really enjoy his EP that came out in March called Keep Shadows From The Sun. Check it out below.

Last up was Peaking Lights. One of my favorite bands from California, they have a new album out called Lucifer that is a fantastic follow up to critically acclaimed 936. With their chilled out vibe of electronic dubbiness plus great reverbed/echoey vocals they have a great stage presence. They played my favorites including "Lo-Hi", "Live Love", and "All The Sun That Shines." Even with some technical difficulties, Peaking Lights still put on an incredible show. You can listen to the "LO-HI" single below or go here for the full Lucifer album. As always check out more pictures over on our website KillingSasquatch.com.

Purity Ring + The Antlers

On Tuesday Purity Ring's debut album Shrines was released. It has been a long time coming ever since hearing "Lofticries" last year I have been hooked on Purity Ring. The wait was definitely worth it. This album is by far one of my favorites already this year. Purity Ring's brand of chill-step is something that I want to pull over my body and wrap myself in. The opening track "Crawlersout" grips you from the start and doesn't let go until the closing track "Shuck." I love Shrines and it's hard to pinpoint my favorite track so you should listen to it and decide yourself below.

This week also saw the release of The Antlers' newest EP called Undersea. This EP is super classic Antlers sound with chilled out guitars and awesome keys/synth effects combined with the patented vocals of front-man Peter Silberman. I really enjoy this 4-track EP in particular the first two tracks "Drift Dive" and "Endless Ladder." Listen to it here.

Live At The Doug Fir Lounge: Ascetic Junkies + Holiday Friends

Thursday night saw the return of Astoria, OR band Holiday Friends. Ever since finding out about them through Treefort Fest I have been hooked on their album, Chicks. But before Holiday Friends performed Norman opened up the night with their great post-country rock and roll music. Big time blues and some 70s rock and roll is what Norman is all about. They blew everyone away with their performance even though they are not as well known as the other two bands. I really dig the songs "Hell, If I Love" and "You Were The Sky."

Next up was Holiday Friends with their fantastic sound. They started the show off with "Plastic Planets" which has kind of a Shins sound to it. They have some really great dream pop-rock. They have so many sounds produced into one beautifully complete sound. Harmonious vocals, banjo, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, upright and electric bass, drums, and a synthesizer are the main instruments for this five piece band. They draw on so many great influences, from Arcade Fire to The Shins to Animal Collective, yet they have a completely unique sound that makes their debut album Chicks one of the must hear albums of the year.

The last band to perform was local Portland band Ascetic Junkies. They are another band that has so many different genres going on at once that they create something totally unique. A bluesy rock post-punk, noise folk group is what I would call them. Their most recent release is called This Cage Has No Bottom that came out a couple years ago. They are working on their new album and it promises to be a good one with lyrics such as "I've been told that I'm gonna die, but I'm not convinced." I'm really excited to hear more new music from them. Ascetic Junkies are on tour across the nation so make sure that you catch them live, they are really good. Catch more photos over on our site KillingSasquatch.com.

Alberta Cross + Moon By You

This week sees the release of Alberta Cross's second full length record called Songs Of Patience. Alberta Cross has a big time rock and roll sound that fills up your stereo with great epic sounding tunes. Following on the lines of alternative 90s rock, they have that kind of Oasis sound that makes you nod your head along to every song. Songs Of Patience is a good album and not to be missed with tracks like "Magnolia" and "Lay Down" it's definitely worth a listen. Check out a little preview of the album below.



Next up is a local Portland band Moon By You. This five piece band transcends decades of rock 'n' roll music. Sounding like a late 50s rock band they have their own unique flavor of blues, soul, and of course rock. Moon By You is fronted by Sarah Q's richly sweet voice and jangly rhythm guitar. With walking bass lines and great lead guitar fills and solos Moon By You's sound is completed with great drumming and rocking piano. They are really fun to listen to, their songs change tempos but are still very dance-able. Check out their 8-track album below, my favorite tracks are "In The Belly Of Mama Wolf" and "On The Run."

Live At The Doug Fir Lounge: Young Magic + Quilt + Swahili

Last night saw one of the best lineups at The Doug Fir Lounge all summer. Swahili was up first, and they showed why they are one of the newer must see acts in Portland. They have a great psychedelic/experimental electro-pop sound to them. At times Swahili seems more along the lines of ambient, but then they build up to this great beat that is easy to dance along to. Check it out below.

After Swahili was the Canadian band Imaginary Cities. They have a very unique sound, a mixture of alternative pop and rock accompanied by great vocals that come from a jazzy/R&B background.  I really enjoy their sound, it's very feel good music that should be shared with everyone. Check out their new three-song EP Seasides below, I really like "Temporary Resident."

Next up after Imaginary Cities was Quilt. This three piece band is super rad, really great psychedelic pop-rock that reminds me of those groovy 70s bands. I love their sound, it's kind of a mix of Besnard Lakes and Real Estate. I've been repeating their self-titled album that came out last November via Mexican Summer. You can listen to it all below, make sure you check out "Cowboys In The Void" and "Penobska Oakwalk."

Last up was the highly anticipated Young Magic. Having released one of my favorite albums this year in Melt, I was so excited to finally see them live. Opening the show with an ambient mix that evolved into "You With Air," I knew we were in for a treat. Young Magic has such a great unique sound that could possibly be described as electro trip-step, yet it that doesn't reach far enough. Young Magic had a great performance that pushes their recording sound to a higher level. They are definitely a band to see live. Check out Melt below. You can see more photos over at KillingSasquatch.com.