Live At Mississippi Studios: Grandparents + XDS + Grapefruit

Last night was an amazing free show with local Portland, OR psychedelic rock bands at Mississippi Studios. First up was Sun Angle's solo project Grapefruit. Playing more on the side of electronic/sci-fi soundscapes, Grapefruit sounds like a soundtrack to futuristic thriller movies. Along with some great visuals, Grapefruit provided a trance like state for everyone to dance to.

After a brief intermission came XDS (formerly Experimental Dental School). This duo is definitely super experimental playing more on the punk rock side of the spectrum. Instead of having a hi-hat on their drumset they have what looks like an old hubcap, a plastic weight, and wood block. Also equipped is a pair of bongos. These guys are really good and they play really great music that almost anyone can enjoy. They are known for playing tons of house shows so look them up on Facebook for their shows.

The main attraction was up next as more people started filing into the dance floor to see Grandparents. Finally bringing the night's experimental psychedelic music into the realm of pop, Grandparents gives a new light to surf pop-rock. Last night was also the premier of their new merchandise and new single "Bitches." They give a Portland folk taste to a Californian surf rock to make something cool and unique. The visuals that were provided were pretty amazing as well.

Music Fest NW

Well Sasquatch! Music Festival has come and gone so you know what that means. The lineup for Music Fest NW has been released, and it looks like a doozy. With the headliners being Silversun Pickups, Beirut, Girl Talk, and the support acts of Passion Pit, Dinosaur Jr., and The Tallest Man On Earth. But of course it's not all about the headliners or supporting headliners, it's about the up and coming indie bands that will rock your face off. The reason I love this festival is not only the great indie rock scene, but there's also metal, hip-hop, electronica, chill-wave, singer songwriters, and everything in between. So lets get to know a couple of bands before September 5th.
One of my favorite new acts is Grandparents. Their sound is like dream pop-rock mixed with some great surfy shoegaze. The latest from them is a four track EP called Fumes and can be listened to below. Also you can listen to their older stuff here. I really enjoy their music and look forward to seeing them live once more.



Another great reason I love this festival is that most bands are from Portland, OR or at least from the Northwest. The Suicide Notes are another local Portland band that have a great sound to play at the beach. They are a little more upbeat from Grandparents, with driving drum beats and great use of back-up singers it reminds me of a 50s-60s beach party. You can check out all their songs below or go here to buy their new EP for only $3!



Next up is super DIY rock band White Fang. Playing super catchy tunes about getting wasted and life in general is what White Fang is all about. Their fourth album is titled Positive Feedback and they are currently on tour so check out their site to see if they are coming near you. I really enjoy their sound, it's a little Velvet Underground with 90s garage pop-rock. Make sure you check out "Chill Yourself," it's one of my faves.



Last up for today is another local band Swahili. This four piece experimental rock band is quickly becoming one of the must see acts here in Portland. Lead by some great low tom-tom drumming and synths, their music sounds a bit ominous. The way that they layer the synths and keep the drums going in the same pattern brings out the psychedelic sound. Check them out below and stay tuned for more great MFNW artists on the way.