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.

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.