[rating=9.00] Upon first listen the aptly titled, Band of Heathens release, Sunday Morning Record, seems to stand in contrast to the group’s prior live and recorded material. The sonically subtler
Donovan Frankenreiter earns his living as a professional surfer but for extra dough he moonlights as a rock star. So it’s not surprising his concert tours often visit beach resort
[rating=9.0] Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is the third release by the band of the same name. The group centers around lead singer and songwriter, Alex Ebert and his
As the sold out crowd milled around the Bank of America Pavilion enjoying the beautiful summer weather and few cold beers an anticipatory buzz hung in the air. The Black
A strobe light danced intermittently to a drum track over a bare stage. Clad in all black, the four members of pop band Lovelife took the Paradise stage. Keyboardist Ally Young laid down the introductory synthesizer track to “Brave Heart”. When drummer Frank Colucci kicked in, vocalist Lee Newell and guitarist Sam Jackson sang the double vocal harmonies. As the opening act the crowd was somewhat sparse but the band grabbed the audience’s attention.
Between the material and the musicianship there is no doubt that the Lone Bellow will be at the arena level in short order. Their live show removes some of the record's Nashville slick, production varnish which allows the music's roots and influences to shine through- in part its almost like attending a good ol' Southern Revival.
Declaring the hiatus over the band has returned this spring with the “Lay Down With Number 13” tour. Many of the shows sold out quickly. Therein lies the rub, as the fans of Moneymaker and the follow-up The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion prefer the known quantity whereas the Fillmore fans look for the unknown, experimental side of the group. On Thursday the Crowes did their best to appease both camps.
Whether it be the opening of the tour or the change in the line-up, these recent shows have featured the same set list which is an oddity for Dylan, with the emphasis on his last few studio releases, 2012’s “Tempest”, 2009’s “Together Through Life” and 2006, “Modern Times”. Regardless, Dylan seemed to be enjoying himself, not necessarily smiling but smirking. But that’s what makes Bob Dylan and if you’re a fan its always an honor to be in his presence.
Despite having been named the best band in Austin, Texas along with a Top 10 American Music Association album for 2008, the critical recognition hasn’t always translated nationally for Band of Heathens. Being recognized as best in Austin is like being named best Mormon in Salt Lake City. As Austin is now the epicenter of the American music scene the title is no minor platitude.
Despite no local radio airplay, (does any real band get played on commercial radio anymore?) or other promotion, the Paradise was filled to capacity. Further it seemed like the audience had this date circled on the calendar for a while. When the band lit into “Where the Devil Don’t Stay” opener, the crowd’s anxious buzz of anticipation turned to hootin’, hollerin’ enthusiasm.