Songs From A Room - EP

In 2007 I saw Songs From A Room three times from August to December. The fact that I had only planned on seeing them one of those times is a testament to what a hard working band they are, as well as the caliber of bands that they have had the privilege of sharing the stage with. Their first EP was a throat shredding, mind numbing display of post punk with a leaning towards the hardcore. Yesterday, the band released their latest EP for digital download on iTunes and Dine Alone Records and, although I quite enjoyed the first one, they have taken a remarkable step up on this semi-sophomore release. Although some would view an homage to more of a 70's classic rock territory to be a digression of sorts, I feel that the instrumentation is significantly tighter, and the vocals sound much more controlled and uncompromising.

The EP opens with Revival, an intense rocker that harks back to the pre-Diane Warren penned Aerosmith, back when they could rock as hard as any of the more reputable punk bands of the time. The heavy pulsated drum sound coupled with the immediate shouting vocal work prevents the sound from ever getting too cheesy. Aches Maybe Angst dips into slightly bluesier jam band territory, where again the percussion and the riff heavy guitar work make this song impossible to ignore. The Black That We Clad relies a bit more on melody than in your face rock, but still manages to meld the two worlds together successfully. However, it's back to being all "in your face" with We Are The Ones, which encourages fist pumping rather effectively. High Road is probably my least favourite song on the album, not because it's particularly bad or anything, but more because it lacks the immediacy of some of the other songs, almost borrowing from early 90's Brit pop, but doing so a tad unconvincingly. The EP then closes with To My Surprise, which travels along the same road as the previous song, but fares a little bit better as it segues into some subtle psychedelia.

The new EP showcases a band that is just starting to get comfortable with what they're doing; discovering their sound and settling nicely into it. As they perform more and more shows, it'll be interesting to watch them get even more secure in their musical niche, and there's no doubt that the songs will continue to grow ever more riveting.

Songs From A Room are playing Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite at The Horseshoe on December 16th with Arkells, We Are The Take and Young Rival. Should be a great show and it's Free!

Photo by Dan Novisedlak

Myspace: Songs From A Room

Other stuff: Not that I'm their biggest fan in the world, but before their song California became forever associated with a bunch of goofy teens from Orange County, I kinda dug the classic power pop sound of Phantom Planet. Well, it looks like they've decided to call it a day, with their last show being at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on December 12th. [Myspace: Phantom Planet]

Wintersleep relate how they were counselled by a church going music promotor and a Nazi police officer both in the same night. You can read the entire interview at the Von Pip Express. [Myspace: Wintersleep]

Stereogum has the latest video from Portishead's Third album, entitled Magic Doors. Surreal, mesmerizing, bizarre and captivating. [Myspace: Portishead]

Tomorrow night (November 27th) is the CD release party for Spookey Ruben's latest prog rock opus Mechanical Royalty. It takes place at The Horseshoe and it's $7. Also on the bill is Schomberg Fair, Whale Tooth and Black Hat Brigade. More info on the album can be found at blogto.com. [Myspace: Spookey Ruben]

Are you as elated as I am to hear that Coldplay are planning on doing what they should have done two albums ago and decided to call it a day? Me too. Do you believe them yet? Me neither. [Myspace: Coldplay]

And on a sad note, you've probably already heard the news about the untimely death of Kenny McLean, the former bass player for Platinum Blonde. There aren't many details as of yet, but apparently it seems to be due to a heart related problem, according to wikipedia. Although you rarely hear people speak of the band as a major influence, I have to say that their 80's output was definitely a major contributor to my own musical tastes. Listening to 1985's Alien Shores, I have to say that their material still holds up very well. Last Friday he had just played a CD Release show at The Mod Club for his latest CD Completely. Sad news indeed. [Myspace: Kenny McLean]

Wintersleep w/Drug Rug @ The Horseshoe

Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite has been a tradition at The Legendary Horseshoe for as long as I can remember. Every Tuesday night, 4 indie bands play for free in the hopes of gaining a little bit of extra exposure. Sometimes there can be quite a crowd, depending on who's playing. Well, last Tuesday night was possibly the biggest crowd I'd ever seen there. The reason, of course was that the band on the bill was none other than Halifax's Wintersleep. They used this opportunity to host a free CD release party, which was clearly a good move since the 'Shoe was packed out to capacity! They are currently one of Canada's most beloved indie bands, although I have to admit that my knowledge on them was really quite minimal. I knew a couple of their songs, and before their show I sampled some of the tunes on their myspace page. Judging by the enthusiasm projected by those in attendance however, I was clearly in the minority that night. The crowd was loud and enthusiastic, and the band fed off that vibe to great success. Two of the most notable things were a) their rabid enthusiasm and 2) their enormous talent. One could not help but feel completely overwhelmed by their exuberance. They played a good mix of mostly newer songs, with a few older ones thrown in. Their sound gave off a bit of a jammy feel, without ever delving into pretentious guitar playing wankery. Overall, they were just a great rock band, playing tight and well constructed songs that are immediately accessible and easy to absorb. Oh, and they were deafeningly loud.

Wintersleep will be back in town soon at The Mod Club on November 16th.

Photos: Wintersleep @ The Horseshoe flickr
Myspace: Wintersleep
Videos: Sore / Faithful Guide

Right before Wintersleep was a band called Drug Rug from Massachusetts. Although I didn't arrive in time to catch their whole set, what I saw was really very quite good. They also were very energetic and captivating to watch. Their music reminded me quite a bit of many of the bands that were on the delightful Elephant 6 label back in the 90's. They play unabashed pop that sounds edgier on the live stage, thanks to Sarah's hyperactive and throat thrashing yelp. By their final song, I was sort of bummed that I didn't get there in time to catch the whole set, because I'm not sure how often they'll come around these here parts.

Photos: Drug Rug @ The Horseshoe (My camera was on the wrong setting which I didn't realize until it was too late, so embrace the blur my friends...) flickr
Myspace: Drug Rug
Video: Day I Die (live @ Pa's Lounge in Somerville, MA) youtube

Originally, I had every intention of staying for A Northern Chorus afterwards, since it's been probably 7 years or so since I'd seen them last, but I was tired and I wasn't sure if I could handle watching a mellower band after the Wintersleep powerhouse I had just experienced. But they are quite good and if you're feeling like chilling out in a majestic and anthemic sort of way, make sure you check them out as well. They come around quite often anyways. Next time is at The 'Shoe again on November 29th.

Myspace: A Northern Chorus