Polynya

...first of all, we'd like to say one thing: we love it when bands drop in on us from out of the blue...

...such was the case when we got a line from Chapel Hill, NC quartet Polynya [pronounced poe - LIN - eeee - uh]. The band recently self-released their sophomore disc, Crop Rotations, which we've been enjoying around here. While drawing from some common reference points [Kraut/Shoegaze/90s Indie], their inventive recombinations make this an enjoyable listen. Add to the fact that the band is without a drummer [employing primarily electronic percussion]. Sprinkle a few splashes of riot grrrl and Stereolab for good measure and you've got something that is likely to grab a few ears...

MP3: Polynya "Ribbon Dragons"
MP3: Polynya "Fan Fiction"

UPCOMING: The Buddha Den 2nd Anniversary Party 9.13.09

...while it's still a couple of weeks off, we thought we'd give you ample opportunity to prepare yourselves. The Buddha Den is very excited to cap off our 2nd year of bringing you everything you wanted to know about the Dayton music scene and more but were afraid to ask, so we're throwing a big party. With some of our favorite bands: Toads and Mice; Pretty & Nice; The Motel Beds; Jesse Remnant & the Trainwreck. At our favorite local club: South Park Tavern. Sure, it's a Sunday, but it will be worth it. Trust us. Mark yr calendars now and we'll see you at South Park Tavern on September 13...

MP3: Toads and Mice "Genghis Kahn"
MP3: Pretty & Nice "Tora Tora Tora"
MP3: The Motel Beds "Go For A Dive"
MP3: Jesse Remnant & the Trainwrecks "Better Than You"

Flashy Python

...perhaps a bit of disclosure is in order: we are BIG fans of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. There, we said it. We feel much better now...

...it's no surprise then that when CYSHY frontman Alec Ounsworth emerged this week with his new project Flashy Python, we were understandably stoked. Even better, this new material is REALLY good. Not just in a "gee, it would be nice if a new CYSHY album dropped...oh this will do..." kinda way either. Although there may be connections to that band's musical leanings, Ounsworth's voice seems to be the most apparent link. FP is decidedly darker and more psychedelic than CYHSY, which greatly pleased our ears...

...you can stream the new album at the band's website, as well as order it direct from the band in any number of formats. Enjoy...

MP3: Flashy Python "Skin and Bones"

Pretty Bella

...it seems as if Thursdays have extremely quiet in Dayton for most of 2009. This time last year we were discussing whether Thursdays were gonna be the new Friday. While it seems as if things have finally righted themselves, tonight is a great excuse to get out and warm up yr weekend. Here's the lowdown...


...over at Jimmie's Cornerstone [Brown & Wyoming], we have an extremely rare appearance from Andrew & the Pretty Punchers, who recently laid down some new tracks at Refraze Studios for their highly-anticipated follow up to their stellar debut, Goodbye Oho. Along for the ride tonight are all-girl punk outfit Jasper the Colossal and the always-fun disco/metal duo, Electric Banana...

MP3: Andrew & the Pretty Punchers "Guns Raised"
MP3: Electric Banana "Happy"


...if yr up for an earlier start to yr evening, head over to the Dayton Dirt Collective to catch an excellent bill with some great new Dayton talent. With his new video for the track "Play" garnering all kinds of international attention for being the first music video shot entirely on the new iPhone 3GS [see below], BJSR [aka Benjamin Rivet] is quickly rising up and out of the Gem City. Also on tap tonight are Bella Ruse [Minneapolis] and new locals Yazoo Street Scandal. See you there...

Princeton

...we've seen a lot more children out to the education halls this week. This can only mean one thing: summer is quickly coming to an end. No fear, however, as there's always time find one last new band to latch on to as temperatures cool, restoring your sunnier side well into the brutal Ohio winters. LA quartet Princeton seem as prime a candidate as any to wrap up any residual sentimentality for Summer 2009, as bouncy melodies, understated strings, and subtle polrhythmic undertones carry you well past the fallen leaves. With their Shout It Out 7" dropping yesterday and the Cocoon of Love album lands September 29, both out on the Kanine imprint. Tune in now, as the band will be heading through the area over the next few weeks....

MP3: Princeton "Shout It Out"
MP3: Princeton "Calypso Gold"

TOUR DATES

Aug 29th Pehrspace Los Angeles, CA +
Aug 31st Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT
Sep 1st Hi Dive Denver, CO
Sep 2nd The Waiting Room Omaha, NE #
Sept 3rd Picador Iowa City, IA
Sep 4th The House Cafe Dekalb, IL #
Sep 5th Frankie's Toledo, OH #
Sep 6th Garfield Artworks Pittsburgh, PA #
Sep 8th Sonar / Talking Head Club Stage Baltimore, MD
Sep 9th Union Hall Brooklyn, NY %
Sep 10 Castaways Ithaca, NY $ &
Sep 11 Lee's Palace Toronto, ONT $ &
Sep 12th Mohawk Place Buffalo, NY &
Sep 13th Grog Shop Cleveland, OH $ &
Sep 14th The Basement Columbus, OH $ &
Sep 16th Schuba's Tavern Chicago, IL $
Sep 17th Varsity Theater Minneapolis, MN $ &
Sept 18th The High Noon Saloon Madison, WI * $ &
Sep 19th Krannert Center / Pygmalion Fest Urbana, IL $
Sep 20th The Firebird St. Louis, MO $ &
Sep 21st The Bottleneck Lawrence, KS $ &
Sep 23rd Granada Theater Dallas, TX $ &
Sep 24th Emo's Austin, TX $ &
Sep 25th Warehouse Live Houston, TX $ &
Sep 26th Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, LA $ &
Sep 27th Bottle Tree Birmingham, AL $ &
Sep 29th The Masquerade Atlanta, GA $ &
Sep 30th Cat's Cradle Carborro, NC $ &
Oct 1st 9:30 Club Washington, DC $ &
Oct 2nd Trocadero Philadelphia, PA $ &
Oct 3rd Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA $ &
Oct 4th Knitting Factory Brooklyn, NY &
Oct 8th Terrace Club Princeton, NY
Oct 10th Duke Coffee House Durham, NC

+ = w/ Fol Chen, Surprise Guest
% = w/ Phil and the Osophers
$ = w/ Ra Ra Riot
& = w/ Maps and Atlases
* = w/ Margot & the Nuclear So and So's

The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO feat. All Alliteration Aside [August Residency]/Kanible-Tonight @ Oregon Express

...for their final week at The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO, All Alliteration Aside returns tonight to finish their August residency. It has been our distinct pleasure to host this young band, as their songs burrowed into our brains and their unbridled enthusiasm onstage has provided some of the most inspired moments at the NTRO/XPO all year. In case you haven't taken the time, you can grab the band's debut disc, In Angry Mob Form, for FREE HERE. We highly recommend that you grab this disc and then join us tonight for this FREE show and help us wish them well as they round out their month with us at Oregon Express. Opening the evening at 10 pm will be Kanible. See you there...

MP3: All Alliteration Aside "Brand New Shoes"
MP3: All Alliteration Aside "Veinte"

The Voyces

...juxtaposition is a beautiful thing. Although The Voyces hail from NYC, their upcoming album, Let Me Die in Southern California [out 9/28 on Planting Seeds], suggests a completely different backdrop. How The Voyces channel the sunny melodies and relaxed atmospheres of Matthew Sweet, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beach Boys living in the dense metropolis eludes us. Guess we're not really gonna worry about that too much...

MP3: The Voyces "Let Me Die in Southern California"
MP3: The Voyces "You Can Never Know"

New Daniel Johnston-"Freedom"

...with one of the most bizarre legacies in modern music, Daniel Johnston continues to intrigue seekers. With the upcoming Is And Always Was [due out October 6 on Eternal Yip Eye], Johnston teams up with producer Jason Falkner [Beck, Paul McCartney] for some of his most polished work. While some of the whimsy of his early work seems overshadowed by the refined production aesthetics, the lyrics never fail to exert the charm that best characterizes Johnston's catalog...

MP3: Daniel Johnston "Freedom"

TOUR DATES

09/03/09 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
09/04/09 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
09/05/09 - Vancouver, BC @ The Venue
09/07/09 - Calgary, AB @ Knox United Church
09/08/09 - Edmonton, AB @ Meyer Horowitz Theatre
10/02/09 - Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Festival
10/13/09 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10/14/09 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
10/15/09 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
10/16/09 - Montreal, PQ @ UK Fed
10/17/09 - Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
10/22/09 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
10/23/09 - San Diego, CA @ Caines
10/24/09 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre

Pitchfork Examines History of the MP3

...in the modern day, the ubiquitous MP3 seems to be one of the pillars of music distribution and consumption. What's more, it's leveled the playing field to such a degree that it has nearly overwhelmed casual listeners. In their dash to the end of the decade, Pitchfork has taken an extensive look at how the MP3 has changed virtually every aspect of music listening, production, and distribution over the last decade. You can read this article HERE [be warned: it's gonna take you a while]. You can also look back on some of the best singles from the decade while yr there...

Ladyfest Dayton 2.0 ContinuesTonight

...as we mentioned yesterday, Ladyfest Dayton carries this weekend over at C}Space. Here's the lowdown on today's schedule...

Acoustic: 3:00-3:20 - Vag Speak

Main: 3:25-3:55 - Jadis

Dance: 4:00-4:15 – Shyra

Acoustic: 4:20-4:40 Michelle Bullock

Dance: 4:45-5:05 – Miami Valley Lady Warriors

Acoustic: 5:10-5:40 – Jayne Sachs

Main: 5:45-6:15 – Misunderstood

Dance: 6:20-6:45 – Kira’s Oasis

Main: 6:50-7:20 - Drift

Acoustic: 7:25-7:55 – Paige Beller

Main: 8:00- 8:35 – The Last Internationale

Acoustic: 8:40-9:10 – Little Cub

Main: 9:15-9:45 – Boombarian

Outside: 9:50-10:10 – Soulfire Tribe

Main: 10:15-10:45 – Sarah Carey & Band

Acoustic: 10:50-11:10 – Audrey Isabelle

Main: 11:15-11:45 – Jasper the Colossal

Acoustic: 11:50-12:20 – Becky Junker and Matt Randolph

Main: 12:25-12:55 – The Goody Two Shoes

Main: 1:15-1:45 – Thee Pistol Whips

Acoustic: 1:45-Close - DJ Miss Mack

The Story Changes/The Sound for Language/Stone the Mayor Sheriffs/8-Bit Revival-Tonight @ Blind Bob's

...having recently returned from a 6-week bout of touring that took them from coast to coast, The Story Changes make their triumphant return to the Gem City tonight at Blind Bob's to celebrate the release of their new split album, Analogies. Sharing disc time with AZ outift Let Go, Analogies is the result of a trip out west earlier this year to record with producer Jaime Woolford (Let Go/Punchline/Gin Blossoms) who mixed the songs together for a consistent sound and feel. This is the first release from TSC since 2007's The Way of the Dinosaur. Also along for the ride this evening are good friends The Sound for Language (with a new lineup), Stone the Mayor Sheriffs, and 8-Bit Revival. See you there...

MP3: The Story Changes "Move Forward"
MP3: The Sound for Language "You're Not Alone"
MP3: Stone the Mayor Sheriffs "Intuition Is Now"
MP3: 8-Bit Revival "We Space Out"

VIDEO: Vanity Theft "Where's the Action?"

...in preparation for the kick-off of Ladyfest Dayton this evening, we thought we'd present this new clip from the ladies in Vanity Theft for the hit-in-waiting, "Where's the Action?" off of their excellent 2008 debut, Post Script Pace Yourself. As if the track itself wasn't enough to attract listeners, this video should seal the deal. Have a look and head out tonight to catch the ladies in action at LadyFest Dayton...

Ladyfest Dayton 2.0 Begins Tonight

...for the second year in a row, Ladyfest Dayton punctuates the depths of summer with a celebration for the females in the local music scene. Just like last year, the fest will take place Friday through Sunday at C}Space [20 N. Jefferson]. We couldn't be happier that this is going down again this year, thanks to organizers Mary Katherine Burnside and Jen Money. Earlier this week they stopped into WYSO Studios to speak with Kaleidescope host Juliet Fromholt about the fest. You can listen to that HERE. If you're heading out this evening and making yr plans, have a look at the schedule below to help you on yr way...

FRIDAY SCHEDULE:

Acoustic: 5:00-5:30- Joy Hollon

Performance: 5:35-5:50 – Leslie Naushbauer

Dance: 6:00-6:30- Never Quit Dance Crew and The Ballet Company

Main: 6:35-7:10- Good English

Dance: 7:15-7:35- Fusion Dance crew

Main: 7:40-8:10- Ashley Watson and Trunk Bound Regime

Dance: 8:15-8:30 - Persephone

Acoustic: 8:35-9:05 – Sandy Bashaw

Main: 9:10-9:50- The Seedy Seeds

Acoustic: 10:00-10:30- Kelly Campbell

Main: 10:35-11:10- Vanity Theft

Acoustic: 11:15-11:45 – State School

Main: 11:55-12:30- Accidently On Purpose

Acoustic: 12:35-1:00 – Kanible

Main: 1:05-1:35- Fairy Tale Suicide

Acoustic: 1:40 – 2:30 - DJ Mistress

...more to come tomorrow and Sunday, so stay tuned...

VIDEO: Land Of Talk "The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)"

...after spending the first part of 2009 struggling with a vocal ailment, Land of Talk frontwoman Elizabeth Powell is finally back in action. The band are releasing the Fun and Laughter EP [via Saddle Creek; The CD version features screen printed art designed by the band in a special limited edition package] and have a stretch of West Coast dates coming up [see below]. Check out this clip for "The Man Who Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)", with its tastefully psychedelic imagery that seems to be a perfect visual counterpoint to the ascending guitar riff that drives the track...


Land of Talk Tour Dates
10/27 - San Diego, CA, Casbah
10/29 - Los Angeles, CA, Spaceland
10/30 - Visalia , CA, Cellar Door
11/02 - San Francisco, CA, Cafe DuNord
11/04 - Portland, OR, Doug Fir
11/05 - Seattle, WA, High Dive
11/06 - Bellingham, WA, The Nightlight
11/07 - Vancouver, BC, Biltmore Cabaret

The Turkish Delights @ Canal Street Tavern/Dayton Band Playoffs

...we realize that we have failed this summer in bringing you any coverage whatsoever on Canal Street Tavern's summer institution for young bands, The Annual Dayton Band Playoffs. While most in Dayton know of this event's legacy, let's remind everyone that such Dayton notables as The Method, Brainiac, Real Lulu, and Shrug all stand as past champions. Although in recent years it's been overlooked, the Playoffs continue to provide young bands with an opportunity to play in a great room on a great stage...

...it appears as if this year we find one of our favorite locals making a push toward the finals: The Turkish Delights. Tonight the band will play in Round 3, hoping to make it to the semifinals. We wish them good luck in their title bid this year...

MP3: The Turkish Delights "Frightening Lightening"
MP3: The Turkish Delights "Vowels to God"

The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO feat. All Alliteration Aside [August Residency]/The Space Race-Tonight @ Oregon Express

...although it's been some time since we've come right out and mentioned out weekly event, The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO, in this forum, we are now in our 12th month bringing you some of the finest young and new talent bubbling up in the Gem City. For FREE....

...well, this month we are extremely excited to be featuring young pop/punk quartet, All Alliteration Aside. The band recently issued their debut disc, In Angry Mob Form, and are making it available for FREE HERE. We'd highly recommend you grab this goodie, as it's likely to end up as one of our favorite releases this year. While the band flaunt a healthy affection for some of the more notable practitioners in the pop/punk realm, they also show a flair for 70s rock moves and blazing guitar solos. Combined with tasteful synth melodies and passionate lyrics, the band could just as easily slip into the indie realm as well. Ultimately, this is a band that straddles enough stylistic lines to appeal to listeners, wherever they stand, on their own terms. A feat not easily accomplished these days...

...head on down to Oregon Express tonight to join us for a great night of music. Things get started at 10 pm sharp with The Space Race. All Alliteration Aside hits the stage at 11 pm. This is a FREE show for 21 & up. See you there...

MP3: All Alliteration Aside "Mistakes"
MP3: All Alliteration Aside "Gun Arms"

UPDATE: The Space Race will not be playing tonight. We just received word that Eric Butler has his arm in a sling, and thus will not be able to play. Stay tuned...

UPDATE: We have confirmed that David Payne will be opening this evening for The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO. Again, music starts at 10 pm. See you there...

Stream New Blitzen Trapper Black River Killer EP-FREE

...one of our favorite records from last year, Blitzen Trapper's blissfully earthy Furr, has spawned a new EP from the unlikely track "Black River Killer". While the disc isn't out until next week, you can stream it for FREE HERE, courtesy of Sub Pop. We'd suggest you pick up on this freebie...

...oh, and we love this song/video combo from their wildly eclectic debut, Wild Mountain Nation...

The Buddha Den Presents: Jordan Hull/Perkasie @ South Park Tavern 8.17.09

...for the second time in less than a month, we at The Buddha Den have had the bittersweet opportunity to send off some of Dayton's finest young talent to other cities. While earlier in August we said goodbye to Hospital Garden [off to Chicago], last evening at South Park Tavern we said goodbye to Jordan Hull, who is heading off to find his fortunes in Nashville. With his departure close at hand, there was no shortage of souls eager to come out and see him perform in his hometown one last time. Combing through his brilliant catalog, Hull juxtaposed newer material ["My Better Judgment"] against his most popular material ["On to Me", "Rusty Bones"] and even his earliest fan favorites {the all-to-poignant closer, "Home"}. While Hull will likely return from time to time, not having him on the home team is certainly a loss that will be felt for some time. We certainly wish him well...



...arriving through countless construction delays on the byways of America, Philadelphia's Perkasie channeled whatever their collective traveling miseries into a set that the fortunate Daytonians in attendance will not soon forget. From the word go, Perkasie commanded the room in a way seldom seen in the Gem City, as the iconic Kate Foust veered between the posturing of Karen O and the flair of a traditional flamenco dance routine. Even better, Perkasie delivered songs of undeniable substance filled with impeccable musicianship [when was the last time you saw mandolin and washboard on-stage with an indie band?] and an unbridled passion for playing these songs together, recalling Arcade Fire on the cusp of their buzz. While many eyes certainly focused on Foust, pianist Alex Walsh and guitarist Ben Roth both delivered several tunes with equal conviction, and the way in which the whole lot chimed in on the singalong harmonies demonstrated the powerful connection that these seven musicians possess. Certainly, no one in attendance was left anything short of stunned at such a display on a Monday night in Dayton, Ohio...



For more photos from the evening, go here.

VIDEO: The Seedy Seeds "Take Me to the Center"

...thanks to Each Note Secure, we came across this new video from one of our favorite Cincy bands, The Seedy Seeds. The clip [done by Soft City Lights] totally captures the urgency and jubilant release of the track itself with the fun-living energy we like associate with the band. See for yrself...

...The Seedy Seeds will be performing this Friday at Ladyfest Dayton 2.0...

INTRODUCING: Modern Mondays @ Pacchia

...we're always very excited to hear about new weekly events taking place here in Dayton. Even better is when they're free, right? Well, here's a new free weekly event we'd like to announce: Modern Mondays @ Pacchia [410 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District]. Under the guidance of your host, Adam Sabin [of New Vega], Modern Mondays is fueled by its audience. The idea is pretty simple: bring in new music you'd like to share and Sabin will spin it. Seems like a good way to find out about new music, right? Right...

...On top of that, Sabin is giving local bands an opportunity to spin their latest tracks for his audience. Tonight, he'll be hosting Electric Banana, who will be spinning their recently-released sophomore effort, Black Rubber [preview below]. Next week, Sabin will be hosting Stone the Mayor Sheriffs, who will be spinning their debut EP and having a "Pie the Mayor Sheriffs" pie throwing contest. outside we'll have a pie throwing station set up. Members of STMS will stand at the pie station and contestants will stand on a line and attempt to throw pies to the face of STMS. We're looking forward to who else might show up soon....

...yet another great reason to stop in: Sabin will be giving out some free concert tickets. This week he'll have some tix for Modest Mouse at Lifestyles Pavilion in Columbus on August 24th. Next week, tix for Ra Ra Riot at The Basement in Columbus on September 14...

...Sabin will also be hosting special guest DJs in coming weeks, including Jason Watkins [of Mouth of the Architect] and Nick Testa [Nighbeast]. Modern Mondays kicks off at 9 pm every Monday. If you're at all inclined to get yr band heard or would like to take a turn at sharing the music yr loving these days, we highly recommend you stop in and check it out...

MP3: Electric Banana "Happy"

The Buddha Den Presents: Jordan Hull/Perkasie-Tonight @ South Park Tavern

...while there typically aren't too many Monday night shows, we figured we'd take a chance and throw this one anyway. Tonight at South Park Tavern, one of Dayton's finest young talents, Jordan Hull will make his final Dayton appearance before heading off the music city of Nashville this week. It's an honor for us to throw him a proper farewell party. We've also got the Dayton debut of Philadelphia's Perkasie this evening, who are currently in the midst of an extended Midwestern jaunt. This inventive septet conjures a playful side of Americana fueled by splashes of indie pop that are likely to incite repeated spins, mental or otherwise, well after they've gone. We'll see you there...

MP3: Jordan Hull "How Dare He"
MP3: Perkasie "Ginger Sobs"
MP3: Perkasie "Barstowe Station"

Yakuza Heart Attack/Anamanaguchi/Astro Fang/Starscream @ Blind Bob's 8.14.09

...while it had been some time since we'd been out to Blind Bob's for a rock show [forgive us, dear readers], the summer air seemed to beckon to the masses, filling the venue to near-capacity during this evening. Perhaps you'd also have to factor in that last night was only the second showcase for the much-loved Squids Eye Records in 2009....

...Even early in the night for the opening set of Brooklyn's Starscream, the venue was percolating with activity. While we had sampled some of the band's songs, seeing them in a live setting was an entirely unexpected event. First and foremost, we simply had no idea that the majority of the band's music was composed and performed using only a Nintendo Gameboy. Yes, you read that correctly. While some may cringe at the mere notion of such blatant non-traditionalism, rest assured the presentation and the music itself was nothing sort of stellar. While the onset of a free-for-all dance party never quite manifested, it was perhaps the most engaged audience we've see for an opening act in quite some time...




...rather unexpectedly, we next came face to face with one of Dayton's most popular, and in our opinion, most talented outfits, Astro Fang. With the band celebrating the release of their long-awaited debut disc [albeit an EP], we expected they would take the stage much later in the evening. Alas, it was fortuitous for the band to play early, as by this point the crowd was already reaching a critical mass [no small feat for a Dayton crowd pre-midnight], and the energy in the room was palpable. Despite, or perhaps because of, whispered tones circulating the room suggesting that this was likely to be the band's swan song, from the fist note, Astro Fang delivered a collection of tunes that has served as the meat of the band's set for the better part of a year. What was so astonishing for us was how the band tore through the material as if it was fresh off the drawing board. From the cascading metallic guitar runs to infectiously twitchy synths to the unrelenting singalong choruses of the alternate-universe hits "Lovers" and "Passing", Astro Fang proved, yet again, why they are considered to be amongst the current Dayton musical elite...




...with lights dimmed and video projections running amok, NY quartet Anamanaguchi stepped into the void and slowly but surely won over a typically suspect Gem City crowd. As their beats got people moving and the guitar-played synth lines reeled in listeners, Anamanaguchi proved the theory of a well-placed cover in a set. Just as the crowd's curiosity was piqued, the band dropped into the utterly unanticipated cover of Weezer's "Buddy Holly" prompting everyone in the room into singalong and completely winning over the evening....




...with their first public appearance in a year, Yakuza Heart Attack took to the stage in support of their new album, II and proved yet again that, despite their relative inactivity, they are undeniably one of the Gem City's most loved bands. While the band clearly draws heavily from the vintage prog of King Crimson and ELP, Yakuza possess something that neither of those monumental dinosaurs ever possessed: a raging sense of humor. The playfulness in the melodies and the arrangements only further heightens their majestic, epic gestures and connects with their audience in a human and humane way. It was a testament to their audience as well that, despite not having been seen on stage for a year, this crowd knew every nuance of the band's music, despite the complete absence of any vocalization. So much for short-attention spans...




...for more photos from the evening, go here.

Squids Eye Records Presents: Yakuza Heart Attack/Astro Fang/Anamanaguchi/Starscream-Tonight @ Blind Bob's

...while the Squids Eye Records camp has been relatively hush thus far in 2009, tonight the venerable Dayton label will issue a twin shot that kicks off a string of releases that should take the label well into the new year. Tonight at Blind Bob's, the long-dormant Yakuza Heart Attack returns to the stage with a prog-minded fury that is seldom matched in the Gem City [or anywhere else for that matter]. The occasion? The release of their second album, titled simply II. The other prong in this dual attack tonight features the ubiquitous Astro Fang, who issues their debut EP this evening. SER has also brought in a pair of East Coast 8-Bit enthusiasts to bolster the evening: Anamanaguchi and Starscream. Head on down tonight to pick up these new releases before they're officially released...

MP3: Yakuza Heart Attack "Power Surge"
MP3: Astro Fang "Galactic Dracula Landing"

RIP Les Paul 1915-2009

...while many simply associate the name with a guitar so ubiquitous in rock n' roll that it's difficult to even imagine the genre in its absence, even more important were Les Paul's early innovations, along with Mary Ford, to the then-emerging technology of audio recording. In the early 1950s, their experimentation with primitive multi-tracking was years ahead of the technology [listen to how many tracks they've laid down], but set the bar for what could be done with the medium...


...as evidenced in the clip, his guitar playing influenced countless players that followed. Even at the age of 94, Les Paul still performed live on a weekly basis...

Kaleidoscope on WYSO-TONIGHT

...as we previously mentioned, the pending relocation of the seminal college/alt/indie station WOXY to Austin, TX, leaves a substantial void in the dissemination of local flavors to new ears. Fortunately, we also have the folks over at WYSO that are all too-willing to step up to the challenge. While DJs Rev Cool Jim Carter and Nikki Dakota have given substantial support to locals over the years, the new program Kaleidoscope [featuring Juliet Fromholdt] is showing an impressive dedication to showcasing local talent. Tonight she will feature Poptek Records artist Wake Up Mordecai, whose stellar sophomore effort Too Young for the Disco is still getting heavy rotation around here. Additionally, the program will likely sprinkle plenty of local tunes alongside plenty of other, more well-known, tracks. You can tune in online HERE between 8-11 PM every Wednesday...

VIDEO: Smug Brothers "Striking Relative Humor"

...this came across our desks this morning and we thought we'd pass it along to all of you. One of Dayton's newer outfits, Smug Brothers, have completed a video for the track "Striking Relative Humor", which is slated to appear on their upcoming Fortune Rumors album due out on Squids Eye Records this fall. Building off the buzz generated via their EP release series this past spring, the band have made a couple high-profile festival appearances in the last month with their Dayton debut slated for this year's installment of the Dayton Music Fest, taking place on October 3. The clip is a nice little lo-fi gem that holds well the band's aesthetic. Enjoy...

State School/Dane Terry/Miss Parade/Emanuel Cavallaro-Tonight @ Joose House

...while not a formal Dayton venue [aka: a bar], the Joose House has been hosting several notable events this summer centering around the lovable trio State School. With the recent release of their Cats in Boxes EP, State School seem to be ramping up their activity. We couldn't be more pleased. With their effortlessly sunny melodies streaming the course of the EP, this is quickly emerging as a leading contender for summer soundtracks. Along for the ride tonight are Dane Terry [Columbus, who we caught a couple months ago and highly recommend], Miss Parade, and Emanuel Cavallero...

MP3: State School "Let the Hurricane Roar"
MP3: State School "Gears 4 Beers"

A Message from Hospital Garden

...if you were fortunate enough to have been part of last evening at South Park Tavern, you'll likely acknowledge that it was an incredible evening of music and that the audience rose to the occasion as well, feeding enthusiasm back to the bands. Openers Electric Banana and The Turkish Delights both turned in sets that had the crowds on their feet and wanting more. For one band, however, the evening served as a goodbye. Here are a few words from Lucas of Hospital Garden...

Hospital Garden is moving to Chicago. When I moved to Dayton two years ago, it was never with the intent of permanence. I hoped to complete graduate school, and, once again, move on. However, I did not anticipate making so many amazing friendships. I was lucky enough to have met Ian and Sarah, thus forming Hospital Garden. The shows we have played and the songs we have created have been far beyond my expectations, thus moving as a band makes sense right now. It's hard to leave the people and bands that we love here, but in Chicago there is a lot of opportunity in my field (Community Counseling), and a lot of new venues to play. Sarah and Ian are also going to be finding employment and continuing their educations there. We're still young and it's the right time to do something like this. We love Dayton and we love playing and hanging out here. We will be back regularly for as long as we are a band. Naturally, we will miss you all and can't wait to see you again in the near future. Thank you so much for coming to our shows, listening to our demos, and singing along to our songs. It means more to us than you know.

Love,
Hospital Garden.

...in addition to their migration north, Hospital Garden are gearing up to release their debut album. Stay tuned for more on that as details emerge...

The Buddha Den Presents: Hospital Garden/The Turkish Delights/Electric Banana-Tonight @ South Park Tavern

...in adhering to the sad and sickening status quo, one of Dayton's finest will soon be relocating. In the process of becoming one of our favorites over the past year or so, Hospital Garden emerged as one of the Gem City's leading contenders. Their scheduled departure to Chicago this fall saddens us greatly, but we're very excited for their future. Tonight we will say goodbye with a very special show at South Park Tavern, featuring the next wave of Dayton goodness, The Turkish Delights and Electric Banana. Come on out and help us say goodbye...

MP3: Hospital Garden "Ypsi"
MP3: The Turkish Delights "Dig Yourself"
MP3: Electric Banana "Denim on Denim"