Frontier Folk Nebraska

...a couple months ago we invited Cincinnati's Frontier Folk Nebraska up to the Oregon Express to play The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO. Their impassioned set of hard-drinking Americana made a strong impression on those in attendance and, as a result, they've been asked to return to Dayton tonight to play at Pearl/Vexx. The quartet's most recent album, Pearls, is the kind of album you just sink into and live in for several months at a stretch. The band is making a buzz in their hometown as well, evidenced by the invite to do a WOXY Lounge Acts set today at 4 pm. Catch them on the air this afternoon and then head down to Pearl/Vexx tonight to catch them with The Scarring Party (Milwaukee), The Henrique and Jeffro Show, and Yeti Master. Tell 'em The Buddha Den sent ya...

MP3: Frontier Folk Nebraska "City Lights"
MP3: Frontier Folk Nebraska "Restless Hearts"

Ides of March IV-Tonight @ Pearl/Vexx

...although we're still not sure whether to keep calling the venue Pearl or start calling it Vexx, you know the place we're talking about. Local promoter Brandon Hawk hosts his 4th Annual Ides of March show tonight with quite a billing. From frentic mindbenders Stone the Mayor Sheriffs to Grizzzzy Bear, a reworked lineup of long-time Dayton faves The Motel Beds, jazz-inflected experimental post-rock from Cincinnati Where They Landed, and acoustic openers John Gassett and Alex Arnold, you've got a bill certain to hit all the right buttons...

MP3: The Motel Beds "Loves Hurts" (live)
MP3: Grizzzzy Bear "Aim the Flame"

Toads and Mice/Lungs @ Pearl 2.12.09

...with the winds dying down and the temperature staying a little above freezing, it seemed like a great night to go catch a show at Pearl (or Vexx, or whatever it's officially called now...). Unfortunately, we arrived just after the first band, La Dispute, had finished. Much to our chagrin, we were instantly informed by half a dozen attendees of the awesomeness we had just missed...

...so, we settled in to catch Lungs' set in celebration of the release of their 7" on The Mylene Sheath label. For the first time that we've seen them, the band evaded all technical difficulties and turned in an incredibly powerful set. Although the star of the set was Mick's new kick drum (allegedly purchased from screamo powerhouse The Devil Wears Prada), the metallic, yet soaring, guitars found a near-perfect balance of drone and motion, progressing at just the moment when any idea was in danger of becoming stale. The band's ability to draw out and unfold their ideas at this glacial pace may frustrate some, but really makes it for us...





...closing out the evening, Toads and Mice started a bit slowly, with a few missed notes dashing all hopes of a perfect game. By mid-set, however, they had found sure footing in their newer material. With their winding arrangements, Toads and Mice possess a dreamlike essence: floating and spacious one moment, savage grinding the next, all narrated by the haunting, ethereal vocals of guitarist Dustin Rose. We just have to love a band that can get a crowd alternately dancing and headbanging uncontrollably all within the span of 40 minutes...




For more photos from the show, go here.

Squids Eye Records Presents: Astro Fang/Dead By Wednesday/Ceschi Ramos/Complete/Cry Baby Genius-Tonight @ Pearl

...you've got an exciting and potentially history-making show tonight at Pearl. Squids Eye Records is serving some of their finest, some of their friends, and, well, someone they just met. Headlining will be the incomparable Astro Fang, who will be celebrating the release of leader Brian Baker's new album from Grizzzzy Bear. Along for the ride are Dead By Wednesday (who are also celebrating a CD release), Ceschi Ramos, Cry Baby Genius, and up from Texas, Complete. This is one you can't afford to miss...

Day of Dead Art Show feat. Buffalo Killers/Marijuana Johnson/The Host-Tonight @ Pearl

...the good kids over at Pearl have a great show for you tonight that you simply can't anywhere else in Dayton. Cincinnati faves Buffalo Killers (pictured) will headline as a warm-up for a two week stint with The Black Crowes that starts this weekend. If you missed them earlier this year, these guys are a must-see band in the region. Also up tonight is the return of local stoner/sludge fiends Marijuana Johnson. Rounding out the bill are The Host from Cincinnati. We'll see you there....

Dark Art Show feat. The Black Cigarettes/Electric Smoke/Orange Willard/Hospital Garden -Tonight @ Pearl

...you've got a very special musical treat tonight at Pearl in celebration of the Halloween season. In addition to a number of local artists displaying their art, four bands will take to the stage in musical costumes for a very rare treat. Here's the rundown: The Black Cigarettes as Motley Crue; Electric Smoke as The Ramones; Orange Willard as Rage Against the Machine; Hospital Garden as The Velvet Underground. Additionally, anyone who comes out tonight in costume will be invited to participate in a Halloween Fashion Show. This is one you can't miss....

The Buddha Den Presents: Toads and Mice/Everthus the Deadbeats/Sleepybird @ Pearl 10.23.08

...with the cold beginning to bear down on the Gem City, we gathered at Pearl yet again for another great Thursday show. Opening the evening, the sprawling sonic landscape that is Sleepybird offered up a an uplifting set of hypnotic tunes. From the dramatic entrance of the marching drum to the soaring, anthemic surges, Sleepybird demonstrated yet again why they are one of the finest, most unique, outfits currently going in Dayton...




...next up we had the colorfully costumed Everthus the Deadbeats from Indianapolis. With their set drawing largely from their incredible new album, John Kill and the Microscopic Lullaby, the psychedelic swagger of ETD held the crowds attention throughout. With bounding synths and searing guitar work, the subtle, demanding grooves of the rhythm section provided unending support for the group's freak-pop melodies. With any luck, the band will soon find receptive ears throughout the land...




...rounding out the evening, the always-impeccable Toads and Mice served up yet another rousing set of cathartic exuberance. Although we've covered this band at length over the last year, Toads and Mice solidly remain at the pinnacle of the Dayton scene. With a tour planned for next month, we can only hope that the band are successful in exporting what has emerged as one of the most engaging sounds in town...




For more photos from the evening, go here. Black and white photos of Toads and Mice by Marla Bremer.

The Buddha Den Presents: Toads and Mice/Everthus the Deadbeats/Sleepybird-Tonight @ Pearl

...we've got another great show for you tonight at Pearl that you simply cannot afford to miss. On tap we have two of Dayton's finest in Toads and Mice and Sleepybird, both of whom are poised to issue new releases in the next month. Along for the ride are Indianapolis indie/freak sensations, Everthus the Deadbeats, who are currently out on their Halloween Vision Quest tour in support of their incredible album, John Kill and the Microscopic Lullaby. Head and down and we'll see you there....

The Buddha Den Presents: Gentleman Auction House/Blastronauts/Sitandace/The Happy Planets @ Pearl 10.20.08

...for the few that opted to head out to Dayton for this rare Monday night show, they were treated with an incredible night of inspired performances. Luckily, those that took the stage this night dug deep and delivered the goods...

...although burdened with an ailment, The Happy Planets (aka Eric) mustered up more energy on this night than most six-piece bands in good health. Roaming the dancefloor, as well as nearly every surrounding surface, The Happy Planets got the small crowd up and moving from the start and dished out a highly entertaining set of electronic dance music that ultimately left his dress on the floor and the man dancing around in briefs...




...next up we had the dapper Sitandance open with a dramatic reading of the standard "If You Wanna Sing Out", which gave way into an exploratory set of freak pop and free jazz. Augmented on this night with a saxophonist, the band delved even further than usual into their psyche-pop regions. Oscillating somewhere between Beefheart and Waits, the band is certainly one of the most unique acts going in Dayton at the moment...




...in from Columbus, Blastronauts rolled in on this night at least a couple of members short. Although the band's funk-tinged indie rock had a few shining moments, the lack of a bass player left a slightly thin sound and visibly hindered at least one member of the band. We're hoping Blastronauts are able to secure a steady lineup soon, as their songs are more than deserving of a full reading...




...closing out the night, St. Louis outfit Gentleman Auction House rose to the occasion and delivered an epic set for the dwindling crowd. Armed with dual drummers and keyboardists, as well as all manner of percussion and wind instruments, GAH possess a unique blend of earnest sentimentality a la Conor Oberst or Arcade Fire which is perfectly offset by an Elephant 6-sized playfulness that always keeps things in the fun zone. Although witnessed by only a handful of Daytonians, it is certain that those few will certainly spread the gospel of Gentleman Auction House...




For more photos from the evening, go here.

The Buddha Den Presents: Gentleman Auction House/Blastronauts/Sitandace/The Happy Planets-Tonight @ Pearl

...we know there aren't too many shows on Mondays at Pearl, but this one you'll definitely want to catch. We're very excited to be hosting St. Louis septet, Gentleman Auction House. The band has been getting rave reviews, including landing their latest album, Alphabet Graveyard, in the CMJ top ten. We spoke with them last week as well. If you wanna check them out beforehand, they'll be in the WOXY studios today at 1:30 for a Lounge Act set. You can tune into that right here. Also on the bill tonight are Blastronauts (Columbus), the always-surprising Sitandance, and solo newcomer, The Happy Planets. Hope to see you down there....

The Buddha Den Presents: The Interiors/Hospital Garden/Mountain Screamer-Tonight @ Pearl 9.25.08

...with a small, but enthusiastic crowd on hand at Pearl last night, we were very excited to present two of Dayton's finest young bands and a great band out on tour from Chicago last night. Opening the evening were the duo Mountain Screamer. Despite numerous PA issues and some early guitar mishaps, the band plowed through a relentless set of bluesy punk numbers without fail. With heavy leanings toward John Spencer Blues Explosion, the snarling guitar and frenetic-yet-solid-drumming signal a solid outfit. Keep an eye out for Mountain Screamer-the duo could very well make a mark on the Dayton scene in the coming months...




...with fresh copies of the debut EP in tow, Hospital Garden hit the stage with their trademark fury and soul-engraving tunes. While guitarist Lucas has a way of delivering heart-wrenching vocals, on her sole turn at the mic, bassist Sarah seems to have the passion, but perhaps not the delivery as yet to match his intensity. The band, however, have been on a roll lately and their throwback indie recalls such heavyweights as Pavement and GBV, all the while firmly holding to their own interpretation. Be sure to grab the new disc while you can...




...out on tour from Chicago, The Interiors won over the late night crowd last night. Although starting out somewhat pensive, the band finally settled in and with their engaging banter drew the crowd in. Performing much of the material from their debut album, the intricacies and nuances were delivered with stunning precision. Guitarist Chase Duncan melded his sparse guitar lines seamlessly into his wide-ranging vocal delivery, effortlessly dancing over the meticulous rhythm section of Brian Lubinsky (drums) and Collin Jordan (bass). We're hoping for a return visit very soon...




For more photos from the evening, go here.

The Buddha Den Presents: The Interiors/Hospital Garden/Mountain Screamer-Tonight @ Pearl

...The Buddha Den is very pleased to present another great evening of some of the finest from Dayton and beyond. Headlining this evening at Pearl will be The Interiors (from Chicago), whose debut on 54-40 or Fight Records we reviewed a while back and who have since performed in their hometown for a Rolling Stone magazine showcase. The band are currently out on a fall tour in feverish support of said debut album. Also on the bill are two of our newer local faves, the throwback indie of Hospital Garden and the raunchy punk/blues of Mountain Screamer. If you need added incentive, Hospital Garden will be making the debut offering of their debut EP, which we highly recommend picking up. We'll see you there....

The Buddha Den Presents: Toads and Mice/Minutes @ Pearl 9.14.08

...with much of the region's power out, we found ourselves incredibly fortunate to be able continue on with our show last night at Pearl. The bands were more than willing to play and a small but enthusiastic crowd made for a fun, if not eerie, evening...

...opening the night were new band Minutes. According to reports this was only their third show. Despite the lack of stage time with this outfit, it quickly became apparent that this was not amateur hour. With most of the lineup serving in various punk/hardcore outfits through the last few years, the music of Minutes was surprising. The band may have retained some of the heavier elements of the pedigree, but in this setting added to the mix incredibly sensitive dynamics, as well as keyboards and various percussion. The arrangements of their pieces showed a bit of a prog flair at times as well as some ear-catching melodic hooks, despite the fact the band was without vocals on this night. Although the band seems to still be taking shape, keep an eye out for Minutes...




...although Zelazowa was scheduled to make a tour stop from Philadelphia last night, there was a mixup and the band did not stop through. Instead, Toads and Mice took the stage earlier in the evening than planned and delivered yet another impeccable set. After covering the band so many times over the last year, we're nearly at a loss of what to say about the band. This outfit simply delivers every time. Even on newer material like the sprawling monolith of "Nineteen Twentious" and the bouncy jazz inflections of "Undress", the band has such incredible command over the material. Apparently on this night, they allowed a close friend to draw up the set list for a laugh. For once, we saw a tiny crack in the Toads and Mice armor as the song "Skull" (from their debut album) resulted in a few missed bars from guitarist Dustin Rose. Afterwards, the admission that the band hadn't played the song in over 6 months seemed justify the error. Quite simply, Toads and Mice are one of the most consistently gratifying bands in Dayton at the moment...