REVIEW: State School-Cats In Boxes EP

...as the city of Dayton rallies itself against the external perceptions of it as a 'dying city' with the semi-annual Urban Nights event this evening with the acknowledgment of Dayton's Creative Class, we'd like to offer up one of our current favorite originals in the Gem City as a salute: the lovable trio known as State School. Over the past year, Eric/Erica/Noelle have induced more ear-to-ear smiles in this town than any other band, with their skit-like presentations and relentlessly sunny melodies, it's difficult to not hear/see this band without walking away feeling better about...well, everything...

...although some rough demos surfaced late last year, the band set to task in constructing their first proper release, the subsequent Cat In Boxes EP, with the help of local recording mastermind Mike Perkins [of The Esther Caulfield Orchestra]. With Perkins at the helm [and adding sublime guitar and pedal steel flourishes throughout], the band successfully translated to tape the intimacy and jovial interplay which defines their aesthetic. From the kickoff of "Let the Hurricane Roar", it is evident that State School possess a wicked sense of humor and irreverence [dig the "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah" singalong"] that punctuates and propels the lyrical content throughout. As they weave stories of riding bikes throughout Dayton, memorable nights spent imbibing with friends, and take stabs at everything from CSN&Y to avocado growth regions, their humble and self-deprecating tone keeps things from delving into a cyncial, snarky space...

...perhaps the most notable element of Cats In Boxes is State School's ability to make the most of a limited, primitive instrumental palate. While acoustic guitar makes appearances throughout [not to mention the subtle, yet potent, accompaniments from Perkins as mentioned previously], it is the prolific application of ukeleles, toy organs, kazoos, and any other noisemaker within reach that keeps this such a fun listen. Likewise, with such a lightweight instrumentation, State School are quite capable of infiltrating the smaller, more intimate listening spaces which we've found best to take in a live performance...

...put on the Cat In Boxes EP. Take a listen. If you don't find yourself smiling uncontrollably and dancing around yr room singing along, well, we may not be able to help you. State School will perform at the 2009 Dayton Music Fest at the Trolley Stop....

MP3: State School "Something About Sleep"
MP3: State School "Gears 4 Beers"

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"

Holy!Holy!Holy!/Akillis Green/State School/Kris N.-Tonight @ Dayton Dirt Collective

...as we mentioned earlier this week the anarchist-folkies of Holy!Holy!Holy! will be rolling into the Dayton Dirt Collective tonight. Along for the ride are locals Akillis Green, State School and Kris N. Although seemingly subdued for a Friday night, we're thinking this could be one of the best shows this season. See you there...

Accidently Residential

...it seems like nearly every band in town is playing this weekend, so check out tonight's golden opportunities...

...head over to the Trolley Stop tonight to say farewell to one of the most unique musical characters on the Dayton scene, Outside Residential. He'll be hosting his exit party tonight out in the back house along with performances by Kanible, Brandon Hawk, Yeti Master, and one of our newest local faves, State School. Be sure to tell the door guy yr there for the private party out back...

...if your needs fall squarely in the big rock vein, head over to Tumbleweed Connection for a full dose. Headliners Accidently on Purpose will be hosting Vibrolas (N. Kentucky) and The Give Ups. Should be a good n' loud one....

The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO feat. State School-Tonight @ Oregon Express

...carrying on with our new weekly event at Oregon Express, The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO is very excited for the return visit tonight of new local buzz band, State School. The twee/folk trio is such an amazingly fun time, we highly recommend you make it down to check them out. The open mic starts at 8:30 and you never know who might pop in. As always, this is a FREE show...

Squids Eye Showcase feat. Joey Deady/The Sailing/Cry Baby Genius/State School-Tonight @ Pearl

...allegedly this will be the last opportunity to get yr monthly Squids Eye Records fix at Pearl, so better make it count. On tap tonight, SER has brought out the latent talent that is Joey Deady (ex-Jet Kid Committee), the epic dream-rockers The Sailing, hip-hop flavor from Cry Baby Genius, and local twee/folk up-and-comers State School. This one's all over the map, so check it out...

The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO feat. State School/Hackplant @ Oregon Express 9.10.08

...on a brisk late summer evening, The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO kicked off at The Oregon Express. Despite some early technical setbacks, the Open Mic portion of the evening kicked off and we were treated to three fine acoustic sets. AJ kicked things off with a somber set of love-torn balladry, followed by the underrated Brandon Hawk, who also had an impromptu hand-drummer with him for the first time anywhere. Closing out the open mic segment, Derek Gullett served up a loose, rambling set that veered between the chaotic and sublime...




...in only their second public appearance, State School hit the stage with a swagger that typically only comes from seasoned veterans. Although brimming with confidence, it should be noted that the trio are exceptionally humble and good-humored. Without any aid from amplification (that includes PA reinforcement), State School drew the room right to the cusp of the stage and held them there for the duration of their set. Armed with more ukuleles than we've ever seen, along with various toy pianos and keyboards, the band served up infectious little ditties lined with witty pop-culture references and the aforementioned good-humor. Recalling Moldy Peaches and any slew of K Records bands, we're very excited to welcome State School to the Dayton music scene...




...closing out the evening, we welcomed yet another new band to the scene, Hackplant. With their feet firmly dipping into the classic pool of hard rock tinged with experimental tendencies and alt-rock sensibilities, the young group showed some promise. Although many of their ideas simply seem to lack focus at times, the musicianship is certainly in place. In particular, the guitar work of Josh Deane caught the ear of the audience. Hackplant may be young, but they seem hungry to make their mark in Dayton...




For more photos from the show, go here.

The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO-Tonight @ Oregon Express

...tonight is a very exciting night for us here at The Buddha Den as we continue our month-long birthday celebration with the kickoff of The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO. Head down to the Oregon Express tonight and help us kick off this new event with a bang. If you'd like to be part of the open mic, sign-up starts at 8. We will also be showcasing two bands this evening: State School and Hackplant. Remember this event is totally FREE, so why not come down and check out the new talent....

...we're also very excited to present a video put together by our friend Glad Girl that features footage from our show last week at Canal Street Tavern. Check it out...

Introducing The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO @ Oregon Express

...we at The Buddha Den are very pleased to announce a very special new event that we will be hosting in Dayton. The good folks over at Oregon Express have asked us to host a weekly event on Wednesday nights that we have dubbed The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO. Here's the format: the night will be partly open mic that will be fueled by sign-ups the night of and will also feature two acts that are hand-selected by us in advance. The best part is that the event is FREE. We would encourage all local and regional performers to come out and try out new material. Perhaps you have a side project that you would like to play out with sometime. Maybe you're a new band looking for a gig. All of these scenarios are what we're looking for with The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO....

...so, when does it start? We're kicking this off on Wedensday, September 10. Here's our lineup of featured acts in September...

SEPTEMBER 10: STATE SCHOOL/HACKPLANT

SEPTEMBER 17: THE LOWLAND HEALERS/BLACK WOLF FIGHT

SEPTEMBER 24: ENGINE THE GUN/TBA

If you would like to be a part of this event, contact us over at our Myspace...

Ladyfest Dayton Benefit feat. Accidently On Purpose/Good Sir Con Artist/The Twitches/State School/Paige-Tonight @ Pearl

...serving as the final benefit show before Ladyfest Dayton kicks off on September 12, tonight at Pearl presents some of the best ladies (and gents) in Dayton. Headlining the evening will be the grungy punk of Accidently on Purpose, as well as Good Sir Con Artist, the gothic/country of The Twitches, the twee/folk of State School, and a solo set from Paige (Jasper the Colossal). Head on down and support the ladies...