The Bright Light Social Hour – Fine Line

Tags

Indie Music, Indie Rock, Minnesota, MPLS, MPLSmusic, Rock, SXSW, tblsh, The Bright Light Social Hour, The Fine Line

The Bright Light Social Hour -

I walked into the show during the first song that The Bright Light Social Hour was performing and I was already impressed.  I heard about this group about a year ago and have been craving to see them perform ever since.  Listening to their albums and hearing their recorded music doesn’t do justice for what I experienced at their live show.

A band performing on an Tuesday night in Minneapolis, MN made it seem like it was a Saturday night in New York.  They stayed tight, gave the solos at the right times and rolled from song-to-song as if they have been doing this for years.

Coming from performing at SXSW, I could see how a band might have been a little disappointed with the Tuesday night turn out at The Fine Line, but they didn’t show that at all.  The southern sound combined with the rock beats and jam band solos made this show one that I will remember for some time to come.  A band that can have this much fun and provide such solid music, vocally ranging and musically talented to play almost any genera of music.

I cannot wait until their next time through the Twin Cities because trust me, I’ll be there.

Goldenboy and Maudlin at the Amsterdam

Tags

Amsterdam Bar, Goldenboy, Indie, Indie Music, Indie Rock, Live Music, local music, Maudlin, Minnesota, MPLS, MPLS Music, the Amsterdam

Goldenboy plays poppy dancable music with great harmonies; straight forward and right to the point music that leaves you wanting more.  From Los Angeles, the band is touring in support of their new album Sleepwalker which is full of catchy tunes.  Lead singer/Guitarist/Keyboardist Shon Sullivan is definitely leading the band and has a very likable personality.  His supporting cast is very solid with Katy Stone on Bass and Nicole Verhamme on guitar and keys; both provide pleasant vocal support to Shon.  Bryan Bos on drums was very solid and by the way great hair Bryan!  I think the dancers at the show would have appreciated another five or six songs from the band.

I expected to just check out one or two songs from Maudlin and then hit the road but after the first song I knew I was there until they were done.  The group I was with was in agreement that Maudlin has a “Pixies” like vibe and a pop sensibility that remembers keep them short and sweet.  Maudlin combines three of my favorite things in a band; 1) A power trio of lead guitar, bass and drums; 2) A female lead guitarist who can really play and 3) Short pop songs not lasting more than three minutes.  With that combination I will definitely be checking them out again.  Priscilla Priebe definitely stole the show and even put up with the young man swooning her during breaks.  Definitely looking forward to seeing them again.

Of Monsters and Men – bringing me back to my roots

Tags

Iceland, Indie, Indie Music, Indie Rock, Minneapolis, MPLS, MPLSmusic, Of Monsters and Men, OMAM, Rock, Ska, The Fine Line, The Fine Line Music Cafe

(Picture cutosy of: Olafur Kr. Olafsson at http://www.flickr.com/photos/olafur/5198580814/in/set-72157625319922741/)

There might not have been a better venue for Of Monsters and Men to perform this last Thursday in Minneapolis then The Fine Line Music Cafe.  Packed to capacity, it was if this first-time-to-America group had been doing this for years.  Maybe one of the most eclectic crowds I’ve seen in my concert going days, the band played to please everyone.

(Picture cutosy of: Olafur Kr. Olafsson at http://www.flickr.com/photos/olafur/5198580814/in/set-72157625319922741/)

For the first time in a while, my musical life was fully connected.  From The Real Big Fish to Mumford and Sons even to Outkast, there was a complex hint of multiple musical backgrounds.  The complete awesomeness of Of Monsters and Men was passed through every member in the crowd last night leaving us with a feeling of connectedness that not many other bands can accomplish.  The harmonies were right on key and surprisingly solid after only hearing their album.  Of Monsters and Men controled the crowd and acknowldged them for the passion they showed for music.

Of Monsters and Men gave Minneapolis one of the best performances it has seen in a long time.  For sure top 10 performances in 2012 but maybe even one of the best performances The Fine Line has ever seen.

Past Local Artist of the Week – West of Aldine

Tags

Anthony Maahs, Artist of the Week, Christian Hulting, Groove, Indie, Indie Music, Indie Rock, Jesse Mattila, Minneapolis, Minnesota, MPLS Music, Music Scene MPLS, Pop, Rock, St. Paul, West of Aldine, Zach Grusznski

 

West of Aldine

There is a strong urge for more music like West of Aldine locally in the Twin Cities.  Lead singer, Christian Hulting has put together a sound that is unique, rockin’ and totally Minnesotian.

Not only is West of Aldine one of the most enjoyable live local bands that the Twin Cities has to offer, but they always seem to be having fun.  Whether they are covering local areas with posters so concert goers can get a free album at the door or covering one of their favorite songs, you can see the enjoyment in everything they do.  Drawing people in with their lyrics, West of Aldine has a combination of great song writing along with very talented musicians that give their fans the funk and rock they ask for.

Drummer, Jesse Mattila has some surprising chops that you wouldn’t expect if you saw him walking in to play a show.  Slow songs, covers, originals, you name it and he rythems the band (pun intended).  Keep your eye on Jesse during any show and you’ll see just where the passion and drive from this hot, local band comes from.

It seems like every week West of Aldine is headlining somewhere around the Twin Cities from Hell’s Kitchen to The Fine Line Music Cafe.  Check them out on Twitter (@westofaldine) to keep up to date on all their current shows.  There is a love for the local music scene that we have found in West of Aldine. We hope you take the opportunity to let them share their passion with you.

West of Aldine Links:

• Download a FREE single – HERE
• Tumblr Blog – HERE
• Twitter – HERE
• Homepage – HERE

Ben Howard at the Varisty TONIGHT…Review to follow

Tags

2012 Tour, Austin to Boston, Bears Den, Ben Howard, Indie, Indie Rock, Minneapolis, MPLS, MPLSmusic, Music, Music Scene MPLS, Music Scene PDX, Nathaniel Rateliff, Rock, SXSW, The Staves, The Varsity Theater, UK Music

Music Scene MPLS has just added a show to cover…then review.

BEN HOWARD at the VARISTY THEATER tonight.