Not Waiting Anymore / The Stunning Debut of Field Report

Words // Scott Pingeton
Photos // The Wild Honey Pie

From the ashes of DeYarmond Edison, two bands emerged.  Megafaun set an adventurous course, exploring the the more experimental reaches of folk music.  And, of course, Justin Vernon went on to form Bon Iver to massive critical acclaim and commercial success.  But, that isn't the whole story.  One ember continued to smolder and now, five years on, is ready to burst into flame. 

Chris Porterfield has released two fantastic EPs under the name Conrad Plymouth.  The first, self-titled EP, was a full-band effort that showcased his soul-bearing songwriting and simple-yet-dramatic folk compositions.  The life, blood, sweat and tears that Porterfield shares on his achingly beautiful songs is haunting and deeply personal.  "Fergus Falls", the gorgeous track that turns a story of downward spiral and ultimate recovery into an uplifting and triumphant anthem.  

A second EP, a collection of stripped-down acoustic demos, was released last year as summer waned.  These were cast-offs, tracks that were apparently unfit for the upcoming LP, but I was struck immediately by the raw beauty.  I called the album (perhaps flippantly) "our generation's Nebraska" and gave it a well-deserved spot on my Favorite EPs of 2011 list.  The EP's first track, "I Am Not Waiting Anymore" is a track I've turned to countless times over the past 6 months - a mantra, promise and a declaration.  Lyrics that cut through the fog, denouncing indolence and embracing a new beginning.

Now operating under the name Field Report, Porterfield & co. are ready to step into the spotlight.  The new incarnation of the band made their debut at SXSW, playing 9 shows in 3 days - from churches to bars to fancy, beer-sponsored outdoor bro-parties.  I was lucky enough to attend two of the nine, and I was knocked on my ass both times.  The quality of songwriting was not a surprise, but the passionate, fervid live performances were.  In both cases I stood spellbound and dumbfounded, at once inspired to soak in the lyrics in rapt silence and to return the intense emotion in fist-pumping, catharsis.  Field Report's live debut was absolutely stunning, and I cannot wait to hear the full record.

Both of the tracks I mentioned above from the previous EPs have been re-recorded and will appear on the full length.  You can stream them both at Field Report's website, as well as here:

Website: field-report.org/

Here's a video of "I Am Not Waiting Anymore" from The Outlaw Roadshow at SXSW.  Audio isn't great -- those weird pitch modulations are just my shitty camera -- but the greatness of the performance translates.

(Fun fact:  see that photo up there on the right?  Plaid shirt, front row...that's me)

Radio City / Rembering Big Star at SXSW 2012

Words // Scott Pingeton

Criminally overlooked in their own time, Big Star will be remembered as one of the most influential bands of the last 40 years.  They may well be the center of my personal musical universe, the sun around which most of my musical tastes orbit - power-pop, garage rock, soul, folk-rock.  Paul Westerberg famously dubbed Alex Chilton "a man who could sing in a visible voice", the phrase that gave this blog its name.

One of the very first posts on VV back in March 2010 was a memorial to Alex Chilton, which I wrote in stunned disbelief after learning of his untimely death just days prior to a performance at SXSW.  Last weekend, exactly two year later, I found myself in Austin aimlessly walking the streets looking for a party that would have us, badgeless as we were.  A well-timed tweet sent us in the direction of The Ginger Man - an unassuming bar on a quiet street, far away from the chaos of 6th/7th streets.  After waiting in a short line I found myself inside, feet aching but head buzzing with anticipation.  Members of The Posies, Eric Early (Blitzen Trapper), REM's Michael Stipe and Peter Buck crowded around the tiny stage along with countless other musicians I couldn't name.

Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer casually took the stage with Jody Stephens, Big Star's original drummer and lone surviving member, and invited Eric Early of Blitzen Trapper to join them.  The foursome launched into a blistering version of "Feel" - the first track off Big Star's debut #1 Record.  Three generations of power-pop heavyweights on the stage was enough to put a permanent grin on my face and raise goosebumps that didn't go away all night.

Over the course of the roughly 90 minute show a carousel of musicians shared the stage.  Peter Buck played 12-string guitar on "In The Street" and John Doe took lead vocals for an excellent version of "I'm In Love With A Girl" - plus a bunch of other artists that I admit I wasn't familiar with.  The entire ensemble shared the stage for "September Gurls" to close out the night, capping off a moving and memorable tribute to a legendary band.

Where The Bands Are // SXSW 2012

I hear the guitars ringin' out again
Ringin' on down Union Street
I hear the lead singer shoutin' out girl
I wanna be a slave to the beat
And I want something that'll break my chains
Something to break my heart
Something to shake my brains
There's a rocker's special on tonight
So meet me on down
'Neath the neon lights
I wanna be where the bands are

Bruce Springsteen - Where The Bands Are

Songs For Wednesday: Patrick Watson, Black Girls and more

Words // Adam Sharp
 
Patrick Watson - "Into Giants"

This is pretty much what spring sounds like.  (website)

 

 

Night Moves - "Headlights"

This has about everything you're going to need in a few months for a summer jam: it's noisy, has some sun soaked guitar lines, some soaring falsetto and some rumbling percussion.  (website)

 

 

Black Girls - "Broadway"

...or, you know, maybe you prefer your summer jams with a bunch of swagger, a touch of horns and a bit of soul.   (website)

 

 

Bryan John Appleby - "The Rider. The Horse. The Land."

Just a friendly reminder that this was the best album that was released last year.  (website)

 

 

Leif Vollebekk - "Don't Go To Klaksvik"

This tune will be the exact right tune for your next drive through the country with the windows down. Or pretty much anything else of that nature.  (website)

Leif Vollebekk - Don't Go To Klaksvik

Review: Bowerbirds - The Clearing

Words // Brian Hodge

A temperate past few days combined with Daylight Savings has hinted suggestively at the changing of seasons.  The Clearing, the new album from North Carolina-based Bowerbirds, is a softly-lit album that blooms just in time for spring, an album inviting you to explore their rustic world.

The Bowerbirds’ reap their familiar pastoral territory, generally speaking, but the duo’s vision feels fully realized here.  The scope - and production value - has increased on what is the group’s third record.  Recorded in Wisconsin at the increasingly influential April Base studio (of Bon Iver, Bon Iver acclaim), there are lush, sweeping melodies pieced together beautifully with orchestral flourishes and latticework instrumentation.

The Clearing opens up with perhaps the record’s strongest track, “Tuck The Darkness In,” a song about bittersweet reminiscence. Phil Moore’s minor-keyed melody feels reliable and comforting in its familiarity.  But by the time the orchestra swells behind his lamentations, it’s shimmeringly clear the duo have come a long way since 2009’s Upper Air.

Over the past three years, Moore and bandmate Beth Tacular ended their long romantic relationship, battled a mysterious illness that hospitalized Tacular, rescued a dog and subsequently rekindled their relationship.

While one can infer any number of influences these events may have had on the recording, the lasting impression here is one of acceptance.  Accepting things in, accepting that some things go, and ultimately accepting that while life isn’t perfect, nature has a steady course and a way of keeping everything balanced.

On the album closer “Now We Hurry On,” there’s a passage where Moore sings “And what we miss, we miss, we miss. / And what we see under the sun is what we get.”  Everything in between, both in life and on the album, is more than good enough.

Bowerbirds play the Paradise Rock Club on March 24. Tickets here

#ff SXSW Preview: Hollis Brown, Oh No Oh My, Harriet

Words // Scott Pingeton

Hollis Brown
Those lamenting the fact that Middle Brother is no more and Delta Spirit seems to be shunning their folkier side, I give you Hollis Brown.  Catchy, raucous, organic, gritty, urban folk/soul rave-ups - the sonic middle ground between classic rock and the new crop of modern indie-folk rockers.  The NYC-based band's upcoming Nothing & The Famous No One EP is out April 3 and, fittingly, features a guest appearance from Deer Tick's John McCauley.

Hollis Brown - Ride On The Train

Oh No Oh My
With thousands of bands from around the world converging on Austin next week, one of the ones I'm most excited to see is from there.  Oh No Oh My is a new discovery - as in, an hour ago - but I can't get enough of their new jam "Take It Back".  It's got a slinky groove, soaring vocals and builds slowly to a blistering guitar solo and stomping finish.  Pure pop perfection.

Oh No Oh My - Take It Back

Harriet
Harriet is a new project from former Dawes member Alex Casnoff.  The same traits that I love in Dawes are present here - grit, soul and great damn songs.  The urge to scream "I slept with all your mothers" at the top of your lungs has never made more sense.  Plus, the entire EP is free, so you really can't go wrong.  Get it here.

Harriet - I Slept With All Your Mothers

Songs for Wednesday: Allah-Lahs, Nathaniel Rateliff and more

Words // Adam Sharp

Allah-Lahs - "Catamaran"

Hazy, infectious surf-rock that sounds perfect any time of the year, including March. (website)

 
Dry the River - "Bible Belt"

Slow building, emotionally charged rock that usually ends in soaring, cinematic flourishes. Like here. (website) 

 
 
Daughter - "Medicine"
The music that Elena Tonra and her band create is extremely gorgeous and haunting, the kind that sticks with you long after the last note fades away. (website)

 
 
Y La Bamaba - "Court the Storm" (featuring Neko Case)

A little wild, weird and unsettling, but that's why I like it so.  (website)

 
 
Nathaniel Rateliff - "Shroud"
I'm still unsure how a man that writes the kinds of songs and has the kind of voice that Nathaniel Rateliff has is still so unknown. That can't possibly continue for much longer.  (website)

Bowerbirds - Tuck In The Darkness (Video)

Words // Scott Pingeton

This is really just an excuse to post one of my favorite songs of the year again.  But, while I'm at it, it's worth noting that Bowerbirds' excellent new album The Clearing is out now - and it's damn good.  As is the new video for "Tuck In The Darkness".  The Clearing record finds songwriting duo Phil Moore and Beth Tacular pairing their simple folk songs with big, expansive sounds - swooping strings, majestic guitars, horns.  It's a major step forward from 2009's also-excellent Upper Air.  Bowerbirds are at the Paradise on March 24, which I plan to be at - assuming I survive SXSW.  Tickets

Homegrown: Dan Blakeslee, Coyote Kolb, and Caleb Groh

Words // Scott Pingeton

When it comes to Boston bands, I often find myself caught between two extremes.  On one hand, I want to root for the local guys.  The idea of finding your new favorite band sweating it out in the local bars is a romantic dream, but visions of the Cavern Club can cloud one's judgement.  On the other hand, I have no interest in pandering to the local scene.  I seek out the best music period, regardless of geography - and that often means paying less attention to Boston than to Seattle, Nashville and New York. Every once in a while I need to remind myself that there is a lot of great music being made in Boston.  Here are three artists you need to know:

Dan Blakeslee
Dan Blakeslee is one of Boston's most promising songwriters - spinning literate songs that feature the perfect mix of folky grit and soulful swoon. Tatnic Tales is a record I'm ashamed to say I overlooked in 2011, but I've made time for it in 2012 and I encourage you to do the same.  "Lazy Eyed Girl" is a beautiful piano and fiddle folk jam - perfect for those nights when the party is winding down, but you're not ready to leave.  (website)

Dan Blakeslee- Lazy Eyed Girl

Coyote Kolb
Coyote Kolb is a band that I've been aware of for a while, but only fell in love with recently.  Hearing their new record United State for the first time, I can't help but feel like I've made a big, big mistake by not getting on board sooner.  Country, folk and blues meld into something magical and mysterious - the musical equivalent of a dark desert highway, ominous clouds fast approaching.  (website)

Caleb Groh
I was vaguely aware of Caleb Groh's Happiest Lion project - which, fairly or unfairly, I sort of considered to be Sufjan Stevens-lite.  I was intrigued and excited by the rootsy new direction on last years' Down, Dakota! EP - it's hard to go wrong with simple folk songs and banjo.  "Hapless Dreamer" is from his upcoming LP Bottomless Coffee and it suggests yet another (exciting) new direction - melodic, melancholy indie-folk.  (website)