Great debuts, old favorites and other shit I missed

Words // Scott Pingeton

I started a new job about two months ago, and the irony of working for a music tech company is that I'm actually listening to less new music. That needs to change, and I intend it to as I get settled into the new grind...but over the last couple months I've fallen behind. Here's some of the stuff I missed that is well worth spending more time with.

Swear and Shake - These White Walls
I had been waiting to hear Swear and Shake's debut full-length for the better part of a year, and it doesn't disappoint. These White Walls is one of the catchiest songs I've heard all year, and the rest of the album features tender ballads, folky-pop gems and dueling vocals between Kari Spieler and Adam McHeffey.

Velah - Black Olympia EP
From the ashes of two much-loved Boston bands (Static of the Gods and The Acre), rises Velah. Their debut EP Black Olympia has garnered a lot of attention around town already, and for good reason. Rich layers of alternately shimmering and fuzzy electric guitars, soaring vocals and a thunderous rythm section coalesce in a tsunami of post-punk, shoegaze and noise pop bliss. Stream the entire EP below, get your copy here and catch them tonight at TTs.

Mount Eerie - Clear Moon
Songs that are as breathtaking in their understated beauty as a misty morning, a majestic sunset or a glassy mountain lake. Simple, organic and humming with life. This is a record that needs some time devoted to it, and I intend to do just that.

Songs for Wednesday // Swear and Shake, Hip Hatchet and more

'Suddenly'- Swear and Shake
One mighty fine, sadly sweet gem of a song.
Website: http://swearandshake.com/

'Rotary'- Sam Moss
A perfect song to daydream while listening to.
Website: http://sammoss.net/

'Pain Love'- Typhoon
Things that will improve any day: a new jam from Typhoon.
Website: http://wearetyphoon.com/

'Child's Hand In Dirt'- Hip Hatchet
Seriously- go get this album. It's perfect for rainy spring days and
long, thinking nights.
Website: http://hiphatchet.tumblr.com/

'Son of a Gun'- Brendan Losch
A little bit of M.Ward, a little bit of Lord Huron and a whole lot of fantastic. One of the better songs I've heard the last few months.
Website: http://brendanlosch.blogspot.com/

Brendan Losch - Son of a Gun

'Halls of Columbia (Live on KEXP)'- Pickwick
We've been over this before, but it bears repeating: you should be very, very into Pickwick.
Website: http://www.pickwickmusic.com/

KS Issue #1: The Wooden Sky, Swear and Shake, David Wax Museum

Words // Scott Pingeton
Video // Steve Legare

As part of the partnership between Kitchen Sessions and Visible Voice, we'll be digging back into the KS archives and pulling out some of our favorite audio and video from past house shows.  This is the first in what we hope will be a series of monthly installments - and it features some incredible stuff.  Enjoy - and please let us know what you think in the comments.

KS #18: The Wooden Sky

The Wooden Sky is one of my favorite bands in the world, and I've made no secret of that fact over the past few months.  Gavin Gardiner's songs are so finely crafted, and the band so adept at conveying a feeling through music.  But what's so great about this band is that they can pull off an echo-drenched jam or a banjo-folk shuffle, a whisper-quiet folk tune or a stomping call-to-arms.  Or, for example, "Malibu Rum" from their fantastic new record Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon A Sun - a melancholy lament set against a breezy coconut-scented melody - perfectly evocative.  (website)

KS#21: Swear and Shake

I discovered Swear and Shake by accident, but I fell in love immediately.  I was at the BOMB festival in Hartford and was on my way between stages when they caught my ear.  A song or two later I was convinced I had to book them for the Newport Nightcap afterparty - which they agreed to do.  Kari Spieler's voice is other-worldly, and the band's mix of indie folk and pop is irresistible.  I am anxiously awaiting their debut LP, which will include "These White Walls".  This video in particular really captures the spirit of Kitchen Sessions - great music in an intimate space.  (website)

KS #1: David Wax Museum
This set pre-dates the Kitchen Sessions name - and in many ways it inspired what Steve and company have done since.  I was lucky enough to be there that night - a cold, rainy, miserable night in March 2010.  I didn't know David Wax Museum at all, but I left a lifelong fan.  Hearing these songs - many of which would not be released until nearly a year later on Everything is Saved - was a revelation.  This was pre-Newport Folk, pre-NPR Music...just four incredible musicians playing to a room full of strangers and blowing away every single one of them away.  House shows like these were the bricks in the foundation on which they continue to build greater and greater success.  (website)

David Wax Museum
Kitchen Session #1
March 30, 2010

Beekeeper
Beatrice
The Persimmon Tree
Unfruitful
(Banter)
Rosamar
Yes, Maria, Yes
Donkey In My Soul
Banter
Look What You've Done To Me
Carpenter Bird
Si Te Vas
That's Not True
Let Me Rest
Colas
When You Are Still
The Great Unawakening

Full set download: mp3 zip

Looking back... Newport Nightcap 2011

Words // Scott Pingeton

Six months ago I was counting down the days to another Newport Folk Festival...and our Newport Nightcap afterparty.  Putting together a lineup of four fantastic artists, organizing beer sponsorships, ticket sales, lighting/sound, coordinating with a venue ill-equipped for an event of its size and everything else that went into the party (not to mention holding down a demanding day job) was tough.  But ultimately so so worth it.  The party was a huge success - great music, a HOT, packed, sold-out venue and even a little mention in Billboard magazine for our troubles.  It was a ton of fun for me personally and hopefully for everyone that could make it.

After Newport weekend we wrapped up our coverage of the festival, but what seemingly got lost in shuffle was coverage of the Nightcap.  I was too busy to take photos or video, and only managed to get recordings of two of the four bands.  Then just a few days ago, the good folks and Kitchen Sessions sent over some incredible videos shot that night - I didn't even know these existed!  The audio is a little inconsistent, but I think these show what an incredible night it was.  Great memories.

Vikesh Kapoor - Mack The Knife

Pearl And The Beard - Sweetness

Swear And Shake - Johnnie

Kingsley Flood - I Don't Wanna Go Home

Kingsley Flood announce Colder Still EP, release shows

Kingsley Flood will celebrate the release of their upcoming Colder Still EP with a three-night run of release shows at Lizard Lounge in Cambridge Dec. 8, 9 and 10.  Each night will feature two killer opening acts and headline sets from the hometown boys, all for the low low price of $10.  Visible Voice and Kitchen Sessions will co-present the middle night of the residency, featuring best buds Swear and Shake (NYC) and new buds Paper Thick Walls (Chicago).  Swear and Shake will also be celebrating the release of their debut LP so, it's going to be an extra special night.

At $10 a pop I encourage you to check out each of these special shows - I can attest that every single opening band is fantastic and Kingsley Flood always brings the rock.  But, if you have to choose just one, why not spend a rowdy Friday night in that cozy Cambridge basement with us?  It's gonna be a party, I promise!  These shows will sell out - get your tickets here. 

Here are some tunes from each band to whet your whistle...

Kingsley Flood - I Don't Wanna Go Home

Swear and Shake - For Better, For Worse (NEW SINGLE)

Paper Thick Walls - Old Weathered Wooden Dock

On location: Swear and Shake - "Suddenly"

The first time I saw Swear and Shake at the B.O.M.B. Festival in Hartford CT it was love at first listen.  So when they agreed to play our Newport Nightcap folk festival after-party I was beyond excited.  The band played a killer set, instantly winning over the packed, sweaty and sun-burned crowd just as quickly as they won me over a couple months prior.  The next morning Swear and Shake woke up early and joined us on the pier in downtown Newport for an acoustic session.  While I shook off the cobwebs from the previous day and night, the band played an absolutely gorgeous version of "Suddenly", a new song from their upcoming Kickstarter-funded Maple Ridge LP.  That record will drop sometime before the end of the year, but watch the video for a preview and, for just a moment, get transported back to warmer days:

As always, huge thanks to Kitchen Sessions for the video work!

Get to know Swear and Shake

When I made the trip down to Connecticut for the B.O.M.B. Festival a few weeks ago, there were plenty of bands on my list to check out.  David Wax Museum, The Felice Brothers, Real Estate, Woods, Titus Andronicus...the list goes on.  One band that wasn't on my radar was NYC's Swear and Shake.  However, as I found myself traversing the corporate confines of the Comcast Center on my way to see Wavves on the main stage, my ears redirected me to a side stage where Swear and Shake were playing a set of gorgeous indie folk.  Lush vocals from Kari Spieler and Adam McHeffey, great songs and a sound that ranges from bouncy indie-pop to smokey soul-tinged folk.  There was a lot to like and I was hooked instantly.  As soon as I got home I grabbed their free EP and that's when I knew they were for real - highly recommend checking it out.  There's a reason this band is playing festivals all over New England, get on the bandwagon now.

We're ecstatic to announce that Swear and Shake will be playing Newport Nightcap, the (unofficial) Newport Folk afterparty we're throwing with Kitchen Sessions on July 30th in Newport RI.  Don't miss the chance to see these guys live, along with Kingsley Flood and more bands TBA.  If you're going to Newport Folk, reserve a guest list spot for just $10.

Swear and Shake - Bones

Newport Nightcap - Unofficial Newport Folk Afterparty

Visible Voice and Kitchen Sessions are excited to announce Newport Nightcap - July 30th in downtown Newport RI!

As the final notes of the Newport Folk Festival are reverberating across Newport Harbor, move the party to downtown Newport.  Relax in the upstairs lounge with food, cold drinks and intimate acoustic sets by local/national acts (artists TBA).  Then, move downstairs where Kingsley Flood (Boston) and Swear and Shake (NYC) will keep party going late into the night.  

TICKETS:
VIP (guaranteed spot + more): $10 buy here **limited**
General Admission: $5 at the door (if available)

DETAILS:
Saturday July 30, 7pm-1am
Gas Lamp Grille, 206 Thames St, Downtown Newport
Sponsored by Narragansett Beer

Kingsley Flood - I Don't Wanna Go Home
Swear and Shake - The Promise