Tonight in LA: Hotel Cinema

Who: Freedom Fry, Hotel Cinema, Holychild, and Burnt Shapes

Where: The Echo

When: 8:30pm

Price: $5

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/473394179381613/

Show presented by 88.5 KCSN

Check out Hotel Cinema’s Look Session:

Song of the Day: Hotel Cinema “Rabbit Hole”

Photo Credit: Jon Stars

If you haven’t heard Hotel Cinema, you are truly missing out! The boyfriend/girlfriend duo made something unparalleled when they entered the studio together to record their self-titled EP, released in January 2013. “Rabbit Hole” is the first track of the EP and is one of my favorites. I am the type of person that is drawn to really great lyrics, and this song nails it right on the head! With Keeley’s enchanting, honey-coated vocals and Mark’s knack for music production and orchestral flare, Hotel Cinema is  likely to be LA’s next buzz band! Give “Rabbit Hole” a listen, in fact give the whole record a listen!

Tonight in LA: Temp3st

Who: Temp3st

Where:  Lot 613

When: Doors at 7pm, Temp3st at 11pm

Price: $10

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/399760793455090/

Music, Art, and Magic presented by Acoustic Playhouse

Here is quick peak into the storm that is Temp3st:

Video of the Day: Smoke Season “Soleil”

Smoke Season is the magical pairing of Jason Rosen and Gabrielle Wortman. “Soleil” is the first single off their EP, Signals. Their voices perfectly compliment one another and their songwriting chemistry is clear right off the bat. For two artists with completely different musical backgrounds, (Jason is the former guitarist for pop-rock group Honor Society, while Gabrielle fronts the indie-electronica band Temp3st) I was  pleasantly surprised by this new direction. Enjoy the music video for their single below:

Album of the Day: Conditions – The Temper Trap

“Conditions” was released in 2009 in the U.S. following its release in Australia and the UK but because this Australian Indie Rock band was, for the most part, unknown here this particular release for the band produced less than desirable ratings in comparison to its release elsewhere.

With that being said, I’ve taken it upon myself to give credit where credits due…this band and this album is amazing! I too was unaware of The Temper Trap until I stumbled upon “Sweet Disposition” one of their most prominent tracks from the album. It, as well as the rest of the songs, have very prominent bass lines and guitar which instantly attracts then the vocals are the cherry on top.

The Temper Trap and “Conditions” is, simply put, refreshing. It’s different and new and they deserve positive attention!

– Jamey

Artist: The Temper Trap

Album: Conditions

Song of the Day: Catapilah – Young Buffalo

Young Buffalo, a three-piece-band from Mississippi, is slowly entering the airwaves with their fairly recent release, Catapilah. The band consists of Alex Hardberger, Ben Yarbrough, and Jim Barrett, all friends who crafted the project in ’09.

With influences of the only two kind of boys out there, the Beach and the Beastie, Young Buffalo classify their sound as Afro-Beat and Soul. I’m not sure if that would be exactly how I would describe what I’ve heard thus far but to be honest, it doesn’t really matter what genre you pin them in – their music is ridiculously addictive.

With that being said, I’m interested to hear more from them and hopefully Young Buffalo will get a positive response toward their unique vocal and percussion-based sound.

– Jamey

Artist: Young Buffalo

Song: Catapilah

Band Of The Day: Don’t Sigh Daisy

Don't Sigh Daisy

Let me start off by saying YouTube is really producing some good talent these days – one of those being Joshua Wicker. I heard about a cover of his through a friend and immediately I was taken aback by his passion and spin on an otherwise overplayed Pop song. He’s a great talent which is why I was ecstatic when I found out that he would be collaborating in a new Acoustic/Indie project alongside Dylan Gerard, another great find that has really missed out on a great deal of deserving recognition.

The new band, Don’t Sigh Daisy is slowly growing in fans and appreciation with their Folk-Acoustic sound. They almost remind me of a tamer version of Mumford & Sons however their single “Fear” from the new album “Go On” is unique in its own right as is the band.

“Fear” has a great melody on the guitar that is haunting and painful but passionate in the same – melted with the voice of Gerard. What I love about a simple song like this is the emotion you can hear in Gerard’s voice – the small creaks as he’s finishing off a note or the cry when he’s just barely singing one of the powerful lines, “Give her your best, you’ll need her just yet.” There is something behind that rawness of emotion that Don’t Sigh Daisy puts into their music that really forces the listener to understand the sentiment behind the song.

Only fault I can give is that I’d like to hear more of Wicker on backing vocals – but I’ll take what I can get. Again, great band – great song – hopes for an even better album and most importantly much more to come from them in the future!!

– Jamey

Artist: Don’t Sigh Daisy

Album: Go On

Song: Fear

Song of the Day: G- – Vanaprasta

It’s been a while since I’ve updated. I swear I’m gonna be better at this. For the past few months I have had the privilege of listening to Vanaprasta and seeing them live more then most. Partly due to the fact that my roommate, Dan is their sound guy and I tag along to shows, partly due to the fact that I feel in love with them from the first time I saw them play the The Echo months ago.

They are incredible. It’s been a long time since a band has had a front man with the stage presence and vocals Steven Wilkin has. The lyrics are well thought out and original. Get your dancing shoes on, you’re gonna need them!

Their new single “G-” is available for download on Buzzbands.La. Check it out Here.

Be their fan on Facebook: HERE

-Amanda

Song of the Day: Ra Ra Riot – Can You Tell

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d post a lil’ love song to work those heart strings.

“Can You Tell” is a single from the album “The Rhumb Line.” Ra Ra Riot, a Syracuse based band, released “The Rhumb Line” in 2008 as their first full-length studio album. The popular track, “Can You Tell,” was re-released a year later as a remix on the “Can You Tell EP.” The song is simple, the arrangements are soothing and for the most part it’s a seemingly innocent love song. With the many mixtures of instruments (the cello, violin, guitar, and drums) the song is quite emotional as Wes Miles sings about the feeling of a new love.

It’s light-hearted and worth the listen.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

– Jamey

Artist: Ra Ra Riot

Album: The Rhumb Line

Song: Can You Tell

Song of the Day: Band Of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love You

I heard Band Of Horses back in 2007 when they released their second album, “Cease to Begin,” which was recorded in North Carolina and featured their widely popular song, “Is There a Ghost” and also included a live cover of “Act Together,” originally recorded by Ronnie Wood. The album had a very eclectic and distinct sound, especially at the time but it was surprisingly well received; Band Of Horses managed to snag a spot on Rolling Stone’s top 50 albums of 2007. I vaguely remembered the album, until I stumbled across “No One’s Gonna Love You,” a track from “Cease To Begin.”

Up until now, I’ve been overplaying their most recent album, Infinite Arms, which was released in 2010, and haven’t really had the appetite for any of their earlier stuff. But after hearing this song again, for the first time in a while, I can’t stop listening. Thinking back to the initial time that I heard the song, “No One’s Gonna Love You” didn’t stand out to me. I’m not sure if it was the slower tempo or the more powerful lyrics that I just couldn’t connect with, but now 3 years later, and after a lot of maturing, I can really appreciate the depth of this song.

Band Of Horses definitely has a sound that is incomparable and one thing you can always expect with them is that they make good music!  Although I had forgotten about the song, until now, “No One’s Gonna Love You” is definitely an example of that.

– Jamey

Artist: Band Of Horses

Album: Cease To Begin

Song: No One’s Ever Gonna Love You