Mallrat with Maggie Rogers @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018

From the “sleepy” town of Brisbane Australia, 20 year old Mallrat is waking people up to her take on electro-indie pop. She dropped her latest EP In The Sky earlier this year and started touring around Australia at the start of Summer back in June. Before that, the teenage lyricist had a slot at SXSW in Austin Texas this past Spring and is currently on her first U.S tour. 

Mallrat @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018
photo by Marc Fong

Mallrat @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018
photo by Marc Fong

Her first show here had Mallrat, AKA Lil M, opening for buzz-worthy, indie-pop princess Maggie Rogers at The Fillmore on October 15th. That's a pretty big deal, especially for a young new artist: playing on the same stage that's hosted some of music's greatest artists and on a bill with someone as acclaimed as Maggie Rogers is.

Mallrat @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018
photo by Marc Fong

The historic chandler illuminated room was scarcely filled when the music started at 8:00, Mallrat and her accompanying DJ behind her front and center in front of the headliner's back-lined instruments. But twenty and thirty something year old couples started filing in as Mallrat played on.








There's a certain innocence that Grace Shaw (Mallrat) carries that goes beyond her youthful age. Long, soft curls, a sweet smile, longing gaze and some-what prepubescent style accentuate her cherubic aesthetic. But it's the fleeting innocence of her songs that reels you in. There's an obscure maturity that bestows her and she acknowledges it in a way that I think most adults wish they had the heart to.

Mallrat @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018

photo by Marc Fong

She started making music when she was in High School with her first release dropping in 2014 but her music has the ability to resonate with people beyond those formative years. The uppity dance song with bass-heavy drops and shiny beats of  "Inside Voices" from her earlier work sings a song extroverted, introverts can relate to while the string laden "Groceries" off her newest EP builds up with rhythmatic looped verses about hesitant, guarded baby steps toward a maybe love. That's some pretty grown-up stuff to be aware of at her age. Her music has the ability to move people in more ways than one with a fun and flirty sound laced with uplifting beats and a fast, almost rap like delivery.

Mallrat @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018

photo by Marc Fong

There wasn't too much action going on on-stage as Mallrat is still coming into her own but she did greet SF as the audience for the sold-out show thickened and she also hyped up Maggie Rogers. She played radio worthy "Texas"and the catchy track "UFO", both from In The Sky but the most fun she visibly had was when her friend/DJ joined her on for dance break during the Japanese chorus of "Oh Boy - Donatachi".

Mallrat @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018

photo by Marc Fong

I was happy to see that the floor of The Fillmore was packed before the end of  Mallrat's set. Give it a couple years and I can see this girl in the ranks of Bishop Briggs and Billie Eilish who were once shy on-stage early on, too.

Maggie Rogers @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018

photo by Marc Fong

Like a firework in the night sky on the Fourth of July, Maggie Rogers ignited the room into an energetic frenzy. As I watched her work the stage amidst clamoring fans I couldn't help but admire her for giving Mallrat a great launching pad at not one but two shows in SF and her whole North American tour.






The little miss from down under undoubtedly got few more fans under her belt because of it.

Maggie Rogers @ The Fillmore 10/15/2018

photo by Marc Fong

Mallrat graces the States with Maggie through early November.

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018

Our Rocktober started off strong with a review from contributing writer and professional concert photographer Marc Fong. For his first visit to August Hall he covered headliner Alice Merton. 

Alice Merton is literally hitting the ground running. The singer-songwriter has to-date only released a handful of songs, but watching her live, it's clear this up-and-coming artist is going to be huge. 

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

Last month, Merton announced that her debut album Mint would be released January 2019. Those who argue that the artist is a one-hit wonder clearly have not seen her perform live recently. I have seen Merton on a couple of occasions (LIVE105's, now Alt 105.3 N.S.S.N 2017 and Bottlerock 2018) and not only is she getting more comfortable as a live artist, but she continues to create and perform great music. 

Last week, the Bay Area was treated to an amazing performance from the English-born/German raised artist. San Francisco's August Hall hosted Alice Merton on October 4th and she did not disappoint in the least. Not only did she play her familiar radio hits , she also gave soulful performances of unfamiliar tracks. Her set had some songs for us to look forward to on her album next January. 

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

I expected August Hall to be packed to the gills and was disappointed to learn that more tickets were not sold. This is likely due to Merton's present song collection which is small since she doesn't have an album out yet. In any event, if the songs she performed in San Francisco are indicative of what's on Mint, I am confident that had this show occurred after the release of her debut album, she would likely need a couple nights booked at August Hall. 

Not withstanding the modest ticket sales, Alice Merton's performance was powerful and heartfelt. Her sound is for fans of Florence + the Machine meets Bishop Briggs; a cross between dance, pop, rock and soul, Merton's music can be both melodic and raucous. Live, the familiar radio fave tracks, "No Roots", "Lash Out", and Hit the Ground Running" sounded fantastic, just how they sound over the airwaves. Hearing the un-familiar tracks performed with passion, emotion and poignancy was as incredible as hearing the known singles. 

This show stuck with me long after it was over. The morning after I found myself humming the punchy fun track "Holes" which she performed the night before. It's catchy single without the stigma of kitsch. 

Merton's live show has certainly improved compared to her fairly stiff performance in Napa at Bottlerock last May. Now when she is on-stage she is cat like and fluid. She danced and swayed with the audience at August Hall making the show more of an enjoyable experience. Even in the poorly lit venue, her personality blossomed as her engaged with her fans. 

I was fortunate to be a part of this intimate experience which left me looking forward to hearing Mint

in full in a just a couple of months. 

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

set-list 10/4/2018 

1. Hit the Ground Running 

2. Keeps Me Awake 

3. Holes 

4. Learn to Live 

5. Jealousy 

6. Trouble in Paradise 

7. PCH 

8. Honeymoon Heartbreak 

9. Speak Your Mind 

10. Lash Out 

11. Grudge 

12. No Roots 

13. Why So Serious? 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018

Back in August The Wombats released the youthfully vibrant anthem "Bee-Sting" off their  up-coming extended version of their latest album, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life. The new single is a characteristic representation of their fourth studio album and what's to come. 

The extended version due out on November 9th and the English trio is out on tour now. 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong 

Their North American tour dates included a show at The Warfield in San Francisco on September 29th. 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong 

As many touring musicians know, life on the road is rough and The Wombats can attest to that first hand. Not even three shows into their 22 show run, their tour bus broke down en route to show #3 in San Francisco from show #2 in San Diego. But never the less they persisted: set times got pushed back a little bit with them hitting the stage at The Warfield closer to 10:30pm. 

With out further delay they dove right into it with one of their new songs, "Cheetah Tongue". The crowd was readily receptive to it's bright hooks and systematic pop melodies which bled into Glitterbug's similar themed "Give Me a Try". 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong 

With his cheery disposition and irresistible puppy dog eyes, lead vocalist/guitarist Matthew Murphy  seems so personable every time I've seen them. For the most part the guys stayed focused on getting in as much play time as possible but there was some polite banter here and there. The set-list was littered with songs from across their collection but as one would expect they played more songs from their latest release. 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong

What I appreciate most about The Wombats is that over the course of eleven years and four albums, they've never strayed from who they are. Behind the precise use of feedback, reverb and distortion they are and have been a quintessential indie-pop band who write love songs in some shape or form. 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong

The last time I had the pleasure of catching them live was in 2015 when they played Popscene's 20th Anniversary show at Rickshaw stop right before the release of Glitterbug: it was cool to see them play what was new then in comparison to their new stuff now. I missed them when they played at The Fillmore  in January so I'm glad I was able to catch this feel good band this time around. 

They could have easily canceled their show and rescheduled it for a later date but just like their music, The Wombats remained up-beat and positive, delivering another fun show in San Francisco. 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 

photo by Marc Fong

They're playing shows in the States through the end of October, including a show on Halloween night in NYC. Check out their remaining tour dates here.

set-list 9/29/2018 

1. Cheetah Tongue 

2. Give Me a Try 

3. 1996 

4. Black Flamingo 

5. White Eyes 

6. Patricia the Stripper 

7. Techno Fan 

8. Emoticons 

9. Lemon to a Knife Fight 

10. I Don't Know Why I Like You But I Do 

11. Pink Lemonade 

12. Moving To New York 

13. Jump Into the Fog 

14. Lethal Combination 

15. Bee-Sting 

16. Let's Dance to Joy Division 

The Wombats @ The Warfield 9/29/2018 
photo by Marc Fong 

Hudson Taylor coming to the Fox Theater in Oakland 10/16/2018

Irish Brothers Harry and Alfie Hudson Taylor of Hudson Taylor are playing the in Oakland next week. The Americana-pop duo released their Feel It Again EP in March followed by the release of their mini album, Bear Creek to Dame Street in September. Now they're on the road with Hozier on his sold-out North American tour. 

After garnering more and more fans on the European festival circuit across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Denmark and Spain, they're thrilled to return to the States and we're thrilled for their return. 

Hudson Taylor share the stage with Hozier on Tuesday October 16th at The Fox Theater in Oakland. 

Hudson Taylor with Hozier North American Tour Dates Fall 2018 

September 21st @ Riviera Theatre - Chicago 

September 24th, 25th, 26th @ Beacon Theatre - New York 

September 28th @ The Loft at City Winery - New York 

September 30th @ Haymarket at City Winery - Boston 

October 1st @ House of Blues - Boston 

October 2nd @ The Lincoln Theatre - Washington D.C 

October 3rd @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia 

October 4th @ Songbryd - Washington D.C (Hudson Taylor headlining) 

October 8th, 9th, 10th @ The Wiltern - Los Angeles 

October 12th @ Hotel Cafe - Los Angeles (Hudson Taylor headlining)
October 14th @ The Marquee - Tempe Arizona
October 15th @ The Observatory North Park - San Diego
October 16th @ Fox Theater - Oakland California
Ocotober 18th @ Paramount Theatre - Seattle
October 19th, 20th @ Roseland Theatre - Portland Oregon

Just Loud with Dirty Heads 9/27/2018 @ The Fox Theater in Oakland

For his first time ever being on tour, funk and soul rocker JUST LOUD hit the road with Dirty Heads. This unlikely pairing of a fusion band and a reggae band played at the picturesque Fox Theater in uptown Oakland on September 27th. 

Dirty Heads at The Fox Theater in Oakland 9/27/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

JUST LOUD  at The Fox Theater in Oakland 9/27/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

 I was surprised to see that Thursday night show didn't sell very well since Dirty Heads are pretty popular in the Bay Area but never the less there were some people there early for the electrifying opening act. The show even started a little behind schedule to allow more ticket holders to arrive. 

Dimly lit with midnight blue hues, the stage was like an under the sea scene when the eclectic Virginia born musician emerged. Mirroring every  press photo I've seen of him with a full afro-puff, bug-eye shade and a stylish scarf  JUST LOUD is reminiscent of lo-key Lenny Kravitz. Backed by a full band, of which I am not sure is "his" band or a touring band, they opened with a slowed down version of the Radiohead hit Creep. I think it's excellent for a budding artist, whom many aren't familiar with at all, to start their set with a very familiar song. 

JUST LOUD at The Fox Theater in Oakland 9/27/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

He brings his “bring back the funk” motto to life with an invigorating spunky flare and a zest for life attitude at his live show. People around me at his show in Oakland who were obviously there to see Dirty Heads asked friends “who is this” as they got their groove on. There’s something to say about
witnessing strangers being open to new and different things right before your eyes and JUST LOUD definitely brought that out in people at the Dirty Head show that night.

JUST LOUD at The Fox Theater in Oakland 9/27/2018

photo by Marc Fong 

His electrifying demeanor was very gracious on stage as he continually thanked the crowd and commented how much he loved Oakland and everyone who made it out to see him on his first ever tour. You could hear the love in his voice when he talked and the deep passion in  his vocals when he sang. And whether or not the band that backed him is his backing band or his touring band, you could tell by watching them they were all having having a great time performing together. From vibrant falsettos to soulful modal, his vocal range adjusted within the R&B, funkadelic, rock blend that all of his songs possess. JUST LOUD’s debut self-titled album drops next month on November 16th so of course his set consisted of songs off of it including his latest single “Soul Train” which features the ever iconic Debbie Harry (Blondie) and the afore mentioned cover. 

JUST LOUD at The Fox Theater in Oakland 9/27/2018

photo by Marc Fong 

He closed out his set with his single that’s been getting some serious air play “Electrifying” which left the crowd buzzing with good vibes that carried on to Dirty Head’s set. Fans of MGMT, Prince, Janelle Monae and the like will rejoice when introduced to this genre bending new comer. I can’t wait to see where JUST LOUD’s debut album brings him, hopefully back to The Bay to blow the roof off somewhere  like POPSCENE at Rickshaw Stop. 

DeVotchKa @ Great American Music Hall 9/24/2018

Two years ago DeVotchKa played a spirited show at Great American Music Hall and last week they were back at the same venue with some brand new tunes. Work kept me from being able to review the show but photographer turned contributing writer Marc Fong stepped up for double duty. Here's his photos and review of the show. 

DeVotchKa @ Great American Music Hall 9/24/2018
photo by Marc Fong

Indie-folk faves DeVotchKa brought their unique Gypsy rock sound to Great American Music Hall last Monday night in support of the release of their most recent album, This Night Falls Forever. 

It's been seven years since the Denver based band released a new album (though each member of the quartet has been working on music in some form) and This Night Falls Forever does not disappoint. The songs, though new, are dreamily familiar because each one is so distinctly DeVotchKa. 

The album is what you would expect from this exceptional band: hauntingly poignant lyrics over a sprawling musicscape. Epic in depth and sound, the band's poetry is undeniable. There is an expansive cinematic sound to the album that is not surprising given the band's history with composing for films ("Little Miss Sunshine" and "Crazy. Stupid. Love" for example). From the cheery highs ("Straight Shot") to the longing lows ("Break Up Song"), This Night Falls Forever showcases the band's musical expertise, creativeness and depth. 

DeVotchKa @ Great American Music Hall 9/24/2018
photo by Marc Fong

Their live show, too, was a fantastic example of how talented these musicians really are and seeing the band live does not disappoint either. The band members are masters of their craft and versatile to boot. While front-person Nick Urata (lead vocals, guitar, thereim, piano, etc, etc.) drives the poetry behind the lyrics, each of the member's individual skills makes the band so uniquely DeVotchKa. 

Tom Hagerman, a skilled violinist and accordion player is a wonder to watch on stage. The keening of his violin adds a melancholy beauty to the band's sound. Jeanie Schroder King (sousaphone, bass, vocals, flute, etc.) contributes a bit of cheery flightiness to songs. Shawn King (drums, percussion, accordion, trumpet) not only sets the tempo which highlights each song's theme but it can be either uplifting or sorrowful. 

The band opened with the first track off of their 2011 album (100 Lovers), "The Alley". "The Alley " is a great DeVotchKa because it's a slow burn but never quiet hits a full crescendo, signaling that there is more to come. And indeed, there was a lot more to come. Urata, clad in a black ring-, masters coattails --perhaps a throwback to the band's burlesque days--was a delight to see sing and perform on any of the various instruments he was armed with. His vocals were nostalgic, dreamy and passionate. 

DeVotchKa @ Great American Music Hall 9/24/2018
photo by Marc Fong

The band worked seamlessly with each other, changing instruments with ease at all the right points. As a fan of classical music, Hagerman always impresses me with his ability to make the violin sound so modern and eclectic. 

It was a treat to see some of my favorites live, but it was equally amazing to hear new DeVotchKa songs live. I caught myself singing along with "Straight Shot" even though I had heard the song only a couple times. DeVotchKa's performance is like a dream: you're never a stranger in a strange land, but rather, you are a familiar visitor in a wonderful dream. Even when the song is not a DeVotchKa song, one cannot help but recognize they are in DeVotchKa territory. For example, the band played a familiar track which I did not fully appreciate as a Psychedelic Fur song until midway through. The band's performance of "Love My Way" was a respectable cover but still distinctly DeVotchKa. 

DeVotchKa @ Great American Music Hall 9/24/2018
photo by Marc Fong

It was clear that I wasn't the only person enjoying the show which was filled mostly with songs from their fifth (A Mad & Faithful Telling), sixth (100 Lovers) and seventh (This Night Falls Forever) studio albums. 

The crowd was packed tight, dancing and basking in the specialness of some amazing musicians in San Francisco last Monday night. The last leg of their current tour ends on October 7th before DeVotchKa brings their magic across the pond.

This Night Falls Forever is out now. 

set-list 9/24/2018
1. The Alley
2. Angles
3. Let Me Sleep

DeVotchKa @ Great American Music Hall 9/24/2018
photo by Marc Fong

4. Along The Way
5. 100 Lovers
6. Contraband
7. All The Sand in all the Sea
8. Head Honcho
9. The Clockwise Witness
10. Break Up Song
11. My Little Despot
12. Love My Way
13. Straight Shot
14. Love Letter
15. Enemy Guns
16. Basso Profundo
17. Empty Vessels
18. How it Ends
19. Ranchero



review written by Marc Fong