The Aussies hit the road with their experimental trip-rock sound back in August in support of their first and second albums; Through the Glass and When It Was Now hitting up small clubs like The Rickshaw Stop here in the Bay Area.
Now, as both singles continue to climb the modern rock charts Atlas Genius is gearing up to go big on their Headlining North American Tour adding shows in October with Silversun Pick-Ups and November shows with Wolf Gang and Thirty Seconds to Mars!
On November 7th they'll be at The Fillmore with Family of the Year and Dale Earnhardt JR JR, will you be there too?!
Tour Dates:
Oct 30 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
Oct 31 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
Nov 01 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
Nov 03 San Diego, CA House of Blues
Nov 06 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
Nov 07 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Nov 09 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
Nov 10 Vancouver, BC Venue Live
Nov 11 Seattle, WA Neptune
Dec 09 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Dec 10 Nashville, TN War Memorial Auditorium
Last year I knew that the young Brooklyn duo, MS MR were on to something good after hearing the first single, "Hurricane" off of their debut EP Candy Bar Creep Show. Carrying a Florence and the Machine familiarity but with a youthful soul driven synth-pop twist, MS MR hits with a freshness that's profound and different than all the other synth-pop-rock acts out there today. The more I listened to the EP the more I liked it and... I listened to it a lot.
CSS @ The Great American Music Hall 6/17/2013
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini
As the long awaited May 10th release of their first full-length album Second Hand Rapture approached the super fun electro-charged dance pop girl group CSS announced their summer tour with none other than, you guessed it MS MR! Doubling my excitement to see both acts at one (if not both) SF shows was the fact that both bands would be performing their respective brand new music.
CSS @ The Great American Music Hall 6/17/2013
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini
MS MR @ The Great American Music Hall 6/17/2013
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini
Arriving early for the June 17th show at the Great American Music Hall I was anxiously
excited to see how MS MR would fare in what can at times be a tough city to "sell" for breaking bands. In all of my show going experiences never have I ever witnessed a supporting act get the reaction that MS MR got that fateful Monday night. As every song of their set came to an end it was met with loud bountiful applause and chill inducing cheers.
What's more they managed to get the SF crowd dancing which isn't as easy as of feat as one may think especially with indie band fans.
Adding to the enjoyment of seeing MS MR live was witnessing the humble yet elated response to this crowd reaction from front woman, (MS) Lizzy. Like me she was visibly in awe: Her inescapable smile said it all as she continuously, genuinely thanked everyone, taking time to take it all in between all of the songs including hot tracks off the EP and LP, "Fantasy" and "Hurricane".
MS MR @ The Great American Music Hall 6/17/2013
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini
MS MR effortlessly transcended the Second Hand Rapture vibe live with an utmost engaging enthusiasm and an undeniable dynamic stage presence. When they vacated the stage I thought to myself; that is one tough opening act to follow...
I was super excited when MS MR announced their headlining tour at the end of the summer. Delightfully surprised to see that they were slated to play not one but TWO shows at The Independent in San Francisco October 15th & 16th I acted quick to get my tickets to the second show. Both shows sold out in a mere 48 hours and then due to growing popular demand a third show was added on October 21st! It's kind of silly but since being behind them from the very beginning
I was giddy to see that their budding success was indeed blooming, booming even.
MS MR @ The Independent 10/16/2013
Photo by: Marc Fong
Most of the sold-out show goers that night made it out to catch Wildcat! Wildcat! and for good reason. The indie-rock LA based boys harmonize well for a grit-ish synth-rock band no matter which one of them was on lead vocals. They got the night started off on the right foot playing tracks off their (pretty new) self titled debut.
Keeping the good times grooving was my friend , Bay Area radio personality, Miles the DJ spinnin' some new alternative tunes which was a pretty cool addition. Not too many rock acts have DJ intermissions no matter what genre of rock they fall into.
Soon enough once The Independent was more or less filled to capacity the house lights dimmed which meant one thing... it was time to see MS MR headline!
MS MR @ The Independent 10/16/2013
Photo by: Marc Fong
Under a kaleidoscope of blinding strobe lights they made their way to the stage; showing off her legs for days in pink lame pants, Lizzy automatically greeted fans with her infamous grin while her counterpart Max wore his game face, they jumped right into "Bones". After a brief hello to San Francisco Lizzy and Max made eye contact initiating the powerful, tom-tom drum driven "No Trace". It was the first song of the night that displayed Lizzy's immense vocal range and it would not be the last.
Up next was the uppity fun "Salty Sweet" pumping up an already pumped crowd as Lizzy brought the swag, swaying her hips and gyrating to the beat. Falling into the playfulness set forth by MS MR, the crowd suddenly started a very appropriate clap along (a "clap track" is featured on the recorded version) leaving the leading lady visibly happy at the end of it. Clearly fans as well as the band were all happy to be there and we were all ready, willing and eager for the show to continue.
MS MR @ The Independent 10/16/2013
Photo by: Marc Fong
"It's the second sold out show!" she exclaimed "Three here at The Independent and we are so pumped to be here!!" and right when she had riled fans up Max attempted to clam things down, "we're gonna slow things down a bit. . . this is a romantic one."
Their contrasting crowd interaction continued on this way: Lizzy unpretentious and forever grateful, while at times Max let his inflated ego show.
Though this didn't effect MS MR's performance it was something I noticed having seen them before. This glimmer of arrogance dimmed their heartfelt shine a tad in my eyes but hopefully this arrogant air went unnoticed with MS MR first timers.
MS MR @ The Independent 10/16/2013
Photo by: Marc Fong
Though one of my favorite tracks off Second Hand Rapture, "Twenty Seven", wasn't on Wednesday night's set list MS MR did execute a soulful cover of one of my favorite singles this season; Arctic Monkeys', "Do I want to Know?" The MS MR cover was eerily wonderful as they didn't stray too far from the original but also didn't play it too safe by keeping the song sounding exactly the same. Lizzy's voice compliments the song to a tee and the bluesy angst heard on "Do I Want To Know?" fits well with MS MR's grab bag theme of restless mixed-emotions.
MS MR @ The Independent 10/16/2013
Photo by: Marc Fong
As MS MR continues to grow the size of the venues they play shouldn't because their charismatic booming essence might get lost in bigger venues.
Venues like The Independent and Great American Music Hall suit them and their show well and I imagine DC's 9:30 Club and NYC's Webster Hall would too.
With just one LP thus far, MS MR opted for no en-core saving their big hit "Hurricane" for the last song of the night while the crowd created a hurricane of their own applause, whistling and hollering and before I knew it the show was over.
Lizzy told SF fans during the show that night that they "exceeded expectations, as usual" but I think we just rose to the occasion. MS MR exceeds expectations live and if you have any doubt about it I suggest you go see for yourself.
I for one am excited to see where the road takes Lizzy and MS MR and I can not wait to hear what's next!
MS MR @ The Independent 10/16/2013
Photo by: Marc Fong
MS MR @ The Independent October 16th, 2013 SET LIST: Bones
Meet, Kan Wakan one of modern pop’s most enthralling and inventive new artists. Their inescapable orchestra pop entwined with subtle gothic jazz, and pseudo 60's funk stylies will awaken indie rock senses to a fresh new spin.
“the juxtaposition of song and symphony.” - Gueorgui I. Linev
Quickly following up on the recent release of their debut EP Forever Found the LA based threesome has been in the studio with renowned Radiohead Producer Darrell Thorp working on their 2014 full length debut album, MOVING ON.
Need further insight to what this new band's sound is all about? There's no need not look any further than their name: Kan Wakan is derived from the Tagalog word "Kalawakan," meaning interstellar/outer space. With the eclectic collection of musicicans consisting of: founder the Bulgarian-born composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Gueorgui I. Linev, chanteuse Kristianne Bautista and producer/guitarist Peter Potyondy it comes as no surprise that this name fits them to a tee. Listen and you'll see!
Fiona Apple is erratic, neurotic, manic and of course deeply talented so if you expected to witness anything other than the unexpected from her on her current tour with collaborator Blake Mills boy were you in for a shock!
After a 20 minute delay (due to on campus construction) they hit the stage, together, to perform “Anything They Want' Tuesday night at Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall.
Slinking on stage Fiona made her way to a blackboard and proceeded to erase then tempestuously rewrite "teach me how, teach me how" as a calm, collected Mills situated himself across the stage from her, wide eyed in wonder like the rest of us.
Introducing their collaborative efforts with Apple's brand new track "Tipple"co-written by Mills was a wise way to start the show because many in attendance weren't aware of their joint performance and it was met with a flutter of a applause.
Fidgety and rather awkwardly Apple then addressed the crowd and apologized for calling Rex Reed “a cunt,” the previous night at the show in Portland, further explaining that John Simon was indeed "the cunt."
After all was said and done (for the moment) Mills silently signaled that it was time to get on with the show at which point Tidal track "At First Taste" stirred a predominant response amongst loyal fans.
The collaboration of Blake Mills and Fiona Apple suit the later well not only on a musical level but a personal one too. Easing Apple's anxiety riled performance Mills seemed to keep her focused and (as) calm (as could be) creating an enjoyable show for those who might have otherwise been sitting in uncomfortable anticipation. Their intense yet innocent chemistry made the performance shine.
Recent releases dominated the set with some older gems thrown in appeasing and pleasing longtime fans, and there was even a cover; Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” complete with it's own Fiona Apple pessimistic twist.
The balancing act found Apple on Marching Band Drum and percussions when Mills was center stage while he continually swapped differing guitars throughout Apple's spellbinding "solos".
Housing this beautiful blend on what is otherwise a performing arts stage in Zellerbach Hall at this prestigious University was an up-most fitting setting for this special performance from these exceptional artists. At the end of two hours the show ended to a well deserved, chilling standing ovation.
The duo tours until October 26th and rest assured, new material from Blake Mills drops early next year!
The velvety goodness of Red Velvet cake is an appropriate go to choice for a number of holidays: the obvious color connection to Valentines Day, Christmas and the 4th of July but Fall is the season to cozy up with Red Velvet.
One crisp afternoon this week I did just that with a little cupcake from Batter Bakery.
I was sold by the absolutely adorable vintage cake stand display at the Boutique store on Polk Street and though the $3.00 price (not displayed) was a little surprising it didn't diminish my appetite for this cupcake.
A good friend of mine is a sort of "red velvet connoisseur" and has noted that the cream cheese frosting on a lot red velvet cakes/cupcakes is lemony, sometimes too lemony which is something I have always taken into account with this particular flavor. With that said I am happy to report that Batter Bakery's cream cheese frosting is not lemony at all! It's indeed a semi-sweet cream cheesy blend with a hint of being whipped frosting rather than the heavy butter cream frosting typically paired with this popular flavor.
Though dense and definitely red velvet (complete with hints of coco), the cake wasn't as moist as expected. Don't get me wrong the cake wasn't dry... like I said it just wasn't as moist as expected which is kind of a key element to (red) velvet.
So while the richness of it's deep rouge hue didn't deliver buttery decadent bites, Batter Bakery does deliver a winning combination.
This handcrafted baked good and it's sweet, light but not too light frosting topped with a (red) M&M are borderline perfection!
A sparse crowd was met with an immense performance from opening act AUGUSTINES at the Frightened Rabbit show Monday night at The Warfield Monday night.
The Brooklyn based band formerly known as "We Are Augustines" recently relocated to Seattle yet front man Billy McCarthy was all about paying homage to his Santa Cruz roots, thanking The Warfield and show attendees before and after every song.
Since their self-titled sophomoreis slated to be released in January 2014 the AUGUSTINES set-list was understandably riddled with album to 2011’s Rise Ye Sunken Ships songs, which had loyal fans cheering at the top of each song.
Pouring his heart into what he deemed as a "bucket list show (to be playing)" McCarthy's raspy baritone enhanced the band's bluesy garage indie rock sound and simultaneously gave it his all on the guitar.
Introducing the first single off their forthcoming album served as a sort of comic relief as the animated front-man explained that the song was about New York: "I kind of tell New York to go f*ck itself at least once a record. So Yeah. This is Cruel City".
Their scruffy sophistication throughout the set was out shone by the AUGUSTINES' genuine elation to be performing to SF show goers at The Warfield and I just love a heartfelt set! Acoustics didn't diminish moving rom the mezzanine floor to a booth in the back of the house and the energy being emitted from the stage could still be sensed as well as seen.
After a rockin' jam session before their last song, AUGUSTINES ended the night with a final gracious thank you to fans, the venue and tour mates Frightened Rabbit.
American Revival Folk band The Lumineers filled America's Cup Pavilion to capacity with excited fans Wednesday night following Team USA's win that day! After opening acts, Nathaniel Rateliff and Dr.Dog fans were ready to enjoy songs from The Lumineers propulsive self titled debut.
“Classy Girls” got the foot stomping good times started followed by front man Wesley Schultz asking fans “Are you keeping warm San Francisco?” and by the thunderous applause and continuous rumble from the bleachers the answer was yes!
“Sometimes, I feel like we should play at smaller venues again, places like Bottom-of-the-Hill and Hotel Utah that we use to play,” Schultz said before leaving the stage to preform in the midst of the crowd he managed to create the feel of an intimate gig at the spacious venue.
Rich with hits from their debut album, The Lumineers covered Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” at the show that night for the win!
1: Classy Girls 2: Ain’t Nobody’s Problem 3: Flowers in Your Hair 4: Ho Hey 5: Subterranean Homesick Blues 6: Dead Sea 7: Slow It Down 8: Duet 9: Charlie Boy 10: Darlene 11: Elouise 12: Stubborn Love 13: Morning Song 14: Submarines 15: Gale Song 16: Big Parade
In less than a week, bubbly bright VV Brown re-turns darker, edgier and more somber than you may remember.
Following her critically acclaimed break through debut, Traveling Like The Light her long awaited comeback album, Samson & Delilah, available on October 8th, immediately dispends any and all preconceived notions about VV's sound and style.
From the start, Samson & Delilah is spellbinding. The first of the 11 track album, "Substitute for Love" is a richly complex compilation of layered deep percussion, twinkling yet heavy electronic beats and strong hypnotic tones from VV. This heart aching illustrative invitation to a satisfy a sot after lust ballad shocks and surprises as it introduces us to and prepares us for this very "new" VV Brown sound.
Androgynous, orchestral, velvety vocals evoke a Grace Jones ambiance throughout Samson & Delilah predominately heard on: "Substitute for Love", "Nothing Really Matters", "The Apple""Igenous" and "Looking for Love" while an equally vibrant Annie Lenox vibe pops up during the emotion wrenching piano driven "Knife".
Shining with textured dance beats dominated by self righteous lyrics, this summer's "The Apple" stands out as the album's catchiest number: with it's intense pulsating techno rhythm and piercing synthesizer chorus making it the only real danceable track and a true contender for air play.
synthesizer chorus making it the only really danceable track in the album and a true contender for some air play.
With it's drum circle essence and slow lyric delivery "Samson" carries a very mature sound as VV Brown sings the Samson & Delilah story in her new-found dark soulful experimental way.
The mellow yet up-beat tempo "Faith", the eight track on the album instantly won me over.
Though this might be seen (and heard) as a sad song it's actually quite up beat with a lovely melody. The duet featured on this track is simplistic and the pitches of the two voices compliment each other and the song well.
Samson & Delilah is a far cry from 2010's bubble-gum pop retro Travelling Like The Light with it's use of industrial synthesizers instead of a horn section and heavy with acute androgynous tones, VV's still got the soul and jazz quality that fans know as her own.
So though it may take a little getting use to, fans of the Traveling will learn to love and appreciate Samson & Delilah.
Along with her triumphant return to music the young Brit is also a now a record label owner now!
I got a chance to shoot the delightful VV Brown some questions about her music, her hiatus, fashion and everything in between!
Q: Your first name is Vanessa, last name Brown, so where does the second V come from?
A: Hip hop battles in the playground. It became a nickname after that and stuck. x
Q: Is it true that you decided to pursue piano and trumpet rather than the violin at the age of 8? If so, Why?
A:I love the violin but was terrible at. I didn't have the patience to push through the years of screech noises that are inevitable when learning. I connected with the piano.
Q: have you played any violin since then?
A:I can play twinkle little star really really well.
Q: I read that you grew up listening to jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie and that you're a long time fan of hip hop artists J Dilla and Q-Tip, how has this wide spectrum influenced your own music?
A: The voice. The jazz developed my vocal ability alongside going to church. Hip hop, back packer hip hop just is cool and I just love it still to this day.
Q: I understand that Q Tip is featured on your upcoming album, Samson and Delilah, how exciting! Was this your first time working with him? (If so did you find yourself starstruck at all?)
A: He is not on this album unfortunately. We wanted to work with him but we didn't have the budget. It was a dream working with him in the studio. He is incredible. The 2 days of jamming and writing was a pinch moment.
Q: What have you been up to in the last 4 years since the release of your sunny debut, Travelling Like the Light?
A:Running my own business, writing music, falling in love, settling down, finding new sounds, learning photo shop and final cut and editing and enjoying life from a new perspective.
Q: After listening to "The Apple" I get the sense that this album will be gritty and more solemn than we remember you being on the last album. Is attributed to the tail-end of your twenties? Mending a broken heart? Would you say you've completely reinvented yourself/your sound?
A: Its the sound of my 30"s. It has a lot to do with my age and being 29. I am moving in to a near era of maturity and complete control of my life.
Q: There are 11 new tracks to look forward to on Samson and Delilah, what were the driving forces that led you to release the tracks "Samson" and "The Apple" first?
A: I think "Apple" is a great pop track and I wanted to stay in touch with that despite the drastic change. I released it for the fans and I love the song. "Samson" was a statement to show that this was going to be different this time.
Q: What are the top 5 artists on your playlist these days?
A: Bjork, Fever Rey, Kate Boy, Factory Floor and a band called Egyptology.
Q: You're a vey fashionable lady and just like your music your fashion sense doesn't conform to any one style. Would you say that what you wear is somehow a reflection of the music you're listening to/making or visa-versa?
A: These days its more about comfort but I guess the change in music has effected the change I'm fashion. I love clean lines, minimalism and a fresh simple look. I am obsessed with Cos and Issey Miyake.
Q: You're a singer, songwriter, model, producer and I understand you just added record labelownerto your profile! WOW! Congratulations! What's the name of your label and what kind of artists will you (or have you) sign?
A: YOY means you own you. I would love to sign alternative acts. Something that is different. I love the ethos of XL recordings.
Q: Is there a VV Brown clothing line and/or perfume on the horizon?
A: I don't think so. Justvvvintage.comfor me. Maybe a collection one day. A collab with Issey maybe or Yohji Yamamoto.
Q: Samson & Delilah is slated to be released October 8th followed by a US tour, is there a stop in San Francisco on your schedule?
A: Defo, it wouldn't be a tour without the lovely San Fran x
Q: I loved that you use a (purple) handheld megaphone live, it's so fun (I totally want one)! Will you be performing with it this time around?
A: Probably not but there are loads of new gadgets. The monotron is amazing.
Q: I review music and cupcakes on my blog Sweet Sound Bites so I got to ask: Chocolate, Vanilla, Red Velvet or other?
A: Vanilla. Simple classic.
Q: Do you mind if I call you VV B?
A: not at all. he he Hugs.
Keep an eye out for VV's North American tour announcement following the anticipated release of Samson & Delilah on her birthday, October 8th! Thanks VV B!
Long time FionaApple, Conor Oberst, Sky Ferreir and Jenny Lewis collaborator Blake Mills is coming to Berkeley next week!
Blake Mills, Break Mirrors (2010)
The guitar prodigy is currently on tour with the infamously outspoken Fiona Apple where he will be performing new material off of his forthcoming self titled album due out early next year.
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