A heads-up on what we have coming up over the next few weeks
06/02 (Wed) - The Ramones – Vienna, Austria
The Ramones aren't really trying to be the loudest, the fastest, the flashiest, or even the most "alternative" band out there. They aren't trying to be the absolute best either, I guess. They just kind of aim to melt your heart. Good night, my love, sleep tight.
myspace- Oh, and yeah, Daniel is playing in the band—he's our new Wednesday DJ 🙂 formerly of Albert, November, Space Invaders...
06/03 (Thu) - The Cute Lepers – Seattle, Washington
After being formed by Steve E. Nix, The Cute Lepers basically went straight for those classic punk and power pop gems you find in the bargain bins of used record stores. They put together these sharp, catchy punk tracks that feel like something you'd expect from former members of The Briefs, featuring more storytelling in the lyrics, plenty of female backing vocals, and pop flourishes that show off their harmonic side.
“...the Lepers are absolutely killing it. That spiky, power-pop energy feels like a polished version of Fastbacks or Modern Lovers mixing the Vapors with the Descendents. They barely miss a beat from the very first note...”
-Chris Parker, Alternative Press
“The Cute Lepers remind everyone just how much variety was actually present in the early days of punk by blending all those different influences into a single record.”
-Emily Becker, Venus
“It’s always a good sign when you find yourself cranking up the volume song after song. By the end of this, I think people living three towns over could probably hear this blasting from my car speakers.”
–Jimmy Alvarado, Razorcake
“The debut album from this Seattle band led by ex-Briefs guitarist Steve E. Nix is an energetic set of punkish power-pop rooted in the more melodic bands of Britain’s ‘70s punk movement (the Buzzcocks, Undertones, Vibrators, Generation X). Basically, they sound a bit like Nix’s old band, but with slightly less punk attitude and a much more unapologetic pop approach—putting them closer to the sound of Portland’s late great Exploding Hearts (even if they aren't quite as intentionally lo-fi).”
-Don Yates, KEXP 6/2008
“This album is a collection of upbeat, choral anthems that, to me, capture that anti-hero vibe from the late ‘70s punk scene. If The Cute Lepers lead singer, Steve E. Nix, had an English accent, I might as well be listening to Stiff Little Fingers or Sham 69. The steady melodic guitar parts in the song “Terminal Boredom” make me think of Doc Martens and the working class... which is pretty much the opposite of the preppy, striped-shirt kids I usually picture when someone says ‘power pop.'”
-Astra, Easy Street Records “Locals Only” blog
myspace06/06 (Sun) – Apache – San Francisco, California 
Just when it feels like nobody can truly replicate that early 70s glam sound, Apache shows up from San Francisco with a heavy, messy swing that pretty much shatters those assumptions. Both songs feel like they're soaked in mid-70s rebellion, torn jeans, and the rush of cutting class, layering classic hooks as deeply as anything produced by Iron Virgin, The Plod, or Bearded Lady back in the day.
- victim of time
myspaceJune 10th - The Experimental Tropic Blues Band – Liege, Belgium
I guess this is a band that's really trying to carry on the torch for those legendary rock’n’roll icons—think Johnny Cash, the Cramps, Elvis, Bo Diddley, or Hasil Adkins. They basically turn stories about lost souls into music. Even though they aren't exactly a country act, they actually come from Belgium, and I think they really know how to create this vibe of pure, wild chaos at their shows. Their sets are pretty intense and raw, often featuring some nudity, all while playing these heavy, bluesy rock’n’roll tracks. It's the kind of sound and energy you just soak up until there's nothing left, and then you probably find yourself wanting more.
myspaceJuly 2nd - Terror Bird – Vancouver, Canada
Their songs feel pretty manic, maybe swinging you from total heartache to some bright, sunny memory from way back. The stage shows stay pretty minimal and understated, but they can really stick with you. You might end up dancing or just crying, I suppose. Once you get hooked, it's hard to shake them. It's mostly just synthesizers and drums working together. The songwriting feels like it could give Daniel Johnston a run for his money. They use these strange chords that might appeal to your darker side. They seem to be constantly writing and recording, but hey, they'd probably grab you lunch any day.
myspacespunk last.fm
