The Kooks "Shine On"

Myspace

Here's the new video for the Kooks' second single, "Shine On," off of their album Konk. An abundance of diverse colors, textures, and surfaces make for a gorgeous video, though I miss the plunging v-necks that made the video for "Always Where I Need To Be" so enjoyable to watch. Check out the tour dates below.

5/30/08 – Kansas City (The City Market)
6/01/08 – Milwaukee (Turner Hall Ballroom)
6/02/08 – Chicago (Vic Theatre)
6/04/08 – Toronto (Kool Haus)
6/05/08 – Philadelphia (The Fillmore at TLA)
6/07/08 – San Francisco (Live 105)
6/09/08 – Boston (Paradise)
6/10/08 – New York (Terminal 5)
6/11/08 – New York (Terminal 5)
6/15/08 – Isle of Wight Festival
6/17/08 – Cologne (Palladium)
6/18/08 – Berlin (Columbiahalle)
6/20/08 – Stuttgart (Southside Festival)
6/22/08 – Hamberg (Hurricane Festival)
6/24/08 – Arendal (Hove Festival)
7/05/08 – Arras (Main Square Festival)
7/06/08 – Werchter (Rock Werchter)
7/12/08 – Kinross (T in the Park)
7/13/08 – Ireland (Oxygen Festival)
7/18/08 – Madrid (Summercase Boadilla del Monte)
7/19/08 – Barcelona (Summercase Festival Parc del Forum)
8/16/08 – Chelmsford (V Festival Hyland Park)
8/17/08 – Stafford (V Festival Weston Park)

Jeremy Warmsley

Myspace // "The Boat Song (live on WTOTS)" [mp3]

I first wrote about Jeremy Warmsley a couple of weeks ago in relation to his monthly music program, Welcome To Our TV Show! However, since I didn't actually discuss the young troubadour's music at the time, I think it's necessary to mention him again. A native of London, Warmsley is an integral part of the emerging neo-folk scene that includes Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit, Emmy the Great, and Noah and the Whale. With a gorgeous nasal baritone layered over lush instrumentation and complex storytelling lyrical forms, Warmsley's music is a little reminiscent of Colin Meloy of the Decemberists... only with a folkier background and a penchant for drum machines.

The next few months should be busy for the 25 year old, as Warmsley will release a single, play some shows, and, oh yeah, record and produce new monthly installments of his TV show. "The Boat Song" (featuring and co-written by Emmy the Great) and "Temptation" (cover of the New Order classic) will be released as a double A-side single on June 2nd in the UK followed by a proper second album, How We Became, which should be released at some later point in 2008 on Transgressive.

Streetlights

[Photo Credit: Jonny Walton]

Myspace // "Firefly" [mp3]

Since visiting Leeds earlier this month and seeing some of the locals in action, one of the most impressive things about all of the bands in the city is that they are all quite different. The sole thing that connects the dance rock, math rock, indie pop and post punk bands is that they are good, and Streetlights are no different. The band's debut EP, Three Short Words, mines from the '90s without being a total throwback bring to mind Bald Rapunzel or perhaps a more sinister version of Captain. It's math pop that you don't have to be a nerd to like.

The band has just finished recording their second EP, which should be ready in a few weeks. Keep updated on their Myspace blog.

XX Teens

Myspace // "The Way We Were" [mp3]

I was hugely disappointed that I wasn't able to check out XX Teen's set at The Great Escape, but my spirits improved when I received a copy of their new single in my mailbox last week. That song, "The Way We Were," is best described as arty post punk though with a surprisingly catchy chorus. The band recently finished recording their debut album, Welcome To Goon Island, with Ross Orton (MIA, Bromheads Jacket, Kid Acne) in Sheffield. The album is being billed as "a beguiling and innovative record in the great art school tradition" and should see its release on Mute Records sometime in July 2008.

Late of the Pier "Space and the Woods"

Myspace // "Space and the Woods" [mp3] // "Bathroom Gurgle" [Video]

One of the highlights of this year's Great Escape was Late of the Pier, who just dropped their latest single "Space and the Woods"/"Focker" on Monday.

Check the band's Myspace for tourdates throughout the summer.

The Great Escape (Day 1)

Over on another site I write for, Stranded in Stereo, I started piecing together the madness that was The Great Escape for me. I did not see nearly all of the bands that I wanted to as shows were either sold out, too late or I was double booked, but I did get to catch most of my targets.

In the next few days I'll post up some pics and the recaps of the other two days. In the meantime, check out the first day here.

The Pigeon Detectives "This Is An Emergency"

Myspace

Things have been quiet around here, but there is good reason for that. I was off running around England for ten days, and when I got back on Sunday (both my birthday and the third anniversary of the site), I was too tired to update. Yesterday, although I was back up to speed, I was too busy at work, and really, things are quite busy today, so that's why I am leaving you with this video, off of the The Pigeon Detectives' new record, Emergency, which will be out on May 26th in the UK.

Recap of The Great Escape to come....

Welcome To Our TV Show!

Myspace // Episode: April 2008 Part 1 and Part 2 [youtube]

Welcome To Our TV Show! is a fairly new monthly music and comedy show from the United Kingdom that's produced by Fay Buzzard and Jeremy Warmsley. I recently discovered the show on Myspace and was enthralled by the intimate live performances. So far, the show has featured a bunch of Exitfare favorites like Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit, Lightspeed Champion, Mystery Jets, and Noah & The Whale. I posted the first half of April's episode above, which features two delicately beautiful performances by Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit and Matthew Saunders. I don't know about you, but I definitely plan to bookmark this show and check back every month.

Frightened Rabbit: US Tour

Myspace // "Head Rolls Off" [mp3]

Frightened Rabbit will be coming to the United States at the end of the month for a fairly substantial tour in support of their new album The Midnight Organ Fight. Much like their last effort, the new record is full of killer lyrics and jangly hooks that make even the bleakest of subjects seem enjoyable. Their electric set should be a highlight of the summer, so make sure to buy your tickets early and show up ready to dance.

5/24 - Philadelphia, PA (M Room)
5/26 - Allston, MA (Great Scott)
5/27 - New York, NY (Pianos)
5/28 - Cleveland, OH (Grog Shop)*
5/29 - Chicago, IL (Double Door)*
5/30 - Madison, WI (High Noon Saloon)*
5/31 - Minneapolis, MN (400 Bar)*
6/02 - Kansas City, MO (Record Bar)*
6/04 - Dallas, TX (Granada Theatre)*
6/05 - Austin, TX (The Mohawk)*
6/06 - Houston, TX (Walters)*
6/07 - Baton Rouge, LA (Spanish Moon)*
6/09 - Birmingham, AL (Bottletree)*
6/10 - Nashville, TN (Exit/In)*
6/11 - Columbus, OH (The Basement)*
6/14 - Omaha, NE (The Waiting Room)+
6/15 - Denver, CO (Hi Dive)+
6/18 - Seattle, WA (Nectar)+
6/19 - Portland, OR (Holocene)+
6/21 - San Francisco, CA (The Independent)+
6/22 - Los Angeles, CA (Roxy Theatre)+
6/23 - San Diego, CA (Casbah)+
6/24 - Phoenix, AZ (Rhythm Room)+
6/30 - Washington, DC (Black Cat)+

* With The French Kicks
+ With Oxford Collapse

Dirty Pretty Things: New Song!

Myspace // "Hippy's Son" [mp3]

Dirty Pretty Things released a teaser track off of their forthcoming album Romance At Short Notice yesterday entitled "Hippy's Son." If the song is any indication of the musical direction of the rest of the album, then fans of their first album should be prepared for a bit of a shock. Instead of the punchy sarcasm, poppy riffs, and almost cabaret influenced British punk that made Waterloo To Anywhere so enjoyable, "Hippy's Son" sounds like a mix of psychedelic stoner rock and Britpop with a particularly gritty sounding Carl Barat on the mic. I don't know, maybe the track will grow on me but I'm hoping that the album's first proper single "Tired of England" will blow this song out of the water. Dirty Pretty Things' album will be released in the United Kingdom on June 30.

Cut Copy, Black Kids, Mobius Band @ the Paradise

Cut Copy // Myspace // "Lights & Music" [mp3]
Black Kids // Myspace // "Hit the Heartbreaks" [mp3]
Mobius Band // Myspace // "Hallie" [mp3]

Apparently, the Cut Copy/Black Kids/Mobius Band show at the Paradise last night was the hottest ticket in town because the venue was absolutely mobbed. Since it's that time of year, I imagine that most of the kids were probably celebrating the end of final exams or new bicycle purchases or whatever... but the place was packed with a tangible energy that I haven't felt at a show in Boston in a while.



Mobius Band went on first and their all too short set was ultimately a high point of the night. Their exuberant stage presence mixes well with their catchy melodies and electronic blips and beats, making for an enjoyable electro pop/indie rock show. Although it seemed to take a while for the crowd to get into the set, by Mobius Band's last song "The Loving Sounds of Static" a bunch of kids were dancing like crazy which I think says it all.

Black Kids followed and seemed to be the main draw of the night (something that I predicted would happen back in October). It makes perfect sense, because the buzz band's upbeat synthesizer driven 80s pop is totally infectious. Songs like "Hit the Heartbreaks" and "I Don't Want to Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You" got the entire crowd singing and dancing, even this hardcore looking dude in a ripped t-shirt was fist pounding along. I totally regret missing Black Kids multiple times at CMJ last year, because their set was a ton of fun.


[Photo Credit: Kelly Kearney]

Cut Copy went on last and, although I never listened to the Australian group before the show, I enjoyed their electro funk/dance music. Though the crowd thinned out a bit after Black Kids, the ones who remained went nuts when Cut Copy took the stage and started dancing like crazy. Unfortunately, I was exhausted from a long day at work and forgot my light sticks so I went home a little early. But I am enjoying their songs now that I'm sitting on my couch (!!!).

Anyway, it was a totally enjoyable show so make sure to check out all three bands on their last few remaining tour dates.

5/13 - Studio B in NYC (Sold Out) - Mobius Band, Black Kids, Cut Copy
5/14 - Bowery Ballroom in NYC (Sold Out) - Mobius Band, T&T, Cut Copy
5/15 - Black Cat in DC - Mobius Band, Black Kids, Cut Copy
5/16 - Pure in Philadelphia - Mobius Band, Black Kids, Cut Copy
5/17 - Sonar in Baltimore - Black Kids, Ponytail, Cut Copy

The Great Escape Preview: Damn Shames

Myspace // "Fear of Assault" [mp3]

Damn Shames are a three piece from Edinburgh that play a high octane brand of electro-punk. With yelping vocals over squealing guitars and electrified drums, the young band is probably best described as a cross between Klaxons and Clor on speed. Damn Shames cut their teeth playing small shows in the northern United Kingdom before being noticed by Luke Smith of Clor who offered to re-record their demos. They signed to Abeano/XL Recordings not long thereafter, two labels with some of the hottest young bands in the UK right now (like Blood Red Shoes and I Was A Cub Scout to name a few). If those labels are backing Damn Shames, then I'd be willing to wager that they're pretty much the best band ever. Can't wait to hear them play.

The Great Escape Preview: Video Nasties

Myspace // "Gobi" [mp3]

I'm not feeling too well at the moment... so in lieu of a proper post, just take my word for it that London band Video Nasties is awesome. If you need a little more substance than that, their bio describes them as a "brash young indie punk band with an ear for exciting melodies and killer hooks" who just got off a tour with Late Of The Pier. The band members also look extremely cute in their promo pictures. Word up.

American Princes

Myspace // "Real Love" [mp3]

American Princes' song "Real Love" was easily the anthem of my trip through the Himalayas. I listened to it probably four or five times a day, as I quickly determined that it's the perfect four minute accompaniment to sadistic physical and mental pain. I don't know if it's the inherently quotable lyrics ("my heart doesn't know, it still hasn't learned to break like it should"), the huge sing-a-long chorus, or something else entirely, but the song works on so many levels. The lo-fi video is also a riot, though not what I was expecting for the song whatsoever. Their third album Other People was released on April 15 through Yep Roc, so make sure to pick it up.

The Great Escape Preview: Stricken City

Myspace // "Better as a Girl" [mp3]

London has been producing a bunch of strong female fronted bands lately, the type of take charge post punk sirens that I could've used as a role model growing up. Stricken City easily falls into this category, as their singer/keyboardist Rebekah Raa slinks and screams her way through songs with as much ferocity as the next guy. Their early demos suggest a lot of promise, a band with a knack for writing infectious songs with a bit of bite. Taking notes from Siouxsie & The Banshees and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I'd probably suggest that fans of The Duke Spirit and Ida Maria check them out at one of their multiple appearances at the Great Escape.

Foals "Red Sock Pugie"

Myspace // "Hummer" (Live in London) [mp3]

Tonight, I see Foals. This is their new video.

Exitfare 1000

It's nice that a blog that was started as a joke has reached 1000 posts (and soon, a third birthday on 05.18), but what was once inconsistent and a little goofy has turned into a part of my life, something I do almost every day. There were times where I wanted this thing to blow up and get thousands of hits every day, but I am happy with the site and where it is today. We have many loyal readers from around the globe, but the only expectations are the ones we set for ourselves and they are pretty simple -- write regularly and find great, new bands. People seem happy, and those who aren't typically write something rude anonymously.

I've been thinking about how to handle this post for several weeks and I didn't want to treat it as another post, yet I didn't want to go overboard with it. Beth and I were going to put something together, but since she is recovering from her 3+ week trip to Nepal and India, we're going to split things up.

Don't worry, things aren't going to get self-indulgent. I am going to do what I've always done best, talk about bands that you should know, but I am going to throw in some things that I've learned along the way. But mostly it's going to be some of my favorite bands I've found along the way.

- Exitfare started in Philly, but two months later I moved to Boston. Shortly thereafter Beth joined the staff. I've also had my friends Joey, Christine and David contribute a few posts as well.

- Forward Russia! (And a short time later the rest of Leeds and West Yorkshire)
This is a band that's tailor made for me, merging DC-inspired math rock with post punk. Back in '05 the internet was rife with demos and live tracks from these guys, but best of all, they have their own label (Dance to the Radio) that has highlighted some of the best local talent from Leeds.

Like dominoes falling, I discovered band after band, eventually losing track on the actual number of West Yorkshire bands we've covered. It's got to be pretty high because already this year, we've written about 14 different area bands over 20 times! I know for awhile we were resembling a Sky Larkin or Mother Vulpine/Pulled Apart By Horses fansite, but that's the best thing about doing a blog -- not having to restrain your unbridled enthusiasm.

- I stopped writing about sports. I suppose I could mix in more baseball and football (soccer), but I don't even have enough time to write about all of the good music I find.

- Besides England, it seems as though all of the good music is coming out of...California.
This is another very fertile music scene: Rademacher (Fresno), Young/Lost Ones (Moorpark), Division Day (LA), Birdmonster (SF), Mellowdrone (LA), Silversun Pickups (LA), Every Move a Picture (SF), Cold War Kids (Whittier), The Dalloways (Bakersfield), The Blood Arm (LA), Army Navy (LA) and The Gray Kid (LA), among many others.

- The great unheard of bands that are still unheard of. Like We're Marching On, A Passing Feeling, The Cleveland Browns, Young/Lost Ones, Pretty Boys, Apartment, The Bridge Gang, The Briganties, Rubicks, FortyFives, The Seascape and on and on.

- Kubichek!
These guys came around a couple years too late and even worse, record label troubles held them up even longer. Their debut is every bit as good as Silent Alarm, and it's a record I still find myself listening to at least once a week.

- JJ72 never releases their third album and then breaks up.

There's more I could talk about, but this is all the looking back I can handle. Exitfare has always been and always be about looking forward.

The Great Escape Preview: The More Assured

Myspace // "Zones" [mp3] // "You Do It Pretty Well" [Buy]

When a band comes along that shakes up a music scene, they are always followed by a ton of imitators, some bad and some that are good. The Libertines brought about a lot of copycats, but London's The More Assured fall into the latter group, also being part of a larger network of capital area (post) teenage bands that are starting to garner international notice. Among these are Kets, FortyFives, Lo-Fi Culture Scene and former band of the week, Pull in Emergency. The band has just a few singles out, all of which are out of print except for the latest one, "I Wanna Be a Sex Offender." Their next show will be a slot at this year's Great Escape in Brighton (England) on May 15th -- easily on the top of the list of bands we want (NEED) to see.