NEW MUSIC: Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun - "QUADS"

Electric bass, punchy drums, and a sweet melodious voice make QUADS the perfect album for cruisin tunes. "Youth found in the night" reminds me of "Here in your arms" by Hellogoodbye, but with a peppier-punk attitude, and a so-long-suckers signature. "Walls" is the second fav for the fact that it set my mind on a journey for the impossible. 

Their use of low bass drops set the scene for a party that won't stop. Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun will go big, and won't go home! Keep'm comin QUADS... 8.5/10 

https://www.facebook.com/todaythemoon

http://www.todaythemoon.squarespace.com

-Melody Miles

CD REVIEW: Rusty Boxx's EP "Scattered Keeses"

This may just be me, but listening to Rusty Boxx for the first time is sort of like when you hear a Bon Iver song for the first time and it feels like he is singing in a language that is foreign to you by definition but you completely feel for what his meaning is-- then as you listen again and get beyond the emotion of the music and you comprehend the lyrics, and the meaning behind those lyrics, it becomes even more beautiful and wonderful. (And even if you don't ever comprehend, or you don't like what you hear when you comprehend, you can just revert your ears to back to foreign language mode and simply enjoy the implied and musically created emotions.)

Rusty Boxx's EP, "Scattered Keeses," is full of both vocal and guitar harmonies that will squish your heart in a really great way. There is nothing I would love more than to hear these harmonies performed live, in an intimate venue, where everyone present feels wrapped in the the music and it's almost as if the audience has a part in creating the music too. If you're a fan of fantastic folk groups that perform with two guitars and swirling harmonies, I highly recommend The Milk Carton Kids-- they will squish your heart too. 

Start with Rusty, Ellen, and the two Chris' band, Rusty Boxx, first though. They are a tight little group, with tons of the aforementioned beautiful harmonies, wonderful stories rooted in Ellen's drawings, and a new EP "Scattered Keeses," releasing March 31, 2014 on Oh Mercy! Records. 

Anna Leuning

http://www.rustyboxx.com

https://www.facebook.com/rustyboxxmusic

NEW MUSIC: The Underscore Orkestra " Tales from the Road..."

The Underscore Orkestra " Tales from the Road..." makes sense considering the band has plenty of experience of the road. They are currently on tour in Australia and then head straight to Europe from April to July.  If you are a fan of Squirrel Nut Zippers, Gogo Bordello, Devotchka then yet another reason to go check them out.  

The Underscore Orkestra claims they plays a blend of Balkan, Klezmer, Gypsy Jazzand Swing music both Original and Traditional. 

They often incorporate live Belly Dance and Cirkus Arts in their shows. Their Performance evokes the old world and the new, The eerily haunting air of sounds and movements from the east, with definite roots inthe west. Influences are far and wide but range from New Orleans Jazz, to Eastern European Roma and Klezmorim music, Manouche Swing, to acoustic Metal. Their live shows are something to remember for years to come, they are fond of selling many wares, including Underscore Underwear, Uncle Jerry's Magically Malicious Mustache Wax, CD's, Neck Ties, Nude Calendars, Music boxes, and Stand up tub Bass's. Come to a live show or give an email to see what we've got in store. 

The Band has their 4th Studio album ready for their fans. Where all their songs and arrangements came about during their time on the road. My favorite track off the new album is "American Jam" which the band says they came up with while waiting for a ferry between the South Island and North Island of New Zealand we were eating a gourmet dinner at a restaurant we were playing at in Picton. During dinner this tune came about. That night not having a place to stay a fisherman gave us his apartment that was above the bar, he slept on his boat. Crazy World! The songs and arrangements came about during our time on the Road.

The last time I went to a Gypsy Jazz and Swing show I left the venue sweating like a dog at Michael Vick's house AND didn't care. I plan on hitting these guys up when they decide to come back and grace Portland again with a welcome home show. I am sure i will leave again with all my cloths sticking to me once again!

http://www.theunderscoreorkestra.com

KAYTEA MORENO ELST

CD REVIEW: Tiger Darrow's new record, Aqua Vitae w/free MP3

Just shy of 21, Tiger Darrow’s career has already woven a fabric more intricate and interesting than that of artists who have many years on her. Most notably, Tiger opened for The Eagles, Edie Brickell, Erykah Badu, Loudon Wainwright, Zoe Keating, and Michelle Shocked, as well as composing for the Robert Rodriguez film, Machete.  She is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and singer/songwriter. Her third full-length album, Aqua Vitae, just came out a week ago.

There is no one box that could hold Tiger Darrow’s Aqua Vitae. The record feels like multiple genres cohesively combined, though Tiger herself considers her genre to be “alternative folk” music. With a similar sound and feel to ladies like Cara Salimando, Regina Spektor, and St. Vincent, Tiger’s personal style and voice come through clear and strong. Aqua Vitae makes it clear that Tiger has a gift for building a song. Her lyrics are visually stimulating and her varied vocals make them fantastically, audibly interesting too. Her vocals range from ethereal and tenuous, to powerful and precise, all of which can be heard layered within single songs.

There are a few stand out tracks on Aqua Vitae: "Lost and Found" bounces and flows charmingly, with a chorus that backs up its claim with a powerful drum beat. "Love Me Blind" adds a welcome harder and darker shade to the record, while “Home” is a simply just a beautifully poetic story you can’t refuse. Tiger is definitely onto something. With three albums and a world of experience under her belt already, it’ll be really interesting to see what’s next…

By Anna Leuning

Buy on iTunes

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