Review: Cold War Kids - 'Mine Is Yours'

Mine Is Yours, out today on Downtown Records.

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Cold War Kids has released their most pop-sounding album yet with "Mine Is Yours," out today on Downtown Records.

And I say ‘most pop-sounding' with no meaning of flattery.

The band seems to have put down their eccentricity for that polished studio sound with their third album, alluding to the modern rock of Kings of Leon and the like.

The problem is they fall short of fulfilling this modern rock sound by a few too many cliché choruses.

"Mine Is Yours" might not be so bad for a new Cold War Kids listener, but if you're aware of the originality of their previous album efforts, namely their 2006 debut "Robbers & Cowards," you have to wonder what the hell happened. 

Review: Tennis - 'Cape Dory'

Cape Dory, out today on Fat Possum Records

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Denver band Tennis has never made sailing sound so easy on the ear.

Husband and wife Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore's debut album "Cape Dory," out today, stands as a documentation of an eight-month sailing trip they took along the Atlantic coast.

"It was very fortuitous," said Riley in an interview with the Daily Nebraskan last October. "Alaina and I didn't really know that our styles of play would go together so well."

And "go together" they do.

With Moore singing and playing keys and Riley on the guitar, Tennis presents their sound compiled of velvety female vocals, droning keyboard compositions and surfy guitar reverberation, leaving no one high and dry. 

Cursive to perform 'Domestica' in its entirety, show sold out

[Cursive performing Domestica w/ Lightening Bug] [today, 9 p.m.]
[Waiting Room, Omaha] [SOLD OUT] 

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Cursive bassist Matt Maginn could feel fond tinges from years past upon playing their decade-old "Domestica" album for a New Year's Eve show in Chicago.

"It wasn't too far off, just because it was a real tight, packed room, and the sound was a little difficult, and people were distracting because they were falling all over the place and jumping," said Maginn. "It was kinda fun cause it reminds me of basement shows and stuff like that where things are just a little more chaotic."

All that was missing was the Omaha friend and fan base. So bringing that same show to their hometown wasn't a hard decision to make. And with a sold out crowd, their Omaha show may be apt to meet the chaos of their Chicago show.

Cursive will be playing all their "Domestica" tracks, beginning to end, at the Waiting Room in Omaha tonight. They'll also be playing old favorites from other albums, as well as some new songs. 

Tennis announces 2011 tour with a stop at the Slowdown

[Tennis w/ Holiday Shores] [Friday, February 19, 2011] [Slowdown, Omaha]

mp3: Take Me Somewhere

Incase you missed Tennis the past couple times they were in Omaha, Feb. 19 is the day to see them for their show at the Slowdown. The husband/wife duo recently announced their 2011 tour in support of their album "Cape Dory," coming out on Fat Possum Records Jan. 18. 

"Cape Dory," out Jan. 18 and available for pre-order.

I caught them this past October when they opened with Japandroids for the Walkmen, and I would say that I thoroughly enjoyed their set. 


You can hear a few early-version tracks that will be on "Cape Dory" from their 7" and cassette  they released this year. 


"We re-recorded them and they actually sound quite a bit different I think," said guitarist Patrick Riley in an interview with Daily Nebraskan in early October.

They also recently released the new track "Take Me Somewhere" from the new album, you can listen and download it above.  

Add new record label and Chicago location, subtract a few members, and you get Margot and the Nuclear So and So's 'Buzzard'

[Margot and the Nuclear So and So's w/ Jookabox & Burnt Ones]
[Tuesday, 9 p.m.] [Waiting Room, Omaha] [$10]

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's aren't the same band they were four years ago.

Membership has slimmed from a jamboree to six. They're no longer based out of Indianapolis, Ind., but now Chicago. And they've started a personal record label, Mariel Recording Company, set up by band songwriter and ringleader Richard Edwards along with guitarist Erik Kang.

The band released their Chicago-influenced "Buzzard" in September with their label after working with Epic for their 2008 sophomore dual-release "Animal!" and "Not Animal." Big-label pains aside, Margot looks forward to releasing an EP in January.

Margot will be in Omaha on Tuesday for a 9 p.m. show at the Waiting Room.

I was able to talk with Edwards while out on tour about the new album.

Mac Lethal gives details on 'Irish Goodbye,' due out Spring 2011

[Mac Lethal w/ F. Stokes & Conchance]
[Monday, 9 p.m.] [ Waiting Room, Omaha]
[$10]

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Mac Lethal has had his share of time with independent hip-hop label Rhymesayers.

"I have nothing but respect for them," said the Kansas City hip-hop artist.

His first album "11:11" was released with the label. After leaving, Mac re-released the album his own way on his own label, Black Clover Records.

Any hard feelings in the past, Mac still keeps relations with Rhymesayers artists like Slug of Atmosphere and Brother Ali, especially with the passing of the label's Eyedea.

Michael "Eyedea" Larson was found dead in his apartment Oct. 16 at the age of 28. His death was recently ruled as an accidental drug overdose with the direct cause of death being opiate toxicity, according to the Ramsay County medical examiner's office of the Twin Cities area.

With the passing of his mother a few years ago, death is all too familiar with Mac. The experience is also a topic of interest on his upcoming album "Irish Goodbye," expected out on Black Clover this spring.

Don't be misled by Mac having but one album out. He actually has quite the plethora of music with six volumes of "The Love Potion Series" and other mixtapes.

Mac will be in Omaha at the Waiting Room on Monday night with Chicago artist F. Stokes and local artist Conchance.

I was able to catch up with Mac while on tour to discuss details of the new album.

Tim Kasher talks new solo album

[Tim Kasher w/ Darren Hanlon & Conduits] [Thursday, 8 p.m.]
[Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln] [$10 in advance, $12 at the door]

Get free downloads of "Cold Love" and "I'm Afraid I'm Gonna
Die Here" at www.timkasher.com. 

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan

You know Tim Kasher as a renowned Omaha musician and leading man of Cursive and The Good Life.

But with his new solo release "The Game of Monogomy," you can get to know Kasher and his thoughts on marriage, namely the dead weight of having a spouse and not being able to sleep around anymore.

After touring up north for the first time in 2009 with Cursive in states like Montana and the Dakotas, Kasher was inspired to record the album at the SnowGhost Music studio in Whitefish, Mont., by Glacier Park this past January.

The album features pop-leaning tunes like "Cold Love" and "I'm Afraid I'm Gonna Die Here" as well as measures of orchestration with the help of the Glacier National Symphony — Kasher's attempt at an ode for his love of pop, rock ‘n' roll and dabbling in what hasn't yet been dabbled in.

I was able to talk with Kasher about his new album, which he's currently on tour promoting. You can catch Kasher on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Bourbon Theatre.

Slumber Party Records hosting unplugged show & dinner at Omaha vegan restaurant

[Slumber Party Records dinner & show fundraiser]

[Saturday, dinner at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m.]

[Daily Grub, Omaha] [$20 dinner + show, $10 show]

mp3: "Tonight You Belong To Me" by Slumber Party artist Honeybee

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan

Omaha's Slumber Party Records is teaming up with neighborhood vegan restaurant Daily Grub for a dinner and unplugged show Saturday night to help out label funds.

It's Slumber Party's first organized fundraiser, said label owner Aaron Markley.

Event goers can catch dinner and the show at 7 p.m. for $20 or just attend the show, beginning at 9 p.m., for $10 at the Daily Grub, located on 1054 S. 20th St. in Omaha. Proceeds will go toward a handful of upcoming releases from Slumber Party artists and others.

Label artists set for new albums include Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship with "Hanga-Fang," Honeybee and Conchance. Upcoming splits from Slumber Party include "Kids Beat Your Vegetables" from Sean Pratt and Capgun Coup's Sam Martin and a split with Outlaw Con Bandana and Bruces. They'll also be releasing a 7-inch from Iowa City, Iowa's Sam Locke Ward and the Boo Hoos.

SSLYBY on no longer recording in their parents' basements, new album 'Let it Sway'

[Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin w/ The Lonely Forest & Tie These Hands]
[today, 9 p.m.] [Slowdown, Omaha] [$10]

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

Yes, it’s a mouth-full. It’s a grammatically satisfying full sentence. It’s the name of a band out of Springfield, Mo.

SSLYBY has recorded three albums over a decade-long career. They’ve been on the radar of the music media ever since recording and self-releasing their debut album “Broom” in 2005.

The band left recording albums in their parents’ houses behind with their newest LP “Let it Sway,” getting production help from Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla and Sparklehorse’s Beau Sorenson. The album was released on the band’s label, Polyvinyl, this past August.

The guys will be coming to Omaha to play the Slowdown on tonight.

I was able to chat with SSLYBY drummer/guitarist/vocalist Phil Dickey after their European tour to talk more about the new album.

Here We Go Magic goes from one to five, getting collaborative on new album 'Pigeons'

[Dr. Dog w/ Here We Go Magic] [today, 9 p.m.]
[Waiting Room, Omaha] [$14 in advance, $16 at the door]

mp3: "Collector" and "Casual" from their new album "Pigeons"

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Within a few years, the dynamic of the Brooklyn, N.Y., band Here We Go Magic has gone from one guy, Luke Temple, to a "collaborative" band.

The band's first self-titled record was written and recorded by Temple with minimal instrumentation. Their new sophomore album "Pigeons," released this past summer, was something he and four other band members worked on together, with Temple still taking lead writing all the tracks.

Now the band has really "hit its stride," Temple said, being on the road together. HWGM is out on tour with Dr. Dog right now, stopping Monday in Omaha at the Waiting Room.

I was able to chat with Temple while out on tour.

Dr. Dog brings it on home with 'Shame, Shame'

[Dr. Dog w/ Here We Go Magic] [Monday, 9 p.m.]
[Waiting Room, Omaha] [$14 in advance, $16 at the doors]

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan
Philadelphia quintet Dr. Dog has been making albums on its own since its beginnings in 1999.

But recently, with its sixth album "Shame, Shame," released this past spring, the group decided to leave its comfort zone.

The guys put off recording at their home studio to record with Rob Schnapf, a producer who had previously worked with Beck and Elliott Smith.

The band was able to take songs written by Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman to a "clearer" sound level with the professional studio production.

A little inspiration from home also crept its way in.

"Philly has been such a big part of our lives, and I feel like on this record it finally took over and made its way into our music," McMicken said.

McMicken attributes the single from the album "Shadow People" as being "a full-on West Philly diary."

I was able to talk more about the new album and the tour with Leaman while the band was out on the road.

White Denim is rock, says the mind-behind James Petralli

[Portugal. the Man w/ White Denim] [Today, 9 p.m.]

[Waiting Room, Omaha] [$13 in advance, $15 at the doors]

mp3: "Mirrored and Reverse"

Download "Last Day of Summer" at their band website. 

Proceeds make their tour happen!

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan

Austin's White Denim is a rock band, but its sound is more than just rock.

Its sound is a lot of things, really. It's punk and funk, country and jazz. But for the sake of their families that ask, lead singer-songwriter/guitarist James Petralli will call it "rock." Confusion among grandmothers avoided.

The guys, including Petralli, drummer Josh Block, bassist/vocalist Steve Terebecki and their new guitarist Austin Jenkins, have been very busy with recording as of late. They released what basically turned out to be an album while recording their actual album, a compilation called "Last Day of Summer."

The "real" album is set for release next spring, and the band is out on tour to promote it. Today's stop is in Omaha opening for Portugal. The Man at the Waiting Room.

I was able to catch up with Petralli, who was running across streets mid-interview, a couple days before starting their tour to discuss the new record, South by Southwest and more.

Omaha's Slumber Party Records uses local footing and a little help from their friends to thrive

Slumber Party Records band Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship has a new single out, "Warm Eyes," available for download at the label's site. The band will be releasing an album late January/early February 2011.

Check out their show next week:

[Holy Fuck w/ Indian Jewelery & Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship]

[Thursday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.] [Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln]

[$13 in advance, $15 at the doors]

mp3: "Adult Sized Skeletal" 
from their 2009 EP "My Name Is What Is Your Name"

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan

The Slumber Party Records label out of Omaha can't say that business has always been smooth. But when it comes to support from the local music community and friends, you could say it's been smooth sailing.

It's the "people who go to shows and buy the records locally" that help keep the label going, owner Aaron Markley said. 

Saddle Creek Records in Omaha is also a "huge supporter of the label," Markley said. The greater Omaha label distributes Slumber Party's records through ADA (Alternative Distribution Alliance), one of the largest independent music distributors in North America.

ADA distributes both physical and digital music copies for their affiliate labels that showcase bands from known bands like Arcade Fire and Weezer to lesser-knowns like Slumber Party's roster.

Slumber Party's signed talent seems to showcase the diverse music that can be found in the Omaha area.

The label currently has eight active bands including Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship, Outlaw Con Bandana, Conchance, Honeybee, Talking Mountain and Thunder Power, to name a few.

Tennis' Patrick Riley talks sailing and music

[The Walkmen w/ Japandroids & Tennis] [Saturday, 9 p.m.]
[Waiting Room, Omaha] [$13]

mp3: "Marathon"
Listen to their Sept. 23 session on Daytrotter

as seen in the Daily Nebraskan

Husband and wife Patrick Riley's and Alaina Moore's lives changed radically when they decided to write music together on an eight-month sailing trip along the Atlantic coast.

Because, well, they got a record deal out of it.

Tennis debut album due out in 2011

mp3: "Marathon"

Denver husband/wife duo Tennis recently announced the expected release of their debut LP with Fat Possum Records in 2011. 

The band released a 7-inch with Underwater Peoples that featured their tracks "Baltimore," "Cape Dory" and "Marathon."


According to band member Patrick Riley, the new album will feature those three tracks, re-recorded, and more new tracks as apart of a concept album with work inspired from an 8-month sailing trip the two took along the Atlantic coast.


My interview with Patrick will be in the upcoming week's Daily Nebraskan.


Tennis is opening with Japandroids for The Walkmen on Sat. 16 at the Waiting Room in Omaha. Check 'em out. 

Fang Island keep touring non-stop, only one van stolen

[Coheed & Cambria w/ Fang Island & After The Fall] [Monday, 8 p.m.]
[Sokol Auditorium] [$25 in advance, $30 at the doors]

mp3: "Daisy"

[as seen in the Daily Nebraskan]
The guitar is usually an essential part of the 'rock band,' but for Fang Island, the guitar gets taken to a new degree of importance with three-fifths of the band accounted for in their guitar playing.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., band needs little excuse to have fun, and you can really see it in their music with the hand-clap here or there, even a firework intro on their newest self-titled album released in February.

The praised self-titled LP was enough to launch Fang Island to stable touring gigs and far from the thought of ever returning to art school.

The band came together as a school project at the Rhode Island School of Design, where bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Les Savvy Fav and the Talking Heads also formed.

I was able to catch up with Fang Island guitarist Jason Bartell while on tour with Matt & Kim.

Film School's Greg Bertens talks new album "Fission"

[Film School w/ The Depreciation Guild] [Monday, 9 p.m.] 

[Waiting Room, Omaha] [$10]
mp3:  "Heart Full of Pentagons"

[as seen in the Daily Nebraskan online]

When it comes to being a band, it's not too uncommon to see members come and go.

At least it isn't for Film School's lead singer and guitarist Greg Bertens.

The L.A. band's been through a few lineup changes - each can be accounted for on Film School's four albums that have been released over the decade: "Brilliant Career" in 2001, "Film School" in 2006, "Hideout" in 2007 and their latest, "Fission," released in late August.

"It's going to affect the product, but I think in the end what happens is we're looking for what is a Film School song, what isn't a Film School song, and we're not just throwing on any song that comes about," Bertens said.