Tag Archives: pitchfork

11.11.15
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EL VY Proves to Be More Than Just a Side Project, with Debut Release, “Return to the Moon”

el vy

The much buzzed about EL VY creates an inspiring album, Return to the Moon, out now via 4AD. Consisting mainly of Matt Berninger of The National and Brent Knopf of Ramona Falls/Menomena, what the duo creates is something honest, heartfelt, and truly unique.

Like when all high profiled musicians break off from their main band, there seems to be a bit of a back and forth skeptical reaction that travels throughout the internet. I believe it was in Pitchfork that I had read a blurb stating that Berninger and Knopf were “incompatible” as musicians. To be honest, yes, they kind of are incompatible as musicians; but on the bright side, that is exactly what makes this combination work well.

The first two singles shined light on the blending of two parties; first with “Return to the Moon (Political Song for Didi Bloome to Sing, with Crescendo)” and the follow up “I’m the Man to Be.” The first singles were definitely a departure from Berninger’s deep and heavy sounds of The National, but it allowed us to see a more upbeat version of what he has to offer. Knopf on the other hand, brings a stunning element of instrumentation to the table that sometimes provides a lively vibe, and other times, a haunting and unusual sound. The mixture of these elements seem to work completely, as they weave throughout each track of the record.

The biggest misconception that a listener can have going into this, is that it’s going to sound like a “National” record. It’s not. Then Berninger would just be working on National songs right now (Right? Right.). What would be the point? The voice is there, but the content isn’t always as heavy. You’re going to dance, you’re still going to get depressed as hell, and you are going to love every moment of it.

Releasing a series of lyric videos directed by the multi-talented Tom Berninger, it provides multiple songs with an intimate look to capture your attention even more. Tracks such as “Happiness Missouri” bring a haunting, yet determined sound into play, while harmonies fill the album in pieces such as “Silent Ivy Hotel,” or the chilling musicianship of “Paul is Alive.” Songs such as “No Time to Crank the Sun,” offers up Matt’s signature delicate crooning, as “Need a Friend,” shares a more vibrant sound, that brings Knopf’s intricate brand of musicianship to the table. Together they create a truly special musical experience within Return to the Moon.

Each piece on the record is strong enough to stand on their own, which is perhaps why the group decided to release a track one at a time leading into the record. Return to the Moon is perhaps the finest record of 2015; mark my word.

EL VY is currently on tour, recently kicking off their Eastern U.S. dates, with two stops in New York. Friday at Bowery Ballroom, and Saturday at Music Hall of Williamsburg. See you there kids.

09.08.12
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Cymbals Eat Guitars Premiere New Track “Hawkeye”


I still remember seeing Cymbals Eat Guitars as a bright-eyed band playing at Brooklyn Bowl at an Insound Anniversary party co-headlining with Real Estate and The Drums a few years back. The critically acclaimed group are opening for the legendary Bob Mould on a few East Coast dates, kicking it off last night at the Williamsburg Waterfront in Brooklyn. Cymbals Eat Guitars unleashed a new track to the masses yesterday as they premiered “Hawkeye,” on Pitchfork yesterday afternoon. The dreamy track blends just enough sugary twee feel into their unique sound, creating the perfect song to get you in the mood for Fall. Give it a listen, you won’t be sorry.

Listen to Cymbals Eat Guitars “Hawkeye” over at Pitchfork HERE

DATES with Bob Mould
9/10 – The Paradise – Boston, MA
9/11 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA

04.27.12
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Doldrums Head on Tour With Unknown Mortal Orchestra & Grimes & Bear in Heaven & Blouse


Indie wonder boy Doldrums is gearing up for the tour of the Summer. Sharing the stage with such acts as Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Grimes, Bear in Heaven and Blouses, there is no stopping him. For a guy who doesn’t even have his first LP under his belt yet, his rise to success has definitely become an interesting one. Staring in 2010, Doldrums began by posting videos and designing websites by fictional bands under a number of pseudonyms, ‘Doldrums’ being the one that he had settled on. Everything seemed to take off from there as he started to gain attention in Toronto with his performances at Everlasting Super Joy. Alongside his studio and DIY venue that he co-runs with DD/MM/YYYY, he also known for his involvement with flash parties in abandoned spaces. 2010 also saw the release of several of 7″s including a split with DD/MM/YYYY and a VHS mixtape of his own music videos. We are literally at the edge of our seats to hear what Doldrums is up to next, but in the meantime, take a look at the massive tour dates that he has below with some of the hottest names in music right now. Doldrums also just dropped his newest single, “Egypt” on Pitchfork. Take a listen to it HERE.

TOUR DATES

With Bear In Heaven and Blouse
4/26/12 – The Bottletree – Birmingham, AL * ^

4/27/12 – The Earl – Atlanta, GA * ^

4/28/12 – Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC * ^

4/29/12 – Kings Barcade – Raleigh, NC * ^

5/01/12 – Black Cat Backstage – Washington, DC * ^

5/02/12 – First Unitarian Church – Philadelphia, PA * ^

5/03/12 – Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA * ^

5/04/12 – La Sala Rossa – Montreal, QC* ^

5/05/12 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON * ^

5/06/12 – The Haunt – Ithaca, NY * ^

5/08/12 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY * ^

5/09/12 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY * ^


* Bear In Heaven

^ Blouse

With Grimes (UK / Europe)
5/11/12 – The Haunt – Brighton, UK
5/11/12 – Great Escape Venue TBA – Brighton, UK
5/15/12 – La Laterie – Strasbourg, FR #
5/16/12 – La Fleche D’or – Paris, FR #
5/20/12 – Exio – Amsterdam, NL #
5/22/12 – Blaa – Oslo, NO #
5/23/12 – Cafetreaten – Stockholm, SE #
5/24/12 – Inkonst – Malmo, SE #
5/25/12 – Berghain – Berlin, GER #
5/26/12 – Ubel & Gefarlich – Hamburg, GER #
5/28/12 – Circulo Degli Artisti – Rome, IT #
5/29/12 – Hanni Bi – Ravenna, IT #
5/30/12 – Astoria – Turin, IT #
6/02/12 – Dot To Dot Festival – Bristol, UK
6/03/12 – Dot To Dot Festival – Nottingham, UK
6/04/12 – Dot To Dot Festival – Manchester, UK

# Grimes

With Unknown Mortal Orchestra
6/07/12 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY !
6/08/12 – Glasslands – Brooklyn, NY !
6/09/12 – Rock N Roll Hotel – Washington, DC !
6/11/12 – Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA !
6/12/12 – Middle East – Boston, MA !
6/13/12 – Il Motore – Montreal, QC !
6/14/12 – 6/16/12 – NXNE – Toronto, ON
7/06/12 – 7/08/12 – Hopscotch Festival – Raleigh, NC

! Unknown Mortal Orchestra

09.20.11
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Oberhofer Premiere “Gotta Go” On Pitchfork, Sign To Glassnote Records

Oberhofer

Brad Oberhofer is on a roll. Recently signed with Glassnote Records, Oberhofer will be releasing their debut album in the early months of next year. While we wait for that, he just premiered on Pitchfork the single “Gotta Go,” which will be released through White Iris and will come out physically on October 4th. You can get “Gotta Go” HERE.

On top of that, the band will be joining Les Savy Fav on stage on September 6th at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg in New York after a year touring with bands like Twin Sister, Sleigh Bells, Neon Indian and Bear In Heaven. Needless to say, the Tacoma native has the indie music scene at his feet.

04.26.11
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White Denim Premier New Video, Add Tour Dates


Austin-based White Denim have been a staple on the city’s rock scene for a couple years, and now the band is looking to reach ears in other states. The band will be embarking on the second leg of their North American tour starting in May.

The group also recently debuted a new video on Pitchfork. The video accompanies the song “Drugs” and is confusing, to say the least. It involves the band and a lot of toilet paper. Check it out.

White Denim’s new CD D will be hitting stores around the same time their tour kicks off (May 24th). Check and see if they’re headed to your home town right here:

5/23 – Tempe, AZ at Sail Inn

5/24 – San Diego, CA at Casbah

5/25 – Los Angeles, CA at The Echo

5/26 – San Francisco, CA at Bottom of the Hill

5/27 – Visalia, CA at Cellar Door

5/29 – Portland, OR at Bunk Bar

5/30 – Quincy, WA at Sasquatch Festival

6/01 – Salt Lake City, UT at Urban Lounge

6/02 – Denver, CO at Larimer Lounge

6/03 – Lawrence, KS at Jackpot Music Hall

6/16 – Memphis, TN at Hi Tone*

6/17 – Atlanta, GA at Drunken Unicorn*

6/18 – Nashville, TN at The Basement*

6/19 – Louisville, KY at Uncle Slayton’s*

6/21 – Washington D.C. at Rock N Roll Hotel*

6/22 – Philadelphia, PA at Johnny Brendas*

6/23 – Northampton, MA at Pearl ST*

6/24 – Boston, MA at Brighton Music Hall*

6/25 – New York, NY at Bowery Ballroom*

6/27 – Montreal, QC at Il Motore*

6/28 – Toronto, ON at El Mocambo*

6/29 – Indianapolis, IN at Rock Lobster*

6/30 – Chicago, IL at Schubas*

7/1 – Columbia, MO at Mojo’s*

7/2 – Norman, OK at Opolis*

(asterisk = new date added)

04.21.11
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Wild Nothing Tour With Twin Sister

wn

Wild Nothing is the project of Jack Tatum, whose fascination lies with the mixed feelings of nostalgia and regret, which he turns into dreamy pop songs.

The band has booked a series of summer tours with Twin Sister, including a stop at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Tatum released his first full-length Gemini on Captured Tracks last spring and the album drew raves from the likes of SPIN and Pitchfork. It showcased Wild Nothing’s fascination with the concept of having loved and lost.

You can hear the track “Golden Haze” off of Wild Nothing’s first album right here. Look for Wild Nothing with Twin Sister this summer here:

07/11 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s *

07/12 Baltimore, MD – The Ottobar *

07/13 Pittsburgh, PA – Club AE *

07/14 Columbus, OH – The Basement *

07/16 Chicago, IL – Pitchfork Music Festival

* = w/ Twin Sister