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Matt Pond’s sound is pure chamber pop: introspective and literate, backed up by lush string arrangements and delivered with classical music formality. Pond (who dropped the PA of his former band Matt Pond PA) toils in semi-obscurity, despite 10 full-length records and an impressive array of EPs. Continue reading
It’s official: reggae fusion band Sol Seed nabbed the crown for EW’s Next Big Thing 2013 with a final, outstanding performance at the Eugene Celebration Aug. 24. The 6-person outfit — including Michael Lennon (vocals, guitar), Michael Sorenson (vocals, drums), Benny Pezzano (vocals, bass), Kenny Lewis (vocals, guitar), Sky Guasco (vocals, percussion, didgeridoo) and Greame Pletscher (saxophone) — created a bubbly and psychedelic wall of sound that got the crowd swaying and singing on Willamette. Look for them on the cover of the Sept. 12 issue. Continue reading
Back in 2011 with the release of its 7” vinyl Myths, the only defining quality that distinguished the Seattle-based Pickwick from the cluttered Pacific Northwest indie folk scene was lead singer Galen Disston’s buttery vocals. “We were conscious of our songs being very derivative, very wannabe,” Disston says. Since then, the sextet started writing songs collaboratively, brought in Americana, blues and soul influences and has successfully stepped out from under the neo-indie umbrella that so many Seattle bands are huddled beneath. Continue reading
Following in the fictional footsteps of indie alias outfits Father John Misty and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, L.A.-based atmospheric folk group Lord Huron uses its music to create a unique storytelling experience that transports listeners on a wandering adventure. The sepia-toned world of Lord Huron employs swirling melodies, layered harmonies, tribal drum beats and inventive rhythms to paint a picture of the American West as told by singer-songwriter Ben Schneider. Continue reading
EW’s Next Big Thing 2013 will reach its apex this weekend at Eugene Celebration when finalists The Crescendo Show and Sol Seed compete for the grand prize (cash money, recording time, CDs, gigs, etc.) 1 pm Aug. 24 on the Eugene Weekly-KVRM stage. Catch 2012 NBT winner Volifonix at Oak Street Speakeasy 10 pm Aug. 24. Continue reading
Eugene, prepare yourself for three days of peace, music and heavy bass. The first-ever Kaleidoscope Music Festival launches Friday, Aug. 23, at Emerald Meadows in the foothills of Mount Pisgah. Peer into a lens swirling with a colorful collection of art, nature, food and, most importantly, music. With 87 acts, there’s a little something for everyone. (Bass)Headliners Continue reading
The Black Sheep Family Reunion wasn’t all fun and games i.e., juggling fire and guitar strumming; after performing with Psyrup July 26, Ryan Tocchini broke several bones in his right leg — and he does not have health insurance. Sam Bond’s is hosting the Ryan Tocchini Tibia Upgrade Medical Benefit 7:30 pm Thursday, Aug. 15, with local favorites Yeltsin, The Stagger and Sway and The Koozies; $5-$20 suggested donation. Continue reading
Thirty miles northeast of Eugene, tucked amid trees and fields like a memory of some simpler time, sits the historic city of Brownsville. This quaint town is made up of roughly 40 streets over 1.34 square miles of land. A few of these roads extend beyond Brownsville’s center and out into true Willamette Valley countryside. The commerce that dots Main Street is not exactly bustling, but does not fall short where patronage is concerned. Continue reading
Matisyahu wanted to do something different with his most recent album, 2012’s Spark Seeker. But when he began the process, he didn’t know “different” would involve starting work on one album, doing some other music for fun on the side and then realizing that the off-the-cuff stuff was what the album should actually sound like. He says that the lack of pressure he felt helped make these tracks flow more naturally. Continue reading