Browsing Category sunset junction

4 JunkFest Day 2 Featuring: Team Growl, Xrin Arms, Limbs & Belt of Vapor

06/07/10
Andrea
· live music reviews · sunset junction

JunkFest Day 2 Featuring: Team Growl, Xrin Arms, Limbs & Belt of Vapor on Saturday, June 5^th at the Sunset Junction

“JunkFest Bitches!” as Matthew Winters added on the Sunset Junction’s reader board. Matthew Winters sounded great tonight. We love getting the chance to see him live and will always take the opportunity. In addition, he has a new album coming out soon, so that is very exciting. Can’t wait! We caught the end of his set and sang along to our jams. Keep an eye out on CIOM for his new album updates!

Holy Huck Finn! Xrin Arms took the crowd by shock when he stood in the center of the Junction in a leather “Huck Finn” jacket. Then out of no where he turned into a hurricane juke box, throwing himself all over the place rapping yet very punk rock. I was speechless, I didn’t know what to say. At first, I was a little confused then about half way through I realized his brilliance. Anthony Vincent you are one badass crazy mother fucker; and we love you. We can barley skim the surface of how cool and unique Xrin Arms is. On top of that Heavy Barrelz joined him for a few tracks. Together this is something I want everyone and I mean everyone to see. A kid in the crowd mentioned how they are kind of like the Beastie Boys in the start of their career. Talented chaos at it’s best. They seem to be on the road traveling A LOT so if they stop by your town make sure not to miss it.

I am not sure why things got behind because we weren’t at the Junction at the start of the night. But it took Limbs quite some time to get set up and going. It appeared that they were having a lot of technical difficulties. There was a drum set and about ten pedals and a bunch of cords and mixers, so I could see where they could run into some problems. Once they got going it was super cool, and the crowd was into it. I just think with the late start peeps were getting a little flustered. The bummer part of it was we only got to hear a few songs. I think they are from Spokane though so hopefully we can see them again. Though they should get lights like Belt of Vapor has; the singer from Belt of Vapor was hitting his light to their beats perfectly… looked cool!

Since the stage was so behind schedule Belt of Vapor had to set their stuff up on the floor (however they normally do play on the floor to capture the crowd). They took the stage around 1:30am and the bar has to close at 2am so things were rushed. I think they sound checked for about thirty seconds and started to play. Belt of Vapor is so loud and awesome as Matt would say. It is cool to see how much people dig them, everyone huddles around and rocks out. We left with a couple songs to go and PK does it again with a night of obscure fabulous music. Can’t wait for JunkFest 2011 Bitches!

Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.

1 JunkFest Day 1: Quiz CD Release Show, Hillstomp, and the Metal Shakespeare Company

06/05/10
Andrea
· live music reviews · sunset junction

JunkFest Day 1: Quiz CD Release Show, Hillstomp, and the Metal Shakespeare Company on Friday, June 4^th at the Sunset Junction

Quiz is so relaxed when he is on stage, it appears as he is on a mission and is there to accomplish it; mission being to BE hip-hop. I was blown by how Quiz can take a large vocabulary, then mix the words like a perfect drink with beats that all create a mind stimulating hip-hop song. I love that Quiz creates his own beats for his music in his sisters’ basement. It takes talent and an ear to find the right beat that compliments your expressions in words. It was cool to see such a big crowd there to support Quiz too, they even asked for an encore which by the way he freestyled… so badass. I love it; it is such an art to rap. Tonight was Quiz’s album release show as well, and he even has some pretty cool t-shirts! If you have not seen or heard of Quiz I ask that you check him out here.

Hillstomp thanked PK for letting them play with Quiz because they have never had the opportunity to play with hip hop artists. I loved that; PK always takes different genres and mixes them and that’s how it should be – so you can experience all sorts of music not just on genre. Odd mix but worked. As soon as I saw that the drum set included plastic buckets I knew we were in for a wild time from Hillstomp. Not only did the drum set included plastic buckets but almost everything had duct tape on it. Hillstomp is a two piece out of Portland that uses everyday objects including a washboard and silverware to create fast, ass shaking, feet stomping, good time music. It’s like punk bluegrass, I wish I had my cowboy boots on to giddy up around the dance floor with the rest of the kids. Oh yeah they played on the floor too so they had the crowd hovering over them like dancing vultures. They opened up with Banjo Song #1 then a string broke (sad) so they rocked the guitar for the other songs. It was a cool set, I will dance to them any night of the year.

I carried around my purple Metal Shakespeare sword all night and was so excited to be able to raise it in their name. These kids are complete metal badasses, they can shred like nobodies business, have loud and clear vocals and put on one hell of a set. They asked the crowd how many bands they had seen today, at the festival of hunting… (ElkFest). I love how they stay in character all while being this high energy killer metal band…yet wear tights. Or as their myspace reads Sounds Like: Shakespeare Turning In His Grave. On top of kids singing into the microphones with them, falling over due to many spilt drinks, air guitaring, and a lot of male pole dancing their set would of have any one blown away. We got to hear songs like “Romeo & Juliet III.i,” “Coriolanus,” “Run to the Hills” and even a tribute to Dio, RIP. They ended their set with “We are the Dagger of the Mind” and we love Bardcore!

Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.

0 Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside

04/13/10
Andrea
· live music reviews · sunset junction

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside on Monday, April 12^th at the Sunset Junction

I am pretty sure Sallie Ford is cuter then a button… plus she has these striking exclusive vocals and can play a guitar. There is no way you can’t not adore her! This was our second time seeing Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside and we have been counting down the days! Seconds after sound check Tiffany, Michelle, Matt and I inched our way to the front and we all danced the set away.

This Portland four piece sounds like a flashback to the 50’s with an indie twist, which will have your hips doing the twist! Not only does Sallie have one of a kind vocals but the Sound Outside is so musically together. Jeff the guitar player just killed it all evening and then impressed the gals with a solo! Another little charm about the band is there is a stand up bass verses a bass guitar. Frankly not only does it sound wonderful but looks a million times cooler! Tyler not only plucks the bass he also uses a bow a time or two. And with Ford on drums who keeps the beat tight and held together; they sound lovely. Your ear buds will want to have an affair with them. Plus to put icing on the cake I got to hear all the songs I wanted to including “Danger” and “Not An Animal.”

So whether you’re watching Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside or listening to them on a record I can guarantee you two things. One, some part of your body will be at least moving to the beat. Two, musically you will be as happy as a clam. Make a point to catch them on the road until then make a point to take a listen and hear for yourself. Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside Myspace.

Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair!

0 The Pack A.D., Belt of Vapor, & The Soul and the Machine

04/12/10
Andrea
· live music reviews · sunset junction

The Soul and the Machine, The Pack A.D. and Belt of Vapor on Saturday, April 10^th at the Sunset Junction

Two guitars, one bass, and recorded drums known as The Soul and the Machine. It was funny at first because it took about 30 seconds to realize they don’t have a drummer on stage. You can hear the drums on some of the songs but no set on stage; weird but striking. I love the look of the band, a trio of men with electric instruments. They kind of sound like a 70’s band with a hint of psychedelic that’s a lot hipper. I don’t mean jam band like the one your dad is in; an indie jam band. The song “DMT” is fabulous, so catchy… over and over, my head just kept bopping with the beat. I hadn’t heard of The Soul and the Machine until tonight and I am very ready to see them again, it is a cool stage presence and sounds good. What more do you need?

I truly believe the Pack A.D. inspires girls to be bad ass. After seeing them in concert for the second time and then seeing The Runaways on Sunday I am so ready to be in a chic rock band. Both of these dangerous chic’s know what they are doing. Just straight into ass kicking punk rock with a hint of blues. Becky Black oh man she has the vocals of a Rock Goddess, damn this girl can sing. Not to mention Maya Miller on the drums… she is like a machine! The two together had everyone in the front of the Sunset Junction shakin’ it to their tunes. We heard new tracks off their April 27^th release “We Kill Computer” and old tracks that all together made for one smokin’ set. Yet again, they had the room bursting of energy by the end of their set and Spokane can’t wait to see them again!

Belt of Vapor made sure I was awake at Midnight with their loud rock n roll only twenty minutes after the Pack A.D.. Playing on the floor of the Junction got the crowd surrounding them and in their faces. People dig when bands step off the stage. They kept the energy high going from song to song. Spokane needs Belt of Vapor, people are into letting their emotions out in the crowd during their set. Musically they are tight as well… I must say it is loud as fuck when they play but when it’s instrumental everything flows perfectly. My friend Rhiannon hadn’t seen them before and even she noted that the drummer is top notch. Matt thinks they are one of the greatest bands in Spokane. For some reason he always says “They Will Melt Your Faces Off,” I am guessing from their music or their bright lights. If you haven’t seen them before it is a band you should add to your list. For a three piece they will wreck the room and leave you stunned. They use lights and sound almost perfectly. Another perfect Platform show to fulfill our Saturday night!

Photo’s courtesy of Matt Auclair!

2 WigBash 2010

04/11/10
Andrea
· live music reviews · sunset junction

WigBash 2010 on Saturday, April 3^rd at the Sunset Junction

The lineup for WigBash 2010 included The Globes, Paris Spleen, SHIM, and Space Opera 77. Oddly enough SHIM blew one tire out on the way down but still made it – yet Paris Spleen blew not one but two tires out and didn’t. Bummer! Then to make things spooky enough 80% of SHIM got sick and so was the singer from Space Opera 77. All odds against the evening happening, it did and it was a hootenanny!

I guess I was the first person to wear a wig to WigBash, as PK said I take everything too literal. However I wanted to carry on my own silly ritual of wearing a wig to WigBash. BUT I ran out of time and one thing lead to coloring Easter eggs and then I didn’t wear a wig. I won’t lie I was a bit heartbroken but I didn’t let it ruin my night.

This was the fullest I have seen the Sunset Junction, there were a lot of familiar faces we love to see and more! There even was, at some point during the night, two people that came wearing wigs! (Yay for them!!) The Globes played first with everyone healthy and working tires and they killed it. They sounded great and it’s always nice to hear a band you hadn’t listened too in a while, and be reminded by how much they rock. The Globes took my attention when they played Stay Awake, they almost serenade you with bass lines then go and rock out. They make my world spin… wheels. It’s always nice to touch to have a rubber ducky on your drum set too.

Space Opera 77 was up next and I couldn’t tell but the singer was super ill. You could tell that something was wrong. Regardless I still enjoyed watching them play and was excited to tell everyone about them, they hadn’t seen them before. Ruben and another gentlemen joined in with them on the last song and did a little drumming, which was a fun surprise.

Last but not least, Spokane favorite, SHIM; lit up the Junction with their triangle lights. I felt bad that most of the band was sick, but damn they still tore the place to shreds. They are the perfect “this generation” straight up American rock band. I think my mom would even agree with me on that, I am afraid to tell her about them just for the fact that she would want to rock out with the band in the front row. I was surprised that Tambourine Man wasn’t there because I think that was the first time I have seen SHIM without Tambourine Man. My one request for SHIM is to find away to make their smoke machine smell like roses, that would be lovely. By the end of the night we felt that Thunderbolt, and sang along like the rest of the crowd.

SHIM said something that sums up the evening… “Beer is to Rock N Roll as gas is to driving on the highway.” We closed the Sunset Junction and I would say it was a successful fun WigBash. We wigged out… okay that was cheesy but you know what I am leaving it in here! THANKS ASHLEY AND PK!!!!

Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair – Matt@checkitoutmusic.com.

0 Corn Mash

03/19/10
CIOM
· live music reviews · sunset junction

Saturday, March 6th at the Sunset Junction
They had us laughing fairly quick when they announced that they were sorry they were only a three piece tonight. Their sax player quit yesterday and the Inlander made them seem like a gypsy 8 piece. I was okay with that, it was a very musically tight three piece at that. With harmonies, an organ (it looked like a beast to tour with), a bongo, and an acoustic guitar it was fast paced and perfect for a beer drinking crowd at a bar! They managed to play originals and covers from artists like Johnny Cash, Buffalo Springfield, the Big W – Waylon Jennings, and more!

Nothing like a Johnny Cash song to get the crowd going at the Junction, man people were hollering and I think even at one point there were some ladies out dancing on the floor. They were singing a song about beer and dogs and how you shouldn’t give beer to your dog when a lady yells “I Do” as she is leaving the bar. Priceless. At one point during their set some guys behind us were arguing over whether they should play (like they had the choice but anyways), whether they should play REO Speedwagon or Marty Robbins. I would pick Marty Robbins over REO Speedwagon any day of the week.

I thought it was super cool that the organ player also rocked an accordion! I haven’t seen an accordion in a long time, they are such a neat instrument. Corn Mash was perfect for the Junction, and perfect for dancing. I enjoyed how it was acoustic the entire night too; no electric guitar yet still packed a punch like an electric would. The band even said “at one point we are going to get you all dancing!” This is a fun band to see live, that also have nifty posters! Check out when you can – it will be a talented rowdy good time!

Check out more photos from the show HERE

Andrea@checkioutmusic.com

0 The Metal Shakespeare Company with Please Draw In Me

03/19/10
CIOM
· live music reviews · sunset junction

Friday, March 5th at the Sunset Junction
This was the most fun, just oddles and oddles of fun, I have had at a local show in a while. I have not laughed this hard, smiled as much, and just been amazed so much in one night in a while. I would like to say Ah Thank You Fine Sunset Junction, Platform, and Sir PK. I would also like to say shame on the scene for not being here – I can guarantee you it was better then the show you were at or the TV show you were watching. Anyhow I will just go on with thee night!

After catching a few from Please Draw In Me, a few awesome songs at that; The Metal Shakespeare Company set up! This Portland metal band is talented, can harmonize, and have fun all in one set. They came out dressed in Shakespeare clothing including the drummer dressed as Satyr! The singer had better legs then most women in the Junction sporting leopard tights and a green velvet mini. It was beautiful. I think Ruben even got to peak up the skirt, but who knows. You have to put the outfits aside because these guys can actually kill it, they shredded guitars and everything – even though the outfits were distracting – in a good way. The band made me want to like metal.

They had an awesome performance as well, with the singer having a wireless guitar. I think he made it around the entire bar while playing during the set. They were on to of tables, cheering you, resting a head on your shoulder, and in your face (in a nice way). They had Mike from Please Draw In Me rocking out the entire set. It was awesome! One of the craziest moments was when they handed out these bright purple foam swords to fight each other with. The swords even had their logos on them! Well we did more then fight like create naughty parts and use them as guitars – it was so funny. This is how shows should be, one of a kind, wild fun.

At the end of the night Matty scored with one of their 45′s which is on Grey vinyl – even better! The Metal Shakespeare Company was by far the best show I have seen this month and it will be hard to top it. Nicest guys too! I hope they come back and I hope you can be there then!

Check out more photos HERE!

Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com

0 Picture Radio and Silver Treason

03/18/10
Andrea
· live music reviews · sunset junction

Friday, January 29th at the Sunset Junction

Since we were moving along from the Empyrean we only caught the end of Picture Radio and I can’t wait to see more and more of them! I love love love Kim and Rajah and think it is so neat that they have a band now! They play old and new songs but with drums and some electric-ness added in. Enough to sound different but still similar enough to know the songs. I am looking forward to seeing more and more of them.

This was my first time at the Sunset Junction and it is a huge place. I like that I can take my drink outside and I know Dave loves the fact that you can watch trains. They have a nice big pool room, dance floor (and pole), plenty of tables, plus a basement that will possibly be available soon!

It was cool to walk around and check the place out see some new and old faces! I loved RUBEN’s artwork!!! That is another new feature to the Junction and which is that they are going to showcase First Friday art, which should bring in more peeps. I am excited to see what PK and Platform are going to bring to the plate.

I have caught Silver Treason before and they are a fun live band. The best part is, is that a couple were totally dancing to them which is what everyone should do to their music. It is this fun alt-country sound that has a quick beat. I would love to dance but there was only one other couple… hmmm sometime!!!

Silver Treason is full of all sorts of cats that have been playing in the Spokane scene for a while so it’s cool that they are rocking it today in a band together. Do you remember the old silver Christmas tree’s that had the colored light wheel that would spin in circles? The drummer had one of those that hit the drum set which had a sparkly “ST” logo on it for Silver Treason. I thought that was so crafty! Plus there is nothing like a steel guitar to warm your heart on a cold night! They are a fun band to see live, everyone should catch them at least once but don’t forget to put on your boots!

Check out more photos from the show here!

Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com