Bmore Musically Informed

Here We Come 2012

2012-01-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

With a new year will come a new Bmore Music. Re-imaged and re-purposed for 2012, look to be musically informed about artists from Baltimore in different fashion.

Here we come 2012 by Dustin Wong

The new site will house four categories of content- Bmore Music, Impose, Friends, and a fourth TBA soon. Bmore Music will provide the site's original intent, Impose will be feature articles written for Impose Magazine, and Friends is the record label. We'll be moving over from Blogger to Tumblr, so expect more coverage and new contributors.

Look out for the launch soon with a feature show, tour announcements, and more.

Top Baltimore Albums of 2011

2011-12-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

2011 has come and almost gone, and with it came another hearty selection of music releases from Baltimore. While we lost some historic bands this year (Double Dagger, Ponytail, Thank You), 2011 continued Baltimore's outpour of quality records.

Narrowing this down to a list was difficult - taking into account vinyl wear and tear, digital play counts, love, and the release's meaning to a continually thriving scene.

There is one release from a Swedish band. This gets a pass because the record features a lineup with lead vocals from Daniel Higgs. It also gets a pass because it's amazing. Also, there are a handful of records on here that I helped release via Friends Records.

Here are my top 25 music albums from Baltimore, Maryland in 2011.

25. Daytime - Daytime's Serendipity
24. Each Others - Lately Now
23. Roomrunner - Roomrunner
22. Holy Ghost Party - Holy Ghost Party
21. Vlonde - The Grief of O
20. Romantic States - Still Petals
19. Inflatable Mattress - Pumped Up
18. Arbouretum - The Gathering
17. Dog Leather - Greezy Man and Stinky Man Meets Smutty Ranks On Tarantula Hill
16. Ken Seeno - Invisible Surfer On An Invisible Wave
15. Witch Hat - Brown in a Dog
14. Adventure - Lesser Known
13. Skull Defekts - Peer Amid
12. Moss of Aura - Wading
11. Run DMT - Dreaming

10. Zomes - Earth Grid

9. Thank You - Golden Worry

8. White Life - White Life

7. Co La - Dial Tone Earth

6. Ponytail - Do Whatever You Want All The Time

5. Microkingdom - Three Compositions of No Jazz

4. Dope Body - Nupping

3. Wye Oak - Civilian

2. Future Islands - On The Water

1. Celebration - Electric Tarot: Hello Paradise

BMOREMUSIC IS CHANGING

2011-12-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

Expect big changes for BMOREMUSIC in 2012. Love, Brett.

Compilation: Friends Records 2011

2011-11-23T14:06:00.000-05:00

Friends Records has been collecting songs since the beginning of 2011, and the result is a 30 song compilation full of new and exclusive tracks from Baltimore, Maryland.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://friendsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/friends-records-2011"
Friends Records 2011 is out tomorrow, a free digital and limited double-cassette release available Thanksgiving Day. Citypaper premiered the opening track, a new Celebration song called "Sure Shot" that was recorded in the band's own Night Worm Studios.

Mark at YVYNYL uncovered another preview last week, Weekends' "Basement Fuzz."

The compilation was mastered for cassette by Rob Giradi at Lord Baltimore, and the artwork for the double-tape packaging comes compliments of Will Pesta.

The track list of this annual affair boasts a hefty supply of Baltimore heroes, with an unreleased Future Islands song recorded for KEXP, a recently recorded Dan Deacon track, the debut of Jenn Wasner's (Wye Oak) Flock of Dimes, new explorations by Jason Urick, a stark reminder of the return of Oxes, a lost gem from Dustin Wong and Molly Siegel, a new-anything wonder from Matt Papich's Co La, and more.

It also sports an Arthur Russell cover by Soft Cat, fresh digs from Holy Ghost Party, a hearty dose of sugar by Will Pesta's Inflatable Mattress, a new live jam from Lands and Peoples, some exclusive hard-nosed tomfoolery from Witch Hat, another psychedelic gift from Secret Mountains, and a lot more. Check out the entire track list below.

Side A
Celebration - Sure Shot 4.37
Future Islands - Tomorrow (Live @ KEXP) 3:31
Weekends - Basement Fuzz 2:08
Microkingdom - God's Total Woman 5:28
Moss Of Aura - Post 4:22
Jason Urick - Woman (For Jah Shaka) 6:58

Side B
Oxes - Hiawatha (Live @ WNUR) 4:51
Witch Hat - Break Interstate Park 5:28
Violet Hour - Absence Of Limbs 5:47
Sri Aurobindo - No Coincidence 3:29
Lonnie Walker - Inside Factories 3:49
Height With Friends - Mustard Seed 2:08

Side C
Soft Cat - This Is How We Walk On The Moon 3:36
Lands and Peoples - Memo (Live) 3:35
Flock Of Dimes - Prison Bride 2:54
Beth Varden - I Can't Stand 5:59
Brian Adam Ant - Psychic Assassins 2:23
Secret Mountains - Weepy Little Fingers 6:18
Buhloones - Something Else Exchange 2:13
Holy Ghost Party - Breakfast 3:26
Beyond Say - Bowl Of Water Moccassins 3:37

Side D
Dan Deacon - The Token Circle High 1:23
Co La - Visions Of Excess (Wet Version) 6:26
Jake Lingan - Hair Trigger 3;42
Vlonde - Love Theme 4:55
Avocado Happy Hour - Tactic 4:19
Dustin Wong and Molly Siegel - Untitled 1:52
Chase O'Hara and Amy Reid - Love You In Summer 2:43
Inflatable Mattress - Fantasy Motorboat 2:22
Neal Reinalda - Sunset In Baltimore 5:10

Get the double-cassette or free digital download right here on Thanksgiving.

Guest Post: Katrina Ford Occupies Baltimore

2011-11-18T09:00:00.009-05:00

"Great Pyramid" is the final statement on side A of Celebration's most recent LP, Hello Paradise. The band channels a card in the tarot that deals "the boss, the king, male influence and authority, planning, building, construction, seeking stability, ambition and confidence, tradition, order, and structure." The song begins with a simple question, “Hey Kingdom, where do your ambitions lie?”

It concludes with Katrina Ford demanding you to "stand up, to the top." Last weekend Ford's band, Celebration, were asked by Occupy Baltimore to play at McKeldin Square, the site of Occupy Baltimore's encampment. The Baltimore Police Department got wind of the performance, and shut it down before it could even take place, threatening to confiscate instruments and "remove" individuals that performed.

Now more than ever is a good time to "stand up, declare damn! God damn! I’m alive!” To be alive is to be free, and we can all at least agree on the right to freedom. Right?

The following is an open letter to the universe from Celebration's Katrina Ford.

OWS! Occupy! Occupy! The idea is grand and hopeful, it has crept in and gained momentum and support from across the globe. I feel my depression finally lifting. OWS to me, is a tribal community of care in a world I thought had forgotten how to dream big. The cat is out of the bag, on the street, and the world is watching!

I believe the more it is resisted and evicted the more it will grow, which is beautiful and scary to me. Beautiful because of the utopian ideals that it represents, to see people sharing and believing that we can make a better life for ALL, not just the 1%. Scary because the resistance has shown it's true colors, and they are violently violating the law they represent, AND they have weapons.

As I watch video after video of these brutalities I ask, Where's the humanity? Has basic human rights gone straight down the tube?!

A month ago, representatives from Occupy Baltimore contacted us and asked us to come down and play. We had been to Mckeldin Square a few times over the past few weeks and wanted to help. It's cold and sometimes boring standing around waiting for a wave. We hoped by bringing some dancing and music we'd give them some much needed entertainment and something to bounce around and warm up to. So we agreed on a date and started to plan our equipment to fit the space and energy limitations.

The Baltimore Sun announced our upcoming performance, which alerted the authorities. A week before the day, Occupy Baltimore was told by the city that no generators could be used for the performance and that they would require them to have security for the event. So at the news we scrambled to find a battery powered version of us.

On the day of the show, police showed up to the encampment and told Occupy that if we brought in any PA it would be confiscated. Furthermore, if anyone performed they would be "removed." So we left our bongos and pump organ at home and showed up empty handed. We had to at least explain to our friends why we couldn't play.

After an hour of standing around and asking ourselves questions like "if I clap my hands is that performing?" or "will they arrest me if I sing and stomp on the street?" We saw the humor in it and felt like the heroes of Footloose. Then I began to see the gravity. We dared not challenge it at the request of Occupy, they felt like their relations with the city had been good but strained and didn't want to push it. We had all but given up, then at some point two of the officers walked over to bridge the gap, so we thought.

It ended up being a dodgy conversation on what kind of music will be played and what equipment they allowed. Basically it was micro diced until we were left with no real option. They didn't want us to make any noise, we had no permit to.

We feeling somewhat of a coitus interruptus, pulled together a renegade performance at Holy Frijoles later that night. As for playing directly for Occupy we are still waiting word to see if we can perform SOMETHING for the big day this coming Saturday and I'm still determined to bring a little celebration to the movement.

I am part of the 99% and I am behind it 100%. ---K. Ford

Video: Weekends - "Roommate / Raingirls"

2011-11-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

It was really hot outside. I arrived at the Copycat early one Saturday to help out with a music video. The Copycat Theatre troupe, responsible for Rooms Play and other wonderment, had written and choreographed a short for our friends Weekends.

Guy Werner and Kevin Blackistone descended upon the space with a truck full of lights (hot lights) and the rest of their video gear. What ensued was a video for two songs off of Weekends' Strange Cultures. Brendan Sullivan and Adam Lempel are invaded during a sweaty rendition of "Roommate" in their old practice space, and taken to the Copycat Theater's fantasy world for "Raingirls." Claymation animates the second half, a psychedelic whirlwind of clay, umbrellas, dancing, and Sam Shea in a bear costume.

The first half of this was recorded that hot Saturday, the daylong shoot ended with Weekends rushing over to a gig at Floristree. Brendan rode with me over to the H&H, and there's still red body paint from the video's abduction on my passenger seat.

Weekends are working on their next LP now, the first taste of which will be here.

Photos: Oxes, Thank You, Witch Hat, Sri Aurobindo

2011-11-08T12:25:00.001-05:00

Last weekend Friends Records hosted an epic lineup that included Thank You's final U.S. appearance and a rare (and powerful) set from Oxes. This all-Baltimore lineup also included the likes of Witch Hat and Sri Aurobindo, and Valerie was there to capture all the action. Don't sleep on Oxes' forthcoming 12". Also - thank you, Thank You.

Show: Oxes, Thank You, Witch Hat, Sri Aurobindo

2011-11-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

poster by Chris Day

There have already been a handful of "show of the year" candidates, but this Saturday's G Spot bill is a hefty contender. As pointed out in Tuesday's piece that included a chat with band founder Jeff McGrath, this will be Thank You's last show in the United States of America before heading over to Europe for their final tour that concludes at ATP.

In addition, this will be the world's first chance at scoring the first U.S. Oxes release since 2005 - a new 12" called Bile Stbudy that will be limited to 650 copies.

Joining these two heavyweights Saturday evening will be Witch Hat and Sri Aurobindo, both fresh off new vinyl releases. Don't sleep on Brown in a Dog or Eyes, and definitely don't wait too long to grab tickets for this monster of a show.

Thank You Say You're Welcome

2011-11-01T11:20:00.000-04:00

There have been a few major casualties this year within Baltimore’s music scene, starting with Ponytail and Double Dagger. A third perennial live force announces it’s departure today as Thank You will play it’s last U.S. show this weekend in Baltimore, and it’s final show this December on a European tour.

In conversation yesterday, band founder Jeff McGrath admitted that Thank You’s G Spot show with Oxes this Saturday and their forthcoming European tour will be their last of a six year run. The band is set to play their final show at ATP’s Nightmare Before Christmas at the invitation of former tour mates, Battles.

Jeff explains, “It sort of just feels like we’re moving out of an apartment.” A few weeks ago William Cashion of Future Islands asked Thank You if they wanted to join them for a January tour. When the band got together to discuss William’s proposal, it became evident to everyone that not all of the members still enjoyed touring or had the will to continue to do so.

Each of Thank You’s LPs since their days with original drummer Elke Wardlaw have been hand-crafted with a strong ode to their live performance. First and foremost, Thank You is very much a live band. Without this component, all four current members couldn’t envision moving forward under the same moniker. Jeff was quick to point out that they’ll all remain best friends, they all plan to stay living in Baltimore, and that they all plan to continue making music - just with different friends and artists. This makes sense, especially when considering the musical cycle currently occurring in Baltimore.

Since Whartscape’s conclusion, a number of pivotal bands in Baltimore’s music scene have disbanded. Besides geography, a few other similarities link together these break-ups. They were executed positively, brought on by pure motives, and instilled the core values of friendship. None involved ill wills, hefty egos, or tugs at fame. They occurred because either the band wanted to go out on top, or because it’s members creativity would flourish more within separate entities.

To the casual bystander, Baltimore’s music scene may appear to have a few holes. However, a closer look reveals at least ten other willing and eager bands for every disbanded group of heroes. Though Whartscape and a handful of its pioneers may have retired their household names, there remains a thriving community that's arguably even stronger than ever.

Pivotol bands might break up, but their members tend to start or join new projects with other friends in town. Jeff McGrath put it rather simply yesterday, “The nature of this city is friendliness.” In a music scene that relies heavily upon a tight-knit community, it’s important to say thank you to friends that help continue its evolution.

Thank You has one final release in store; details are forthcoming.

Show: Japanther, Weekends, Beyond Say, Teenage Souls

2011-10-27T12:55:00.000-04:00

Artwork by DJ Rice and Logan Terkelsen

Victory Lap: Future Islands

2011-10-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's been made pretty clear that these dudes have put out one of the finest albums of the year in On The Water, and today they hit the road with Ed Schrader's Music Beat.

Tonight Future Islands play Black Cat's main stage down in D.C. with Javelin on support for the first leg of their massive tour. William Cashion, Sam Herring, and Gerrit Welmers celebrated the release of their new record last week at the intimate confines of The Depot, and Valerie was there to capture all the action.

Tour dates are right here, and more photos after the jump.

Show: Dan Deacon, Celebration, Matmos

2011-10-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

photo by Eye Bodega

The Dan Deacon Ensemble has fluctuated in size and dynamic since it's original Bromst components several years ago. On Friday, December 16 in Baltimore, a new ensemble will be unveiled. The new five piece will make its debut at the Ottobar on the just announced triple-threat bill that also includes Celebration and Matmos.

Dan writes that this ensemble will include Denny Bowen, Dave Jacober, Chester Gwazda, and Jordan Casey - to which he aptly described as "champions." A completely warranted statement with this new double-synth, double-percussion powerhouse that includes members of Double Dagger, Dope Body, and more. Deacon is currently engulfed in writing the next LP, and this show looks to be a good introduction to what's next.

Toss in the city's finest psych-soul warriors Celebration, and local legends Matmos, and you've got yourself a big one. Tickets go on sale today over at the Ottobar.

Inflatable Mattress - Pumped Up / Blue Mattress

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Your new favorite cassette is over at Wigflip right now, fresh beats from the label founder himself. Will Pesta is Inflatable Mattress, who is also known to produce psycho-ambient swirls under the Happy Family moniker. I covered the first side of this tape, Pumped Up, back at the beginning of this year.

Side B sports Blue Mattress - a deeper cosmic adventure through beats. "Silent Heads" is an early groove on the side, a stand-out lifter that rolls like clouds over a skyscraper.

This is Wigflip's newest offering, available to order now on tape from their site or digitally over on Boomkat. Also, you definitely don't want to miss out on this wonked-out romper room short for the Jazzy J mix of "Funkhouser."

New: Ed Schrader Show

2011-10-11T12:25:00.001-04:00

The Ed Schrader Show was back in action a few weeks ago, and the glorious new episode just went live on the interwebs last night compliments of Guy Werner and probably a million other awesome people. This episode featured Ellie Beziat (Sick Weapons, RIP), director Matt Porterfield, and a performance by Future Islands.

Watch it below and after the jump, and steer clear of the cat with herpes in its eye.

Go: Future Islands & Celebration

2011-10-07T12:48:00.000-04:00

On Saturday in Baltimore you can go see two bands that will likely be responsible for the best two records to come out of town this year - Celebration and Future Islands.

Next week marks the release of On The Water, the third long player from Future Islands. Words can only begin to describe the magnitude of this record, churning feelings and evoking a sense of consciousness that's found between the perfect balance of sheer joy and utter despair. Throw in a guest appearance by Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner, Denny Bowen laying down live drums, and beyond-perfect production by Chester Endersby Gwazda, and dudes have created a masterpiece. Future Islands play their only in-store performance of their massive upcoming North American tour tomorrow at 5 PM at Sound Garden.

Celebration relinquished their first LP in a number of years earlier in 2011, a nine song affair titled Hello Paradise. Not only was each song perfect in just about every way, but the statement made in the story behind the record highlights just about everything wrong with today's music industry. Celebration are putting on an intimate performance at The Metro Gallery on Saturday night with Lands and Peoples before they head out on the road for a southern tour with Arbouretum later this month.

View tour dates for both Future Islands and Celebration after the jump.

Celebration and Arbouretum: Fall 2011 Tour
Tues Oct 25 - Wilmington, NC @ Reggie's 42cond st Tavern With Arbouretum
Wed Oct 26 - Charleston, SC @ Tin Roof With Arbouretum
Thur Oct 27 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl With Arbouretum
Fri Oct 28 - Charlotte @ The Milestone With Arbouretum and the Moaners
Sat Oct 29 - Asheville @ The Get Down With Arbouretum and the Moaners
Sun Oct 30- Chapel Hill, NC @ Nightlight With Arbouretum and the Moaners

Future Islands: Fall 2011 Tour
October 8 - Baltimore, MD @ The Sound Garden Free In-Store Performance! Starts at 5PM
US Tour with ED SCHRADER'S MUSIC BEAT
October 25 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat (w/Javelin)
October 26 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Small's Theatre (w/Javelin)
October 27 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern (w/Javelin)
October 28 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick Lounge (w/Javelin)
October 29 - Kalamazoo, MI @ The Strutt (w/Javelin)
October 30 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall (w/Javelin)
November 1 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
November 2 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
November 3 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Saloon
November 4 - Norman, OK @ The Opolis
November 5 - Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
November 7 - Marfa, TX @ Padre's
November 8 - Santa Fe, NM @ VFW
November 9 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
November 10 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
November 11 - Boise, ID @ Neurolux
November 12 - Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
November 13 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
November 15 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
November 16 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Muddy Waters
November 17 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex
November 18 - Long Beach, CA @ Alex's Bar
November 19 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
November 20 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
November 23 - New Orleans, LA @ Circle Bar
November 25 - Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree
November 26 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl (w/Lonnie Walker)
November 27 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle (w/Lonnie Walker)
November 28 - Wilmington, NC @ Soapbox (w/Lonnie Walker)
November 29 - Charlottesville, VA @ Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
November 30 - Lancaster, PA @ The Lizard Lounge
December 1 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (w/Zomes)
December 2 - Philadelphia, PA @ Kungfu Necktie
December 3 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar (w/Javelin)

Oxes - "Crunchy Zest"

2011-10-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

Just about every band that I've ever covered from Baltimore probably owes a nod to the trio of Chris Freeland, Marc Miller, and Nat Fowler. Oxes haven't had a U.S. release since 2005, but have still managed to be there when Baltimore's needed them most.

Whartscape 2008 (below) and Whoxescape in 2010 (above) are a few of the rare appearances they've tossed our way since, but that changes this Fall.

They shall stand on boxes again, and this time with a couple new releases on the table. The first of which is called Bile Stbudy - a new 12" limited to five hundred copies on Friends Records. The wax will feature "Crunchy Zest", "Orange Jewelryist", and more.

"Crunchy Zest" has made a few stellar live appearances, including this one.

In addition to new releases, Oxes have shows in the works. The first of which Citypaper spilled the news on last week - November 5 at Baltimore's thought-to-be-dead G Spot with Thank You and special guests. RSVP to that here. They were also invited by Les Savy Fav to play ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas this December in England.

Pre-order Bile Stbudy here, and you'll want to stay tuned for the next Oxes release.

Roomrunner - "Spinning"

2011-09-29T12:18:00.001-04:00

Fan Death Records spouted out a whole mess of spectacular noise this week, including a track from their forthcoming Roomrunner cassette called "Spinning".

We're pretty stoked to be able to follow up that post about Double Dagger calling it quits with a promising new single from drummer Denny Bowen's band Roomrunner. "Spinning" is aural proof that no one kid can ever grow up on too much Nirvana. A killer burst of noise-pop bliss that odes to the 90s without kissing too much ass.

Roomrunner is made up of Denny Bowen, Dan Frome, John Jones, and Bret Lanahan. The new songs were recorded by Dan Frome, who also plays guitar. The "Frome Dome" came in handy especially for the vocals, as Denny felt comfortable enough to record his voice there instead of renting a car and going out to a parking lot somewhere in the county as previously planned. Bowen has been writing the songs over the past two years.

The debut Roomrunner cassette is part of a new tape series from Fan Death Records, where each proprietor of the label chose a different band to make a tape of. This was Sean Gray's choice, and you can get all four titles for only seventeen bucks right here.

Video: Holy Ghost Party - Live 9.10.11

2011-09-26T21:34:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago Holy Ghost Party performed at the Metro Gallery as a duo, with their debut full length fresh off of a release on cassette (Friends) and vinyl (GenPop). Guy Werner taped the whole live set, a calculated raucous that occupied in the same realm as their Worlds in Collusion performance did earlier this year.

Head over to Push Record Play for sets by Deradoorian and Co La from the same night.

Co La 09-10-11 @ Metro by Guy Werner

End of the Road: Double Dagger

2011-09-16T09:00:00.004-04:00

I began this week posting about a new beginning, but will end it with a farewell. After nine years together, Double Dagger have announced their final string of shows.

Perhaps Steve Buckhantz said it best. Dagger, indeed. Dudes are throwing in the towel at a high point, after two of their finest releases - More and Masks. From the band:

We've accomplished a lot in those nine years, playing some incredible shows with bands we love and in places we never thought we'd get to play. We've been fortunate enough to have several great labels support us along the way, starting with local friends Hit-Dat, and later Chicago-based labels Stationary (Heart) and Thrill Jockey, as well as hometown labels Toxic Pop and Terra Firma.

To answer the inevitable question about why we're breaking up: Like any relationship's end, it's complex, but for us it mostly comes down to time. As the band got older and grew and changed, the people in it did too, and our individual lives are pulling us towards other pursuits. With this in mind, we decided to focus on playing a few final shows in some of our favorite cities, and go out on a high note instead of slowing fading away. We still like the music, the shows, and each other, and we think it's best to bring things to a close while we can still devote our full energy to this music.

We've been taking time off from playing live to finish a few new songs, which will be released posthumously in some format (the details are still being figured out). We've also been planning a string of final shows in some of our favorite cities next month.

We could fill a book with the people we want to thank for everything they've done for us over the years. Those who helped us out in any way from putting out our records, helping us screenprint record covers and t-shirts, taking a chance on booking us in other cities we'd never played before (or booking us time and time again), roommates who sat through countless hours of practice (and sometimes recording), strangers who made us meals in their homes, let us sleep on their floors, drove us around, put up with our bad jokes, lent us equipment (though more often it happened that we were the lenders), absorbed the onstage insults, didn't sue us when getting hit in the head with drums, gave us good advice, bought the records and came to the shows and flipped out which gave us the energy to better do the same, and most importantly the girlfriends and wives who let us take the time to do this, all of you made everything we've put into this worth it.

We're all creative dudes so this isn't the last you'll hear from us, but it is (almost) the end of the line for hearing from us together as Double Dagger. The last of it will be that forthcoming collection of songs and the last few Double Dagger shows.

Double Dagger's final shows are listed after the jump.

Wed, October 12 - Baltimore, MD - Charm City Art Space - w/ Ed Schrader's Music Beat
Thu, October 13 - Detroit, MI - The Berkley Front
Fri, October 14 - Chicago, IL - Ultra Lounge - w/ Call Me Lightning
Sat, October 15 - Chicago, IL - TBA
Sun, October 16 - Cleveland, OH - Now That's Class - w/ Megachurch
Wed, October 19 - Washington, DC - Black Cat - w/ Imperial China
Thu, Oct. 20 - Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio - w/ AIDS Wolf, Zomes
Fri Oct. 21 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar - w/ awesome secret guests!!!

Culture Dealer

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

It kind of feels like Christmas morning when a new label pops up in Baltimore, especially when it is one this good. Say hello to Culture Dealer, a new outlet by Mike Collins.

With a handful of analog offerings already underway, this new label looks to specialize in short-run oddities of the highest caliber of weird. The teaser for Culture Dealer's flagship VHS is above, a fifty minute production called Video Door. The label promises a "compilation of mental maps, warped perspectives, dream exploits, nose cameras, audio-visual experiments and much more." It will feature work by Baltimore's Run DMT, Justin Kelly, Alex Deranian, Chase O'Hara, Will Pesta and more along with folks from out of town as well. You can order it now on green VHS for $7 right here.

Another inaugural release from Culture Dealer is a new cassette from the label boss himself, Run DMT. The album is called DREAMS, and streaming above is a new track from it called "Romantic". Mike just sent me the full tape yesterday, and I look forward to sharing more about this amazing cassette over on Impose in the coming weeks.

IRL: Co La, Deradoorian, Holy Ghost Party, Maxmillion Dunbar

2011-09-08T13:06:00.000-04:00

While the first night of IRL aims at your heart, the second night of the exhibit opening aims to please your feet. This Saturday 9/10 you'll find Co La, Deradoorian (Angel from Dirty Projectors), Holy Ghost Party, and Maxmillion Dunbar at the Metro Gallery.

This will be your first chance to grip Co La's Fugitive of Leisure cassette, a summer single series that concluded today with the full album up now over on Altered Zones. These new Co La bangers are further affirmation of Papich's "new anything" genre, a re-contorted and re-imagined sound defined by years of pop music.

&amp;lt;a href="http://friendsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fugitive-of-leisure"&amp;gt;Fugitive of Leisure by Co La&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;
Check out cuts from all four acts playing the second night of IRL below.

You can RSVP for night two of IRL at the Metro Gallery right here.

IRL: Secret Mountains, Soft Cat, Arches

2011-09-07T13:20:00.000-04:00

Bmore Musically Informed is super excited to announce its first gallery exhibition, a photo show called IRL that kicks off this Friday night at the Metro Gallery.

Featuring shots that have only existed in the internet world until now, the exhibit aims to portray shows that took place in real life in Baltimore. The show will feature work by Valerie Paulsgrove, Chrissy Abbott, and Adam Lempel. It will also include live audio contributions by David Carter and live video contributions by Guy Werner.

Opening weekend for the exhibit starts September 9 with the following heart-melters:

You can RSVP to see Secret Mountains, Soft Cat, and Arches right here.

Tonight: Zomes, Witch Hat, Weekends, Beyond Say

2011-09-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Show: Raindeer EP Release with Cex

2011-09-02T02:47:00.001-04:00

Video: Wye Oak - "Holy Holy"

2011-09-01T14:55:00.000-04:00

Our friend Nada over at the always radical Friends with Both Arms blog sent us a clip of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack from Wye Oak performing our favorite song from Civilian.

Not only is this a stellar sounding outdoor rendition of "Holy Holy", it's performed on a swing set. We already knew Andy Stack was multi-talented, but here he displays his ability to swing and play the drums at the same time. The video was beautifully shot during SXSW, and was produced to help out with the Invisible Children fund.

Wye Oak's Civilian is out now on Merge Records.

Moss of Aura - Wading + Release Show

2011-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that Baltimore's perennial art-pop force Future Islands and all of its components are complete obsessions of ours, and we are beyond stoked to be bringing the first proper Moss of Aura LP to life on vinyl, cassette, and digitally very soon.

The new LP is titled Wading, and above is the first heard single dubbed "Titan". Moss of Aura is the solo synthscapes of Gerrit Welmers, the entity behind all of the keys and beats found within Future Islands' work.

Moss of Aura is used as an outlet for decompression and reflection between life on the road, and Wading was composed and recorded while Welmers was home in Baltimore in between some extensive Future Islands tours. Though Wading is open for interpretation, it will transport you somewhere. Choose your own vacation, if you will.

The release party for Wading is Wednesday, August 31 at Floristree in Baltimore with White Life, Breeze and Schwarz. There will be 50 exclusive test pressing copies of Wading on vinyl available for the first time at this event, so be sure and snag one. Wading also includes a set of five postcards, one of which is personalized for the record.

Order your copy of Moss of Aura's Wading right here from Friends Records.

Tonight: Rap Round Robin

2011-08-19T11:12:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the fifth annual Rap Round Robin, which looks to be one of the most diverse displays of Baltimore hip hop yet. Performing tonight at Floristree will be AK Slaughter, Mickey Free and Secret Weapon Dave, PT Burnem, OOH of Brownfish with seeWEED, Height With Friends, Jones, Mania Music Group, The Plural MC, King Rhythm, Soul Cannon, Rapdragons, and Disturbed Individuals.

The Rap Round Robin is at Floristree, starts at 9 PM, and you can RSVP here.

Video: White Life - "Time is Wasting"

2011-08-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

A new video directed by Dakota Solt for a track off one my favorite albums of the year dropped yesterday. Check out the short for White Life's "Time is Wasting" below.

A few things we've learned - getting stoned and dancing around in your room to White Life is White Life-approved, the 90s are still very much alive, and Jon Ehrens is terrible at tennis. It's a good thing he can sing and write some pretty serious pop songs.

The debut LP from White Life is available from Ehse. Tour dates after the jump.

TUE 8/16 BROOKLYN, NY: KNITTING FACTORY w/ Ami Dang, Ganjatronics
WED 8/17 NYC 8:00pm: PIANOS w/ Fan-Tan, Sherlock’s Daughter
THU 8/18: BOSTON, MA 9:00pm: MILKY WAY LOUNGE w/ Original Organix, DJ Leah
FRI 8/19: PROVIDENCE, RI 10:00pm: SALON BAR w/ Savage Soul
SAT 8/20: NORTHAMPTON, MA: BAR 11 w/ Lord Jeff
8/21 - 8/23: TBD
WED 8/24: WINOOSKI, VT 9:00PM: MONKEY HOUSE w/ Lawrence Welks
THU 8/25: BUFFALO, NY: THE VAULT
FRI 8/26: DETROIT, MI: TBD
SAT 8/27: MILWAUKEE, WI: TBD
THU 8/28: CHICAGO, IL: SWEET FORIL (secret location)
WED 8/31: BALTIMORE, MD: FLORISTREE w/ Rick Rab, Moss of Aura and Schwarz
THU 9/1: D.C.: TBD

Video: Hollywood - "(Scary) Cemetary"

2011-08-16T13:04:00.000-04:00

Baltimore's jaded-garage party kids Hollywood are back in action with a new LP, and they just dropped a video to prove it. Looks like Halloween came early this year, guys.

"(Scary) Cemetary" is from the forthcoming Stunts LP, and the video was directed by Evan Devine. The new album is due out on Big Neck, and will be commemorated with a release show upstairs at the Ottobar on August 28 with Roomrunner, and Lady Piss.

Photos: In Every Room, Jabon, Dada Trash Collage

2011-08-14T18:57:00.000-04:00

You can catch In Every Room tomorrow (8/15) at the Metro Gallery with Lands and Peoples and Binary Marketing Show. The evening starts at 8 PM and costs eight dollars.

On July 1st In Every Room played a brand new batch of tunes, the first set they had played after months of working on new material. They performed with the Effervescent Collective, who are pictured doing their thing above.

Don't miss out on their set tomorrow at the Metro Gallery, and peep some more shots by Valerie of Jabon, Dada Trash Collage, and the rest of the show at the H&H below.

Show: Dope Body, Roomrunner, Hume, Secret Mountains

2011-08-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

&amp;lt;a href="http://humesongs.bandcamp.com/album/penumbra-e-p"&amp;gt;PENUMBRA E.P. by HUME&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Witch Hat - "Blood People"

2011-08-08T13:42:00.000-04:00

This article and song originally premiered earlier today on Impose Magazine.

Witch Hat is the rising Baltimore punk trio of Chris Day, Noel Freibert, and Conor Stechschulte. Connor and Noel have been creating blunt and physical horror tunes together since 2006, while Chris (Vlonde, Bear & Pieces) joined in 2008. Brown in a Dog is to be the band's first proper full length, after nearly ten self-released cassettes and CDRs. The vinyl is out in a few weeks, but here is the first taste.

Believe it or not this six minute stomper is the edited version, with the album's proper cut clocking in at over nine gruesome minutes. "Blood People" is a tale of very close friends physically conforming to one another to escape the drowning sorrows of day-to-day life. It drives the album's relentless tone deep into your skull, a journey full of both material despair and "hard-nosed tom-foolery."

The starkly grotesque Brown in a Dog was produced in a body shop paint booth by Baltimore's Craig Bowen. It was mastered by Charlie Pilzer, whose eclectic career includes a Grammy for mastering and restoring the Anthology of American Folk Music.

With the arrival of Brown in a Dog will also come the release of a split 7-inch that includes exclusive cuts from Zomes (Asa Osborne of Lungfish) and Witch Hat. Both the the new 12-inch and the 7-inch are available in a few weeks on Friends Records.

Pre-order Witch Hat's Brown in a Dog LP right here.

Video: Adventure - "Rio"

2011-08-05T09:28:00.000-04:00

The video for Adventure's "Rio" directed by Andrew Defreitas surfaced this week over on Pitchfork, one of my absolute favorite cuts from the new LP called Lesser Known. In case you missed it, a few months ago on Impose Magazine I premiered another video from that same LP, a rightfully joyous affair for "Feels Like Heaven".

Lesser Known is out now on Carpark Records.

Gem Vision - Lynx

2011-08-03T10:44:00.001-04:00

Justin Kelly's Watercolor Records has been on another hot streak, relinquishing four new tapes recently that are all worth a good listen. I've been making my way through these releases, and already shared Jason Urick and Cex's ridiculously good dub edit cassette. Next up is a release from the label owner himself, a new Gem Vision album.

Gem Vision has typically taken a more ambient form on past releases, but Lynx is the first beat-oriented affair from the Baltimore sound collagist. Describing these cuts as beats is a term I'll assign quite loosely, as Lynx isn't for the traditionalist.

Lynx was created just like any good beat album should - with some serious record crate digging. Kelly admits the process might not have been typical though, as he tells me he began by going to record shops looking for the most cheesy album covers he could find. From there it was all about re-contextualization, or as Kelly describes, "sampling and then destroying the sample and then finding some way to make it work."

The result is Lynx, almost 40 minutes of lo-fidelity light radio jams and obscure 80s re-imaginations that feel like a roller rink daydream. Some of the ingredients described include "Total Funk Recall", "Scrambled Romantic Saxophone", and "Don't Care Jive".

Lynx is available on cassette and as a free download from Watercolor Records.

Tonight: Blastoids, In Every Room, Religous Girls

2011-08-03T09:11:00.001-04:00

Brave the thunderstorms and head to the back lot of Current Space tonight for some outside tunes with Blastoids, Religous Girls, and Baltimore's In Every Room.

INEVERYROOM by INEVERYROOM
The show starts at 9 PM, and costs just five dollars.

Prince Rama - "Rest In Peace"

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Prince Rama are part of a massive Floristree lineup tomorrow with Liturgy, Witch Hat, PC Worship, and Adventure. Show starts at 9 PM, and it will cost you "ye$" dollars.

Brooklyn's Prince Rama are set to release their second full length on Animal Collective's Paw Tracks. Though they've slimmed down from a trio to a duo, little has changed.

With Michael Collins on hiatus, sisters Taraka and Nimai Larson have gone to create a record called Trust Now with Scott Colburn. "Rest In Peace" is a cut from the new LP, and starts off with a glorified Kung Fu burst that's straight out of your favorite 16-bit video game. The mood quickly changes and summons the spirits with a heady blend of tribal percussion, soaring vocals, and psychedelic entrancement.

The synths cut a lot sharper than in past efforts, with a much more pounding presence and fiercer low-end. All of the cosmic swirls and mysterious lyrics are still fully in tact, as "Rest In Peace" looks to solidify a sound that Prince Rama has been touring with for several years now. In order to promote the new affair Prince Rama is issuing out karaoke videos of tracks from the forthcoming LP by friends, including Woods' G. Lucas Crane's questionable and creepy rendition of "Incarnation".

Tuesday's Floristree show is a must, and you can RSVP here. Flyer by Chris Day.

Show: Co La - Chance Gets Lucky

2011-07-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

There are shows, there are events, there are happenings, there are productions, there are parties, and sometimes there is just a room with people in it and music being played. Tomorrow night Co La (Matt Papich) and Daytime (Neal Reinalda) are presenting all, some, or none of these occurrences at Remington's Open Space.

July 30th's gathering is called Chance Gets Lucky, and it promises to go beyond the normal boundaries of Co La's champagne-pouring performance. The piece is based off a series of stories that have been posted on the Co La's Tumblr, and promises familiar songs that are remixed and re-contextualized. Papich describes tomorrow like so:

"At some point it becomes clear that the music is winding down. Encoded in the sound is a message that begins to make people aware of their surroundings again. This is partially because everyday sounds have been introduced on top of the music. It reminds people that abstractions are only openings, not the whole thing. Many people only now notice the changes in the space, and are surprised to see the monochrome paintings on the walls. They take pictures of themselves and their friends in front of them, like tourists, but often flash a little cleavage or moon the camera. Spirits are high. There are a variety of fliers and handbills on the floor. Some advertise events that have already happened, others represent services or brands. The flyers are simply designed, but colorful. Some are pure color, it's hard to tell if these are advertisements or not. There are now items for sale at the reception desk. One is a book whose cover reads "Bum Joke Book". Inside there is a spiritual exercises guidebook. There are also small porcelain copies of popular logos, like the Nike Swoosh or the Macintosh Apple. They've been cast so that you can smoke pot out of them, packing a bowl carved in the cup of the Swoosh, and hitting from the long pointy side. "

The evening starts at 9 PM, costs five dollars, and you can RSVP right here.

Photos: Witch Hat, Dope Body, Creepoid

2011-07-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

Dope Body continue their "bro-rock" onslaught to support Nupping, and last month they were joined by Baltimore's Witch Hat and Philadelphia's Creepoid at the Golden West.

Valerie Paulsgrove was there to capture the action, never missing a chance to catch Andrew Laumann contort his face in ways we never thought were possible. Keep your ears peeled for Witch Hat. Chris, Connor, and Noel just finished up a new LP and it looks to be available sooner rather than later, more details to come.

Tonight: Callers, Nat Baldwin, Lands and Peoples

2011-07-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight the Metro Gallery has a pretty blissful one for a Wednesday with Callers, Nat Baldwin (of Dirty Projectors acclaim), and Baltimore's own Lands and Peoples.

The show tonight starts at 8 PM, costs eight dollars, and you can RSVP right here.

Dan Deacon - Meetle Mice & Silly Hat Vs. Eagle Hat

2011-07-25T09:00:00.003-04:00

Word from Dan Deacon's press agent came Friday of some reissues in the works, this on the eve of the weekend where Dan attended Comic-Con with Francis Ford Coppola to promote the upcoming film he's scoring called TWIXT which stars Val Kilmer.

Above is "Spring", lifted from Deacon's Silly Hat Vs. Eagle Hat. Originally written while Dan was in college and distributed at shows via CDR, Dan specifies that the composition is something he did as he was just learning how to interact with sound.

"My own face is F word" comes from Meetle Mice, which originated similarly. Dan writes, "These albums are like seeds. They sound, look and feel very different from the fruit that they've grown but they are still of the same tree." Both Meetle Mice and Silly Hat Vs. Eagle Hat are getting the reissue treatment compliments of Carpark Records. On September 13 the label will be releasing both albums together as a double LP. In addition to vinyl, Carpark is also dubbing a limited number of each album to cassette.

Meetle Mice and Silly Hat Vs. Eagle Hat will be available September 13 via Carpark.

Tonight: Teengirl Fantasy, Pictureplane, Gatekeeper

2011-07-24T10:14:00.000-04:00

If tonight's show doesn't make you want to dance, then you probably have no soul. Once you've discovered that you do indeed have a soul, brave the heatwave for Club Hippo.

The Deep in the Game dudes have outdone themselves this time, bringing to Baltimore a crop of some of the most exciting electronic dance music being made today. Performing live will be Oberlin's Whartscape alums Teengirl Fantasy, the deconstructed house music of Denver's Pictureplane, and the haunted pounding synths of New York's Gatekeeper. Baltimore's own DJ Dog Dick is also on the bill, along with the usual resident DJs.

This one starts at 10 PM, costs eight dollars, and you can RSVP right here.

Show: The Violet Hour Record Release

2011-07-20T12:08:00.002-04:00

The Violet Hour is Baltimore's mysteriously transcendent duo of Beth Varden and Andriana Pateris. Their carefully layered blend of dream-psych has been a highly coveted but seldom seen live show in town for the past several years. This weekend at the Metro Gallery they are celebrating the release of their debut full length on vinyl.

The Violet Hour was recorded in Baltimore several years ago at Lord Baltimore Studios. It was engineered by Rob Girardi, who recorded each and every lush layer directly to two-inch analog tape. The style of production used is most appreciated when experienced on vinyl, and Friends Records pressed up a very limited batch of this title to share.

The Violet Hour by The Violet Hour
Above is a stream of the full album, available digitally through Bandcamp. Physically, there are 250 hand-numbered copies on wax, with art by Beth Varden that was screen-printed by Chris Day at Open Space. These will first be made available on Saturday.

Saturday's show at the Metro Gallery also features Television Hill, Vlonde (formerly Bear & Pieces), and a solo set by David Bergander of Celebration. The event starts at at 9 PM on July 23, and you can get tickets right here. More info on The Violet Hour right here.

Tonight: Gang Gang Dance at the Ottobar

2011-07-19T13:20:00.000-04:00

The electro-tribal bliss that is Gang Gang Dance hits the Ottobar tonight, and will be joined by Total Freedom and Nguzunguzu. Tickets are still available right here.

Directly above is the video for Gang Gang Dance's "Mindkilla". Streaming above that is "Glass Jar". Both are new singles from their fantastic new Eye Contact LP via 4AD.

Holy Ghost Party - Holy Ghost Party

2011-07-15T11:23:00.002-04:00

David Jacober and Zachary Utz make a lot of music, and a wide variety at that. Their main project is Dope Body, a Baltimore staple that got some Pitchfork love yesterday.

However their other outlet, a less loud and abrasive entity, is set to release it's debut. Holy Ghost Party are only an EP deep at this point, but are now ready with their first full length. It's a self-titled affair, and is out this weekend on cassette via Friends Records.

Holy Ghost Party is over 35 minutes of some of the weirder pop music you'll hear. While combining elements of countless genres, somewhere it all comes together into some form of prog-pop. In Dope Body, guitar is used to create alien-like noise that's meant to puncture your head-space. But in Holy Ghost Party, similar styles are used to add unique percussion and a rich layer of strange that's fit for a more cosmic experience.

The album will first be made available at Worlds in Collusion tomorrow, where Holy Ghost Party opens up the event starting at noon. Check out the new tape here.

Tonight: Butt Stomach, Total Slacker, Weekends, Friends

2011-07-15T10:40:00.000-04:00

Ed Schrader's Music Beat - "Rats"

2011-07-13T17:52:00.000-04:00

Operating under the moniker Ed Schrader's Music Beat, Ed Schrader has a new band. Joining Schrader over the past year has been Devlin Rice, who was added to play bass with Ed when "he was asked to play a rave in Baltimore." It's been working out rather well since, as Ed continues to enforce his drum and vocal performance but now with the added bonus of Devlin's bass. Here's their first proper recording.

"Rats" is the first single, due out on a 7" via Load Records this week. It is a fine example of the pulsing simplicity that E.S.M.B. does best, driving a point home with insanely raw power. The song gets off to a quick start as Schrader's lyrics start with the rats themselves, questioning why they "wanna go and kill our haircut." When the beat slows down, and Devlin's bass becomes more anthemic, Ed recites a more grandiose verse:

"From the musk to the man to the guillotine,
from the musk to the man to the satellites of death."

You begin to get the picture that Ed might not be talking about actual rats, though being from Baltimore, it's still a strong possibility. "Rats" boasts a stellar production team, as it was recorded by Twig Harper and mixed by Chester Endersby Gwazda. The 7" is due out soon, but the full length called Jazzmind is slated to drop on Load Records this fall. Ed Schrader's Music Beat hits the road tomorrow, dates are after the jump.

Ed Schrader's Music Beat - July 2011 Tour
14 Providence RI- Machines with Magnets
16 Boston- The Butcher Shoppe
17 Albany NY-Valentines
19 Buffallo NY-Soundlab
20 Cleveland OH- Happy Dog
21 Detroit- Scrummage Space
23 Chicago IL- Ball Hall
24 Lexington KY- Al's Bar
25 Knoxville TN-Pilot Light
26 Athens GA- farm225
27 Asheville NC-the Get Down
28 Greensboro NC- Legitimate Business
29 Raleigh NC- Kings Barcade

Artscape: Worlds In Collusion

2011-07-12T12:58:00.000-04:00

This year's Artscape is this weekend, and the good folks at High Zero are again offering a chance to get out of the heat and into some air-conditioned weirdness. In conjunction with University of Baltimore and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts, High Zero presents Worlds In Collusion.

Art of the musical, aural, and performance-based variety will be on display, all within the more avant-garde realm you'd expect from High Zero. Check out the schedule below.

Friday July 15
2pm K. S. Resmi • Indian Carnatic Singing
3pm Alex Strama • Theatrical Apocalyptic Rock
4pm Effervescent Collective • Experimental dance & music
5pm Ear Monsters • Free Jazz by Elementary Schoolers
6pm N. Scott Robinson • World Percussion
7pm The Westsiders (Baltimore Marching Band) • Exalted Baltimore spirit
8pm Sam Garrett • Modern Classical compositions
9pm Andy Hayleck and Dan Conrad • Hypnotic light performance with music

Saturday July 16
12pm Holy Ghost Party • Chillingly weird pop music
1pm Rum Raisin • Cathartic noise music
2pm Spaceships and Insects (Liz Downing and Nathan Bell) • Cosmic Banjos & Songs
3pm HEARTON (Dan Bren and Friends) • Unpredictable improvised madness
4pm Neil Feather • Visionary invented instruments
5pm Peabody Early Music Ensemble • Music from Ancient Times to the Renaissance
6pm Geist • Japanese Heavy Metal
7pm Samuel Burt Ensemble • Compositions for Reeds, Strings, and Electronics
8pm Soumya Chakraverty • Gorgeous Indian Classical Music

Sunday July 17
12pm Parallel Octave • Experimental Greek chorus sings unusual texts
1pm Jesse Heffler & Allen Mozek • Spoken Word / Experimental Performance
2pm Whoarfrost • Explosive experimental rock
3pm Composer Will Redman • Avant-garde classical music featuring improvisation
4pm Ahmed Borhani • Persian Classical Music
5pm Horselords • Hypnotic rock influenced by North African music
6pm Jimmy Joe Roche • Live electronic music
7pm Wrhatnala USA Gamelan Ensemble • Traditional Balinese music

All shows take place at the University of Baltimore Student Center on the 5th floor. Look for new sounds from Holy Ghost Party right here later this week.

Jason Urick and Cex - Title King

2011-07-07T11:36:00.000-04:00

Last week on my Impose column I posted about a new tape that has yet to leave my iTunes playlist, and now my tape deck thanks to Justin over at Watercolor Records.

It's a new dub edit cassette from Jason Urick and Cex, and it's out now. Above is the lead, and just a sample of what to expect from the following 45 minutes of tape. Some more info on this one is over at Impose, but be sure to grab the "8 tracks of Winterfresh Dub forged in a cavern under a ganja feild" to get your summer started right.

Title King is available on tape and as a free download via Watercolor.

Videos: Future Islands, Dr. Unk, Rapdragons

2011-07-06T16:00:00.002-04:00

Videos are stockpiling - here's new shorts from Future Islands, Dr. Unk, and Rapdragons.

Today Pitchfork premiered the Abe Sanders directed short for Future Islands' "Before the Bridge", the lead single off their almost sold-out forthcoming 7" on Thrill Jockey.

I did a bit of a mega-post on Neal Reinalda's DJ project Dr. Unk back in May, and now here's the first video. The song is a Dr. Unk remix of Britney Spears' "Till The World Ends", and it was shot over at Open Space a few weeks ago. It was directed by Neil Sanzgiri of Soft Cat, and features a whole mess of friendly faces causing a ruckus that includes smashing chairs, bikinis, and Brendan Sullivan on a skateboard beer-in-hand.

Greg from Rapdragons recently passed along a new short shot Matt Casey and edited by Finn Wake for their Neon Indian-sampling "Got a Light". Get the new EP here.

Video: Co La - "Blood Orange Crush"

2011-07-06T12:10:00.002-04:00

Matt Papich's new project Co La swelters on this summer, with a summer single series called Fugitive of Leisure. The video for June's single is above, "Blood Orange Crush".

Produced and directed by Co La and Lotfy Nathan, and a written credit given to Vishwam Velandy, this new short aims to sum up visually what ideas Co La's "future-club" sounds evoke. With sex, drugs, and deconstructed pop music from latter days - this one is most certainly for the hottest part of your summer mix tape.

Pre-order or download the Fugutive of Leisure series all summer from Friends Records.

Tonight: Dustin Wong, Lands & Peoples, Quilt

2011-07-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

Video: Romantic States - "The Fourth"

2011-07-01T11:09:00.002-04:00

Jim from the currently hibernating Videohippos recently passed along a beautiful new Romantic States EP that I've enjoyed spending some time with. More on that soon, but for now take in the festive new video for a song off that EP called "The Fourth".

The rest of Still Petals is equally fantastic, look out for it on Beko-DSL soon.

Tonight: In Every Room, Weekends, Jabon, more

2011-07-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

Celebrate America tonight at the H&H's 5th Dimension with In Every Room, Weekends, Jabon, and Dada Trash Collage.This will be In Every Room's first live show in over five months, and the band promises a re-worked set with all new songs. You likely already know that Weekends will aim to shred your face off, and Jabon is in fact the producer behind a handful of Animal Collective albums (Feels and Strawberry Jam).

The show starts at 9:30, takes place at the 5th Dimension, and you can RSVP here.

Tonight: Compact - A Tape Culture Night

2011-06-30T12:38:00.000-04:00

Tonight there's an event at the Windup Space that looks to bode well for analog enthusiasts. Lexie Mountain is presenting Compact, a free-form tape culture night.

Starting at 9 PM, anyone and everyone is invited to come and bring their cassettes. The event is meant to share collections and/or catalogs, buy or trade tapes, and have the chance to play them live on the decks in a "freedom format". Lexie also proclaims, "ALL TAGS NO GENRES! ANYTHING EVERYTHING GLOBAL PARTY PORTABLES!"

Friends Records will be in attendance. We're bringing our tape dubber and cassette making supplies, and we'll be, yes... making tapes. Friends Records just announced the release of Moss of Aura's new LP, and also the re-release of all five of his prior albums on cassette. Tonight we'll be making the first two titles, Circle in the Corner and Rushcrusher. Zu Shapes' Merigold EP will also be available for the first time.

The event tonight starts at 9 PM, is at Windup Space, and is free.

Photos: Sun Araw at the Ottobar

2011-06-29T11:30:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite artists making music right now made a tour stop in Baltimore at the Ottobar. Sun Araw came to town from California, and was backed with a band marking the first tour of The Sun Araw Band. A new LP is due out on Cameron Stallones' own Sun Ark Records, and the show featured a preview of the new tracks.

Cameron and crew sounded huge on the booming system at the Ottobar, having only seen him perform once before at a small bar in Texas. The set was one of my favorite so far this year, a psychedelic whirlwind of new age dub and deconstructed jams that seemed to go on into eternity. The night was also blessed by a heavy psych set from Run DMT.

Peep some shots by Valerie Paulsgrove below, and the full set after the jump.

Semya - "Spectral Growth Reel"

2011-06-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last week Richard over at Rose Quartz pointed out a new track via Altered Zones by Baltimore's own Semya. It's called "Spectral Growth Reel", check it out below.

This new offering from the Wigflip cohort Semya (the same dude who makes beats under the Lexx moniker) is a brilliantly lit-up affair. With new age hums and off-kilter warbles that could cast a spell over just about anything, this sun-drenched stunner shows much promise for the forthcoming full length. "Spectral Growth Reel" starts out with subtle tones and warm vibes, only to let up and drift off deep into a realm of weird and cosmic sounds. Some resemblance of a beat can be found throughout the haze, starting out in the distance but eventually becoming the focal point as the song fades off into space.

The new cassette is out on Matthewdavid's label, Leaving Records, in July or August.

Tonight: Lichens, Soft Circle, Zomes, Eachothers

2011-06-23T13:38:00.002-04:00

Giveaway: Animal Collective at Merriweather Post Pavilion

2011-06-20T12:58:00.001-04:00

If you read this, or you know me personally, you might know that I grew up in the outskirts of Baltimore in the suburban wonderland that is Columbia, Maryland. I have been attending concerts in Symphony Woods ever since my parents brought me to Merriweather see the The Beach Boys as a child.

In 11th or 12th grade my friend introduced me to Animal Collective, and told me it was the craziest band he ever heard. It blew my mind, and I found myself digging up as much as I could about a band that was from my own home state. It was a welcome departure from the rest of the music being shoved down my impressionable throat, and little did I know it would soon be shoved down others' throats by the masses.

Years later Animal Collective released an album titled Merriweather Post Pavilion, a record that catapulted them into alternative culture stardom. Since the record was released, fans residing in the Mid-Atlantic region have been asking one thing - When are Animal Collective going to play at Merriweather Post Pavilion???

Our question is now answered, and July 9, 2011 is the date. Animal Collective will headline Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 9th, and opening will be the deconstructed noise that is Black Dice. I've got a pair of tickets to give away for this event. Send an email to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com with ANIMAL COLLECTIVE in the subject line. In the body describe what this show might mean to you, if anything at all. We'll pick a winner a few days before the show. Tickets are also available right here.

Future Islands - "Before The Bridge"

2011-06-20T09:00:00.003-04:00

Bmore Musically Informed has been on hiatus for about a month now, but I can no longer hold in all the good musical things that are coming out of this town. I still need employment, but I was offered some paid freelance work recently, so this will have to suffice enough for me to start blogging again. Thanks for all the kind words, help, and encouragement in regard to my search for work - it really means a lot.

One of the best things that happened while I stepped back from the blogosphere was a fresh track from one of my favorite bands in the world right now - Future Islands.

You can read more about "Before The Bridge" over at my post on Impose, but here's the basics. It's the A-side of a new 7" out on Thrill Jockey on July 19, which is limited to just 750 copies. It's the first new song to be heard since "The Ink Well", and it's drenched in promise of more amazing things to come from this Baltimore trio.

Pre-order the new 7" from Thrill Jockey Records right here, and peep some live footage of Future Islands playing the 2640 Space for Celebration's LP release show below.

Clusterfuck: Scapescape, Dope Body, Autograph Playhouse, Death Set, more

2011-05-27T11:10:00.002-04:00

With the recent closure of the Hexagon, and the close call at Sonar, Baltimore should revel in any announcement of a new space for art to inhabit. The Showtime Theatre on 25th street is re-opening as the Autograph Playhouse this weekend.

The same B.R.O.S. that presented us with Grundlehammer are back with two new rock operas scheduled for the next three weekends, titled Amphion and The Terrible Secret of Lunastus. More details are here, and tickets are here.

Dope Body celebrates the release of Nupping Friday night at Floristree with a Baltimore heavy sound dream team that includes Double Dagger, Ed Schrader's Music Beat, and an all-too-rare appearance by Butt Stomach (Dan Deacon and Kevin O'Meara's noise outfit).

The big event this weekend is Scapescape, a festival that goes down all day Sunday at the G Spot and Ruintown. Festival organizer Dave Underhill was originally asked to have his band play the G Spot for what could be a final farewell to the space, but he ended up booking over 20 other bands to play as well. The result is a wide offering of some of Baltimore's best sounds with Dan Deacon, Celebration, Arbouretum, and Microkingdom all headlining the affair. RSVP and get more details right here.

And if all that weren't already enough, Approximate Infinite Daydream begins this Sunday at the Baltimore Museum of Art. This show includes Comeback Ranch, Jared Paolini, and Vlond. The event is free and takes places during regular hours at the museum.

Lastly, the Death Set is back in town for the first time since dropping their new record. They play the Windup Space on Saturday night with Win Win and Future People.

Dr. Unk

2011-05-25T10:45:00.000-04:00

I first received word from Dr. Unk back in March, in an email that read "AND JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS OVER." The email went on to ask, "WHAT IS THIS GARBAGE?" Only to reply, "EXACTLY!" The mix attached was titled Dr. Unk's Guilty Pleasures.

Rising from the graves of lost pop songs and exposing current pop trends for what they really are, Dr. Unk creates future dance music excavated from our everyday culture.

It's important to note that Dr. Unk is Baltimore's Neal Reinalda, a resident of Open Space who has made a habit out of creating art out of other people's disposable waste. Reinalda is also responsible for the ambient sound collages under the Daytime moniker, but its the visual work that shines a light on the ideas behind Dr. Unk.

All undertones aside, Dr. Unk's steady outpour of mixtapes are mostly perfect for the dance floor, with enough sludge and digital mayhem layered over top to keep you're ears purring into the wee hours of the night. Download Dr. Unk's entire catalog below.

DOWNLOAD: DR. UNK’s GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1

DOWNLOAD: DR. UNK’s GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 2

DOWNLOAD: DR. UNK presents: ALL SCREWED UNCHEWED

Video: Lower Dens - Take Away Show

2011-05-24T10:48:00.000-04:00

The French video blog La Blogotheque recently posted their encounter with Baltimore's Lower Dens, which took place down in Texas for SXSW. La Blogotheque caught up with Jana Hunter and her band after a hectic schedule of shows, just in time for a couple of low-key renditions of "Deer Knives" and "Tea Lights" under the Austin trees.

Giveaway: The Sun Araw Band and Run DMT

2011-05-23T09:32:00.000-04:00

The L.A.-based psychedelic dub-warper Sun Araw is coming to Baltimore in June, part of an East Coast tour that debuts Cameron Stallones' new full band. Under the new moniker The Sun Araw Band, Stallones and crew will be previewing cuts from a forthcoming 2xLP via Woodsist to be titled Ancient Romans.

Streaming above is "Bump Up", a single from Sun Araw's most recent 7" disc from Monofonus Press last month. Here's a cut from a recent EP, Beach Head:

The Sun Araw Band will be joined by Run DMT and M. Geddes Gengras on Sunday, June 5 at the Ottobar. We've got a pair of passed to give away to this compliments of Unregistered Nurse, so shoot an email over to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com with SUN ARAW in the subject and your favorite dub song as the message body.

Video: Dope Body - "100 Mile"

2011-05-20T10:29:00.002-04:00

The first video from Dope Body's fantastic new Nupping LP has surfaced, and comes in the form of a short for "100 Mile" directed by Theo Anthony. Take a gander above.

The video entails an old man's birthday that takes an interesting twist after he's presented with the cake. The party quickly turns into a wilderness adventure complete with pyrotechnics, blood, and some sort of creepy rabbit/wolf creatures. The style of the film reminds us of watching music videos on MTV after school in 1995, much like some of the sounds that emanate from the rest of Dope Body's new record out now on Hoss.

Theo's last video was also Baltimore-based, a short for Future Islands' "The Ink Well".

Mixtape: Baltimore: Spring 2011

2011-05-18T13:25:00.002-04:00

art by Caleb Moore

This morning I posted a new seasonal mixtape on Impose, titled Baltimore: Spring 2011.

DOWNLOAD: [SIDE A] Baltimore: Spring 2011
1. Zomes - "Openings"
2. Weekends - "Home Alone (acoustic)"
3. Ken Seeno - "Cedilla in My Monogram"
4. Lands & Peoples - "Sexting"
5. White Life - "Real Things"
6. Eachothers - "Wild Yonder"
7. Microkingdom - "Aire Metal (Chopped and Screwed)"
8. Ponytail - "Honey Touches"
9. Adventure - "Feels Like Heaven"
10. Daytime - "Life / Afterlife (edit)"
11. Ecstatic Sunshine - "Hello Money"

DOWNLOAD: [SIDE B] Baltimore: Spring 2011
1. Celebration - "Only The Wicked (acoustic)"
2. Zu Shapes - "Olivia"
3. Moss of Aura - "Charter"
4. Winks - "Slap Me Choke Me Cum On You"
5. Dope Body - "The Shape of Grunge To Come"
6. Inflatable Mattress - "Green Tea Girlfriend"
7. Thank You - "Pathetic Magic (Dan Deacon remix)"
8. Avocado Happy Hour - "Daytime Television"
9. Gem Vision - "Untitled 1"

Show: Roller Ehse

2011-05-17T15:58:00.000-04:00

The good folks of Ehse Records have become known not only for their genre-defying assortment of Baltimore sounds pressed to wax, but for their events such as Ehse on Ice which brought noise acts to Patterson Park's friendly neighborhood ice bubble.

Trade in your ice skates for something more seasonal this Friday at Roller Ehse. Lexie Mountain writes of an event not-to-miss, a night that leave's your rollerskating soundtrack to the professionals. Lexie details the evening's entertainment below:

Ami Dang + Amulets: Amulets is Kate Levitt of Teeth Mountain, Dan Deacon Ensemble. Ami Dang is a Sikh shredder. Sitar, voice, electronics, and drums come together in new weird world tribe vibe. NEVER CUT YOUR HAIR AGAIN!

Editor's note: play all three above at the same time for an approximation of Ami Dang + Amulets

Adventure: Super group with the super sound. Blowin subs from The Smell to the Soft House. Bumpin' and spacin' all the way with Benny Boeldt, Mark Brown and Dave Fell. Music to hold hands to, with the wind in your beard.

Ich Auch: Karl Ekdahl and Logan Terkelsen all-improvised analog synthesizer and aucoustic drums duo, with a sound ranging from up-beat psychedelic electronica to atmospheres of minimal ambience.

DJ TEAM SECOND COMMUNION: Amy Harmon and Lexie Mountain chant down the wheel in the sky for Roller Ehse AKA XANADON'T using the ancient shaking wands available to human life: cassette, LP and dirty hands. Classic non-hits, steamy sweet anthems, gems from forgotten eras. It'll be here and so will you!

Skates and admission is $3 / $5. The event starts at 9:30 PM at Shake and Bake.

Video: Bethany Dinsick - "Bad Lil' Boy"

2011-05-16T16:19:00.000-04:00

It's been two years since Bethany Dinsick released her delicately beautiful Bottle Tree. However, a few weeks ago Dinsick disclosed to me that she'd have the album's first video ready soon. Sure enough, Bethany sent over the short for "Bad Lil' Boy" today.

The song was produced by Chris Freeland, who also co-stars quite youthfully in this colorful affair. Bethany also stars in the short, which was directed by Eric Alexandar Gonzalez. Filmed in Brooklyn Park, Chris plays the "bad 'lil boy" while Bethany is the girlfriend in this psychedelic take on Romper Room meets Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

The short also features dancers Pilar Diaz, Monica Mirabile, Caroline Marcantoni, and Katherine Ralston. Bethany promised more soon as she gears up to work on new music.

Daytime's Serendipity

2011-05-13T15:30:00.001-04:00

Friends Records continues its takeover of the Windup Space tomorrow with Run DMT, Microkingdom, Beyond Say, and Daytime. RSVP here, and to tonight's show here.

Sometimes when Daytime performs live, a large inflatable balloon is set up to encompass the crowd. This environment emulates how Daytime's recordings can make you feel.

Daytime's sound has always been deeply inverted, yet is still inflated with enough space to take you deep into the stratosphere. His newest release, Serendpity, is out soon.

Streaming above is "Blindspot", which makes up Side A of the forthcoming tape. Neal Reinalda describes this release as "Disney-Nirvana covered in syrup", perhaps an apt perspective to the new sculptured sounds. While it's most certainly ambient music, the presence felt appears to come from great distance - an intangible cosmic whirlwind that's impossible to ignore. There is something very commanding about Daytime, as Serendipity's ambiance remains inadvertently universal yet demandingly distant.

Daytime performs tomorrow at the Windup Space, pre-order the new tape here.

Sri Aurobindo - "No Coincidence"

2011-05-13T13:00:00.001-04:00

Friends Records begins its takeover of the Windup Space tonight with Sri Aurobindo, Witch Hat, Birds of Avalon, and Happy Family. RSVP here, and to tomorrow's show here.

Sri Aurobindo's follow-up to their debut long player Cave Painting is near, and will be coming in the form of a double A-side 7" limited to 300 copies. The first taste was premiered yesterday on YVYNYL, an unmastered version of the track "No Coincidence".

"No Coincidence" is a raucous beast, but an offering that also shows off another side of these psychedelic warriors from Baltimore. From the depths of their garage comes this sonically-dense pop-laced scorcher, right in time for summer. A mastered version will appear on one side of this 7", while the other will house "Eyes" - another new track.

Both songs were produced at Chris Freelands's Beat Babies studio just outside of Baltimore. All artwork was designed by Will Pesta, who also did the flyer for tonight's show at the Windup with Sri Aurobindo, Witch Hat, Happy Family, and Birds of Avalon.

RSVP to tonight's show here, and pre-order the limited 7" from Friends Records here.

Video: Celebration - "Kilamanjaro"

2011-05-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

A new card in Celebration's Electric Tarot has been dealt, this time coming in the form of a video for Hello Paradise closer "Kilamanjaro". The video is by Sophie Hamacher.

Hamacher's video is for the The Moon card in the Electric Tarot, and features footage from the band practicing in the depths of the G Spot for our Halloween bash last year.

Celebration's Hello Paradise is out now on Friends Records.

Giveaway: Odd Future at Sonar

2011-05-10T11:02:00.002-04:00

I first saw Odd Future live in March down in Texas, participating in a near riot when showcase organizers announced that the group would be performing on a bigger stage than planned. It was pretty clear that these young skater kids had started something big, and their punk-style hip hop performance that followed suit made that even more clear.

OFWGKTA's leader just dropped his first proper LP today on XL - Tyler, The Creator's Goblin. It is one of the most hotly anticipated rap records in a good while, and dudes are about to head out on a short east coast tour in support of it that includes Baltimore.

Sonar was rad enough to give us a pair of passes to give away to this event, which goes down Thursday, May 19 in the big room. Email bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com with OFWGKTA in the subject line, stating why we should give you the pair of tickets.

We'll pick a winner the day before the show. You can also still buy tickets right here.

Show: Moss of Aura, Dead Drums, Hear Hums, and Say "No!" To Architecture at Metro Gallery

2011-05-09T12:07:00.001-04:00

photo by Valerie Paulsgrove

This Wednesday night the Metro Gallery hosts a fine batch of local friends and travelling sounds with Moss of Aura, Dead Drums, Say "No!" To Architecture, and Hear Hums.

Moss of Aura is the ever-growing work of Gerrit Welmers from Future Islands. Welmers is currently putting the final touches on his first proper release, more details on which are TBA for now. Wednesday's show will provide a nice look at some of the new jams.

Dead Drums is another fine solo project I've gushed about plenty before - ambient pop excursions by Caleb Moore of Lands and Peoples. His latest release came via Bathetic.

Hear Hums are an experimental pop outfit from Florida, who I was first clued into by Jheri down at Get Off The Coast. Crash Symbols released their album called Psych Cycles last Fall. Say "No!" To Architecture are coming to Baltimore from New York, and promise to bring with them a noisy blend of vibrations and percussive guitar-work.

The show on Wednesday starts at 8 PM, and you can RSVP right here.

flyer by Caleb Moore

Video: Dan Deacon - "Surprise Stefani"

2011-05-09T09:00:00.005-04:00

A new Dan Deacon video recently surfaced, a motion-collage short full of scenes that are likely from your favorite National Geographic spread. The morphing and layered affair is for "Surprise Stefani" - a cut from Dan's most recent LP called Bromst.

The video was produced by Newfoundland Tack, with direction by Andrew de Freitas and Mathieu Arsenault. Dan Deacon's Bromst LP is available via Carpark Records.

White Life - "Real Things"

2011-05-05T12:18:00.003-04:00

Out this week on Ehse Records is the debut LP by White Life. White Life is the project of John Ehrens, with help from Emily Ehrens, Jenn Wasner, Andrew Bernstein, Dave Fell, Mark Brown, and Grayson Brown. This is by far the most accessible project John Ehrens has been a part of, as one pop hit after another emanates from the debut long player.

"Real Things" comes later on in the LP, and is one of the slower burning synth pop jams to grace this collection. It is drenched in 80s AM radio glee just like the rest, bringing you back to your favorite 80s movie soundtrack or disco hall. Don't have a favorite disco hall from the 80s? Need not worry, the Soft House has you covered tonight.

Don't sleep on the White Life record release show tonight at the Soft House with Adventure and Jenn Wasner's new project called Flock of Dimes. Starts at 9 PM.

White Life's self-titled debut is out now on Baltimore's Ehse Records.

Update: Wildfire Wildfire Last Waltz

2011-05-04T13:38:00.001-04:00

As previously mentioned, Wildfire Wildfire's Last Waltz is this Friday night, May 6th. Matthew Papich sent over the above promotional video this morning, for a lineup that includes Co La, Jason Willett, Thank You, Dustin Wong, and Daytime. When asking Matt the meaning of "Paranoid Summer", the video's title, this is what he had to say:

"Ever throw away a cigarette? Do you style your smile? Get suspicious and slip out of your shorts, Paranoid Summer is beginning. Puzzling evidence suggests it's time for a new game in town. Swiss Bank Reggae. Bill Murray Eventide Time Factor. Will the youth know the taste of hash in Stockholm, or will they stay at home?"

Wildfire Wilfire's Last Waltz is Friday night at Floristree.

Photos: Co La, Raindeer, Happy Family

2011-05-03T22:03:00.000-04:00

A few weekend's ago the Hexagon hosted an evening of sample-based solo projects, capped off with the full-on electro psych sounds of Raindeer. Matthew Papich's Co La set was particularly captivating, projecting images of champagne while he had a waitress pass out free glasses of bubbly. His Friends Recs release, Dial Tone Earth, is out soon.

Valerie attended the affair and captured shots of Raindeer and Co La.

Video: Ponytail - "Honey Touches"

2011-05-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Ponytail's new record, Do Whatever You Want All The Time, is out now. The video for "Honey Touches" recently surfaced, a short where a dude conquers a whole lot of fruit.

Ponytail's Do Whatever You Want All The Time is now available via We Are Free.

Transmodern: Church of Om Boom Drum Drone

2011-04-28T11:42:00.001-04:00

The eighth annual Transmodern Festival starts today in Baltimore. The carefully curated and exponentially uninhibited multi-venue event continues throughout the weekend.

In addition to a plethora of other exhibits of visual, performance, interactive and other types of art, Celebration will be playing Saturday night. They will also present the Church of Om Boom Drum Drone on Sunday during the Pedestrian Service Exquisite.

On Saturday night at Floristree the band will be performing as a three-piece. The set will exclusively consist of songs from their debut LP, and brand new unreleased material.

The following day Celebration will lead the Church of Om Boom Drum Drone, a temple that contains "om for spirit, boom for sound, drum for rhythm, and drone for tonal harmonic connection." Katrina Ford describes the interactive gathering as:

A tribal revival to cure the modern meltdown of the void, the disconnection from the energy between us, beyond culture and beyond religion. A gathering to break the barrier of language through bone and antler technology, celebrating the Magdalenian Revolution…to invoke musical and non musical energy exchange. A reconnection in a sacred environment (temple cave), through guided meditation,tonal improvisation and rhythmic psionic resonation. Aura, aural, oral, choral and vibrational chant and dance to freely interpret what the trance of communal transcendence could be. MICROCOSMIC TO MACROCOSMIC (SEE MAHARISHI EFFECT) IN THE SPIRIT OF:Haitian carnival style RA RA music Poly-rhymic shamanic drumming Dionysian hypnotic inducing rituals of dance and music Sympathetic magic through animal calls Ecstasy of whirling dervishes Carnatic and Gamelan style micro-tonal expression I hope to return the war cry with the warrior call for peace, light and love, by removing the hard shell of modern artifice and social constraint with a musical return to primal liberation in the future presence of a “now”.

The Transmodern Festival begins today and continues until Sunday, May 1st.

Dope Body - "Bangers and Yos"

2011-04-27T13:28:00.002-04:00

A version of this post can also be found over at our new section on Impose Magazine.

Above is a picture Dope Body's forthcoming Nupping LP. Yes, that's Frank - the infamous landlord of the Copycat building. Hey there, Frank. Andrew, Dave, and Zach of Dope Body all reside in the Copycat's Penthouse Gallery, and have formed a special bond with Frank.

So much of a kinship as they have decided to put him on the cover of their new record, out next month on Hoss. This fits, as Frank could be considered the Copycat's mascot - representing a giant mess of creatively-inhabited concrete, metal, and hardwood.

The Copycat provides a Baltimore breeding ground for the sort of sounds that push eardrums and boundaries. Dope Body's particular sounds are of the thrash wave variety, an infectious force of manipulated bass, pounding drums, and raucous vocals.

"Bangers and Yos" is the first single off their forthcoming LP called Nupping. While moments recall heavier grunge anthems of the early 90s, there are times this beast is of a much more twisted nature. Guitar sounds are morphed and altered to create skewed beats laced with alien-like noise, but are presented so clean and crisp that it still just makes you want to thrash around wildly.

Dope Body's Nupping hits turntables next month via Hoss. Tour dates after the jump.

DOPE BODY / ED SCHRADER'S MUSIC BEAT SPRING 2011 TOUR

MAY 2011:
2 Providence @ The Soft Approach
3 Boston TBA
4 Brooklyn @ Death By Audio w/ R. Mexico...NUPPING LP RELEASE SHOW!
5 Manhattan @ Cake Shop
6 D.C. @ Red Door
7 Raleigh TBA
8 Greensboro @ WUAG (in-studio session/UNCG)
8 Greensboro @ Legitimate Business
9 Charleston, SC TBA
10 Athens TBA
11 Birmingham TBA
12 Atlanta TBA
13 St. Louis TBA
14 Chicago TBA
15 Madison TBA
16 Chicago TBA
17 Detroit @ The Magic Stick
18 Cleveland TBA
19 Pittsburg @ The Shop
20 Philly TBA
27 Baltimore @ Floristree w/ E.S.M.B and Double Dagger...NUPPING LP RELEASE SHOW!

Photos: Weekends, White Fang, Run DMT

2011-04-26T14:19:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago Weekends played their Strange Cultures LP release party at Floristree. They were joined by Run DMT and Portland's White Fang, and it was a crazy good time.

Valerie was there to capture all the action, her shots are below and after the jump.

Adventure - "Rio"

2011-04-25T11:48:00.000-04:00

There are currently two new Baltimore records that keep finding their way to my speakers - both of which evoke a similar nostalgic feeling. The White Life debut hits turntables this week, but Adventure's second LP Lesser Known is out now on Carpark.

Break out your favorite 80s movie soundtrack, or better yet, just throw on Lesser Known. As "Rio" indicates though, there's more than just an 80s throwback vibe going on. This is very much a pop record from 2011, but one that pays a welcome homage to it's keyboard-based predecessors. When it comes down to it, "Rio" is a sprawling synth pop anthem, ideal for the warm sunshine that Baltimore is currently basking in.

I've been able to catch Benny Boeldt's new band live twice recently, and both shows confirmed my affection for these new sounds. Benny is now joined by Mark Brown and Dave Fell, and these three dudes bring the nostalgia felt from Lesser Known to life.

Follow Adventure on Facebook right here, and grip Lesser Known right here.

Flock of Dimes - "Prison Bride" + Interview with Jenn Wasner

2011-04-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

Before Wye Oak set out on their most recent national tour in support of Civilian, singer and guitarist Jenn Wasner told me she had some recordings in the works for her new solo project. A week later while out on the road, Jenn passed along "Prison Bride".

"Prison Bride" is the debut track from Flock of Dimes, and was recorded at Chris Freeland's Beat Babies studio just outside of Baltimore. This instant-classic gets right to the point, courtesy of a jaw-dropping beat compliments of Wasner. Once Jenn's beaming pipes begin to shine over top of the cascading rhythms and infectious melodies, odds are that this genre-defying banger will be your new favorite. Enter, Flock of Dimes.

"Prison Bride" will appear on Friends Recs' forthcoming 2011 compilation, more details on which are TBA. I chatted with Wasner yesterday to get the scoop on Flock of Dimes, who told me about her "vanity project", Mickey Free's role in these new sounds, and Usher...

How did Flock of Dimes start?

I was in-between tours, and feeling crazy and maybe a bit overambitious. I decided that the only way I would follow through with making as much new music as I could while at home would be to set a deadline. That morning my friend Ben asked me to play a show at his house. I impulsively agreed. The 5 songs I wrote and recorded in the two weeks preceding the show became Flock of Dimes. Now I've got a few more shows coming up, so I'm trying to write 5 more songs. Baby steps.

What are your influences for this project?

Mostly I'm trying to work quickly, have fun, and have a project that's a little more carefree and open-ended. But it's also important that I feel like I'm challenging myself to explore areas that don't come naturally to me. (These recordings are my first attempts at drum programming, for example.) I'm trying to ask more of my voice, and force myself to write and play in different ways. For example, I arbitrarily decided that all FoD songs would be in one particular guitar tuning that I'm not really comfortable in. Breaking my old habits has really helped me write differently, and more quickly.

OH, I just realized that wasn't what you asked at all. I don't know…a lot of people tell me it sounds like Cocteau Twins. Or something.

Who influenced you from here in Baltimore?

I'm inspired and intimidated by so many of the talented people that live and work here, and that's a big part of what has convinced me to try and make more with the time that I have. People are just so goddamn prolific and multi-talented in this city. It makes me want to ask more of myself and challenge my own expectations of what I'm capable of.

How would you describe Flock of Dimes?

I'm fond of "vanity project". I'd say that about covers it.

Whats your favorite R&B song? Artist?

I'm a huge Aaliyah fan. I love Usher, R Kelly, Ciara, The-Dream. "Are You That Somebody" by Aaliyah is a front-runner in the "songs I can't believe I'm not tired of yet" category. I don't think Flock of Dimes is going to end up sounding like any of those artists, though.

How/where is Flock of Dimes recorded/produced?

The original basic tracks for the first batch of songs I made under the apprenticeship of Mickey Free (without whom these songs would certainly not exist). After I played my first show, I booked a day at Beat Babies with Chris and Mickey, and knocked out a bunch of live guitar, keys and vocals. I knew I only had a day, which was perfect, because part of the fun of this project is to move quickly, not over-think things too much. That studio day was in late December, and I've been on tour for the majority of the past three months, so I've had to work a bit differently with batch number 2. Currently, I've managed to put together a fairly functional mobile recording setup, so I've been able to tinker around with ideas while traveling. I'm trying to get more self-sufficient with the production side of things, and fortunately I'm surrounded by a lot of really talented and knowledgeable people who are ready with guidance when necessary.

What's in store for the future of Flock of Dimes?

I don't have any lofty goals or expectations for myself, on a practical level. I want to keep things low-key, play shows where and when I want to, and make sure I'm continually excited and a little bit confused.

Co La - Dial Tone Earth

2011-04-21T12:19:00.004-04:00

I am pleased to announce that I will now be contributing to Impose Magazine, a very rad Brooklyn-based media outlet. Naturally, I'll be covering the Baltimore scene for them.

Co La - Dial Tone Earth by friendsrecords

My first post went up today, which feature's the premiere of a new release from our latest obsession, Co La. It's called Dial Tone Earth, and you can check it out right here.

Zu Shapes - "Speak In Sheets"

2011-04-20T13:19:00.000-04:00

Just announced: Zu Shapes will make his live debut at the Hexagon on Saturday (4/23) where he'll be opening for Raindeer, Co La, and Happy Family. The show starts at 9 PM.

Friends Records is debuting a handful of brand new cassettes over the coming weeks, one of which is the debut from Zu Shapes who I introduced you to a few weeks back. Zu Shapes is Beau Cole of Lands and Peoples and Raindeer, and his debut is called Merigold. More new sounds have now surfaced, take a gander at "Speak in Sheets" below.

"Speak In Sheets" has been stuck in my head for the past month, but I sure as fuck don't mind. These sounds emanate the surf-pop of the 60s, but do so from the perspective of modern day bedroom pop with a jaded twist. "Speak In Sheets" is Zu Shapes' oceanfront sing-a-long, a glowing anthem that the late Dennis Wilson would likely be proud of.

You can pre-order Zu Shapes' Merigold cassette from Friends Records right here.

Tonight: Pantha Du Prince, Moss of Aura , The Sight Below

2011-04-19T11:06:00.000-04:00

Tonight the Ottobar will host a rare performance by German electronic musician Pantha Du Prince. Joining this electronic import will be Moss of Aura and The Sight Below.

Pantha Du Prince released Black Noise last year via Rough Trade to much acclaim, an LP that sported the track above which features Panda Bear. Moss of Aura (Gerrit Welmers of Future Islands) is currently finishing up his forthcoming LP, more details are TBA.

The show starts at 8 PM, will cost you twelve dollars, and you can RSVP right here.

Animal Collective to play Merriweather Post Pavilion

2011-04-18T15:51:00.000-04:00

Animal Collective is set to play in Columbia, Maryland on July 9 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. This is the first time they will play the venue titled the same as their last LP.

Tickets go on sale April 22 right here, more information TBA (via Citypaper).

Show: Height with Friends Homecoming at the Hexagon

2011-04-18T12:28:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday night get ready to welcome home our favorite Baltimore rapper, Height. He and his friends are back from a 50+ day tour, so it's high time to show some love.

This will be your only chance to catch Height with Friends for awhile, as Height prepares to set sail soon on a European tour with fellow rapper PT Burnem. Watch out, Europe.

This show goes down on Wednesday, April 20 at the Hexagon with Soul Cannon, Minor Second, and G-Easy. It will cost six dollars and starts around 9 PM. RSVP right here.

Clusterfuck: Future Islands, Wye Oak, Weekends, Run DMT, Lands and Peoples, Dope Body, Adventure, Ed Schrader, more

2011-04-15T12:19:00.001-04:00

Today I present you with the first Clusterfuck post in awhile, as Saturday boasts an insane amount of quality music events in Baltimore. Here's what you should do tomorrow.

Tomorrow at Hopkins' Spring Fair, the Levering Quad offers a lineup lifted straight from our Soundcloud playlist as Future Islands, Dope Body, Weekends, Lands and Peoples, Adventure, and Raindeer all take the stage outside. Word is that the stage is covered, so this is probably rain or shine. Also, it's definitely free. The schedule is right here.

Immediately after the Spring Fair you'll need to coast down St. Paul to the 2640 Space where Wye Oak hosts a release party with their touring friends Callers. Get tickets for that here, and take a gander at their new video for "Fish" here. Also, it's Jenn's birthday.

After you leave the 2640 Space you'll need to head downtown to Floristree where you'll find and all-star cast of Weekends, Winks, White Fang, Run DMT, and Rapdragons.

And if that wasn't enough, the Talking Head has the Fan Death Records showcase with Ed Schrader's Music Beat, Locrian, Pleasure Leftists, Broken Water, and Heroin Sucks.

Video: Wye Oak - "Fish"

2011-04-14T12:18:00.000-04:00

A few days ago NPR premiered the first official video from Wye Oak's Civilian, and the results look about as beautiful as the record sounds. Take a gander above.

With paintings by Katherine Fahey and photography by Michael O'Leary, this puppet-filled affair is one of the more gorgeous shorts we've come across this year. You can welcome back Wye Oak from a lengthy tour this Saturday to celebrate the release of Civilian. The show is at the 2640 Space in Charles Village and tickets are still available right here.

Approximate Infinite Daydream

2011-04-13T12:24:00.000-04:00

One of the best parts about Baltimore's music scene is the abundance of variety and creativity when it comes to different genres and sounds. Contemporary ambient music is a genre that's been particularly bountiful as of late around town, and Approximate Infinite Daydream is a new series that aims to highlight this burgeoning realm.

Created by Matthew Papich (Co La, Ecstatic Sunshine) and Neal Reinalda (Daytime), the concept is not your typical concert series. All of the performers will be solo acts, and all of which are of the more ambient and experimental variety. Also important to note - these shows will not take place in typical concert venues, but rather in more common spaces not generally used for shows. Current planned sites include Fox Court at the BMA (The Echo Spot), Gottlund Verlag HQ in rural Kutztown PA, the Soft House, and more.

As for the music and the specific concept behind this series, Reinalda states "Many of the practitioners of this new music are interested in creating music for specific contexts, often domestic. This tendency follows a certain tradition related to Ambient Music, and more specifically, to Eric Satie’s “Furniture” or “Furnishing” music. As dictated by Satie, this music is intended to function in a space as background, unobtrusive yet distinct. The sound is constructed to play a role in, and transform its’ surroundings, sometimes even evoking a specific mood or feeling. Our goal is to explore the role context plays in relationship to this music, specifically the role of domestic space and time and its relationship to various forms of visual and aural works."

Artists involved include Eachothers, Bear & Pieces, Comeback Ranch, Jared Paolini, Narc, Dead Drums, Co La, Daytime, Dustin Wong, Ken Seeno, and Gem Vision, and more. The series starts with a book release/primer on April 28, and you can RSVP right here.

Lower Dens - "Deer Knives"

2011-04-12T12:03:00.001-04:00

Record Store Day is this weekend, and this year it comes bearing new Lower Dens via a brand new single and 7" titled "Deer Knives". Hear the new recording below.

While the new song is welcome news, the bigger news here is that the new song comes compliments of Sub Pop. While there is no official word that the band has been signed to this indie label behemoth, one can likely assume something is brewing as their new single is being released by the label as a 7" and it is being included on their Record Store Day compilation. Another Baltimore dream-pop band to be signed to Sub Pop?

As for the music, Lower Dens does it again with another atmospheric burst of pop bliss plucked from their live set and put to the test in the studio. The result is a winner of course, as "Deer Knives" rambles on just as good as anything off of Twin-Hand Movement, if not better. Clearly there is plenty left to come from Lower Dens.

Get the "Deer Knives" 7" single or the Sub Pop compilation on Record Store Day.

Tonight: Kurt Vile, Lands and Peoples, Friend Collector

2011-04-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight the Ottobar's got a killer bill, and you have no excuse not to go because it's 80 degrees outside and Kurt Vile creates the soundtrack for this sort of weather.

Kurt Vile's new record is called Smoke Ring For My Halo, and is definitely a must listen. Also worth noting, Vile will be backed by his band The Violators unlike his last show here.

Kurt Vile and The Violators will be joined by two locals, one of which is making up for a show missed with Secret Mountains a few weeks back to end their SXSW tour. Lands and Peoples will be taking the stage, and their set will be chock full of new material that you'll find on their forthcoming debut LP. Also opening tonight at the Ottobar is Friend Collector, a new band that features members of The New Flesh.

Tonight's show is at the Ottobar, will cost you $12, and starts at 9 PM.

Video: Skull Defekts with Daniel Higgs and Zomes

2011-04-08T12:59:00.001-04:00

Last night in Philadelphia at Danger Danger Gallery, Zomes joined Daniel Higgs and the Skull Defekts for a song. Video comes via Occult Vibrations. Floristree tonight.

Show: Skull Defekts w/ Daniel Higgs, Zomes, Microkingdom

2011-04-07T12:09:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night Floristree hosts an epic event that features half of Lungfish. Need I even say more? Probably not, but here's some more details for those who require them.

Daniel Higgs' most recent work has been with the Swedish band known as The Skull Defekts. Higgs took over as front man for their new LP dubbed Peer Amid, and has been touring with them over the past month. The LP is out now on Thrill Jockey, and sports eight tracks drenched in psychedelic punk not often seen in 2011. Highly recommended.

Support includes Zomes (Asa Osborne of Lungfish), who has a new LP called Earth Grid due out soon. Microkingdom will be channeling their inner no-jazz for this affair as well, fresh off the release of their first proper LP via Friends Recs.

This show starts at 9 PM, will cost you $7, and you can RSVP right here.

Photos: Dog Leather, Dope Body at STR8 CAVIN

2011-04-06T16:23:00.001-04:00

Last weekend STR8 CAVIN hosted the release party for Dog Leather's new LP via Ehse Records called Greezy Man and Stinky Man Meets Smutty Ranks On Tarantula Hill.

Dope Body performed, whose sound is built for the confines of spaces like STR8 CAVIN.

This thrash wave trio continues to get better with each jaw-crushing performance, as they increasingly hone in on each other's noisy onslaught to become tighter.

Dope Body has a new LP due out on Hoss Records in May. Get the Dog Leather LP here.

Tonight: Ed Schrader's Music Beat, Child Bite, Prussia

2011-04-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight the Golden West has one that's worth bringing to your attention, with Ed Schrader's Music Beat, Child Bite, and Prussia all performing. And, doing so on the cheap.

Child Bite are always a good time when they come around these parts, and paired with Ed Schrader's new band with Devlin Rice, this one's a no brainer. Ed Schrader's Music Beat has a new LP due out on Load Records, details of which are currently TBA.

This show at Golden West starts at 10 PM, costs five dollars, and you can RSVP here.

Oxes - "Orange Jeweleryist"

2011-04-05T12:07:00.002-04:00

One of Baltimore's most infamous and mischievous rock bands is back in action, as Oxes are slated to drop two new 12" singles on an Italian imprint next month.

Above is the radio edit of "Orange Jeweleryist", the second of the two songs that are scheduled to drop May 2 on Africantape. This was recorded last summer when the band got together for the first time in years to play a few shows that included Whartscape. Two brand new songs came out of the new recordings, including this one and another new song titled "Crunchy Zest", which we featured a live video for last summer.

As for the music... ladies and gentlemen, Oxes are fucking back. "Orange Jeweleryist" is a heavy stomper that's even got a bit of southern rock twang which hits fiercer than Ray Lewis in his prime. It seems to be a bit more controlled and calculated than work in the past, but still packs that primitive punch the trio became known for.

Other details are pretty scarce at the moment, but check back soon for more on Oxes.

Show: Future Islands, Weekends, Dope Body, more

2011-04-04T11:52:00.001-04:00

If you've been outside today, you are aware that spring time is here. To celebrate this year, Hopkins' Spring Fair has teamed up with the "Baltimore Curators" for an event.

On Saturday, April 16 both are proud to present an outdoor bill on the Levering Quad that's free to the public. The lineup reads like a week of post titles on this here blog, so naturally we're stoked. Bands include Future Islands, Weekends, Dope Body, Lands and Peoples, and Raindeer. Did we mention that this was free? Because it is.

The show runs from 4:45 until 10 PM, and the full schedule is below. RSVP right here.

4:45 - RAINDEER
5:30 - LANDS & PEOPLES
6:15 - WEEKENDS
7:00 - DOPE BODY
8:00 - ADVENTURE
9:00 - FUTURE ISLANDS

Video: Lands & Peoples at SXSW

2011-04-01T11:48:00.000-04:00

Amidst all the chaos and mayhem at SXSW, Lands and Peoples found the time to hang out with some new friends from the Big Ugly Yellow Couch blog. The results were peaceful, serene, and quite beautiful. Check out videos of "Ghosts" and "Awake" below.

Eachothers - Lately Now

2011-03-31T11:38:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of sitting next to WTR CLR's table during the Publication & Multiples Fair at Open Space, as if I hadn't already dug deep enough into their catalog.

With recent standout releases that include work from Ken Seeno, Holy Ghost Party, Gem Vision, and Dustin Wong, it's been tough to not spend a ton of time with each album WTR CLR has put out. A new one to my eyes and ears this past weekend was a split CDR from Eachothers and En Passant. Take a listen to Eachothers' "Brim" below.

I've only had a chance to spend some time with the Eachothers disc, as having experienced John Jones' live shows a few times prior, it was a welcome find. The sound is rich in layered guitar bliss, and Lately Now does more to build upon the brilliance of his earlier work. In many instances of looping guitar music there are often definitive start and ending points for each sound and layer. But with Eachothers, layers and loops don't ever really end or start as much as they intertwine and melt together.

The packaging of this double CDR is also worth noting, as it comes in a beautifully colored cardboard encasing thats about the same size as a DVD. The front is pictured above, but I'd recommend ordering your own copy from WTR CLR to get the full effect.