Oliver Elf Army - Telescope

When trying to decide on whether or not to introduce yourself to your new city or state's musice scene, I suggest looking up some of the bands playing at your local basement shows, water holes and music friendly venues.

That's how I did it when I first moved to New Jersey.And though it may have taken some time. It turned out to be a very rewarding search.

Therefore, I'm going to try to take a similar path in my move to the West Coast (and to be more specific, Seattle, WA.

As I found myself being accepted to a facebook group that focuses on Seattle's independent music scene. I was introduced to Everett Washington's Oliver Elf Army.
O.E.A.'s third release, 2017's four song 'Telescope' follows their weird, fuzzed out sound perfectly.

Though Oliver's Elf Army clearly don't take things all that seriously. (and why should anyone, at this point.) The results of their collaboration and output is quite stellar.
And while I usually save acts of this kind for the circular file. This particular approach and style of music definitely has its place and purpose.

Bandcamp

All this Music; French Toast, Bacon and Tops 'Sugar at the Gate'

Imagine if you can, the weekend. You're sitting in your new found favorite record store enjoying a heartly place of French Toast with a slathering side of bacon. Suddenly, the record store clerk slides in a CD and your already over stimulated senses go into overload. You jump from your stool to see just what has stimulated that part of your brain, but for the life of you. No matter how many sprints you take the counter. Your shorter than usual attention span can't remember the badly chosen band name or it's instantly forgettable title. Luckily, after entirely clearing my plate of any tangible evidence. I was able to focus my energy and attention to finding out and acquiring what had me tripping over my feet just moments ago. That band, Montreal's  Tops and their third proper album 'Sugar at the Gate' initially caught my attention with it's lush, chill and laid back vibe. In recent years, I've found my myself drawn to the more atmospheric charms of genres like dream pop, slow-core and shoegaze type stuff. Tops and their 2014 release 'Sugar at the Gate' fall into that realm rather nicely.

TOPS

Pitchfork Review

All this music; Citizens Arrest Vinyl Find

Though I may have stopped in at Singles Going Steady during my first visit to Seattle during my May visit to Seattle. I stopped short of making any purchases due to my fear of return flight and the fear of damage while in transit. A hard choice considering how many friends names, images and personal memories stared me right in the face. Some of whom I've called friends since childhood and my teens. Some of which I've grown to know from social media and reunions. While knowing I'd soon return as a newly transplanted resident.  The chance that those two Citizens Arrest records would be gone were pretty high.

Still in the first days of my new life as a WA resident. I was happy to find out that same record store I visited back in My was a seemingly short walk from my temporary digs on Taylor Ave.I took what tuned out to be a short walk over to Singles Going Steady to see what I could find. From the moment I walked in the door. I felt as if I had been transported to long gone days digging for Hardcore records in New York City. Everything from the Bad Brains "Live at CBGB's 1982" DVD to the many reiusses of classics from bands ranging  from Agnostic Front to Warzone. It wasn't long before I located the two Citizens Arrest records you see below. It wasn't until I brought those records to the counter that I found out the man running the store was a veteran of the early NYHC scene. Before I headed out. We were talking about bands like Reagan Youth and Urban Waste and why we thought their reunions were a joke. In the end. I can definitely see myself sending these back east to an old friend whose photographs are all over these.Only time will tell.

I've posted links to both records, as well as a live set. I highly recommend you checking them out. While the words "Savage" and "Brutal" come to mind. I, myself would have a hard time better describing their approach to Hardcore Punk.

Wardance Records

Citizens Arrest on LastFM

 

 

 

Boiling Point Fanzine - Reissues

When I started writing the first issue of Unite in 1988. I had more than my share of inspirational building blocks and blueprints to ensure that my own endeavor would't fall flat on it's face. Guillotine, Schism, Smorgasbord, Yes Zista and many more had their hand in shaping what became the first and second issue of Unite would look like and even feature.

Imagine my excitement when each of the reprinted six issues showed up on Big Carte just weeks after initiating my search to track down the same issues of Boiling Point I sold on Ebay nearly fifteen years before.

Gone are the colorful covers. Gone are the thick as cardboard pages.What twenty six bucks got me was each of Boiling Points six issues hastily xeroxed on cheap, flimsy, white copy paper. Each held together by a single staple. Though the content is exactly what we saw in those original issues,the cheap quality of the paper and the scans don't come close to accenting or giving proper respect to the great layouts and photos contained in Boiling Point.
Though it's good to look back on many of the old reviews, interviews and correspondence. It's a shame they didn't take any care whatsoever to pay tribute to just that. This seems to be a very short and limited run on Big Cartel, One that will hopefully save you some money in the end. Though it was exciting to look back at a great fanzine from my time. I probably would have been happier tracking down the original copies. These don't seem worth the price in postage.The advertisement mentioned bonus material. I didn't even get a note.
File under "Half Ass". James Damion

Images and Thoughts from Big Eyes show at Brooklyn's Death By Audio

Though it is way too late to do a review of the  Big Eyes performance at Brooklyn's Death By Audio;
It's never too late to post a few images and thoughts from the night. With a highly anticipated and praised debut album 'Almost Famous' in tow, the Seattle by way of Brookyn trio returned to their roots to play a high energy set at
Death By Audio in Williamsburg. There was plenty of positive vibes on both the stage and the dance floor. Kate is one of the fiercest guitarists I've seen, she packs a ton of energy and rock n' roll swagger into a small frame. I had the pleasure of speaking to Kate before and after the show and can't say enough about her or anyone involved with the band. This was my first trip to Brooklyn's Death By Audio and everyone involved with the venue were friendly and easy going. The club features two boxy rooms. The front features artful walls, a stage and sizable dance floor. Whlie the back features tables for band merch and an area for cheap refreshments. Overall, a nice little DIY space.
James Damion

Big Eyes Kate Eldridge

Big Eyes Chris Costalupes

Dance, Dance, Dance!!!

Check out my review of Big Eyes 'Almost Famous' Here