Love Thy Neighbor

admin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:05:00 +0000

BORIS BLOWS AUSTIN AWAY
It goes without saying that when it comes to metal, Japanese trio Boris remains in a completely different league than the majority of other ‘heavy’ bands working today. With a combination of sludge, drone, and stoner metal built on top of a framework of mind-blowing virtuosity by guitarist Wata, guitarist/vocalist/bassist Takeshi, and drummer Atsuo, one could expect the band to put on a live show that borders on perfection. Saturday here in Austin at the Mohawk, Boris did not disappoint.
While opener Clouds experimented with melodic metal and Torche brought the requisite crunch-factor that metal-heads crave, the Boris experience was near mystical, as they whipped through tracks from their latest LP Smile as well as cuts from Pink with the help of master guitarist and special unannounced guest Michio Kurihara (who assisted the band on their Rainbow LP). As the smoke machine billowed around the band who played loose and free during their entire set, the audience quickly became mesmerized, only snapping from their metal-induced haze at the end of each extended cut, which was ultimately followed by rapturous applause. Starting slowly with “Flower Sun Rain”, Boris built up speed through the entire set before eventually settling on such fantastic cuts from Smile such as “My Neighbor Satan” and ending on a sublime note, leaving the audience begging for more. Ultimately Boris proved that metal can be an avant-garde art form, melodic and breathtaking in its head-banging fury, all while treating Austin to the heaviest show it might see this year. Here are a ton of pictures I took at Mohawk and a cut from their latest LP. Enjoy!
Boris
Wata
Takeshi
Atsuo
Michio Kurihara
Clouds
Torche
Boris – “My Neighbor Satan”
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GRAND OLE PARTY ON MTV2

It appears that our old friends from San Diego Grand Ole Party are tearing it up on MTV2, as their video for “Look Out Young Son”, a choice cut from their Humanimals LP is now in rotation according to the trio. Definitely keep an eye out for it and check the rad video below.

Grand Ole Party – “Look Out Young Son”
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HEADLIGHTS NEW DAYTROTTER SESSION

Illinois-natives Headlights have just put up a new Daytrotter Session and it includes a great rendition of their hit from Some Racing, Some Stopping “Cherry Tulips”. According to the band’s Myspace:

“All these songs were re-invented for the Daytrotter sessions. We used all the great vintage gear — old keyboards and an upright bass, loop pedals and what not. They have really cool toys.”

Take a listen!

Headlights – “Cherry Tulips” (Daytrotter)

Thanks everyone for readings and thanks to Treasure Mammal for stopping by my work yesterday even though I missed his show! He’s a really great guy so be sure and check him out! Any comments?

Another Year of Damage

admin — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:20:00 +0000

BE YOUR OWN PET RELEASE 3-SONG EP

Remember when we told you earlier in the week that there was no news on that 3-song EP featuring the tracks that were left off the US version of Be Your Own Pet’s sophomore LP Get Awkward because of a record label dispute? Well turns out there IS news and it’s in the form of Get Damaged, an EP (or two 7″ records) that feature all three missing songs (”Becky”, “Blow Your Mind”, “Black Hole”). The EP is due out June 3rd (smokes that’s soon!). Read here for all the details and check out that completely rad cover up there! Here’s an obscure BYOP track as well for the newly converted.

Be Your Own Pet – “Hillmont Avenue”

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NEW BORIS MUSIC VIDEO – “STATEMENT”

Here’s the new Boris music video for their single “Statement” off of the excellent Smile LP. Remember, these guys are playing Saturday June 28th at the Mohawk right here in Austin. You know Cannibal Cheerleader will be there, sporting our rad Boris hoodies!

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GUESS WHOSE BIRTHDAY IT IS?

It’s John B.’s! Thanks to everyone for reading my blog the past few months – the best kind of birthday present is having people enjoy your work. If you know me and live in Austin, hit me up – we’re having a pool party before we hit up Terror Thursday tomorrow. See you there!

Comment by wishing me a happy b-day!

Cannibal Cheerleader » smile

Love Thy Neighbor

Another Year of Damage