Band of the Day



Today's (final!) Band of The Day

Popup
What Are They Sayingbr> Popup aren't too ashamed to wear their musical influences on their sleeve. neither are they too proud to make light-hearted, energetic pop songs, as their name implies. the promising Glasgow four-piece have won over fans - including fellow scottish-accented singer Malcolm Middleton - with their bright yet savvy snapshots of contemporary life. - Rough Trade Records

What Do They Sound Like?
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit
Last few days of being relatively unknown outside of the UK. They are destined to blow away SXSW. Manic melodies crash over drums & guitar recalling days of low-fi bliss. In your face heavily Scottish accented vocals finish it all off. A Gallus band.

Where Do They Play
(Looks like they're going to win the Hardest Working Band Award!)
Official Showcase is at the Whiskey Bar (how appropriate) 14th March 1am.
But they also have sets every day in all sorts of places too numerous to mention.


Previous Band of the Days
9 March - Roger Dean Young & The Tin Cup
8 March - El Jesus De Magico
7 March - Beat The Devil
6 March - The Pigeon Detectives
5 March - Patty Hurst Shifter
4 March - Jyrojets
3 March - Windom Earle
2 March - Victorian English Gentleman's Club
1 March - Hypernova
28 Feb - BandaJamonCrudo
27 Feb - The Blakes
26 Feb - The High Dials
25 Feb - Maps and Atlases
24 Feb - Malajube
23 Feb - Rock Plaza Central
22 Feb - The Diableros

Roger Dean Young & The Tin Cup
What Are They Saying
Roger Dean Young, a country boy with a traveler's bent and a sack of poetry lifted from the ghosts of Whitman and Du Fu. Raised on the Canadian Prairies, Young lists horses, trumpets and lilacs as a few of his favorite things. Tired of the in-your-face mode of these modern times, he would rather step up behind your back and mutter a few bon mots in your ear.
The Tin Cup, an easy-going collective of accomplished musicians slipping out of their chosen disciplines to give voice to Young's country-folk songs. As such, Appalachian old-time, Latin-jazz, Arabian and Western classical players all don the flannel and subtly inform the simple tunes and evocative musings found on Young's songs.

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
In your nightmares & dreams. In your sad moments & happy times. In yourself. Little country operas comes to the big cities and spends a little time before catching the second last bus back home. You have to hope that audiences find this bunch and give their stuff a good public outing.

Where Do They Play
Lava Lounge Patio Thursday 15th March 8pm

El Jesus De Magico
What They Are Saying
Sprung from art-angled indie rock, they have, since their 2002 birth, unraveled into some kind of Pabst-soaked bubonic youth, sickly yet slickly defaming the very top-blown poonk they ply. Since they’ve added "El" to their name, they might as well toss in a few lost Latin put-downs, cuz their sound sure ain't getting any easier to figure.

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
The odd stepchildren of Sonic Youth, they don't only share their name with Glasgow's finest, The Mary Chain. Fuzz & distortion , for your pleasure and they sound like they are being themselves...which is a plus..

Where ARe They playing
Light Bar, Saturday 17th March 11.30pm


Beat The Devil
What Are They Saying
Singer Shilpa Ray has a crazily charismatic howl, a cocktail of pain and elegance garnished with an anything could happen next rasp. And she ain't playing guitar-- that's a harmonium, and she seems to know what it's good for. Fans of dark addled romantic music should pay heed. - Time Out NY

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
Well they don't actually. A groaning moaning vocal over rhythms that seem to start jazzy but end up against indie guitar walls or is it that it started as a shoe-gazing noise which slides into vaudeville? New York know them, and they are heading our way now.

Where Do They Play?
Beerland Friday March 16th , 8pm..

Patty Hurst Shifter
What Are They Saying
TOO CROWDED ON THE LOSING END
Fans of, let's say, Big Star, The Replacements and, of course, the Stones' eternal swagger, will get a huge kick out of this. The second LP from J. Chris Smith's literate, thrilling quartet is a classic of delinquent rock'n'roll bravado, barroom heartache, carnal testimony, all the regrets that come with reckless living and ruinous women.

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
Just a great geetar/drums/bass & voice ensemble knocking out nifty tunes that you know will sound great live in the setting they are meant to be heard in. Where The Jayhawks meet The Long Riders and take along Gene Clark as a chaperone....

Where Do They Play
BD Riley's (fast becoming my favourite potential venue - so many Bands Of The Day playing there) Wednesday March 14th 1.am

Jyrojets
What They Are Saying
One of the best debut records I've heard from any Scottish band. I can't stop playing Dead On Arrival and All The Rage" - Billy Sloan,The name Jyrojets will soon be on everybody's lips. Strap yourselves in!. This Inverness-based act had great songs, boosted by strong vocal harmonies and bags of on-stage presence....they understand completely how to write songs and work a crowd."-Record of The Day,

What Do They Sound Like
Check out their myspace tracks here.

Where Do They Fit In
The newest best Scottish group, quickly becoming the newest favourite UK group. Catchy pop rock which ignites with all. Guaranteed to be one of the breakthroughs of 2007. BDRileys are getting some of the hottest new groups onto their tiny little stage. Try squeezing in to this one.

Where Do They Play
BD Rileys Thursday March 15th 9pm ( but not the Scottish Arts Council Showcase!!)

Windom Earle
What They Are Saying
The band plays instrumental new wave synth pop and indie rock, sounding like a cross between The Go Team and New Order. An '80s retro drum-machine foundation is corrupted beautifully by eccentricity. Windom Earle gives techno such a wedgie, it might be more human.

What They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
More Canadians obliterating the edges. Eighties Brit electro-pip gets a kick up the arse and comes out wincing, but ultimately enjoying itself much more than it out to. You'll smile along with them too.

Where Are They Playing
BD Riley's Friday 16th March @ 11pm.

Victorian English Gentleman's Club
What They Are Saying
The Victorian English Gentlemens Club are a three piece that write songs about modern life using guitars, drums and vocals. Their awkward song structures and odd rhythms come from their desire to make uncompromising and intriguing music. The band marvelled at the luxury of listening to things in depth, as well as making noises in unorthodox fashions: through walkie talkies, under blankets in cupboards, and smashing pianos with bits of wood.

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
Frantic, frenetic, maniacs with a neat line in poppiness. Another wall of noise from a three piece band who are parts Kim Deal and the more thashier solo Frank Black, whilst ounding quite original in their own right. Leading the vanguard of great Welsh groups in Austin, you will hear a lot about this lot.

Where Are They Playing
BD Riley's Friday March 16th 10am (but not for some reason, the Welsh Band Showcase)

Hypernova
What They Are Saying
At a time when the chasm between East and West is growing daily and misplaced hostility and lack of communication are thwarting any efforts at building bridges, it is reassuring to know that there is still one medium that remains uncorrupted by petty bigotry and short-sightedness, and transcends all issues of race, religion and ideology. The Islamic Republic of Iran may not seem the most likely breeding ground for young up-and-coming musicians but, thanks to a few daring pioneers, doors that were seemingly locked tight by the strict moral laws have been cracked by a new generation of home-grown talent.
Out of a musical landscape dominated by more traditional Prog-rockers, Metallers and the increasingly popular electronic and hip-hop sound, an Indie band named Hypernova was born. In all reality, these guys are no different from the rest of the rockers around the world; their music is all about having a good time and just rocking your brains out. They're not in this game for the money, fame or glory. And they're definitely not trying to change the world...or are they?

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
The Iranian Strokes. Tehran's Nirvana. The Middle East's Replacements. They are a grunge delight and they have style. Look out for the false end on their feature track. Then magine the place going wild when the song restarts. An unexpected delight. Very SXSW. Sticking out but not a novelty, just outstanding.

Where Are They Playing
Club De Ville Saturday March 17th 8.00.

BandaJamonCrudo
What They Say
This legendary band has been together more than 10 years, but are still young and rebellious in spirit: edgy music, electro, chocolate pop, explosive and even dangerous in stage, Pixies meets Luca Prodan and has coffee with Olivia Newton John. They are as 'now' as it can possibly be. . Nowadays, their proposal is much more lucid, experimentally, funky, exciting, Krautrock, but, more importantly: powerful and upbeat. They appear to be turning to be the local heroes of the indie-dance scene.

What They Sound Like
Coming Soon!!

Where Do They Fit In
An Argentinian- indie- guitar- underground- dance band, man !!. Taking up where Deutsche Amerikanische Freundschaft left off over twenty years ago. Forget the Brazilian Girls move on up to the Argentinian Boys and dance yourself dizzy...and you have to love a band with someone called Experimentoloizaga playing bass......

Where Do They Play
Opal Divine's Freehouse Wednesday 14th 8.20pm ( precisely)

 The Blakes
What Are They Saying
The Blakes, those adorably charming indie kids with tight pants and even tighter live sets, have created an album that inconceivably does their punk-infused shows justice - The Blakes are Seattle's best export right now. There I said it. Yeah, and I meant it- The melodic chaos they deliver is utterly addictive, particularly for anyone who longs for a time when it was still acceptable to admit loving the Strokes- With swampy guitar leads and agonized vocals that sound as if they're being pulled apart by a torture rack.

What Do They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where Do They Fit In
Some times in the obvious jangly guitar bunch, other times in the early Glam Rock explosion. With a range of tongue & tonsil dexterity and a wicked beat, the most amazing thing about them is that they are, today, unsigned !!! Watch that change and catch Seattle's newest secret weapon.

Where Will They Play
Mohawk Patio Saturday March 17th at 9.10pm (most precise)

The High Dials
What Are They Saying
Psych pop perfection ---The golden era of Canadian cool continues apace ---At times their sunburst melodies sound arena-big, at time they sound like elegies written in country churchyards next to the Hacienda club ----- Captivating – border-line hypnotic and downright cinematic -----If you’re not already in love, this album approximates its euphoric stupor…Hell, Montreal’s High Dials may change your life.

What They Sound Like
Couldn't find an easy mp3 link so click here to their myspace and listen to their songs there.

Where Do They Fit In
Canadians. Again. Something in the water I reckon. Psychedelic pop brightness. Stinging guitars. Dreamy vocals. The band you all wish you could have been in. The Three Blissful minutes over and over.

Where Do They Play
Maggie Mays Thursday 15th 8.30
Firehouse Lounge Friday 16th 12.00
Habana Anex Saturday 17th 14.00

25 Feb - Maps and Atlases

What They Are Saying
Maps and Atlases offer songs that wrestle themselves from flailing, algebraic fits of spazzy guitar notes and drum ruptures to lulling, voice-driven melodies that speak stories using lyrical images strung together like soup cans chasing a Cadillac.

What They Sound Like
Click here!

Where They Fit In
Early Yes meets Early Wire with a pop sensibility and a way of taking them selves way too seriously whilst playing like they don't take themselves too seriously.
The world must wake up to this. Best website design I have seen for some time too.

Where They Are Playing
Emo's Lounge Wednesday March 14th 8.00

24 Feb - Malajube

What Are They Saying
The indie music hotbed of Montreal is steaming again. Malajube is a Canadian pop-rock quartet that in 2004 quietly impressed hungry listeners with their debut record Le Compte Complet and more recently has drawn favorable praise for their second album Trompe-l’œil, which is yet to even reach the US.
With sounds oscillating between rock, punk and bubblegum pop, Malajube distinguishes themselves with intelligent and meticulous French lyrics (no English here, except during a secret track), abrasive guitars, virulent bass, nervous keyboards, and raging drums.

What Do They Sound Like
Click here!

Where Do They Fit In
Everywhere. Anywhere. A raucous noise usually emanates from their songs. They will be the ones who bring the masses into French classes. Ca Plans pour moi all over again!!!

Where Are They Playing
Maggie Maes Rooftop Thursday 15th, 12 am.
Canadian Blast at Bush Square Wednesday 14th sometime between 3pm and 6pm

23 Feb - Rock Plaza Central

What Are They Saying
Rock Plaza Central is a seven-piece Toronto-based racket inspired by carnival sideshows and dustbowl ballads, playing with the confused jubilation of a blind-drunk Salvation Army band.
Rock Plaza Central’s live shows, once described as charmingly beautiful train wrecks, are now more like sticking your hand in the mud and pulling out diamonds, taking Eaton’s disarmingly honest songs and building them into big, warm, many-layered anthems.

What Do They Sound Like
Click here!

Where Do They Fit In
Difficult to escape the rambling eccentricity of the Broken Social Scene as a comparison, but they are not in the shadows rather round the corner and up the street a little bit. Will Oldham and Neutral Milk Hotel are other names often mentioned around RPC but the Salvation Army pick up band comment is hitting it right on its little head. In Chris Eaton they have one of the more distinctively original voices of the times. See them before you can't see them.

Where Are They Playing
Dirty Dog Bar Friday 16th , 9pm
Also the Brooklyn Vegan day showcase, but I can't find out any more on that so far.


22 Feb - The Diableros

What They Are Saying
Live, these six musicians make a real impression: the squall of guitars, organ and keys is sliced through by ingeniously catchy hooks, and tied together by Pete's unforgettable voice and his work on the 12-string. Progressing from gigs on the floor of The Boat to slots at sold out shows at The Horseshoe, The Diableros have taken it in stride -- confident, but not cocky.
It was this combination of confidence and persistently hard work that landed them a deal on the Baudelaire record label. Also home to fellow Torontonians Tangiers, Baudelaire gives You Can't Break The Strings In Our Olympic Hearts the full release it should have had from the start, with distribution across Canada via Outside Music.
Big things are waiting for The Diableros. To succeed in a town as fickle as Toronto takes a special combination of talent and personality -- it doesn't come along often, but when it does, it's magic.

What They Sound Like
Click Here!

Where do they fit in
Some say the missing link between Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire but that is too lazy a description. True they continue the onslaught from Canada but they have a distinctive sound from Pete Carmichaels warbling to the Bauhaus era 4AD rhythm . This is the last time to see them comfortably in an intimate setting. They will be in many 2007 end of year polls for their album You Can’t Break The Strings In Our Olympic Hears.

Where to see them
Molotov Lounge - Saturday 17th at 11pm
Habana Calle (High Wire day showcase) Thursday 15th Time TBA