Sounds Like Fun

Here’s the deal. About a year ago, I got an e-mail stating that one my very favorite bands, The Format, was cordially ending their short reign. I sighed several times and listened to both of their records, Interventions & Lullabies and Dog Problems back to back, ending, again, on a long and mellow-dramatic exhale. Time passed slowly. Then, a few weeks ago, another e-mail popped up in my inbox offering news that I could never have come up with, even if given time and drawing pencils: Nate Ruess (lead singer) was not finished with music, was forming another band and he wanted everyone to know it. I am full of joy and possibility as I introduce the band, Fun, comprised of Ruess, Jack Antonoff (of Steel Train), and Andrew Dost (formerly of Anathallo). Just having former members of The Format and Anathallo in one room, near instruments, would be good enough for me. But now? Need I really say what that will be? Even better, they will be coming our way in November.

11/18/08: TLA, Philadelphia, PA
11/20/08: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC

mp3: Benson Hedges (demo)

Aloha and Anathallo

Aloha

Anathallo

This spring, Aloha hits the road in support of their latest release, Light Works. A quieter, more focused presentation, as compared to 2005's Some Echoes, Light Works is a classic, detailed, melodic indie release with several experimental tendencies. Beyond the spring tour, they’ll complete work on a new full-length album that is due out in the fall of 2008.

The band plays the Midwest and east coast with the religious-experience-inducing (if I can use that as a descriptor) Anathallo. On that note, if you live within say, sixty miles of either listed shows and you plan on missing Anathallo, just start kicking yourself right now. As impressed as I am with Aloha, Anathallo takes a listening room and turns it into a surreal narrative, embracing multiple drums, various languages, and a superb knowledge of song-building. Check out their "Kasa No Hone" video and a download of Hanasakajijii (Four: A Great Wind, More Ash) from their 2006 album, Floating World. Then download Aloha’s “Body Buzz”.

4/04 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
4/06 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel

Aloha - Body Buzz
Anathallo - Hanasakajijii (Four: A Great Wind, More Ash)

New Amsterdams, Anathallo, The Graduate

The New Amsterdams have a new album out and they are touring in support. Along for the ride is Michigan's Anathallo, who can make music using anything, and The Graduate.

10/17: Northstar Bar, Philly
10/18: Rock and Roll Hotel, DC

The New Amsterdams - Fountain of Youth
Anathallo - Hanasakajijii (Four: A Great WInd More Ash)
The Graduate - Sit And Sink