Vampire Weekend have had kind of a hard go at it as a band. After bursting onto the hip culture music scene in late 2007 with a tour with The Shins, and praise from Rolling Stone and Spin, Vampire Weekend seemed to be set for an enjoyable career of releasing music. Instead they started to receive some backlash from a community that’s nearly impossible to please. The underground started to mutter and pin VW as preppy privileged kids ripping off African music, and the band kind of just dropped off the map. In an interview with Guardian lead singer Ezra Koenig even talked of hanging up the band and finding a writing job.

Instead they took some time out of the mainstream to focus on writing. With the new album they didn’t run from who they are. Recording some in Martha’s Vinyard, and referring to the Kennedy family in their single “Diane Young”, Vampire Weekend is proving that they’re comfortable with who they are, and even spin their own formula with Modern Vampires of the City. They still seem to be chippy in interviews, but as of the release of their album yesterday fans seem to be loving the new album. The new album is successful because it’s bold and brave, but is it really that hard to stand up to bloggers fingers and think pieces about how you’re well off? They are the ones with orange covered Cheeto fingers in their parents basement.  The point being, don’t listen to people’s shit and make music. It’s that simple.

ENTER TO WIN

(Vampire Weekend Prize pack) Winner will be contacted 5/20

With his last two albums, Kiss Each other Clean and Ghost on Ghost, Chapin, SC native Sam Beam has shed almost all of his singer songwriter stereotype. That’s to say, if you were a fan of The Shepard’s Dog and releases previous to that, and went into a coma in 2007, woke up in 2013 and went to see Iron and Wine live, all you might recognize is the beard and the warmth of Beam’s voice.

Instead the newer material from Iron and Wine harkens back more to the music that influenced Beam growing up. Ghost on Ghost is more Paul Simon than Nick Drake. In 2007 when asked why the more upbeat sound of The Shepard’s Dog Beam replied “I couldn’t get much quieter so it was the only direction to go. And I didn’t fancy the idea of putting the same record out over and over again.”

Ghost on Ghost is another step forward in the Iron and Wine catalog with at times a more funky sound on tracks like “Singers and the Endless Song” and a modern jazz feel on “Grace for Saints and Ramblers” before moving to very Paul Simonesque patter of the prechorus and chorus.

Beam notoriously started out on a 4 track tape recorder, with very lofi demos. But in reality, who didn’t? Most musicians just don’t get overwhelmingly famous and pigeonholed for those early demos like Beam did. The growth of his musical career appears light years away from where he started. Now over ten years later, he’s working with a talented host of musicians including members of Sex Mob, Jazz Passengers, Bob Dylans band, Tin Hat Trio, and jazz drummer Brian Blade.

This group of songs from Beam, with this group of musicians has tapped into a sound that flows through popular American music of the 60′s and 70′s, the music that’s engrained in all 38 year old American songwriters. It’s not easy for songwriters to change their sound dramatically, but it makes it easier when you’re going back to something you know well, with some great musicians at your side.

It’s not only the music that harkens back, but lyrically speaking, Beam references South Carolina several times throughout the album.  A place he hasn’t lived since his late teenage years. Ghost on Ghost flows with comfort, never rushed, never anxious, exploring new areas of jazz and funk at times.

While the second to last song “Lovers Revolution” might be the most experimental of the bunch, the last song “Baby Center Stage” is the most close to the Iron and Wine people are familiar with. The pedal steel guitar in it sounds more Elton John than Waylon Jennings. The melody more James Taylor than Tom Waits. A beautiful way to ease out an album that just took listeners on a ride through jazz in popular music.

Enter To Win

Vinyl Containing CD

Handwritten, signed lyrics for “Grace for Saints and Ramblers”

Album Poster

Winner will be contacted via 4/19/13

New Brookland Tavern

Thursday, May 2, 2013 – 7:00pm

Capital Cities

Gold Fields

LoveLife

Tickets

Capital Cities are such a modern day band. The SoCal electro pop duo met on Craigslist, just looking to collaborate on some songs, which turned into recording an EP and a band with a live performance over a year later.

Since then, Capital Cities has been championed by celeb gossip blogger Perez Hilton, covering them frequently, including them on his Pop Up #1 compilation album, and his 2013 SXSW party.

With influences ranging from Michael Jackson to the beloved French electronic band Air, Capital Cities sound falls right in line with driving beats and familiar pop melodies.

The Capital Records band will be joined at New Brookland Tavern on May 2 by Gold Fields and LoveLife.

Enter to Win Free Tickets

Winner will be contacted via email Tuesday April 30

Facebook Event

Monday nights are usually reserved for lying around on the couch being a total bum, but Family of the Year and The Mowgli’s might change that next week.

Family of the Year is out on tour with their new album Loma Vista gradually growing in popularity with each new tour date. Around here not many people know the Los Angeles band yet, but that’s starting to change as radio stations all over have been playing their song “Hero.” It’s in regular rotation here on 92. 1 The Palm, and has been for months now. In fact they’ve been spinning the song since October of last year. How might I know that? Because we did a giveaway of the new album and a t-shirt around the same time.

ENTER TO WIN

Winner will be emailed 3/22

-2 Tickets to the 3/25 Show at New Brookland Tavern

-1 Vinyl/CD/T-Shirt Package

Before going into the studio for Opposites, Biffy Clyro toured the US with Manchester Orchestra and O’Brother, two bands we’ve covered often over the years. We’ll forgive them for dropping off the Columbia, SC show last-minute. Biffy Clyro’s SC connections don’t end there, on two songs from the new album Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses is featured as guest vocalist.

Winner will be contacted via email 3/15

WXRY Unsigned uploaded 32 live acoustic recordings from their weekly Sunday night broadcast, with some of these releases dating back to 2005.

Before their move to the British Bulldog in Irmo, the unsigned show broadcasted from the WXRY studio downtown, where space was at a premium. Bands used to cramp in for interviews, and sometimes bring setups that were a little too large. These days they’ve got all the space they need broadcasting from the British Bulldog. It’s a really cool thing they’ve got going out there, with the live audience, a couple of beers, and the bands sometimes performing a live set after the show. Check out their videos here.

These recordings show a little bit of the modern history of the music scene, including bands that have dissolved, moved away, and some combined to create other acts.

Ramphastos

Since I first heard Ramphastos–AKA Will Flourance–almost a year ago, I’ve been anxiously awaiting any and all of his new work. Although the latest single, “King Louie,” has been out for just over a month, I’ve been sitting on it until now.

The press release Flourance sent to SceneSC says that his fourth album, Alakazam, “feels more like a collection of exotic and strange rap beats than a mix of various internet sub-genres.” Based just on “King Louie,” I’d have to agree with that self-assessment.

Art for “King Louie” Single

However, “King Louie” maintains the vague, nostalgic familiarity of 2012′s Southern Gothic to which I was so immediately attracted. (See my thoughts on “HOOP DREAMS,” my favorite track on Gothic.)

I expect the rest of Alakazam both to surprise me and remind me why Ramphastos is so good in the first place. We’ll post more info on the release as we hear it.

Album Art for Alakazam

Tracklist for Alakazam:
1. King Louie
2. Rainmaker
3. Jewel Tones
4. Palm Palace
5. Skate Heaven
6. Heavy Heart
7. Jungle Fever
8. Oahu
9. Cuban Links
10. Free Souls

Ramphastos on facebook // twitter // bandcamp && soundcloud

“Ruins” made its debut on the 2013 SceneSC Sampler.

“Ruins” is more than the first song released by The Sea Wolf Mutiny since their excellent debut release The Last Season. Much has changed since that time in August, 2011. New members in the band, a wider audience, praise among music critics, and life changes such as marriage and children also bear their weight on the band.

Recorded as 2012 turned to 2013 at the freshly remodeled Archer Avenue Studio, The Sea Wolf Mutiny took their experimentation into the studio. Born out of a simple, cyclical charming melody on guitar, TSWM explored new territory, writing their first song together with the current lineup.

In many ways, “Ruins” mirrors the band. A song about discovery, and learning your limits, the dangers of overreaching, and managing what you can grasp with your eyes still fixed on the road ahead. The song fills and swells as it stretches and pops. Like a secret that just can’t be held in, “Ruins” wrestles with itself, before the whispers turn to shouts and statements, before releasing into a sigh of relief. The gravity of the situation is undeniable, triumphant and frightening, confidently confusing. Upon first listen it’s a struggle to get your bearings in the song, the one repeat melody on guitar keeping your comfort. And then it’s over, and you’re left wondering what just happened? As Bobby Hatfield’s voice flows gracefully with the music and the mood of his lyrics, the band bounces jubilantly in unison as one living breathing instrument.

Fans have watched their live show turn from something routine into a high energy affair. As they’ve settled into a new lineup they’ve found comfort in their own shoes, with this now easing into their songwriting.

Saturday. February 23. 8 pm.
Conundrum Music Hall. $8.
VALLEY MAKER
Amy Godwin
Bombadil

The prodigal son returns home.

This Saturday, Columbia’s beloved songwriter Austin Crane returns to South Carolina, to play a show at Conundrum with support from Amy Godwin and Bombadil. Released in May 2010, Valley Maker was Austin Crane’s 3rd full length release and became his preferred stage name. The album was written as his senior thesis at the University of South Carolina, and is comprised of ten songs that tell the stories of the book of Genesis. Valley Maker was Crane’s last full release, and the most successful. Since it’s release, the album hasn’t dropped out of the top 10 on Bandcamp’s top downloaded albums from South Carolina. It’s been almost three years and the album still sits pretty at the top, charting in at 3rd just yesterday. His return to Columbia has excited all local music lovers, promising good music and a good bit of nostalgia.

Joining Crane will be the lovely Amy Godwin and Bombadil. Amy Godwin played a huge hand in the recording process of Valley Maker, providing the female vocals that essentially completed the sound on a couple of the songs. Godwin’s dreamy, folk solo music will be a great addition to the show, and I’m sure she will be joining Crane during his set for some great harmonies. Also playing will be North Carolinians, Bombadil. The quirky-folk 4-piece is currently on tour, and has enjoyed playing with the likes of The Last Bison and The Avett Brothers in recent years. The band has also appeared at Free Times Music Craw Arts & Draughts in the past.

On Friday, Valley Maker graced our ears with a stripped down version of a new song, “The Mission”. Columbia-based Fork & Spoon Records released the track as part of their Causal Fridays series. Take a listen to the track above and enjoy a free download. Make sure you don’t miss this show. It’s likely to sell out, so get there early to ensure you get a ticket.

Andy Hull at The Stuffing 2012

The air was so hot the paint was peeling off the walls the day I went to see Kevin Devine in Charleston in the summer of 2010. We had an acoustic session set up, outside, and it was sticky to say the least. When Devine asked us what song he should play, I said play us something new, he replied, “how about something from my upcoming Bad Books project?”

He went on to play “Mesa, Arizona” and SceneSC ended up debuting Bad Books to the world with that acoustic session.

Bad Books is a collaboration of Kevin Devine, and Manchester Orchestra, with the music leaning a bit out of both of their primary projects. Bad Books takes a more laid back approach, and while the music and songwriting is stellar, there seems to be less pressure surrounding the side project. Hull and Devine share songwriting and singing duties, sometimes trading vocals back and forth like in their single “Forest Whitaker.”

El Burrito is one of our favorite taco joints in Columbia, and their bluegrass night is a huge hit, but do you remember the time The Front Bottoms played there? Before they were touring with Kevin Devine/Bad Books, The Front Bottoms played a SceneSC Showcase/WUSC Zombie Walk with support from Those Lavender Whales and Marshall Brown. The Front Bottoms play unfiltered power acoustic pop. Words flow out like a child with seemingly little forethought, describing relationship issues, getting fucked up, and growing up in general.

Weatherbox’s last show at New Brookland Tavern was out of control. I heard a rumor that they received a lifetime ban, but that was obviously just a rumor. I’m talking broken glowsticks y’all.

Enter To Win

• A copy of Bad Books “II” on CD
• An autographed Bad Books poster
• 1 pair of tickets

Winner will be contacted Thursday, 2/21/13