Photos: Efterklang at Michelberger Hotel 19/09/12

efterklang at hotel michelberger

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Interview: Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara - Photo courtesy of Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara – Photo courtesy of Tegan and Sara

As is the case with many bands, long-time, overzealous and somewhat overprotective fans of Tegan and Sara can accuse the group of being too mainstream these days, but they certainly can’t claim that the Canadian duo – made up of twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin – hasn’t matured over the 18 years since its founding.

And with the release of the pair’s seventh studio full-length and first in four years, “Heartthrob,” Tegan and Sara did what they are so good at, which is moving the music forward while staying true to their roots. Read the rest of this entry »


Show Review: Mastodon and The Ocean at Lido 05/06/13

The line outside was wrapped around the block – a human sea of black ink and black clothing. Two men with shopping carts collected the empty bottles of beer that everyone seemed to be chugging as they awaited entry. The thick black letters on the marquee announced that the night’s show of Mastodon and The Ocean was sold out, but that didn’t stop people asking for tickets and trying to find alternative forms of entry.

The setup for The Ocean was impressive, in that it was a bit more intricate than one expects at a metal show. But then again, The Ocean is anything but a stereotypical metal band.  From their penchant for concept albums to their cinematic live shows, The Ocean is continually surprising. Read the rest of this entry »


Photos: Cats on Fire at Marie Antoinette 02/09/13

cats on fire at indie pop days 3

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Interview: Crystal Fighters

Crystal Fighters - Photo courtesy of Crystal Fighters

Crystal Fighters – Photo courtesy of Crystal Fighters

Folk-dance band Crystal Fighters recently released its second full-length album, Cave Rave, and to celebrate, the band plans on throwing an actual cave rave this summer.

“It’s in the Basque Country,” shared band member Gilbert Vierich before a recent show in Berlin. “It’s in a cave. It follows a tradition of cave raves in the Basque Country and it’s going to be awesome.” Read the rest of this entry »


Photos: Sleeping Policemen at Marie Antoinette 02/09/12

sleeping policemen at indie pop days 3

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Interview: Russ Rankin

Russ Rankin - Photo courtesy of Russ Rankin

Russ Rankin – Photo courtesy of Russ Rankin

By definition, Russ Rankin is a professional. The 45-year-old punk rocker has been playing in bands since the 1980s, a status that makes him a veteran of sorts. But if you were to ask Rankin, he would simply say that after nearly three decades of making music, he still isn’t close to figuring it all out. Read the rest of this entry »