The Ruckus

In Pictures: Paramore

House of Blues | Orlando, Florida | 26 October 2009 | Flickr Set

Paramore is the perfect example of what a lot of hard work and talent can do. Vocalist Hayley Williams was only 16 when their debut album, All We Know Is Falling, was released. Their sophomore release, Riot! was certified platinum in the US, and gold in the UK. Their newest album, Brand New Eyes, is poised for the same. Paramore has been nominated for a Grammy and has garnered dozens of other accolades in just four short years.

They played to a sold out, incredibly pumped crowd at House of Blues in Orlando on Monday night. Accompanied by bandmates Josh Farro, Jeremy Davis, Zac Farro, and Taylor York, Hayley is a powerhouse of energy - she never stops moving. The band played a healthy mix of songs from all three albums, including both songs from their contribution to the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Twilight, "Decode", and "I Caught Myself", which made the crowd ultra happy. I am fully aware of my indie snobbery, but I have no shame for my adoration of Paramore. They are completely flawless live, delivering an incredible performance worthy of the most seasoned band.

In Pictures: Black Dub

The Troubadour | Los Angeles, CA | October 15, 2009

Few musicians have a sound so wholly their own and so completely engulfing live as Daniel Lanois. Lanois's music is already good on record but live takes on a whole new life of its own, filling the space and encapsulating its listeners with a kind of warm, joyous energy; making one simultaneously quietly blissful and loudly appreciative. And yet what Daniel Lanois is best known for are his production credits (big names like U2, Bob Dylan, and Peter Gabriel, to name just a few), which he has certainly earned but overshadow his music, more than deserving of its own big spotlight.

His latest project, Black Dub, puts him together with three other amazing musicians: Previous collaborators Brian Blade (drums) and Daryl Johnson (bass), along young singer (and occasional guitarist and drummer during this set) Trixie Whitley. The four didn't disappoint at the Troubadour in LA, playing a set of new material, mixed with a few of Daniel's own solo songs, that left us clamouring for more.

Album Review: The Swell Season - Strict Joy

I was not sure what to expect from this album. As a die hard fan of The Frames, I would blindly follow Glen Hansard anywhere. I adored Once. However, I had no idea on which side of the map this album would end up on. With Strict Joy, Hansard and Irglová have taken The Swell Season to a new level. It can't be denied that these two have done something magical again. In addition to the duo, this record also features Colm Mac Iomaire (violin), Joe Doyle (bass), Rob Bochnik (guitar), Graham Hopkins (drums), and Javier Mas (guitar).

The album begins more along the lines of The Swell Season's previous work- lovely and mellow and dreamy- but this release really comes to life for me on the fourth track. The Rain is a fantastic song. It covers a lot of ground from start to finish, beginning with just Hansard and an acoustic guitar and progressing to full accompaniment with Irglová's subtle harmonies giving the piece depth. Mac Iomaire's violin is an exceptional addition. Paper Cup has slowly but surely worked it's way into being one of my favorites. It's simple beauty, delicate guitar work, and stunning lyrics make it signifcant to the album. The urgent vocals and almost eerie music gives High Horses an intense effect. Irglová's vocals soar over Hansard's for the perfect duet.

Throughout Strict Joy, Hansard and Irglová blend their voices flawlessly. Each instrumental part is done with talent and precision. The album is extremely satisfying to listen to. I imagine that both fans of The Swell Season and The Frames will enjoy this album immensely.

Feeling the Pull

Visit The Swell Season at TheSwellSeason.com. Pre-order Strict Joy here.

Feature Interview: Chester French

I am pretty sure that D.A. Wallach wants to meet every fan of Chester French. He regularly conducts chat sessions, responds to readers of his blog and Twitter, and even spent a day making phone calls to thank people who bought their album. At shows, he and bandmate Max Drummey graciously spend time doing meet and greets. To go above and beyond even that, Chester French has established a VIP Concierge Service (go sign up at ChesterFrench.com) that is designed to provide the ultimate fan experience at their live shows (D.A. will tell you more about that later).

Musically, Chester French has a compelling hybrid sound. Involving elements of pop and hip-hop, the band attracts a wide and diverse audience. As with many amazing bands, my partner in crime Melanie convinced me to check them out. I'm so glad I did. Love the Future is a must have. I love it a bit more with every listen. We've never steered you wrong, so take our advice and buy this album - and if you get the chance, go to a show and take the band up on the meet and greet - you won't regret it.

What is the first album that you remember feeling passionate about?

Well, I first have to preface this by saying that I can only speak for myself because Max isn't here right now, but the first album I felt very strongly about may have been Aerosmith's Get a Grip. I felt very strongly about that.

Gig Review: Snow Patrol

The Fillmore | Denver, CO | October 9, 2009

I love Snow Patrol. I can't help it. I keep loving them regardless of whether they are signed to a major label, make dodgy touring choices, or write songs for Gwen Stefani. This band has done something special for me since Final Straw and I just keep falling for them more with each release. I've listened to Final Straw, Eyes Open, and A Hundred Million Suns countless times. As a live act, the band gains a bit of rawness and Gary Lightbody's voice projects a new level of emotion. Their quirky brand of pop music is something to experience.

Snow Patrol initially took the stage with If There's A Rocket Tie Me To It, but experienced some major technical problems. Frontman Gary Lightbody announced that the band would be leaving the stage, then coming back and pretending like it never happened. The second opening song, Chocolate went off successfully. Hands Open was intense and danceable. This Golden Floor was haunting. The clapping effects and somber music filled the auditorium. Before beginning a solo version of Run (that the band would later join in to finish), Lightbody congratulated Obama on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and dedicated the song to him. One of the new songs from the upcoming album Up To Now, titled Just Say Yes made its live debut. The electric love song did not disappoint. The main set closed with Open Your Eyes, which was, as always, a religious experience. I can't imagine someone not being moved by this track. The encore started with the sixteen minute track, The Lightning Strike in its entirety with an accompanying animation (that I couldn't see as I was in the ADA section, but am told is quite spectacular).

I imagine that the single packed set list was in preparation for the release of Up To Now on November 9th. Despite Lightbody's voice failing in the high altitude (he urged us to come see him perform in Ireland), he and the band gave a great show. I've always enjoyed the work they've done in Denver and hope to see them again sooner than later.

Open Your Eyes

In Pictures: Bell X1

The Troubadour | Los Angeles, CA | October 12, 2009

Irish rockers Bell X1 recently finished up their tour of the States in support of their latest album Blue Lights on the Runway, including a stop at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

Between songs of a good mix of older and newer material, highlights being one of the band's latest singles, "The Great Defector," a killer version of "Tongue," and "Reacharound" from their last album Flock, singer Paul Noonan related the band's woes with percussion instruments, banging away on a tiny, broken tambourine and makeshift cowbell. Before the night was up, the band suffered another casualty when they destroyed their lone maraca.

In Pictures: The Avett Brothers

Denver, CO | August 22, 2009 | Entire Set

The Avett Brothers are compelling live. The Avetts themselves swap vocals and move from instrument to instrument. Joe Kwon plays his cello like a guitar and Bob Crawford keeps both the upright and electric bass moving, as well as taking the lead vocals on Letter To A Pretty Girl.

From the fast and upbeat Kick Drum Heart to the slow and melancholy Tear Down The House, the band carried the crowd on their every note. The energy was incredible and the atmosphere magnetic. The Avett Brothers managed to create another world inside the Ogden Theater that evening.

For more on The Avett Brothers, please visit TheAvettBrothers.com.