Setlist Memories

Cut Copy November 4, 2018 at Crescent Balroom, Phoenix AZ [Touring in support of their Sun Machine Album]

From my instagram that night: " Rubblebucket... such a fun band live... and its only the third song in!” By the end of the night, the band walked off the stage and around and among the audience and we followed as if they were the Pied Piper, and we, the listening children, drawn to their energy and songs...

Black Belt Eagle Scout November 19, 2019 at The Nile Underground, Mesa AZ [Touring for their At the Party with My Brown Friends release]

KP creates and records all her music solo and then a band helps her to showcase it live when touring. this time, the band Hikes was her back up... composed of a Half Filipino by the name of Nay that released the second Tagalog titled album this year--that I know of stateside: Mahal Kita (I Love You). After their set, they returned with KP on drums plus a guitarist, the show starting off soft with At the Party and KP eventually switching to guitars for crowd favorites like Soft Stud and Loss & Relax. I was so glad I decided to attend--discovering the show very last minute when I scoured the venue websites to share my show picks on the Stinkweeds Blog.

The show was a bit strange. The main venue had a much louder act performing and you could hear creaking of the audience above while the softer outputs of Hikes and BBES at times benefited by the strange juxtaposition of music output above and below. 

Got to speak to both bands after the show and couldn’t resist Hikes artful lyric and tour book for their Japan tour and few days prior to release, Mahal Kita. BBES’s latest on cassette for 80s prices... full record for $5... Unheard of!

Crumb September 16, 2019 at Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Jinx release]

I don’t know how, but this DIY band has made it in a roundabout way... selling out shows without even having a proper record release... and now touring their proper self released record. I remember hearing their frenchy, jazzy and chill vibes not unlike sterolab for the first time a couple years ago and placing them in the pass list in my yearly SXSW research. Songs like Nina, Locket and So Tired got my attention and off their latest, Part III and M.R. continue their aesthetic.

It took me their third--as far as I know, tour to finally see them at Crescent Ballroom this past September. So glad I did.

Jay Som August, 2019 at Rebel Lounge, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Anak Ko release]

As a Filipino-American, I am so happy to have a fellow Pinay actually in the indie circuit to follow that creates music I love... and that even showcases her Filipino roots, teaching indie kids Filipino. I remember Japanese Breakfast saying she wanted more Asian Americans to create music, and Jay Som, a friend and musician adds to those artists.

This was the very first tour date for her Anak Ko Tour and Melinda brought along two bands... Affectionately and Boy Scouts that have outputs that pair well to Jay Som’s music... I especially liked Boy Scout’s set and later found a former local act, Stephen Steinbrink connection... I believe he produced their album and I love it as much as Anak Ko.

Bird & the Bee August 28, 2019 at Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Interpreting the Masters, Volume 2: A Tribute to Van Halen release]

A softer jazzier spin to the Raucous Rock of Van Halen delivered by Daimond Dave, Inara George and co. reinterpret it with a soft but with edge output. I was not a fan of the music in the 80s, but I remember having to watch Jump and Hot for Teacher and I do remember chuckling at the latter. Now they are nostalgic and bring me back to my youth weather I like the music or not... the rose colored nostlagic glass come out. But these were fun spins and I absolutely love all the musicians solo work and as the Bird and the Bee. Greg Kurstin, Producer extraordinaire is not one to travel, so Alex Lilly played keys in his absence. Inara brought out a video of him doing piano for a song so it could feel like he was there for at least one song, but the girls... Inara, Alex, Samantha and Barbara all give 100% for a great and fun live show... along with Vikram on horns and other instruments. In a word, the show was Badass. This tour was a team effort, all acts under Inara’s Release Me Label, so they all rotated and offered their distinctive music but then joined altogether for the rock tribute. I got to chat with Barbara, Alex and Inara post show... they were all so humble and sweet.

Blushing July 24, 2019 at Rebel Lounge, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Self-Titled release]

A wall of shoegaze sound that commands you to listen to it, made by a couple of couples that give a very captivating live set. that night was 4 great bands, Citrus clouds and Dovi for the locals, and the touring Ringo Deathstarr and Blushing, both based in Austin, a town that clearly outputs many great bands of all genres while hosting the entire worlds up and coming musicians. My friend said this band was legit, and I have to say, I concur.

Superorganism April 24, 2019 at Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Self-Titled release]

I’m so glad I found out about this band before their tour stop in Phoenix. Thy’re  the epitomy of what an artschool band output could be... complete with an artist member designing all of their merch, videos and a collaborative effort in song creation by all members with the lead vocalist responsible for the song content which she delivers with a sarcastic and real output that’s a touch Daria and Gudetama character, off set by the trio of back up singer/dancers that emit a more positive and upbeat vibe. Not tome mention that all but one of the members moved from different parts of the country to London and live and create their strange and quirky brand of music in a shared home.

If I had to compare, I’d say their live show rivals that of Rubblebucket who also give a great live show in which they feel very much like pied pipers leading the audience under a musical enchantment. But with Superorganism... their songs all have an anthem-like quality.

Their music is a juxtaposition of noting life’s cruel realities but also a tincture/balm/musical cure that quells anxiety and depression and anger and melancholy this generation and era have in spades. I relate greatly... despite being in that Xennial/Jared Leto/Oregon trail generation gap...

Willetta October 11, 2018 at The Lunchbox, Phoenix AZ [In support of their Passing Trains Music Video Release]

Remembering the band from the memorable Valley bar show opening for Hazel English, I decided to head over to this show. Add to that, Paula T, opening... I had to support both local act’s efforts! Even though I flew solo, it was worth it because both bands music are right up my music alley!

Paula T & the Rhinestones October 11, 2018 at The Lunchbox, Phoenix AZ 

Cut Copy September 6, 2018 at Crescent Balroom, Phoenix AZ [Touring in support of their Haiku from Zero Album]

A friend bought tickets and called me out of the blue and said since I introduced the band to him, he couldn’t think who better to be his plus 1 and to get the iris up front experience. How could I say no... it was a night to dance ones cares away... 

Kauf September 6, 2018 at Crescent Balroom, Phoenix AZ [Touring in support of their Regrowth Album] 

Had no idea who Kauf was... but the show introduced his electronic music as being released under cut copy’s own label. At the time I remember thinking how the setlist had a strong concept and one that my thoughts were lingering on... in particular the idea of relocation... like Men I Trust’s music, it has a dancy feel, but with a slower cadence.

Jess Williamson July 23, 2018 at The Lunchbox, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Cosmic Wink Album]

Jess came back threw town... it was supposed to be in support of Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore, but alas they had unforeseen difficulties that held them back from making their Phoenix tour stop. I was still glad to go in support of Jess as she made quite the first impression on me earlier in the year opening for Loma.

When I walked in, I immediately saw my friends sitting to at a four top with an unfamiliar face. As I sat down, the 3rd person stepped away and that third person was Jess Williamson! My friend joked that I scared her away, but she was just getting ready to perform!

She opened with the eerily smoky and psychedelic “Wild Rain,” my favorite off the latest and filled the room with country contemplative vibes song after song, all from her latest, ‘Cosmic Wink.’ It was nice also catching up with the Drummer as she’s quite friendly and fun to hang with!

After the set we chatted post show and now equipped with the Album, my friends and I scooped it up as well as limited--as in we got the last 2--Unique merch Incense/download card. I had snatched the set list so Jess signed it and told us about how its the back of a stack of artwork gifted to her by a phoenix artist at the show at the Valley Bar... She was glad to have found a purpose for them, using them for setlists and spreading the artists work across the towns she plays.

Men I Trust June 19, 2018 at Pub Rock Live, Scottsdale AZ 

This show was a twofer Canadian gig with Anemone opening and the triple plus of Break Up shoes as local opener... so the pace went from beach boy heart on slave to an upbeat nouvelle vague vibe to a strange fast but slow that I describe Men I Trust’s music as being, cadence wise... but oh so absolutely dreamy... and the band was so nice to meet post show! 

Interesting and very Montreal music drop of them, their setlist was written on a ripped up poster featuring a fellow Montreal artist, Patrick Lac & South Heaven... who has a singer songwriter vibe.

Quiet Slang June 30, 2018 at Trunk Space, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Everything Matters But No One Is Listening Album]

I didn't know Quiet Slang was Beach Slang's, well, quiet album... Their loud punk sound translated to ethereal heights by swapping out guitar strings to more classical strings and keys and deleting drums altogether was enough to get me to listen to a band who’s usual sound isn’t quite my cup, but when softened it was much more audibly digestible for my taste.

For me, the band and it's music was introduced to me via SXSW 2018 research and ads inbetween streaming shows for free online... Their cover of Big Star’s “Thirteen” got me as did their song Bad Art.

As I walked into the Valley Bar, I noticed instruments covered in black cloth awaiting their set as their opener, solo musician Abi Reimhold played a lovely one woman opening.

After Abi's set, the stage transformed... Clouds and roses abound... A projection of a ballerina that looked like the one that you found spinning round and round when you opened the box.

Upon stepping on the stage, James Alex said he and Charlie put their art degrees to use making all the sets and editing the footage for the show, saying that they had to do something in lieu of not being able to bring the string section on the show. It definitely set the mood for the intimate set.

Charlie a girl, but one that likely feels less comfortable in more feminine clothing, was wearing a warm golden yellow dress... she relayed that at another show, she ended up matching the backdrop curtains and that at this venue, she matched the pillows in the green room. I guess that's a possible casualty when choosing to wear velvet--matching furniture. James egged Charlie to yell “All Aboard!” several times during the show because he loves the way she delivers the line... she shyly did so, and it got the fans to attention every time, but it was Charlie’s sincere thank you to James... really got to me... she found a fit as the tour manager for both Beach and Quiet Slang and for the latter has become is the Cher to James’ s Sonny, stepping out from behind the curtains to share the stage with James. She talked of not fitting in and even being bullied but that being on the road with the band has helped her self esteem and has been a safe place for her.

For their last song, James said it was for all of us. A rebel yell of a tune... Warpaint for all of us.

This is probably thus far the most feels of a setlist that I've snatched. When I grabbed it, it had writing on the back... A letter like feel that made me think It was for someone else and then I realized it was to the person luck enough to grab the setlist.  What was written was this: “You aren't damaged. You aren't broken. You are enough and always have been.

-James Alex

P.S. You matter so much :)”

See... FEELS! And so needed in these days of being lost out there in this world that I'm not sure how to live in. As a single person and introvert, it's rare to hear or read such words so this note was very much appreciated. Thank you, James.

Sun June June 29, 2018 at Trunk Space, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Years Album]

Sun June's Phoenix show was at the Trunk Space, which I hadn't seen a show at since it's Grand Avenue days... So it was a whole bunch of new. New band new venue for me. There was, unfortunately not that many people in attendance that weren't apart of the band or the crew of trunk space... I decided to go last minute surprising my friends, Laura and Robden.  Trunk space was quite hot and I entered whilst local band Max El Nino We're performing. They were in these masks save the bassist who instead stood out with his green hair and was dressed in a jump...dress like something I wore when I was in Highschool... He had a non-gender vibe going and was rockin it. The drummer's mask was that of a Japanese Cat that looked like a character right of an anime I had just seen in which a Cat Statue at a Japanese Shrine helped make a wish come true for the protagonist who had wished upon it's shrine. The lead singer was in a dark mask... And their overall musical feel was dream poppy in a way I liked.

When Sun June came on... they literally filled the stage. There was banter about the Stage Troll... What his name was why he only had one ear and if the drummer would kiss it--the answer was a definite NO.

They had a very nice kid--new band on a tour air about them and chatted in between songs very openly and friendly-like. Their music was a bit indie folk country and sort of weaved between the genres seamlessly. 

The song that pushed me over the go or don't go threshold was one that had the line: "I had a dream..." I held fast to that song sentiment and didn't realize it was a relationship song until I went to the show... The line finishes with an "... about you." In my life I can drop the about you... dealing with a more solo personal individual battle... In any case, I was happy the song that got me to the show was a song that was played... The 2nd song in, no less. 2 has always been my favorite number.

After the show, we ponied up to the merch table and chatted with lead singer Laura whilst buying the latest album... I thanked her for playing Phoenix and wished them well on the rest of their tour.

A unique thing to note about their setlist is that it was written on graph paper... and on the back, someone was solving math equations.

Hovvdy May 13, 2018 at Rebel Lounge, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Cranberry Album]

After a fantastically weird set by Diners, Hovvdy stepped on the stage. This concert was a solid one, but for some reason, I was feeling the opening artist vs the main act... that isn't to say that Hovvdy weren't great... it's just that I was not quite in the mood for their more mellow music delivery in comparison to Diners, who hit me left of center with their quirkiness.

Quite the fluke, both Diners and Hovvdy had a mutual Coffee drop in lyrics in their sets... And I was hanging with my friend and fellow concert goer Allyson who is such a coffee drinker so I was texting her it's like they knew she was in attendance!

One song--a new one, was inspired by a friend of theirs and I liked the sentiment of the lyrics... A constant theme in their songs is reminiscing. I was happy to hear Petal live... It was the song that introduced me to their brand of music. Their last long was Brave, which is a word I desire to embody more in my life... Their songs have messages that I related with live and recorded. A review dropped the words wistful and longing, and I do agree.

A final not on the set list... it was written on Art grade paper and on the back, there was a sort of building floorplan drawn on it... with a tv in front...? At least that’s what I surmised... what do you think?

Vundabar April 1, 2018 at Rebel Lounge, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Smell Smoke Album]

Vundabar… I didn’t know what to expect from you… all I knew were a couple of songs from my SXSW 2018 research… what I got was way more than I was expecting… both in music and in hilarious-ness… I ended up updating my insta with the strange banter from the night in hashtag form… which was overload and reported as not meeting the guidelines for Instagram policies… what??? whatever… here’s the hilariousness from the first song to the last... all the banter documented:

#oncesomethingsswimmingitsafish #iliketofisharound #wheresyourpastels #salmoncolored #dresscode #imafish #turtlefish #sxswonestowatch #tooslippery #drivingishard #theturnstheturns #haveyoubeendrinkingnosirimafish #pulloutyourwhipcreampie #imnotafish #imafraud #imsorry #icantbreatheunderwater #alotofmyfriendarefish #allmyfriendsaretrash #idontknowwhatsgonnahappen #drewsstuck #igotstuckinmyshirtagain #gettheironclaws #igothimstuckmore #theresnothingtobedone #thisismyburden #myburdentocarry #dontsaveme #thisisyourcrosstobare #zombiemoves #thrilleresque #testingnewwaters #likeafish #sensitivetopicpal #wettrash #dontsayfishanymore #idancedforyouandnooneclapped #onewettrashtwpwettrashthreewettrashfour #whoahowdidyougetunstuck #thepowerofmusicman #nowyoureatunafish #whyareyoudoingthis #ivebeengoodtoyou #okaytheresgonnabeascathingyelpreview #onestar #justkidding #feelingalittledelirious #fathersmilk #sympatheticlactating #yougotnipplevasectomy #nopenotme #illnevernurseachild #playsomethingfunky #funkier #itriedmybest

Seriously wasn’t expecting such a fun and lively energetic band. I really liked the vocals of Lead singer, Brandon Hagen. Sort of deadpan like David Byrne, but also with a Country meets surf rock musicality at times... and definitely post punk. Sometimes Brandon would make weird high pitch sounds like a bird cawing... and sometimes he’d awkwardly dance. Sometimes Drew the Drummer would get stuck in his shirt, or play with his multitude of drumsticks... they are silly boys... but entertaining.

With all the fish talk, the song “Diver” was fitting right after Brandon fessed that he wasn't a fish... and was afraid because most of his friends were under the sea and what would they think? Ha. For some reason the song reminded me of Weezer’ meets Gomez’s “Airstream Driver”s “Sweater Song.”

The last song “Voodoo” felt very Rockabilly/Spaghetti Western with Brandon even donning a cowboy hat for more effect. There was no encore. They didn’t need one.

On a side note, I was glad to have a friend in the front row with me to enJOY the show with... I go to shows I go to because I like the band... I don’t go only if I have a friend to go with. I don't make suggestions to others to go with me... a long solo music goer, it’s often easier that way--especially when you are the front row girl... it’s definitely a more focused affair when you go alone. I prefer company only when it’s someone mutually digging the band, and my friend Allyson was a Vundabar fan from way, way back... unbeknownst to me until I clicked going on the FB event link. I often wonder how people craft their music likes these days, the web, Spotify and Pandora and Soundcloud and Bandcamp opening the music channels so wide. But what’s great about having someone with you is the memories you have together... you can reminisce together... “Remember that time we saw Vundabar...?”

This show was the first show after the death of my Indie Meet Up Group... I think it lives on in the action of enJOYing shows. Continuing to intake music like it’s sustenance... for me it is like food. I need it to live. I joke that I’m gonna be the elderly lady in the front row... but would that be so bad? I think I’m still in shock at the meet up shutting down, but it’s been quiet for so long, it was just time. But I know my love for music will continue.