Sounds Rad Media

John O’Callaghan / Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel 

Providence, RI

John O’Callaghan

John O’Callaghan 

The Maine / Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel / Providence, RI

Garrett Nickelsen 

Kennedy Brock and John O’Callaghan

The Maine / Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel / Providence, RI

The Maine / Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel / Providence, RI

American Lines Tour

@themaineband

Last night, Julien Baker’s set stopped time right before the eyes of her sold out show at Rough Trade in Brooklyn. Baker, seemingly shy and most gracious, walked on stage and wasted no time setting up loops for her first song of the night, “Sprained Ankle”. The crowd gazed in awe and in complete silence as Baker’s sweeping riffs and emotional vocals echoed throughout the venue. All eyes were fixed on center stage as she flowed through her heart-wrenching debut album Sprained Ankle. Baker’s commentary between tunes served to remind the crowd that she was very grateful and almost a little nervous to be playing for such an attentive audience. However, it was evident that the crowd was equally grateful to be in the presence of Baker, as well. Throughout the evening, especially during songs such as “Brittle Boned” and “Rejoice”, numerous people around me were reaching for tissues, wiping tears, and swaying along to beautiful melodies. At the conclusion of her set, the impressive 20 year old walked off stage to a roaring and sincere applause. She came back out for an encore, jokingly saying that she thought “we were all eventually going to stop clapping.” Baker finished the show with the last track of her album, also a highlight of the show, called “Go Home”. Overall, Julien Baker left the audience with something special shared between all.

Catch @julienbaker on tour:

01/26/2016  Washington, DC - DC9  01/27/2016  Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle Back Room 01/28/2016  Atlanta, GA - Aisle 5  02/22/2016  Seattle, WA - Vera Project  02/23/2016  Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios 02/25/2016  San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill  02/26/2016  Los Angeles, CA - Center for the Arts Eagle Rock  02/27/2016  San Diego, CA - Irenic  03/15/2016 - 03/20/2016 Austin, TX - SXSW  05/13/2016 - 05/15/2016 Atlanta, GA - Centennial Olympic Park 

1989 World Tour - Gillette Stadium, night 2 - 2015

                                                                                               Photo: Megan Greer

The first time I saw a live performance by Bonsai Trees was at our high school pep rally. (Fun fact: Yes, we are all from the same town!!!!!) Anyways...since then, I’ve kept a close eye on the band and have been constantly impressed with how their sound has developed over the years. Though it’s been two years since their last release, their latest EP release, Live Free And Die, once again proves them to be a dynamic force with incredible talent. 

Together, singer James MacPherson and drummer Nick Sokol have composed, written, and compiled an impressive EP filled with memorable songs. As each track leads into the next, Live Free And Die provides a raw and authentic showcase of indie-rock, which is rare to find these days.

The opening song, “She Ain’t Coming Back”, is a hard-hitting and energetic track. The powerful guitar riffs, busy drums and strong vocals are remindful of The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys, in the best way possible. “Force Me” (my personal favorite) and “Cheater” reveal how the band has matured lyrically and melodically. The intricate bass lines and outstanding drums and vocals capture the heavy emotion and meaning in both tracks. 

The fourth track, “Marina”, is a catchy song filled with groovy rhythm guitar and a drum and bass combo that keeps the song moving in an energized way. Finally, the title track “Live Free And Die”, is a poignant and affecting song. It begins gently with an acoustic guitar riff and slowly unfolds into a collection of striking guitar riffs, full band breakdowns and emotional vocals. The bridge and the outro of the album both bring things together with a despondent yet remarkable conclusion. 

Overall, Live Free And Die is a very notable collection of tunes and I highly recommend you to take a listen or multiple listens! Here’s to a VERY seemingly promising future for Bonsai Trees!!!

Check out Bonsai Trees:

1989 World Tour

Gillette Stadium - 7/25/15

The Technicolors in NYC - 5/7/15