Venue: 1919 Hemphill
Map: Click
Stoked for the second installment of the DFW Venue Review by yours truly? I am! The first one was in Dallas, now we’re going to take a little journey across the metroplex and talk about 1919 Hemphill in Fort Worth. A forewarning, a lot of these venues that I’ll be reviewing are small and quaint; you will often hear me saying (or reading, technically) that they provide an intimate performance. I’m sorry in advance for repeating myself, but hopefully, I will soon find a better and more appropriate word than intimate, but for now, please bear with me.
Alright, the first time I went to 1919, I drove right by it, three times actually, so if you’re not looking for it, you’d hardly know it was there. But once you know, you’ll sure be glad. 1919 is a quaint, kind of run-down venue, but its ruggedness is all part of its’ charm. 1919 first opened it’s doors in 2002 and has been operational ever since. One way it differs from almost all other venues in the area?? It is completely nonprofit and is fueled by donations and volunteers. The tickets are super crazy cheap (their website says tickets are $6, unless posted otherwise) so if and when you go, you might as well donate a few bucks to help the place out, ya hear??
Another interesting facet of 1919, is that it seems to be very politically active. When I was there a group of individuals associated with some political group gave a five minute and very moving speech about the war in Iraq and a protest that was going on in Dallas the following week, and everyone there seemed to have plans to attend. If you listen closely to people talking around you (aka eavesdrop) I assure you that you will hear deep meaningful things. If you’re about as uniformed as I am, this will drive you to go home and look up the things they were talking about.
1919 is a very community driven venue. It really is all about people helping people, this place. They offer their space up for various organizations and community efforts at no charge and maintain a free lending library (with some pretty radical literature) as well as a free secondhand store. They also have some pretty rad bleachers and when I was there, they had a rope attached to the rafters, which the kids promptly used to swing over the top of the crowd and jump//land on the people in front of them.
You oughta check it out, donate, read, listen to music, whatever, if for no other reason than because its completely different than anywhere else in DFW.
-Erilyn Daly
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010
National Music Review by T-Bone: Against Me!
Band: Against Me!
Website: http://www.myspace.com/againstme
Album/Release: I Was a Teenage Anarchist/6-8-2010
“White Crosses“, the title track of Against Me!’s newest album, soundslike a dozen songs you have heard before. Not necessarily bad, it’s just a nice, boring up tempo rocker. It is followed immediately by the first single off the album “Teenage Anarchist” a catchy little song that is certain to get them lots of radio play, making old people nostalgic for their imaginary punk rock past, and young people feel like they aren’t living life to it’s fullest. “Because of the Shame” has a nice piano and woo-oh intro , unfortunately The Gaslight Anthemdo this kind of ode-to-Springsteen a thousand times better.
Still it is the first song on the album I haven’t wanted to skip. The next song is called “Suffocation” and I just assume it’s about the pressure of not being able to make awesome music anymore because you signed to a major label and let Butch Vig produce your album. I do like the guitar tone on this song, and the harmonies on the chorus, but it just seems forced and fake. “We’re Breaking Up” starts off promising, and becomes the first sincere sounding song on the album. It’s overtly polished, but the lyrics and singing feel sincere and heartfelt, the piano is a nice touch and again the tone of the guitar is refreshing.. I personally would have released this as the single, but it doesn’t have that soccer dad vibe of “Teenage Anarchist” , so I guess it wasn’t a safe choice.
Bringing us to “High Pressure Low”, the guitar that starts this song off reminds me of something I listened to in middle school, not sure what, maybe Ned’s Atomic Dustbin or The Wonder Stuff? The guitarist is definitely ripping off a Grebo band, not that Against Me! or their fans, probably have any familiarity with Grebo, but I’m certain Butch Vig does. As the song continues I realize it is totally a Ned’s Atomic Dustbin guitar riff they are ripping off,
unfortunately stealing the riff doesn’t keep this song from sucking.
“Ache With Me” is the moment I dreaded, Against Me sound like Green Day on this song, which means they sound like a really watered down Kinks. As much as I despise that thought, I kind of enjoy the song. How weird is that? “Spanish Moss” starts off and again I think of the Gaslight Anthem, however as the song goes on it comes closer to old school Against Me than anything on this album. However it remains over polished and glossy, and the rage and anger in the chorus sounds almost comical, hampering the song from reaching anything other than mediocrity.
“Rapid Decompression” is enjoyable, but at the same time it kind of seems like they are mocking punk rock. Maybe that’s all they ever did and I missed it? Nah, they just sold out. “Bamboo Bones” I’m sorry but this song is just stupid, the lyrics made me laugh. Wow, this is so sad. Still I am sure there is someone out there who will find inspiration in this song, so hey, not a total loss, right?
The main problem is that Tom Gabel and crew have confused maturity and growth with mediocrity and stagnation. It sounds like they have become complacent with making mediocre music, which is sad considering all the potential their early work showed.. Major label money, and a big name producer has made this band impotent., and that is just sad.
-T-Bone
Website: http://www.myspace.com/againstme
Album/Release: I Was a Teenage Anarchist/6-8-2010
“White Crosses“, the title track of Against Me!’s newest album, soundslike a dozen songs you have heard before. Not necessarily bad, it’s just a nice, boring up tempo rocker. It is followed immediately by the first single off the album “Teenage Anarchist” a catchy little song that is certain to get them lots of radio play, making old people nostalgic for their imaginary punk rock past, and young people feel like they aren’t living life to it’s fullest. “Because of the Shame” has a nice piano and woo-oh intro , unfortunately The Gaslight Anthemdo this kind of ode-to-Springsteen a thousand times better.
Still it is the first song on the album I haven’t wanted to skip. The next song is called “Suffocation” and I just assume it’s about the pressure of not being able to make awesome music anymore because you signed to a major label and let Butch Vig produce your album. I do like the guitar tone on this song, and the harmonies on the chorus, but it just seems forced and fake. “We’re Breaking Up” starts off promising, and becomes the first sincere sounding song on the album. It’s overtly polished, but the lyrics and singing feel sincere and heartfelt, the piano is a nice touch and again the tone of the guitar is refreshing.. I personally would have released this as the single, but it doesn’t have that soccer dad vibe of “Teenage Anarchist” , so I guess it wasn’t a safe choice.
Bringing us to “High Pressure Low”, the guitar that starts this song off reminds me of something I listened to in middle school, not sure what, maybe Ned’s Atomic Dustbin or The Wonder Stuff? The guitarist is definitely ripping off a Grebo band, not that Against Me! or their fans, probably have any familiarity with Grebo, but I’m certain Butch Vig does. As the song continues I realize it is totally a Ned’s Atomic Dustbin guitar riff they are ripping off,
unfortunately stealing the riff doesn’t keep this song from sucking.
“Ache With Me” is the moment I dreaded, Against Me sound like Green Day on this song, which means they sound like a really watered down Kinks. As much as I despise that thought, I kind of enjoy the song. How weird is that? “Spanish Moss” starts off and again I think of the Gaslight Anthem, however as the song goes on it comes closer to old school Against Me than anything on this album. However it remains over polished and glossy, and the rage and anger in the chorus sounds almost comical, hampering the song from reaching anything other than mediocrity.
“Rapid Decompression” is enjoyable, but at the same time it kind of seems like they are mocking punk rock. Maybe that’s all they ever did and I missed it? Nah, they just sold out. “Bamboo Bones” I’m sorry but this song is just stupid, the lyrics made me laugh. Wow, this is so sad. Still I am sure there is someone out there who will find inspiration in this song, so hey, not a total loss, right?
The main problem is that Tom Gabel and crew have confused maturity and growth with mediocrity and stagnation. It sounds like they have become complacent with making mediocre music, which is sad considering all the potential their early work showed.. Major label money, and a big name producer has made this band impotent., and that is just sad.
-T-Bone
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
DFW Venues by Erilyn Daly: The Prophet Bar
Venue: The Prophet Bar
Map: Click
The Gypsy Tea Room closed and The Door took it’s place. We all know this, well if you live in DFW you probably do. Especially because anyone who knows anything about venues in DFW knows The Door, where local bands and national touring bands can and often do share the same stage. I want to bring to your attention one place we are often quick to overlook: The Prophet Bar. The Prophet Bar is a quaint, often forgotten, but none-the-less memorable, bar attached to the backside of The Door in downtown Dallas. Not only is it a bar, but, like it’s big brother The Door, it also hosts live music. Although it definitely has a very indie vibe, it doesn’t just host indie bands. It hosts a wide array of bands from goth, to electro, pop-punk and otherwise.
Name a genre, and I guarantee you they’ve had a band from it. Not only do they play host to a wide array of music, they also host many bands from different countries. Just this month they have a band from England playing; they also have a canceled show posted because one of the bands couldn’t make it into the country!! Unfortunate for them and their fans, but funny for the reader.
Another cool thing about the Prophet Bar: If you pay for a show at The Door, you can mosey on over to the Prophet Bar through the double doors that separate the two. Because The Door tickets are more expensive, you can go into The Prophet Bar for free!! Two shows for the price of one. Wicked, eh?? I’ll admit the first time I went to the Prophet Bar it was because I was seeing Sullivan (R.I.P. Man I miss that band!!), and I followed the singer over there because he was omg so super cute!! I’m a creeper I know, but that’s beside the point, because that’s when I found out first hand you that can go there when you pay for the Door!! The feel I get from the Prophet Bar venue is that they put on a more quant and intimate show—very enjoyable! ‘
Wanna know another cool thing about the Prophet Bar?? Every Wednesday night they hold a “Jam Session” (which is basically an open-mike night), so not only can you WATCH music at the Prophet Bar, but you can also PLAY music at the Prophet Bar. Another bonus: if you’re over 21 they have cheap drinks and friendly bartenders. Definitely a place you need to checkout.
Map: Click
The Gypsy Tea Room closed and The Door took it’s place. We all know this, well if you live in DFW you probably do. Especially because anyone who knows anything about venues in DFW knows The Door, where local bands and national touring bands can and often do share the same stage. I want to bring to your attention one place we are often quick to overlook: The Prophet Bar. The Prophet Bar is a quaint, often forgotten, but none-the-less memorable, bar attached to the backside of The Door in downtown Dallas. Not only is it a bar, but, like it’s big brother The Door, it also hosts live music. Although it definitely has a very indie vibe, it doesn’t just host indie bands. It hosts a wide array of bands from goth, to electro, pop-punk and otherwise.
Name a genre, and I guarantee you they’ve had a band from it. Not only do they play host to a wide array of music, they also host many bands from different countries. Just this month they have a band from England playing; they also have a canceled show posted because one of the bands couldn’t make it into the country!! Unfortunate for them and their fans, but funny for the reader.
Another cool thing about the Prophet Bar: If you pay for a show at The Door, you can mosey on over to the Prophet Bar through the double doors that separate the two. Because The Door tickets are more expensive, you can go into The Prophet Bar for free!! Two shows for the price of one. Wicked, eh?? I’ll admit the first time I went to the Prophet Bar it was because I was seeing Sullivan (R.I.P. Man I miss that band!!), and I followed the singer over there because he was omg so super cute!! I’m a creeper I know, but that’s beside the point, because that’s when I found out first hand you that can go there when you pay for the Door!! The feel I get from the Prophet Bar venue is that they put on a more quant and intimate show—very enjoyable! ‘
Wanna know another cool thing about the Prophet Bar?? Every Wednesday night they hold a “Jam Session” (which is basically an open-mike night), so not only can you WATCH music at the Prophet Bar, but you can also PLAY music at the Prophet Bar. Another bonus: if you’re over 21 they have cheap drinks and friendly bartenders. Definitely a place you need to checkout.
New Movie Review by Matt Arnold: Prince of Persia
Movie: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Director: Mike Newell
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is the next in a long line of summer blockbuster films that will be coming out this year. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a street rat turned Prince, Dastan, Gemma Arterton as Princess Tamina, Sir Ben Kingsley as the King’s Brother, Nizam, and Alfred Molina as the owner and operator of an ostrich racing arena Sheik Amar. It is directed by Mike Newell, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, and is brought to us by mega producer extraordinaire Jerry Bruckheimer, Pirates of The Caribbean , Gone In 60 Seconds and a little TV series by the name of CSI: Las New Miami York Vegas.
So with it being a Summer Blockbuster and/or a Bruckheimer film there are a number of things to expect when watching it, big action scenes, a romance story, big name actors, the comic relief character and the “I already know who the bad guys is” villain. The story is a retelling of the Popular video game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. It follows Prince Dastan while he is the run with the Dagger of Time in hand. It is the very standard tale of someone trying to prove they are innocent of a crime they didn’t commit, but at one point in the movie they did something that I was not expecting which was very refreshing to see.
There is also some social commentary about the war in Iraq but it feels more like a cheap shot then a necessary plot point. All the actors deliver their roles very well and I cared about them all. The only weak point really was the love story between Dastan and Tamina. It felt forced and played the opposite attract angle a little too hard. But Alfred Molina’s comic turn as the tax evading, capitalistic, ostrich-racing Amar is a standout and almost felt like “Jack Sparrow of Arabia” to me. The action is very good and has everything; swordplay, sand storms, epic battles, free running, and some nice CG effects. The showdown between Dastan and the Hassansins was memorable to say the least.
Prince of Persia is a very enjoyable and is easily worth the price of admission. It is also the best video game movie since Tomb Raider, which you may take how you want.
Director: Mike Newell
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is the next in a long line of summer blockbuster films that will be coming out this year. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a street rat turned Prince, Dastan, Gemma Arterton as Princess Tamina, Sir Ben Kingsley as the King’s Brother, Nizam, and Alfred Molina as the owner and operator of an ostrich racing arena Sheik Amar. It is directed by Mike Newell, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, and is brought to us by mega producer extraordinaire Jerry Bruckheimer, Pirates of The Caribbean , Gone In 60 Seconds and a little TV series by the name of CSI: Las New Miami York Vegas.
So with it being a Summer Blockbuster and/or a Bruckheimer film there are a number of things to expect when watching it, big action scenes, a romance story, big name actors, the comic relief character and the “I already know who the bad guys is” villain. The story is a retelling of the Popular video game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. It follows Prince Dastan while he is the run with the Dagger of Time in hand. It is the very standard tale of someone trying to prove they are innocent of a crime they didn’t commit, but at one point in the movie they did something that I was not expecting which was very refreshing to see.
There is also some social commentary about the war in Iraq but it feels more like a cheap shot then a necessary plot point. All the actors deliver their roles very well and I cared about them all. The only weak point really was the love story between Dastan and Tamina. It felt forced and played the opposite attract angle a little too hard. But Alfred Molina’s comic turn as the tax evading, capitalistic, ostrich-racing Amar is a standout and almost felt like “Jack Sparrow of Arabia” to me. The action is very good and has everything; swordplay, sand storms, epic battles, free running, and some nice CG effects. The showdown between Dastan and the Hassansins was memorable to say the least.
Prince of Persia is a very enjoyable and is easily worth the price of admission. It is also the best video game movie since Tomb Raider, which you may take how you want.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Local Band of the Week by Erilyn Daly
Band: Belle Epoque/ Sound Revival
Home Town: Mansfield, TX
Hello, I’m Erilyn, and I’m a music addict. (Hi, Erilyn). It really took a lot for me to admit this and share it with you guys today, but I fear it is true. It all started at the tender age of…why you don’t care about all that!! You already know my name, now you just need to know what I’m all about—music. Oh, and that I’m the Part Time Assistant Manager at the Grapevine Mills Hot Topic, I love music and I am here to share awesome local bands with you and tell you cool places you need to checkout. Let’s get this $#!^ started. (Insert fist pump here.)
Here it is folks, the first local band of this week!! This local band of the week is special not only because it’s the first but because it kind of consists of two bands: Belle Epoque and The Sound Revival who hail from Mansfield, TX.
First, let’s start with Belle Epoque. I remember when I first heard about this band; it was also the first time I ever saw them live. It was at the Door in Fort Worth and they shared the stage with Oh, Sleeper and Sky Eats Airplane (before the singer up and left). Which, if you’re looking for a band to compare them to, Oh, Sleeper is a band they kind of sound like. Unfortunately, this local band of the week comes a little bit too late. I’m afraid the five person hardcore group known as Belle Epoque (they pronounced it Belle Epic) have called it quits after three years and are now moving forward as “The Sound Revival.” They released three EP’s, first just a demo, then “Our Bodies” and lastly, “Wicked Ones and Thieves,” my personal favorite.
Now, let’s talk about The Sound Revival. I talked to these guys about the reason for the change and they replied with this: “It really is true, asking The Sound Revival about today’s heavy bands would be like asking your great grandpa about the internet; we just don’t understand it anymore, haha.” Obviously, they will not be playing hardcore music and will be taking their sound in a new direction. They also said that others have compared their transition into this new band (which isn’t really new, it’s comprised of the same guys, just a new genre) as a kind of growing up for the band. Stay tuned and keep your eyes on this band, guys, Belle Epoque was good, but I bet their new project will be even better.
-Erilyn Daly
Home Town: Mansfield, TX
Hello, I’m Erilyn, and I’m a music addict. (Hi, Erilyn). It really took a lot for me to admit this and share it with you guys today, but I fear it is true. It all started at the tender age of…why you don’t care about all that!! You already know my name, now you just need to know what I’m all about—music. Oh, and that I’m the Part Time Assistant Manager at the Grapevine Mills Hot Topic, I love music and I am here to share awesome local bands with you and tell you cool places you need to checkout. Let’s get this $#!^ started. (Insert fist pump here.)
Here it is folks, the first local band of this week!! This local band of the week is special not only because it’s the first but because it kind of consists of two bands: Belle Epoque and The Sound Revival who hail from Mansfield, TX.
First, let’s start with Belle Epoque. I remember when I first heard about this band; it was also the first time I ever saw them live. It was at the Door in Fort Worth and they shared the stage with Oh, Sleeper and Sky Eats Airplane (before the singer up and left). Which, if you’re looking for a band to compare them to, Oh, Sleeper is a band they kind of sound like. Unfortunately, this local band of the week comes a little bit too late. I’m afraid the five person hardcore group known as Belle Epoque (they pronounced it Belle Epic) have called it quits after three years and are now moving forward as “The Sound Revival.” They released three EP’s, first just a demo, then “Our Bodies” and lastly, “Wicked Ones and Thieves,” my personal favorite.
Now, let’s talk about The Sound Revival. I talked to these guys about the reason for the change and they replied with this: “It really is true, asking The Sound Revival about today’s heavy bands would be like asking your great grandpa about the internet; we just don’t understand it anymore, haha.” Obviously, they will not be playing hardcore music and will be taking their sound in a new direction. They also said that others have compared their transition into this new band (which isn’t really new, it’s comprised of the same guys, just a new genre) as a kind of growing up for the band. Stay tuned and keep your eyes on this band, guys, Belle Epoque was good, but I bet their new project will be even better.
-Erilyn Daly
Local Music Review by Mike Lee: Oh, Sleeper
Band: Oh, Sleeper
Album: "Son Of The Morning" Release Aug 25th 2009
Sounds Like: Underoath As I Lay Dying
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX
Oh, Sleeper had been growing their fan base since forming in Dallas, Texas around 2006. The band has released two albums so far on Solid State Records and has toured all over America. They also have had over 5 million plays on myspace.
Their newest record “Son of The Morning” showcases how far this band has come in a short time. The title track of the EP starts off with Micah Kindards powerful screams and then comes the wall of guitars masterminded by Shane Blay former Between The Buried and Me guitarist. On this album Blay takes on a much larger role not only writing all most all of the songs as well as singing the clean vocal tracks on the album. This is a new thing for Oh, Sleeper that was not present on their 1st album. Blay’s vocals though add a lot to the band though and are able to really give them more dimension in their songs.
Other stand out tracks include “The Finisher” and “World With Out the Sun”. Highly advice use to pick up this album as well as their 1st “Vices Like Vipers” and show your support for the bands that have made it out of our scene here in Texas!
-Mike Lee
Album: "Son Of The Morning" Release Aug 25th 2009
Sounds Like: Underoath As I Lay Dying
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX
Oh, Sleeper had been growing their fan base since forming in Dallas, Texas around 2006. The band has released two albums so far on Solid State Records and has toured all over America. They also have had over 5 million plays on myspace.
Their newest record “Son of The Morning” showcases how far this band has come in a short time. The title track of the EP starts off with Micah Kindards powerful screams and then comes the wall of guitars masterminded by Shane Blay former Between The Buried and Me guitarist. On this album Blay takes on a much larger role not only writing all most all of the songs as well as singing the clean vocal tracks on the album. This is a new thing for Oh, Sleeper that was not present on their 1st album. Blay’s vocals though add a lot to the band though and are able to really give them more dimension in their songs.
Other stand out tracks include “The Finisher” and “World With Out the Sun”. Highly advice use to pick up this album as well as their 1st “Vices Like Vipers” and show your support for the bands that have made it out of our scene here in Texas!
-Mike Lee
Local Music Review by Mike Lee: Sky Eats Airplane
Band: SkyEats Airplane
Album: "The Sound of Symmetry"
Sounds Like: Attack Attack!, Underoath
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX
Hey everyone this week we are reviewing the Ft.Worth, Texas based band Sky Eats Airplane. The band gained fame in 2006 with their EP “Everything Perfect” and then followed up with a release on Equal Visions Records entitled “Sky Eats Airplane” in 2008. The band toured the country and was blowing up on Myspace but unfortunately they lost some members including their singer and the future was looking bleak for the band for a while.
The good news is the band is back and stronger than ever with their new EP “The Sound of Symmetry”. It is a 3 song EP available on Shockhound.com. The title track “The Sound of Symmetry” is one of the best screamo songs if not the best I have ever heard. The band takes their math metal, electronica, and screamo to new heights that in my opinion have not been conquered yet.
The band's drummer Travis Orbin will give Neil Pert a run for his money and if you do not believe me go check him out on you tube. They twin guitar attack of Zack Ordway and Lee Duck has the massive sound of Meshuggah but brings the hooks that are extremely melodic yet musically extremely complex. The bands new singer Bryan Zimmerman also does a great job stepping up to the plate and filling the role of the front man.
I think if the band can continue to write songs like the ones on this EP the sky is the limit and we have only just begun to see the potential of this band. Sky Eats Airplane is touring all summer and hopefully will be releasing a full record in the fall! Go buy this EP on Itunes and please go see them live!
-Mike Lee
Album: "The Sound of Symmetry"
Sounds Like: Attack Attack!, Underoath
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX
Hey everyone this week we are reviewing the Ft.Worth, Texas based band Sky Eats Airplane. The band gained fame in 2006 with their EP “Everything Perfect” and then followed up with a release on Equal Visions Records entitled “Sky Eats Airplane” in 2008. The band toured the country and was blowing up on Myspace but unfortunately they lost some members including their singer and the future was looking bleak for the band for a while.
The good news is the band is back and stronger than ever with their new EP “The Sound of Symmetry”. It is a 3 song EP available on Shockhound.com. The title track “The Sound of Symmetry” is one of the best screamo songs if not the best I have ever heard. The band takes their math metal, electronica, and screamo to new heights that in my opinion have not been conquered yet.
The band's drummer Travis Orbin will give Neil Pert a run for his money and if you do not believe me go check him out on you tube. They twin guitar attack of Zack Ordway and Lee Duck has the massive sound of Meshuggah but brings the hooks that are extremely melodic yet musically extremely complex. The bands new singer Bryan Zimmerman also does a great job stepping up to the plate and filling the role of the front man.
I think if the band can continue to write songs like the ones on this EP the sky is the limit and we have only just begun to see the potential of this band. Sky Eats Airplane is touring all summer and hopefully will be releasing a full record in the fall! Go buy this EP on Itunes and please go see them live!
-Mike Lee
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