Beirut @ Pioneer Courthouse Square
Words cannot describe how incredibly excited I am to see Beirut live. I first fell in love with the folksy sounds of Beirut after hearing the song "Carousels" from the 2007 EP, "Lon Gisland." I wanted to experience all things Beirut ever since. They're the reason why I learned to play the ukelele! Hehe.
Beirut was created by Zach Condon, a high school drop out from New Mexico, who traveled around Europe at the age of 17 and subsequently became inspired to make music. Condon produced his first album, Gulag Orkestar, in his bedroom while a student at the University of New Mexico in 2005.
The "Lon Gisland" EP followed shortly thereafter, along with "The Flying Club Cup" album (2007). Beirut's latest album is "The Rip Tide" (2011) and it's super chill and contemplative. By the way, Beirut isn't a one-man show. Condon employs the help of five other band members who play the accordian, cello, drums, bass, french horn, trumpet, glockenspiel, trombone and tuba. Condon plays the trumpet, flugelhorn and ukelele. :D The track below is #7 on Condon's latest album, "Rip Tide."
Fort Lean @ Branx
I had never heard of Fort Lean until I found them on the MFNW lineup. Apparently, they're new to the music scene as they released their first self-titled EP in April 2011. I liked their promo track, "Beach Holiday" on the MFNW website. It's the first track on their self-titled 2011 EP. Since I'm going to be at Branx this Friday and they're playing before Future Islands (another band I want to see), I figured it would be a good opportunity to see what they're all about in a live setting.
Fort Lean's latest production is a two track album entitled "Sunsick" from February 2012. The first track is called "Sunsick" and the second track is titled "The Precinct." You can listen to the first track below. I really dig it and I can't wait to hear more on Friday! For downloads and more info, click here.
Future Islands @ Branx
I'm so stoked to see Future Islands live. This band reminds me of The National, Interpol and Koop. I actually had a chance to see Interpol while I was attending university in Japan back in 2005/2006. They were playing at some tiny club in Osaka and it was like $50 admission or something like that. A friend of mine who was teaching English in Osaka at the time, called me up one night and basically said: "Hey, there's an Interpol show tonight. Let's go!" What I should have said was, "Hell yeah. Where is it? I'll meet you there." Instead, I was put off by the short notice and the cover charge and I told him I'd pass.
What...a....f*cking...idiot...I....am. Haha. Still regretting it. Eternally raw.
So, I feel like this is kind of my chance to redeem myself. Future Islands (Sam Herring, Gerrit Welmers and William Cashion) is the same sort of flavor as Interpol. Dark, intense, dreary, introspective and, therefore, magically delicious. I'm really digging the song called "Balance." It's Track 8 on the latest album, "On The Water" (2011).
What...a....f*cking...idiot...I....am. Haha. Still regretting it. Eternally raw.
So, I feel like this is kind of my chance to redeem myself. Future Islands (Sam Herring, Gerrit Welmers and William Cashion) is the same sort of flavor as Interpol. Dark, intense, dreary, introspective and, therefore, magically delicious. I'm really digging the song called "Balance." It's Track 8 on the latest album, "On The Water" (2011).
From what I understand, the lead singer, Sam Herring, is quite a live performer. So, I can't wait to end my Friday night at Branx with this band. I'll leave you with another favorite song of mine. It's Track 1 from the On The Water album. Enjoy!
