What is your favorite genre of music to listen to?

“I was raised on rock and roll; my dad raised me on classic rock, old school, everything, so I feel like traditional music is what I was always into, but then as I started venturing out on my own, I started getting into alternative music, so I would say that alternative is definitely my #1.”

How long have you been listening to alternative music?

“Probably since eighth grade or my freshman year of high school.”

How would you describe your music taste?

“People are really surprised when they hear my music, like weird Indie songs that they’ve never heard of, and then they see pictures of me at bass music shows and country concerts and think, ‘What?!’. I really just like music for the meaning that the artist is going for, not just for the sound. I feel like my taste in music is super broad because of that, like I can listen to anything and still get down to it and have a good time.”

What are you recommending that I review?

“Catfish and the Bottlemen’s first album, The Balcony. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of them…they’re an alternative rock band from Wales, UK. They’re super cool, they’re great. I’ve seen them six times…in Chicago four times, Milwaukee and in Columbus. Anyway, the album is full of crazy emotions. It’s about heartbreak, love and kind of just growing away from people and growing as a person. It’s full of rock songs that just speak to you. The reason I got so into them is because I saw their show at Lolla in 2015, and the way that they performed just blew me away, so that night, I went home and Googled everything about them, found out they would be in Chicago again a few months later, and bought tickets instantly. That’s how it all began. Their stage presence is unreal. They put on a crazy show. After that, I got super into them and listened to this album from start to finish. It’s like a book or a story. They’re just a really lyrical band and that’s what I like about them.”

I had the pleasure of spending my morning in a Greyhound bus on the way from Iowa City to Minneapolis for the weekend, so I decided to listen to this entire album in one sitting. It was a good way to pass the time, as I could physically not sleep any more. After I finished, I did some research. As Ali mentioned, Catfish and the Bottlemen is a group from the UK who’s been around for over a decade now. Fun fact: when the band first got together, they were known as The Prestige!

The Balcony was released in the UK in mid-2014, right before the band was set to go on tour throughout the area. It was then released in the USA in the beginning of the following year. It consists of 11 tracks, taking up just a little over a half an hour of one’s time. Apart from this one, Catfish and the Bottlemen also have another album, a couple EPs and around a dozen singles. If you’re interested in reading more about them, here is the link to their website.

Like my first album review, I’m just going to choose my favorite and least favorite songs from The Balcony. It doesn’t mean they’re terrible or Ali is terrible or you shouldn’t listen to them, it’s JUST MY OPINION *vine reference*. Anyway. Here they are.

I figured I should start on a low note so I could end on a positive note, so the song I liked the least was “Cocoon”. I don’t want to use the term “dislike”, because I really don’t have a problem with it! There were other tracks on the album that I didn’t feel any type of way about, but this one just kind of made me have mixed emotions. In comparison to the other songs, this one is really weak vocally. I found that the lead singer really rips his vocal chords up in the chorus in most of the other songs, so I was kind of disappointed that he didn’t in this one. Otherwise, it’s a good jam! It just was a let down in comparison to the rest of the album. Listen to it yourself here.

My favorite song on this album is predictable…”Kathleen”. I feel like if you have ever heard of Catfish and the Bottlemen, it’s this song that you’ve listened to. I love Van’s voice in this track. It’s so intense and gravely and ughhhh just so good. The instruments used behind the vocals when the lyrics start remind me of that of “Paris” by Magic Man. If you haven’t listened to that song, definitely give it a go, but that’s another discussion for another review. You will not regret listening to “Kathleen”, believe me!

Overall, this album was a nice one to listen to while driving the most boring drive known to mankind. I sort of wish it was a little longer by a couple of tracks, but beggars can’t be choosers. Since Ali told me that this entire album was a story about a relationship, I could totally tell when listening to the lyrics. Something else that I noticed is that in nearly all of the songs, the sound before and after the chorus is soooo much more relaxed than the chorus itself, like there is a drastic change in the music during the chorus. It almost goes 0-100…the vocals grow more intense, almost yelling, the drums come in all at once, the guitar is nearly overwhelming. The songs almost do a complete 180 when the chorus hits. That made the album overall kind of monotonous…I knew what to expect in every song. I think if I listened to this album shuffled in with the rest of my music, I would definitely be fine, but having eleven of the same kind of songs in a row gets boring.

I am 100% adding the Catfish and the Bottlemen radio station onto my Pandora shuffle! I think that they are a really talented group, I just can be picky. I like change, I don’t like knowing what is going to happen when the next song starts. Maybe that’s just me, I dunno. You’re entitled to your own opinion! It just may not be the correct one. ;-)

If you want to listen to the entire album, which I think you should, just to see where I’m coming from, here ya go!

Shameless Instagram plug; follow me if you’re down, here.

The post The Rolling Bean: “The Balcony” by Catfish and the Bottlemen appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Givers is best described as modern indie island or Afro-pop. The band formed in 2008 in response to displacement from Hurricane Katrina. Members Tiffany Lamson and Taylor Guarisco were forced to leave their freshmen year at the University of New Orleans and return to their hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. The duo began to jam together and encouraged high school friends Kirby Campbell, Josh LeBlanc, and Will Henderson to join in. When they signed their record deal with Glassnote Records, Henderson was replaced by Nick Stephan. Alas, Givers is born.

The band gelled from the start and found success from their 2010 album In Light. The group has performed at Coachella, Lollapalooza, New Orleans Jazz Fest, and will be at Bonnaroo this year. Their album New Kingdom was released November 13th of this year. Several upcoming shows are listed on their website.

I was initially drawn to the album because of the sweet cover art. The visual art is very compatible with the idea of a “new kingdom” created by the record. If you buy the physical album, the lyric insert includes several more fascinating photos of the band wearing outfits and accessories made of aluminum tarps. Check it out if you can!

1. Intro
The intro is just a quick 60-second instrumental that sets the tone for the record. I could take it or leave it.

2. Bermuda
The complex rhythms, overlapping percussion, and electronic keyboards right at the beginning are a common attribute of Givers’ sound. I really can’t make out the lyrics at all, but it’s a catchy tune nonetheless. This song is far from boring with its many musically interesting components.

3. Remember
So much of this album is just fun to listen to. The album keeps me entertained on long, boring bus rides across campus. The vocals are slightly better enunciated for “Remember,” but the rhythm and overall “feel” is obviously the focus for all of their music.

4. Sure Thang
It’s a “Sure Thang” that this song makes me want to take a vacation to this New Kingdom they speak of. The experimental static noises and rudimentary snare drum contrast nicely with island vibes created by the keyboard and vocal harmonies.

5. Mother Of Love
“Who will guide you baby? You’ll find it’s the Mother of Love.” I’m still trying to figure out what this song means. It sounds so cool that I get distracted from the lyrics to enjoy the overall experience. She repeats many things about reaching out to grasp it, keep asking questions, and other motivational cues. So many of us are searching for love; not just romantic, but through our family, friends, and passions as well. Givers encourages you to keep searching.

6. Growls
“Growls” does not stick out for me on this album. None of the elements are noteworthy in comparison to the rest of the tracks. The best parts are the many transitions from melody to electronic dance grooves, but it gets repetitive.

7. Blinking
Lamson and Guarisco’s vocals are so clear in this track; it’s a noticeable distinction from the mumbles in “Growls” and “Bermuda.” Even though parts of the song are slow and dreamlike, there is an ever-present pulsing in the background to keep the groove going. It’s fun to pay attention to the rise and fall of the backbeat to anticipate the “drop.”

8. Record High, Record Low
This is the first single from the album, and also my favorite track. We previewed “Record High, Record Low” during a Writers’ Room show (every Sunday 12pm-1pm on 89.7FM!) and everyone seemed to enjoy its laid-back, merry quality. Someone mentioned that this song sets the scene for a leisurely bike ride along a California boardwalk. You get extra points if you can make it through the entire audio music video watching the ground shift back and forth.

9. Sleeper Hold
I don’t know what it is about this song, but it just fades into the background for me. The simpler parts are more interesting because it’s uncommon in other tracks, but the songs all kind of start to sound the same to me at this point of the album.

10. Shaky But True
When I first had to clear this album for air using FCC rules, I really thought the f-word was used multiple times. Once I checked the lyric sheet, I realized she’s just singing “If I could look through it” artistically. Could be on purpose, but probably isn’t. Either way, it’s the only thing I can focus on while the song plays.

11. Wishing Well
Bad song to listen to if you have a headache, but great for roller-blading or other 90’s themed cardio activities. All members of the band play percussion at some point, which makes sense because it NEVER ENDS. New Kingdom definitely encourages dancing.

12. Layback
This follows Givers’ template of alternating male/female vocals, rhythmic groove, and electronic keyboards. Just adding whispers and syncopation really helps Layback stand out as a unique component of the album. However, I do find myself adjusting the volume up and down quite a bit; they often start wailing after softer moments and vice versa. Also: WHAT ARE THEY SAYING? I’d be lost without a lyric sheet. It’s so weird how some songs have clear vocals while others are completely muddled. 

13. Lightning
Ooh, something different! This song is vastly distinct from the rest of the album. It is much more mellow; almost dark. I’m surprised that the band chose to end on a slow note, but it does act as a cool down from the dance party. If you set a workout to this album, now would be the time to stretch. Overall the band is talented, groovy, and I will probably listen to this album many times.

Grade: B

Listen to the full album here:

The post Album Review: “New Kingdom” by Givers appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Counterpoint Music Festival

April 25-27, 2014 in Kingston Downs, Georgia

$199 (GA Camping)

This three-day festival features four music stages. Counterpoint also has an Art Village which features artists from all over the world displaying their work.

The 2014 line-up includes: : Outkast, Pretty Lights, J. Cole, Major Lazer, Chance the Rapper, Sleigh Bells, Rubblebucket, and Tycho.

Hangout Music Fest

May 16-18 in Gulf Shores, Alabama

$229 (GA)

This beachfront music festival features six stages and boasts over 70+ bands. A guaranteed beach party, located only a few miles away from the Florida border. This festival does not include camping, though a wristband guarantees admission for all three days.

The 2014 line-up includes: The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Outkast, The Flaming Lips, The Killers, Bastille, Le1f, and STS9.

Sasquatch Music Festival

May 23-25 and July 4-6 in Quincy, Washington

$337.50 (GA)

This Washington festival has not yet released their 2014 line-up yet, but it’s worth noting that last year’s tickets sold out in 90 minutes. It featured Mumford and Sons, The XX, Sigur Ros, Grimes, Tame Impala, and Earl Sweatshirt. If last year’s line-up is any indication of the festival’s standards, this year’s line-up is sure to be impressive once again.

Governors Ball

June 6-8 in Randall’s Island, New York

$230 (GA)

This New York festival is like Lollapalooza and Hangout, no camping available. Each day, the music begins around noon and goes until about midnight. A fun fact is that fest-goers can arrive by ferry!

The 2014 line-up includes: Outkast, Vampire Weekend, James Blake, Disclosure, Grimes, Kurt Vile, and Banks.

Firefly Music Festival

June 19-22, 2014 in Dover, Delaware

$299 (GA Camping)

This Red Frog Events-sponsored festival includes six stages, a craft beer bar, an arcade, group yoga, and an area called Hammock Hangout.

The 2014 line-up includes: Foo Fighters, Outkast, Local Natives, Portugal The Man, Washed Out, Tune-yards, and Iron and Wine (just to name a few).

Outside Lands Festival

August 8-10, 2014 in San Francisco, California

$249 (GA)

This late summer festival is a three-day experience in Golden Gate Park. The 2014 line-up has not been released yet, though in the past few years it has included: Paul McCartney, Nine Inch Nails, Hall and Oates, Dillon Francis, Wavves, Justice, Big Boi, and Explosions in the Sky.

The festival also includes comedy shows, art exhibits, breweries and wineries, as well as an artists and vendors area for unique shopping.

These are only a few of the festivals that will take the place this summer, but this list serves as a guide to finding the right one for you. Whether you like small, relaxed fests or wild paty fests, there is one out there for everyone. I recommend trying out as many as you can. I have never been to a fest where I didn’t leave with memories that brighten my days, even when it is snowy and it seems like summer can’t come soon enough. The summer always does come and when it does, spending my days with thousands of other music lovers is always an amazing way to enjoy it.

Photo courtesy of Delaware Online

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