There were good vibes all around, as I was side-stepping white clouds to get better pictures. I was lucky enough to catch the end of  Bambu’s set.

MaLLy introduced a fair man, with an even fairer beard. It was strange, when he spoke I forgot about the world around me. I understood then why the people were howling,

“ALI! ALI! ALI!.”

With a raised fist to the government,  he swung right into his set. He had the crowd sliding first to the right, then to the left. It felt like attending a church service down South, when I heard Brother and  the audience join in damning injustices that have weighed them all down.

Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color, Ali’s 5th album, was released in 2012, but he played off of everything he has released.

Domestic abuse, race barriers, and political unrest are just a few of the issues that he stresses in his movement. Brother Ali may very well be a legally blind, Caucasian albino who grew up in Minnesota, but he practices Islam and curses the demons that ensnare our generation. By demons, I mean issues that seem hopeless like: welfare, ignorance, and a distorted sense of self-image.

The crowd was shouting amen when he threw up his hands in a justified rage. I was amazed by his unique sound, a funky collision of soul and contemporary hip-hop. He isn’t afraid to drop the f-bomb and still find a way to share his wisdom.

During my time sitting at a booth behind Gabe’s, Brother Ali confessed this tour was for the people and getting back into venues that feel like home.  Iowa City was first on the fall lineup which stretches into mid-November.

If you like what you hear, check him out on FB or Twitter.

Check out some of my favorites below!

The post Show Review: Brother Ali @ Gabe’s 9/13/14 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Her six track EP, Jekyll/Hyde, was re-released under Domino Records earlier this month. Your Friend is gaining momentum, performing at SXSW last month and touring alongside Courtney Barnett this summer.

Originating in her bedroom, Your Friend took to the stage to bring music that resonates in all the right ways. “Tame One” naturally becomes the signature track with soft, yet compelling lyrics that are complimented by layers of melodic guitar. It erupts into a nostalgic ode that can’t be ignored.

Check out the official music video for Tame One and if you like what you hear, you can purchase Jekyll/Hyde on iTunes and give her Facebook page a like to stay up to speed.

Sounds like: Atlas Sound, Wye Oak,

The post Track of the Week: “Tame One” by Your Friend appeared first on KRUI Radio.

It’s been four years since the Scottish quartet put out an album and lead man Kapranos has the “right thought” producing this LP with the same playful drive that won listeners over back in 2004.

Franz Ferdinand continues to be a staple in the indie dance rock circuit, debuting their album on Conan, and Letterman, but to those who only recognize “Take Me Out”, you’re not out of luck. Their fourth album takes them back to basics and after a few listens you’ll catch yourself singing along.

“Right Thoughts Right Words Right Action” opens with playful guitar chucks, a funky bass line, and a drum beat that’s easy to clap along to. Besides being a bit too repetitive, it does a decent job at setting up the rest of the album.

The LP is full of sultry vocal slides and simple yet catchy lyrics with latent meanings. A chorus rings behind his sharp hooks and grungy  guitar. You’re taken on a ride that explores cheeky tunes masked in dynamic layers of electro trills (Treason! Animals.) and Beatles inspired licks (Fresh Strawberries).

“Love Illumination” is the first track that stands out on this LP with it’s cutting lyrics and guitars that slash through clicking cymbals and sliding harmonics. By the end of the track you’ll be singing along at the top of your lungs, well at least I sure was.

It’s followed up by “Stand On The Horizon”, which starts off with a soft hypnotic acoustic and vocals but doesn’t waste any time jumping into what might be the most musically impressive track on their new album. It covers all of the elements that give Franz Ferdinand that progressive flair that captivates listeners.

Last but not least is “The Universe Expanded”, a quiet proclamation of nostalgic innocence with a bouncing bass and electro trills that spring off of whispered vocals. My only criticism is that it could have had a stronger chorus but everything leading up to it and after it is pure genius.

The second half of the LP repeats the majority of the tracks live featuring a few off of their second and third albums. They’re just as good live as they are recorded, something I can’t say about many artists I listen to on the radio anymore.

Check out their Soundcloud and Facebook for updates and concert times.

Check out a live studio performance of their song “Stand On The Horizon (Right Notes, Right Words, Wrong Order) Below:

The post Album Review: Right Thoughts Right Words Right Action by Franz Ferdinand appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Dana Telsrow is the creative mind behind abbr. relation, released September 27. You can blaze through this EP in roughly 14 minutes.

The first (“Farmer’s Market”) and third (“Sylviane”) tracks barely make the two and a half minute mark.  The last and longest track at roughly 5 minutes,”Goin’ Down”, is a nice note to end on. It’s a little more aggressive than the other tracks, with its garish brass and vocals (that sound more like declarations). “Goin’ Down” climaxes about three times, which is a unique quality. There is definitely a lot of fun and effective improvisation with a lot of different, warm instruments I sat in near silence thinking it had come to an end, but was delighted to find there was more to be heard from Dana T..

This EP is quite the unconventional mash-up , in a solid way. I found myself resisting the urge to skip to my next class to listen to this EP.

Standout tracks: “Farmer’s Market,” “Goin’ Down”

Sounds like:  The Beggarmen, Rubblebucket, Dan Deacon

Check out their page and buy abbr. relation here!

The post Album Review: Dana T – abbr. relation appeared first on KRUI Radio.