I sauntered into an Iowa City venue, the Mill, on a rainy Wednesday night, looking for a change in my daily routine of class, followed by a mediocre dinner and studying. Arriving at the venue early, early enough to see the entire opening act, Pink Neighbor (more on them coming from Elaine, but I must say I was quite impressed with their saxophonist and lead singer Katie). I found a good seat as more and more people poured into the stage seating area.

By the time Halfloves took the stage promptly at 8:30, it was standing room only by the bar, and rightfully so, as their approximately 45-minute set was thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking; a wonderful change from my usual Wednesday evening. I didn’t even mind so much my table being perpetually knocked into as listeners tried to get closer. They took the stage quietly in the dimming lights, prompting one member of the audience to yell “WE LOVE YOU!” perhaps unnecessarily.

Described in the Mission Creek lineup as “the best currently active rock band in Iowa” with a “emotionally charged sound,” the Iowa City native band, Halfloves, is composed of five male members, all of whom looked like they belonged in a band: a Canadian tuxedo, buttoned-up and collared cotton shirt, ripped light wash jeans … you get the picture.
The most notable member for me was the drummer who wore sunglasses throughout the entire set. A little bit of Radiohead, a little bit Imagine Dragons (both of whom share a producer), even some potential Hippo Campus or Foster the People mixed in there, Halfloves blends a unique sound of classic guitar and steady drum beats with pulsing synthesizers and hazy vocals, capturing and maintaining the audience’s ear.

Halfloves started playing with no formal introduction, letting the music speak for itself. Their initial sound was inviting and mellow, allowing me to picture them playing at a vibe-y music festival like Pitchfork in Chicago. Unfortunately, I found the lyrics a bit hard to understand at times, but what the band lacked in vocals they made up for in style and skill. I did make out some lyrics: “Even if it lays me to waste / Time and Time again / I still need a little taste” from their feature “A Little Lie” was a notable favorite. The guitars would build in time with the chorus in a satisfying way, crescendoing to meet the intensity of the song. Not everything they played possessed the same fervor as the first few songs, showcasing their versatility. It was also apparent they were enjoying themselves
— the guitarist was head-banging by the end of the set, his hair swaying in time with the music.

Before their last song, one of the members thanked the audience for coming and left us with this piece of advice, “Let the lounging abide.” A curious mix between lax and upbeat, Halfloves did not disappoint, exiting the stage with a lasting applause. I will definitely be checking out more from Halfloves, as new music is expected this fall.

Check out their music video for “Not too Keen” here.

The post Mission Creek: Halfloves @ The Mill 4/3/2019 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The first opener and Chicago-based solo act, Paul Cary, started the show off with a bluesy, guitar driven sound. During his half hour set, he played about eight different songs all by himself—just a man and his guitar.

He has a soulful voice that would be at home in any Memphis bar, with a guitar style to back it up and keep you pulled in. His songs seemed on the shorter side, but all were fairly laidback and soothing. I was not really sure what kind of crowd to expect at the Mill tonight, but there was definitely an older crowd. It was already pretty packed when I got there at 8:00 with standing room only left and I ended up finding myself in a corner somewhat in the way of the waiters going in and out of the kitchen.

After Cary’s set came to a close at 8:30 and the set up for Elizabeth Moen started, I moved out of my corner closer to the stage area and the crowd seemed to double in size. This made sense after I found out she was and Iowa City native as she gave a shoutout to her cousin who was turning 21 at midnight. Moen took the stage with a gorgeous guitar and her band at 9:00pm and started off with a song that really showcased her powerful voice.

Her band members consisted of a drummer, rhythm guitarist, and a cello player who also sang backup vocals and really lovely harmonies. I saw Cary mingling with the crowd during Moen’s set which was cool to see and he seemed like a really laidback guy.

Moen’s style had a bit of a beach-friendly vibe to it with the rhythm guitar and I found myself captivated by her voice and stage presence. Her music was quite a bit more high-energy than Cary’s and I saw several people dancing throughout her set. I had never heard her music before tonight but I thoroughly enjoyed it. She announced during her performance that her album release will be at the Blue Moose on May 13^th and I am definitely considering going. Moen finish her set around 9:45pm with another song that showcased her powerful voice.

During the set up for the headliner, Bridget Kearny, the crowd shuffled around quite a bit and it seemed like it was almost switched out with entirely new people. Kearny, another Iowa City native, and her four piece band took the stage a bit after 10:00pm and kept the energy up with their upbeat music.

Overall their sound was less beachy than Moen’s and seemed to have a lot of 80’s influence. The vocals also were not as strong and it definitely seemed like more of a group act than a lead singer with a backup band. While most of the songs were upbeat, there were a couple slower, more soulful songs mixed in. Kearny closed out the set around 11:00pm, about an hour after beginning.

The Mill is a really fun venue for a show, but it was almost a bit too crowded for this show in particular. It seemed like every couple of minutes I had someone asking me to move so that they could pass by and it was a bit distracting. However, the performances were all really enjoyable so that made up for it, and I think Moen was definitely my personal favorite act of the night.

The post Mission Creek: Bridget Kearny @ The Mill 4/5/17 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Witching Hour, according to the festival’s website, highlight’s the “unknown, creative process, and new work.” During its second year, Witching Hour features a diverse lineup ranging from multi-media workshops to comedy shows to cinematic adventures. Here are the events KRUI can’t wait to see!

Music 

Psalm One

After opening for Saul Williams at Mission Creek 2016, Psalm One returns to Iowa City to perform some new art! She’ll perform at 10:30 PM at The Mill on November 4.

White Lung

At midnight on Friday night, White Lung will perform tracks from their fourth album at Gabe’s. Hailing from Canada, this punk rock band will impolitely rock Iowa City on November 4th at midnight!

Wu Fei

Combining cultural and musical influences from Beijing and Nashville, Wu Fei will deftly charm audiences with her new and original compositions on the guzheng. See her perform at 9:30 PM at the Englert on Friday, November 4th!

Jlin

Jlin is known for pushing the boundaries of the footwork genre. Her track “Erotic Heat” from the Planet Mu compilation Bangs and Works Vol. 2 announced her presence to the world. Having attracted critical acclaim for her 2015 LP Dark Energy, Jlin brings her production magic to Gabe’s at 11:59 PM November 4th.

 Rhys Chatham

Guitarist, trumpeter, and composer, Rhys Chatham can rightfully be compared with Philip Glass or Steve Reich, though he likes guitars a lot more (he has composed pieces for up to 200 guitars and more). While he has the minimal edge of Glass and Reich, he also occasionally engages in prog and fusion. We’ll be seeing him in a rare solo performance at 10:00 PM at Gabe’s November 4th.

Jack Lion

Jack Lion is an Iowa City band that blends jazz and electronica seamlessly. At times heady, at other times spaced out, but always in the groove, if you haven’t had a chance to see them live yet, you’ve been missing out. They will be playing at 11:00 PM at Gabe’s November 4th.

Writing/Spoken Word

Pussy Riot in conversation with Jessica Hopper

Radical Russian punk band member Maria Alekhina will join Jessica Hopper at the Englert at 7:00 PM on Friday to discuss music and activism!

Jason Sole: From Prison to PhD: A Journey of Pain, Promise, and Protest

Jason Sole will captivate audiences as he details his life journey from a three-time convicted felon to his personal redemption as a mentor, consultant, and assistant professor of Public Safety and Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. This event takes place at 5:00 PM at the Iowa City Public Library.

Jason England: National Anthem: The Sociopathic Nature of Racial Discourse in American Sports

Jason England, graduate of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop and full-time faculty member of the University of Iowa Rhetoric Department, will delve into the intersection of racial politics and sports in the United States with his presentation at 7:00 PM at the Englert Theater November 5th.

Writers of Color

Following last year’s highly successful event, visiting writer Rachel McKibbens joins undergraduate and graduate writers of color for a reading of new work at 4:00 PM at The Mill November 5th.

Comedy

Supertalent Show and Friends

Those familiar with Iowa City’s comedy scene will remember many of these faces. Iowa City’s own Arish Singh, now based in Chicago, is a major reason the Iowa City comedy scene is what it is today. A stand-up comedian (in every sense of the word “stand-up”), Singh has been putting together wonderful, politically aware comedy shows for Iowa City and Chicago for the last couple of years. He brings a group of hilarious improv actors and comedians to the Mill November 4th at 9:00 PM. (All images courtesy of WitchingHourFestival.com)

Jen Kirkman

Best-selling author and stand-up comedian Jen Kirkman, whose 2015 Netflix comedy special I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine) earned high praise from The Atlantic, New York Magazine, and The Atlantic, shares her wit and insights with Iowa City at the Englert Theater November 5th at 9:00pm. She will also appear In Conversation at the Mill November 5th at 10:30 PM.

Film

Romeo Is Bleeding

Set in Richmond, CA, Romeo Is Bleeding follows Donté, who, rather than get swept up in a violent turf war between rival neighborhoods, attempts to open up a dialogue about violence in the city by putting together a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Will he succeed? Find out at FilmScene November 5th at 1:00 PM.

Tony Conrad: Completely in the Present

A film about, of, for, and by artists, Completely in the Present follows the legendary career of Tony Conrad. Conrad’s cross-disciplinary work has heavily influenced modern independent music, public access television, visual art, and film. Using intimate footage of Tony and collaborators over the last twenty-two years, Completely in the Present gives us access to one of the strangest artistic minds of our time. You can catch it at FilmScene November 5th at 3:00 PM.

Mixed Media, Workshops, and Panels

Hip-Hop Kitchen

Get into a discussion and performance on hip-hop history, cooking, and the art of freestyling. Featuring Sepehr Sadrzadeh, the Chef of Pullman Diner; The Cubist, legendary producer who has worked with Kendrick Lamar; Icon Amerie, rapper and hip-hop culture historian; moderated by André Wright, producer, artist, designer. This discussion and performance will take place at The Mill November 5th at 12:00 PM. (All images courtesy of WitchingHourFestival.com)

Broad Perspectives

This will be a panel discussion and workshop featuring Katie Roche, Rachel McKibbens, alea adigweme, and Teresa Magnum. The discussion will be about creating and maintaining female-only spaces, why it is necessary and important, and how they operate differently than other creative spaces. This panel and workshop will take place at Prairie Lights Bookstore on November 5th at 6:00 PM.

Beforeplay: An Exploration of the Art of Playtesting

Game developers of board and video games to make money come together in a panel discussing playtesting the relationship of dialogue it creates between gamer and make-maker. This event takes place at 2:00 PM at The Mill November 5th. (All images courtesy of WitchingHourFestival.com)

Will Duncan: The Art of Doing Nothing: A Deep Exploration of What Meditation Is and What It Is Not

Will Duncan will be easing us into a deep understanding of the relevance, usefulness, and spiritual potential of the ancient practice of meditation. Duncan completed a Three-Year Silent Meditation Retreat in 2014, and has returned to the world to share his insights with us. The Art of Doing Nothing will occur at the Englert November 5th at 11:00 AM, and he will be giving a lecture about his silent meditation retreat experience at the Iowa City Public Library November 5th at 3:00 PM.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks. KRUI’s Guide to Witching Hour would like to remind you of a couple of things, however: (1) More than half of the acts are free, so if you’re not sure you can afford to go, think again, dear friend. (2) We have only provided highlights. Please see the festival website for the full line-up. (3) The festival spirit is one of exploration and coming out of our comfort zones, so be sure to explore, keep an open mind, and maybe go to something you normally wouldn’t go to!

The post KRUI’s Witching Hour Guide appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Shows at the Mill are much different than shows at any other venue in Iowa City, and even the singer/songwriter of the Titus Andronicus knew it, making sure everyone knew that we were rocking out in a “fancy restaurant,” and to be careful with our moshing and dancing. Seeing bands like these at a venue like this really lets you appreciate everything that happens on stage; everyone is so close to the band and the band can interact and react in a way that they couldn’t at other venues.

Before the music began, the first thing to take the stage was a large, inflatable dragon, which stared at the few people standing around with bright red eyes; an ample omen for the absolute power we were about to experience at our local pizza place.

A Giant Dog is a rock band from Austin, Texas. Their sound was reminiscent of Titus’, if that sound had traveled south for the winter and decided to stay. The crowd was not yet in its final form when the band began, but they brought so much energy and power to the stage that everyone was into it from the very start. You could tell this band was an explosion; the feelings came in bursts, with songs starting quickly and ending abruptly, each one disclosing more rawness than the last, each one bringing out more dancing from both the band and the crowd.

Their music was like a party and punch in the face at the same time. They even sang a song about the gun laws in their home state, which allow open carry. Whether or not the subject and content of the song was serious, this band was having a good time on stage. Check out one of their music videos below!

Next up was the headliner, Titus Andronicus. By this time, the crowd was filling out. A bartender said that there were over 100 pre-sale tickets, with another 100 expected. It seemed a large number, and probably not all that true, but the numbers didn’t matter once the band took the stage.

Titus Andonicus in endless; their music sounds like punk ethics injected into the infinite ether of human emotion. Listening to them on record doesn’t do them justice: this group in meant to be experienced live.

Once it all kicked in, the crowd was jumping and singing along to some of their more popular lyrics, and even had the band stepping away from the microphone a few times to allow the crowd their due part in the experience of a rock show.

Most of the songs ran directly into the next one, a lot like their albums, which feature long pieces that tie in to the next one to create a wholesome impression in the listener. The sea of dimly lit heads bobbed and bounced to each one, the perfect reaction to the relentless onslaught of sound.

Patrick, the lead singer, lead the band through every song with his voice, which had the effect of a searing electric guitar or an extra snare drum, blending in perfectly with the high-gain instruments that backed him up.

In one of the rare moments between songs, Patrick took the time to talk about how much he liked Iowa, and the fact that the band had been here a few times before, playing at both the Mill and Gabe’s. While on the subject of Iowa, Patrick even mentioned our important role in the electoral college, and encouraged us all to go out and exercise our right to vote this November.

Near the end, they announced that there are only a few songs left, as the show was all ages and had to end by 10. While it sounded like a bummer, it was cool that teenagers could come to the show and hang out like everyone else. The band thanked the Mill for being inclusive and respectful to everyone.

Titus Andronicus ended with their song “A More Perfect Union”, the opener off of their album The Monitor. The crowd was singing along so loudly that there were moments it was louder than the band.

After the show, I asked Patrick what felt better or more natural to the group: being on stage or being in the studio.

“You go to the studio so that you can get on the stage, you know what I mean? People often think that the show is to promote the record but really, that’s backwards. The record is to promote the show,” he says. “But at the same time, the show is not exactly a creative exercise, you know?”

He concluded by saying that the concert was much more important than the record, even though they both have their important places within Titus Andronicus.

You can find their website here, which has news, tour dates, videos and more. Their music is also available on Spotify. A Giant Dog can be found here.

The post Concert Review: Titus Andronicus @ The Mill 9/25/2016 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

I could tell right away that Deer Tick has a faithful and well-established fan base. The wait staff stayed busy delivering drinks and various snacks and then more drinks. The Mill created a cool vibe with dim lighting and blaring jazz fusion.

As I sipped my tap water I noticed how every square inch of the stage was full of instruments and sound equipment. Not only that, but there were two massive travel cases off to the side with at least a dozen string instruments. But I’ll come back to that later.

The first opener, Nadalands, came on when everyone was still getting settled in the venue. Acoustic Nadalands was John Lindenbaum, from Ft. Collins, Colorado. He played a 12-string guitar and sang a dozen of his wailing, lyrically smart songs. His sensitive persona was created in part by a cheeky Sloth tee and his intensely expressive eyebrows.

His voice reminded me a bit of early Ben Folds, though not as clearly articulated. Each song sounded somewhat alike, with story-telling lyrics and repeated “oohs.” The bar crowd talked over his set, but that did not stop Nadalands from belting his heart out to the back of the room. My favorite lyric inspired a quiet chuckle from the crowd with, “They’ll put posters of our faces on dorm room walls in private colleges…Don’t be afraid, cause we’re all gonna [bleeping] die someday.”

By the time Ryley Walker came on stage, the place was packed with people; most of them extremely intoxicated. Ryley Walker’s acoustic guitar was supported by a slammin’ upright bassist. Halfway through their first song, the crowd felt comfortable enough to congregate toward the stage.

Walker’s chops were incredible, and he’s not half-bad to look at either! The crowd definitely picked up on the duo’s energy and began to groove with the music. A common technique they used was repeating a riff over and over until the built-up tension exploded into the next part of the song. It was a folksy version of waiting for the bass to drop in dub-step.

I overheard a guy behind me complaining, “The Mill is the worst venue for an acoustic set ever because them people [at the bar] just won’t even shut the [bleep] up.” He and his friend carried on their conversation right nearby the stage for the rest of Walker’s set. Oh, the irony.

Walker had a relaxed confidence about him, and he repeatedly interacted with the crowd. He borrowed a audience member’s phone to shine a light on his pedal before a song, and also yelled back to a drunk screamer-type. He described the inspiration of his song Roundabout as “bars with mozzarella sticks and rednecks.” I really enjoyed his set and would highly recommend going to one of his shows!

The energy in the room escalated as Deer Tick came on stage. Everyone had vied for their best spot possible; there were justified complaints directed toward last-minute budgers. The Rhode Island alternative rock band consists of lead man John McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, bassist Chris Ryan, drummer Dennis Ryan and keyboard player Rob Crowell.

From my vantage point (2nd row, but only 5’3″) I could only see John, Dennis, and Ian. Keyboards and bass held their own as a solid rhythm section all night. The three in front traded off lead vocals; John sang the most, and has the most unique grit quality I’ve ever heard.

The band started with a tribute to Merle Haggard, a legendary country singer who passed away the day of the concert. There was a slight hiccup because Ian forgot about a last-minute key change, but once they started over, they played a beautiful cover of Today I Started Loving You Again.

John brought the mood back up by telling a memory he had from a previous concert at The Mill: naked crowd surfing. He promised that would not happen again, however. The reasons they wanted to tour again were to practice new music they’ve been working on, and also for the money (jklol). I was incredibly impressed by their musicality and overall composure as a band.

Almost every song, John or Ian would have a new instrument brought to them; John also utilized a banjo, mandolin, flute, and piano. Flute?! Yeah, that was my reaction too. Rob on keyboards also switched around instruments, including a saxophone feature. Despite all this, I was most impressed by the drummer, Dennis.

Now, I’m probably biased because I’m a percussionist and have tons of drummer friends and family members, but Dennis seemed like someone I’d really want to make music with. He was the main harmonizer, but he also gained huge support from the crowd during his lead vocal tracks. One of my favorite moments of the entire show was a cute moment I shared with Dennis: after one of his two solo songs, we locked eyes and shared a classic “sup” nod and chuckle. S’cool.

Inbetween songs early on in the track, John was really upset about not being able to hear himself. Steam was practically coming out of his ears. Band and audience members alike tried to console him, but the only fix was whiskey and time with the exuberant crowd. Eventually he joked, “Okay, sorry, I’m back. I like music because it can take bad feelings and turn them into good feelings. Thanks for being part of my medicine.” I’m thankful for creative, talented bands for making awesome music!

I’ll always remember Deer Tick at The Mill as my very first concert in Iowa City. Here’s to many more!

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