http://www.thegeekcouch.com Music. Movies. Random Geekdom. Wed, 28 May 2014 13:27:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.11 Fiercely Independent Music. Artist interviews. Hosted by Sean C. Duregger. Sean C. Duregger no Sean C. Duregger [email protected] [email protected] (Sean C. Duregger) Sean C. Duregger Fiercely Independent Music. music, independent, rock, alternative, post rock, interviews, art, culture http://www.thegeekcouch.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/geekcouchbp.png http://www.thegeekcouch.com/category/music/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/07/broken-circles-records-release-free-sampler-why-would-i-want-to-escape-from-the-fire/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/07/broken-circles-records-release-free-sampler-why-would-i-want-to-escape-from-the-fire/#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:03:03 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10136 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/07/broken-circles-records-release-free-sampler-why-would-i-want-to-escape-from-the-fire/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-belgrade/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-belgrade/#comments Sun, 14 Jul 2013 22:00:02 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9828 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-belgrade/feed/ 0 Adam Arcuragi,Alison Ranger,Appleseed,Belgrade,Catherine Wheel,Ink & Dagger,Jena Berlin,Jersey City,Metroplex,mp3,Nada Surf,New Jersey This band took me by surprise. They were so good, in fact, that even though I had a promo copy of their album, I went out and ordered the LP. - Belgrade is unique to anything out right now, but could be peers to many late 90s and early 2000s post-punk... This band took me by surprise. They were so good, in fact, that even though I had a promo copy of their album, I went out and ordered the LP. Belgrade is unique to anything out right now, but could be peers to many late 90s and early 2000s post-punk bands. Melodic but not pop. There's a rough edge slightly beneath the surface of their music.  If you're a fan of Appleseed Cast or Sunny Day Real Estate, this is right up your alley. Belgrade's self-titled album has been in top rotation on my iPhone, Spotify and in my car since hearing it. At home, it's in my top stack of LPs.  One of my favorites of 2013 so far. BELGRADE (Jersey City, NJ) SELF TITLED (DIGITAL | LP) RIYL: Jealous Sound, Nada Surf, Catherine Wheel, Appleseed Cast, Sunny Day Real Estate With liquid-like intros and outros. Belgrade's fleshy songs are sure to spur a variety of emotions. Daring themselves a slap in the face with the glove of simplicity, Belgrade keep things subversively straightforward. While embracing more than healthy doses of echo, the air between meaty ideas is apparent and fluid. Belgrade offers layers of cycling guitar, nimble bass lines, snappy dynamic drums and floating vocals as they teeter from an understated warm twang to a groaning twisted reverb-fest. Urging you into a heap of head-tossing joy while never letting things fully explode in your face. The name of this game is restraint, boys and girls. Everybody can, and has, played loud and bombastic - but lets see who can best tightrope-walk the wavy line between blissful/breezy melodies and purposeful energetic sharpness. Internal rebellion never sounded so endearing. Let's cloak those catchy pop smarts under blankets of reverberated echoes bounced off last night's full moon - still ringing in the squinty-eyed hangover morning. Let the sound shimmer and swoon forward and back like a chorus for the night time, to be consumed during the day. Anthems to prep us all for that cloudy nocturnal courage. History: Having been called "vintage indie" at times, Belgrade's members bring a seasoned take on melding musical styles and eras, excited with purpose for this new and nostalgic sound. Belgrade is made up of longtime players in the Philadelphia and southern New Jersey regions. Featuring current and former members of bands such as Restorations, Metroplex, Ink & Dagger, The Progress, Jena Berlin, Frail, Adam Arcuragi (band),Ma Jolie, Circle the City, The Deadly, Pots & Pans, Alison Ranger, and more. [source: beartrappr] Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-banquets/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-banquets/#comments Sun, 14 Jul 2013 20:30:37 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9819 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/07/14/bands-you-should-know-banquets/feed/ 0 Anthem,Bottom Shelf,Brian Maguire,Chris Larsen,Dave Frenson,Hot Rod Circuit,Hot Water Music,Jersey City,New Brunswick,New Jersey,Polar Bear,Polar Bear Club I fell in love with Banquets' self-titled album immediately after hearing it. Originally they were advertised to me as "pop-punk" but even hearing the first measure of music, I knew that wasn't the case. If I had to classify Banquets' sound I'd say New... I fell in love with Banquets' self-titled album immediately after hearing it. Originally they were advertised to me as "pop-punk" but even hearing the first measure of music, I knew that wasn't the case. If I had to classify Banquets' sound I'd say New Found Glory meets The Ataris meets Hot Water Music with a dash of Samiam and a sprinkle of The Gaslight Anthem. Their album is a fantastic balance of hooks, melody and straight up honesty. It's infectious, well written and catchy as hell. Every song. So, do yourself a favor and check this band out. Sample them on Spotify and please support the band by going out to a show, buying their music or their merch. I hope this band is around for a long time. BANQUETS (Jersey City, NJ) SELF TITLED (DIGITAL | CASSETTE | LP) RIYL: The Gaslight Anthem, The Loved Ones, Polar Bear Club, Samiam, Hot Rod Circuit In 2010 a band named after a beer (Banquets) put out a 7" titled with a Lebowski reference (This Is Our Concern, Dude). Yes, Jersey City's Banquets may have started in a humorous manner between friends who just wanted to have fun and play music. But, what the band has blossomed into in a few short years is nothing short of remarkable. Of course, the talent was there all along, you could see it in the strains of those first four songs. Move on to 2011's triumphant LP debut, Top Button, Bottom Shelf, and it was clear to see, Banquets was in fact, the real deal. Now here we stand in 2013, Banquets are set to release their sophomore LP, the aptly Self-Titled album showcases a band firing on all cylinders. Following up their brilliant debut LP, 2011's Top Button, Bottom Shelf, Banquets return with a Self-Titled sophomore effort that continues the band's no filler approach. Much like its predecessor, Self-Titled clocks in at 10 songs under 30 minutes but there is a bit more breathing room here as the band expands and hones their sound. Along with guitarist/vocalist, Dave Frenson and bassist Chris Larsen, the addition of Brian Maguire on drums has been key to the band's growth. Lead singer, Travis Omilian, is the secret weapon though, hiding behind the band's ultra tight melodic pop/punk. There is a worn romanticism and a nostalgic charm to Omilian's lyrics. Combined with the band's dynamic sense of urgency and uplifting spirit, Omilian's lyrics give Banquets a depth that is rare to find in the genre these days. Self-Titled truly encompasses the band's growth into a songwriting tour de force. [source: beartrappr] Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/02/06/eighteen-individual-eyes-on-tour-with-minus-the-bear/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/02/06/eighteen-individual-eyes-on-tour-with-minus-the-bear/#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:00:50 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9778 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/02/06/eighteen-individual-eyes-on-tour-with-minus-the-bear/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/30/bands-you-should-know-denison-witmer/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/30/bands-you-should-know-denison-witmer/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:07:50 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9748 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/30/bands-you-should-know-denison-witmer/feed/ 0 Amos Lee,Bon Iver,Denison Witmer,Devin Greenwood,Lancaster,Leonard Cohen,Melody Gardot,Neil Young,Nick Drake,Rufus Wainwright,Sufjan Stevens,The Ones Who Wait   - I have a long history with Denison Witmer. Back in 2001 I fell in love with his songwriting on the album Of Joy And Sorrow and ever since then he's an artist that I've sought out for new music yearly. His music was used when I married my wife,   I have a long history with Denison Witmer. Back in 2001 I fell in love with his songwriting on the album Of Joy And Sorrow and ever since then he's an artist that I've sought out for new music yearly. His music was used when I married my wife, his music has influence my own songwriting, and his music has brought peace during many stressful situations. Denison Witmer's newest album is out now and it's probably his best work yet. Learn more about it after the jump. ——————————————————————————————————- DENISON WITMER (Landcaster, PA) THE ONES WHO WAIT CD / Digital (Asthmatic Kitty) RIYL: Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Nick Drake MP3: Brooklyn With Your Highest Wall STREAM: Bandcamp • BIO (reposted from Riot Act Media)  ——————————————————————————————————- Fifteen years and nine albums into his career, Denison Witmer is familiar with the unexpected and often quixotic intersections that can take place between life and musical career. His newest album,The Ones Who Wait, is a reflection of this understanding of self and the growth that comes through life experience. It is an intimate reflection on the meandering path of life, on family and friendships, on death balanced with new life, on endings and beginnings. In Denison’s own words,The Ones Who Wait is about “patience and reverence. Being mindful and open to what you’re experiencing. A desire to take hold of what’s happening in your life, yet trusting the mystery of it enough to let go and participate rather than dictate.” Much like any one of Denison’s previous eight records, this ninth record started as a collaboration. He and fellow producer/engineer Devin Greenwood casually started working on an EP. In the midst of this new start, however, Denison found himself pulled back to his native Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His father, who was diagnosed with cancer 3 years previously, had taken a turn for the worse. “My father was never the kind of guy who let people fuss over or take care of him,” Denison says of that time. “But in the last few months of his life, there was this kind of acceptance and he allowed himself to be taken care of. He did it really graciously and generously. It was a beautiful thing to participate in and a gift to those around hm. Those are months that I would never trade for anything. I stopped making music. I stopped doing everything. I just spent time with him.” A few months later, his dad passed away. Denison grieved with his family, and remembered. He returned to the studio with a new approach to the EP he had first started building the previous winter. What began as an EP grew into a full-length album, as Denison added songs that reflected the changes in the intervening year. Denison’s albums have always been markedly personal, each one a significant milestone in his life. But The Ones Who Wait marks a whole new level of intimacy with listeners. Getting married, starting a business, and watching his dad close the final chapter on his life have helped Denison tell his own story better, to be more delicate, and confident. Bringing things full circle, as he wrapped up post-production on The Ones Who Wait, Denison found out he was going to be a father too. The sound of The Ones Who Wait indicates a new maturity in Denison’s musical career, a subtle sense of confidence in his voice and music. His guitar and voice sit front and center in the sound, evoking a melodic warmth reminiscent of 70s-era singer-songwriters like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne. Denison reined in his well-established network of musicians to fill out the sound of the record, including CJ Camerieri (Bon Iver, Rufus Wainwright), Devin Greenwood (Norah Jones, Amos Lee), James McAlister (Sufjan Stevens), Charles Staub (Melody Gardot), Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/24/bands-you-should-know-bella-ruse/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/24/bands-you-should-know-bella-ruse/#comments Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:11:50 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9734 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/24/bands-you-should-know-bella-ruse/feed/ 0 Bella Ruse,Christmas music,Joseph Barker,Kate Nash,Kay Gillette,Kuhzoo,Music,Sarah Mclachlan   - A few years ago I stumbled across the duo Bella Ruse and have been in love with their music ever since. This year they're releasing a Christmas album and it's wonderful. Discover this wonderful group for yourself and fill your house with Christmas...   A few years ago I stumbled across the duo Bella Ruse and have been in love with their music ever since. This year they're releasing a Christmas album and it's wonderful. Discover this wonderful group for yourself and fill your house with Christmas cheer this holiday! Also, they're album Kuhzoo is pretty fun and worth checking out!   ——————————————————————————————————- BELLA RUSE (Minneapolis, MN) WELCOME CHRISTMAS CD / Digital (Self-released) RIYL: Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, She & Him MP3: "Christmas Presence" STREAM: Bandcamp • BIO ——————————————————————————————————- Bella Ruse's combination of airy folk and crunchy pop transforms rooms into secret gardens and paints pictures of invading bombardiers, salty sea love, and super glued hearts. Surrounded by a laboratory of instruments - typewriter, suitcase organ, glockenspiel, and kazoos - singer Kay Gillette's antique voice and Joseph Barker's mournful guitar twist and twirl and dip and dive and carry you deep down the rabbit-hole into their magical musical world. They've been traveling the country in a van powered by vegetable oil for two years, opening for Sarah Mclachlan, Heart, and Kate Nash along the way. Their songs have been heard on MTV and Showtime and their most recent album, KUHZOO, spent eight weeks on the CMJ Radio Top 200. They were the Needle in the Haystack artist on MTVmusic.com and Performer Magazine calls Gillette's voice 'truly unique.' Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/23/bands-you-should-know-save-ends/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/23/bands-you-should-know-save-ends/#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:32:22 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9727 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/23/bands-you-should-know-save-ends/feed/ 0 Farewell Continental,Save Ends,Saves The Day,The Anniversary,The Get Up Kids,The Weakerthans I discovered Boston, MA band Save Ends when I  began planning on bringing back the podcast. Their sound is familiar, yet unique. Imagine if The Anniversary joined forces with The Get Up Kids. I was hooked. I discovered Boston, MA band Save Ends when I  began planning on bringing back the podcast. Their sound is familiar, yet unique. Imagine if The Anniversary joined forces with The Get Up Kids. I was hooked. Hoping for a full-length album from this band very soon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SAVE ENDS (Boston, MA) STRENGTH VS. WILL CD/EP / Digital (Self-released) RIYL: The Get Up Kids, The Weakerthans, Farewell Continental, The Anniversary, Saves The Day MP3: "Sweet Defeat" MP3 STREAM: Bandcamp • BIO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long, long, ago, deep within the ancient Dwarven forges of Holliston Keep, an iron kinship once was wrought. Emerging unto the world above, this fellowship of five became known to all as Save Ends. This group of like-minded minstrels immediately began to spread their melodic tales of mischief and revelry throughout the land. To further imprint themselves on the annals of history, Save Ends complied a collection of five of their greatest works, and thus it became known as “Ten Or Better”. Our band of merrymakers continued to trek about the countryside, relaying these chronicles of adventure to all those who would lend an ear. The world was at peace during this time of joy and song. In time, though, dark clouds began to line the horizon. Faint whisperings of evil and misery began to pervade throughout. Talk of the return of the once cruel and malevolent warlock king known as “Büttrok” became prevalent amongst the people of Regular Earth. It soon became clear to Save Ends that something must be done to lift this darkness. Something must be done to eliminate this threat from the world henceforth. And so, they buried themselves deep within the halls of Holliston Keep, and set out to craft the ultimate rebuttal to this manifestation of atrocity. Heavy in their hearts, yet steadfast in their purpose, Save Ends slowly began to piece together this harmonious riposte. Finally, in the morning twilight of one particularly sanguine spring day in the year two-thousand and twelve, this gathering of wearied artisans emerged from their subterranean refuge, bodies battered, and minds tapped dry. These debilitating efforts were not in vein, however. Clenched tightly in the fist of the one they called “Hog”, capturing every gleam of the Sun’s radiance, was a glistening beacon of hope. They call it “Strength Vs. Will”. Its purpose is clear: To overcome all that is vile and repulsive in the sound sphere of Regular Earth, and bring back the peace and serenity that once was. May Apollo’s Lyre bless it with good fortune when, in this summer of two-thousand and twelve, Save Ends prepares to unleash it far and wide, and bring harmony back to this world. Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/22/bands-you-should-know-ghost-robot-ninja-bear/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/22/bands-you-should-know-ghost-robot-ninja-bear/#comments Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:12:06 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9700 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/22/bands-you-should-know-ghost-robot-ninja-bear/feed/ 0 Ghost Robot Ninja Bear,Nakatomi Plaza,Oscar Albis Rodriguez Out of the 6 bands I played this week on the GeekCouch: Backstage Pass podcast, Ghost Robot Ninja Bear was my standout favorite. I'm not 100% if they're even still doing anything as of now, but their album is available for a "name your price" download ... Out of the 6 bands I played this week on the GeekCouch: Backstage Pass podcast, Ghost Robot Ninja Bear was my standout favorite. I'm not 100% if they're even still doing anything as of now, but their album is available for a "name your price" download and you should check it out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GHOST ROBOT NINJA BEAR (Brooklyn, NY) SELF-TITLED CD (Available as Free / Name-Your-Price Download) RIYL: Nakatomi Plaza, Burning Airlines, Small Brown Bike, At The Drive-In MP3: "Curtain Call" STREAM: Bandcamp • BIO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With Ghost Robot Ninja Bear, the newest outfit for former Nakatomi Plaza front man Oscar Albis Rodriguez, the well-respected veteran of the punk scene once again takes center stage and appears poised to escape the shadow of former bands. Thankfully, the eight incredible songs that make up this Self-Titled debut won't allow us completely forget older endeavors; still, it's apparent that Rodriguez's songwriting abilities continue to evolve in exciting ways and his musical chops are sharper than ever. Weaving adventurous, dynamic compositions around anthemic choruses, GRNB specializes blazing riffs and layered harmonies that toe the line between melodic and graveled, while the rhythm section deftly propels each song into the next. It's clear that Rodriguez has created a vehicle in Ghost Robot Ninja Bear that can stand on its own and will continue to forge a unique identity well into the future while paying tribute to the past. • PRESS QUOTES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While Nakatomi Plaza may be gone, Rodriguez is still cranking out quality tunes at a rapid pace. - Punknews.org Ghost Robot Ninja Bear is excellent - the kind of punk record with just enough pop sprinkled in that I’ve been craving. - My Car and My Guitar An ambitious and engaging album, flourishing with interesting textures and anthemic choruses that could very well be the definition of progressive punk. - The Byke Rack Sean C. Duregger no http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/01/deep-elm-records-releases-video-for-our-lost-infantry/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/01/deep-elm-records-releases-video-for-our-lost-infantry/#comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:01:28 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9650 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/01/deep-elm-records-releases-video-for-our-lost-infantry/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/10/31/la-armada-embarking-on-west-coast-tour-nov-06-29/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/10/31/la-armada-embarking-on-west-coast-tour-nov-06-29/#comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:47:18 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=9645 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/10/31/la-armada-embarking-on-west-coast-tour-nov-06-29/feed/ 0 La Armada,West Coast 31 October 2012 For Immediate Release - Fresh off a week of shows with Strung Out - as well as an 18-day tour of the East Coast in September - LA ARMADA will embark on an three-week tour of the West Coast beginning next Tuesday in its hometown of... 31 October 2012 For Immediate Release Fresh off a week of shows with Strung Out - as well as an 18-day tour of the East Coast in September - LA ARMADA will embark on an three-week tour of the West Coast beginning next Tuesday in its hometown of Chicago, IL. The band is supporting its latest SELF-TITLED full-length, which was issued earlier this year on 12" vinyl and digital formats by Memphis-based punk label, Fat Sandwich Records (twothirtyeight, Pezz, The Fourth Estate). The first pressing of said LP has sold out, but Fat Sandwich has partnered withEncapsulated Records (Bent Left, Direct Hit, Hold Tight) for a second pressing of the 12-inch. The two labels have launched pre-orders for the record here and here. Limited to 500, Fat Sandwich will have the exclusive on 100 copies on clear red vinylwhile Encapsulated will have 100 on clear green vinyl. The remaining 12-inches will be pressed on opaque yellow. All LP packages will include a silk-screened poster, bilingual lyric sheet, mp3 download card and a button. You can expect pre-orders to ship during the 2nd week of November. During the early part of its career, La Armada established itself as one of the most influential punk bands in its native Dominican Republic, releasing two albums and playing countless shows. The outfit relocated to Chicago in 2007, immersing itself in the city’s infamous music scene, not to mention distinct sub-genres such as grindcore, powerviolence, crust-punk and traditional hardcore and metal. These new influences, fused with the quintet's native tendencies towards intricate percussion present in Latin music, evolved into its first proper release: an 11-song Self-Titled album delivering crushing bursts of what the band has affectionately coined "Latino Hardcore Fury." Successfully embodying he brutality and energy that bleeds out of La Armada's live shows night after night, the record will cause you to raise both eyebrows and fists with its aggressive riffs, intricate song structures, piercing vocals and driving rhythm section. Listen to "Lucha de Clases" (free mp3). You can also stream the record in its entirety at La Armada's Bandcamp page. WEST COAST TOUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOV 06 - Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge w/ Propagandhi NOV 07 - Carbondale, IL @ Pk's Bar NOV 08 - Memphis, TN @ 1372 Overton Park NOV 09 - New Orleans, LA @ Dragons Den NOV 10 - Houston, TX @ House of Creep's Creeperfest 2012 NOV 11 - San Antonio, TX @ Fall Fall Fall Fest NOV 12 - Austin, TX @ The Grand Social Club NOV 13 - Albuquerque, NM @ The Gasworks NOV 14 - Flagstaff, AZ @ Taala Hooghan Infoshop Collective NOV 15 - Fullerton CA @ The Slidebar W/ Death by Stereo NOV 16 - San Diego, CA @ Shakedown Bar NOV 17 - Los Angeles CA @ TBA NOV 18 - Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt Cafe NOV 19 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Down And Out NOV 20 - Ventura, CA @ Billy O's NOV 21 - Goleta, CA @ The Hard To Find w/ Vitamin X NOV 23 - Oakland, CA @ Oakland Metro Opera House NOV 24 - Reno, NV @ Shea's Tavern NOV 25 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Shred Shed NOV 26 - Grand Junction, CO @ House Show NOV 27 - Denver CO @ 3 Kings Tavern NOV 28 - Denver, CO @ 7th Circle Music Collective NOV 29 - Omaha NE @ The Sandbox   [Press Release provided by BearTrapPR) Sean C. 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