Shows that are hard to google for: plus/minus, chk chk chk
It's sad to say this as a blog writer, but seriously, words are totally overrated. I mean, how many bands can there be with like, "names" with, you know, "letters." It's boring, frankly.
That's why we are excited that not one but two of our favorite symbol-happy artists are on tour! The down side of this is that yes, searching for symbols online is a chore. So along with the band info we've got some hints
on what to search for to track these artists down on the web.
+/-
September 27, 2007
Rock and Roll Hotel
Washington, D.C.
+/- was formed by members of '90s Merge Records alternative band Versus. James Baluyut and Patrick Ramos provide traditional instrumentation such as vocal, guitars, and drum, while third non-Versus member Chris Deaner mans the drum machine, sampler, and other surprises (from clarinet to banjo!)
If you see the name of the band and really want to label to +/- "math rock," you wouldn't be too far off. Like bands in that experimental genre, +/- love to use non-traditional time signatures and rhythms. But +/- are even more far-reaching in their experimentation, and they're not afraid of taking on a samba or using looping guitars and drums.
+/- recently announced a handful of tour dates in the Northeast with Japan's Moools. These are the first +/- shows in the States since their extensive European tour earlier this year.
In addition to touring back at home, +/- are also looking forward to the release of their debut DVD! Appropriately titled "+/- Self-Titled Debut Digital Video Disc," the DVD will feature 12 videos by various directors plus as of yet unspecified bonus material. It's all wrapped up beautifully in a Mark Robinson designed package. No word if the band will have the DVDs on hand at the upcoming shows, but you can definitely grab a copy at your local record store or online at Teenbeat.
Google search tip: This band also goes by "plus/minus" so try writing out the words! Their official site is written as: http://www.plusmin.us
Listen! plus/minus- "Steal the Blueprints"
!!!
October 3, 2007
Revolution Music Room
Little Rock, AR
Believe it or not, !!! actually have a story behind their name besides just trying to confuse people. The name was in fact inspired by the '80s comedy flick "The Gods Must Be Crazy" where The Bushmen's clicking language is represented with exclamation marks in the subtitles.
To understand !!!'s sound, you have to know where the band comes from. !!! was founded by members of Black Liquorice and Popesmashers after the two bands went on tour together. If you are familiar with these early sounds, you'll be able to hear the funky dance rhythms of Black Liquorice and punk rock delivery of Popsmashers in !!!.
This is dance music with an attitude. Full of intense energy, pounding basslines, and layers and layers of electronics.
Google search tip: The band's name is typically pronounced "chk chk chk," although they say any mono-syllabic sound could work. Anyway, "chk chk chk" is most common and you can usually find this band online by searching for that phrase. Man, "!!!" doesn't even work as a label on blogger. That is so hip.
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That's why we are excited that not one but two of our favorite symbol-happy artists are on tour! The down side of this is that yes, searching for symbols online is a chore. So along with the band info we've got some hints
on what to search for to track these artists down on the web.+/-
September 27, 2007
Rock and Roll Hotel
Washington, D.C.
+/- was formed by members of '90s Merge Records alternative band Versus. James Baluyut and Patrick Ramos provide traditional instrumentation such as vocal, guitars, and drum, while third non-Versus member Chris Deaner mans the drum machine, sampler, and other surprises (from clarinet to banjo!)
If you see the name of the band and really want to label to +/- "math rock," you wouldn't be too far off. Like bands in that experimental genre, +/- love to use non-traditional time signatures and rhythms. But +/- are even more far-reaching in their experimentation, and they're not afraid of taking on a samba or using looping guitars and drums.
+/- recently announced a handful of tour dates in the Northeast with Japan's Moools. These are the first +/- shows in the States since their extensive European tour earlier this year.
In addition to touring back at home, +/- are also looking forward to the release of their debut DVD! Appropriately titled "+/- Self-Titled Debut Digital Video Disc," the DVD will feature 12 videos by various directors plus as of yet unspecified bonus material. It's all wrapped up beautifully in a Mark Robinson designed package. No word if the band will have the DVDs on hand at the upcoming shows, but you can definitely grab a copy at your local record store or online at Teenbeat.
Google search tip: This band also goes by "plus/minus" so try writing out the words! Their official site is written as: http://www.plusmin.us
Listen! plus/minus- "Steal the Blueprints"
!!!October 3, 2007
Revolution Music Room
Little Rock, AR
Believe it or not, !!! actually have a story behind their name besides just trying to confuse people. The name was in fact inspired by the '80s comedy flick "The Gods Must Be Crazy" where The Bushmen's clicking language is represented with exclamation marks in the subtitles.
To understand !!!'s sound, you have to know where the band comes from. !!! was founded by members of Black Liquorice and Popesmashers after the two bands went on tour together. If you are familiar with these early sounds, you'll be able to hear the funky dance rhythms of Black Liquorice and punk rock delivery of Popsmashers in !!!.
This is dance music with an attitude. Full of intense energy, pounding basslines, and layers and layers of electronics.
Google search tip: The band's name is typically pronounced "chk chk chk," although they say any mono-syllabic sound could work. Anyway, "chk chk chk" is most common and you can usually find this band online by searching for that phrase. Man, "!!!" doesn't even work as a label on blogger. That is so hip.
Labels: +/-, chk chk chk, concerts, little rock, plus/minus, revolution music room, rock and roll hotel, washington d.c.
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