Converge is returning to Tempe on May 19th at The Clubhouse and the Factory Made office is eagerly anticipating their return with a line-up that only Converge could lead. With a lifespan that rivals most bands in the genre Converge has yet to reach their peak as they recently released “Axe to Fall” last year reaching critical acclaim while creating, in my opinion, their best work yet. There are few bands that can tour with Converge and not look completely outmatched; the bill for this tour however seems like a perfect match.
Metalcore pioneers Coalesce are finally touring again and I was thrilled to see that they were on this tour, they recently released “OX” last year, it marked their first full length in almost a decade and they are just as relevant as they were years ago. Gaza, Lewd Acts, and Black Breath round out this stellar show and given the amount of energy that all these bands have on stage it will a show that will be talked about for days after. If you are a fan a heavier jams you have probably listened to Converge or at least heard them, seeing them however is something that has to be experienced, get your tickets early….this show is not to be missed! Tickets are available at mantoothgroup.com.
The Cro-Mags are coming to Arizona. For some that is all I need to say but for those of you who may not be familiar here is a quick history lesson. The Cro-Mags started in the mid 80s and have always been (at least to me) one of the best bands to come out of the world famous New York Hardcore scene of the era. The first time I heard “Age of Quarrel” I remember being absolutely blown away and being surprised at how much this band is still being emulated today.
Although the current line-up has changed conderably since the bands inception original vocalist John Joseph and supporting members from bands like Sick Of It All and Leeway are currently carrying the torch and ensuring that a whole new generation will get to experience true New York grit. The supporting cast for what will undoubtably a insane show includes Los Angeles natives Alpha & Omega, and local acts Out For Revenge and Life In Chains. The show is happening on March 10th at the Clubhouse.
There’s been a lot of chatter since I originally posted the news that a new house venue named Judy was opening. Unfortunately, it seems like some people don’t value the amazing opportunity we’re being given in Phoenix to enjoy shows at DIY spaces, as well as more traditional clubs and bars. Another spot that is just getting off the ground is hosting an event called Fox Fest, that you definitely wouldn’t see at some of the venues around town that a lot of people are frankly tired of. Does anyone enjoy shows at The Clubhouse?
The show is made up of female-led DIY punk bands and aims to draw attention to the important role that women are playing in the local scene. As Phoenix continues to grow and expand the independent arts and music scene we have, it’s going to take all of us supporting shows and venues like these to keep the forward momentum. Lets make sure there’s a lot more DIY shows to come.
It seems like if Fuse keeps at the current pace, it wont be long before they’ve brought the entire Fools Gold roster to the rooftop of Bar Smith. February 19th will bring LA-based DJ Congorock to downtown Phoenix for a set that’s guaranteed to be full of heavy-hitting house and techno. The roof has a tendency to get insanely packed when big guests come through, so make sure you get there early. Plus, I heard there would be an opening set by the Valley’s own DJ Epidemic and as many cheap drinks as you can handle before 11.
How do you make a show that features two of the most talked about bands in indie music over the past six months even bigger? Well, if you’re Stateside, you can add on a third hugely hyped band and create another post-SXSW showcase at the Rhythm Room. We already told you about the Cymbals Eat Guitars and Bear In Heaven show on March 22nd. Now you can officially add Freelance Whales to the lineup. The band is touring in support of their debut album “Weathervanes”, which will be released March 16th on Frenchkiss.
Well today I got news that I have been waiting for since 2005….Doomriders are finally making their way to Arizona in March with Red Sparowes. For those of you who are not familiar with these bands allow me to give you a quick rundown. Doomriders features Nate Newton from Converge and have released two fantastic albums over the past few years. Their latest release “Darkness Come Alive” is one of my favorites from last year and it absolutely crushes. They walk the line between classic metal, thrash and hardcore and still managed to create some incredible melody to keep you moving.
The second band on this monster bill is one of my favorite ambient bands, Red Sparowes. Currently comprised of members of a few different bands including Isis; Red Sparowes are able to paint amazing soundscapes that completely immerse you in their work. Once I put on one of their albums it is very rare that I do not listen to them all the way through. They have recently finished recording their next album which is due out April 6th entitled “The Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer.” You can listen to a preview of the album HERE. The show is at the Rhythm Room on March 28th.
Cold Cave was one of those bands that I didn’t immediately get into the first time that I heard them. Being a long time fan of American Nightmare and Some Girls it was very hard for me to get into Wes Eisold’s newest project when I first heard it. I dismissed it and it wasn’t until Derrick played me songs from their newest LP “Love Comes Close” that I started to pay attention; with the addition of Caralee McElroy (ex-Xiu Xiu) and Dominick Fernow (Prurient) Cold Cave really made me rethink my whole stance and come to appreciate what they were trying to do. Well the album has been out for a few months now and they have finally released the video for my favorite song off of “Love Comes Close”, “Life Magazine.” The video features the woman from the LP’s cover and fits the song wonderfully. This is a great introduction to the band.
The pre/post SXSW hysteria is spreading outside of Austin and taking over Phoenix with a stacked couple of weeks of shows in March. The latest announcement came today when Stateside dropped the news that Abe Vigoda would be coming to The Trunk Space along with Lovvers and Tape Deck Mountain on March 12th. Abe Vigoda is the opener for the upcoming Vampire Weekend tour that’s coming to the Marquee in April, so this may be the last time you see the band in such an intimate venue. Writer will open the show.
German producer Ada is well-known for icy minimalism, but not as well known for inserting huge hooks into her techno compositions. That all changed with the release of her new single “Lovestoned”. Gui Boratto has been one of my favorite electronic musicians for at least the past couple of years and just about anything he touches turns to gold. This remix is no different, as he takes the bits and pieces that I liked best about the original and twists them into something wholly different. You’ve gotta check out the music video for the original version of the song as well, it’s simply gorgeous and a perfect fit for the track.
The Secret Machines are back with a new single and this time it’s on the label the band runs themselves, TSM Recordings. “Like I Can” is available as a digital download with the b-side “Terrible Light”. The band’s label was awesome enough to send us “Like I Can” to share with all of you. If you like this, you should definitely head over to the iTunes single page and download it.
