Author: aftertheshow (Page 173 of 192)

Milo Greene @ Mercury Lounge + Special Video for YOU

October 28, 2011 / aftertheshow

Last night, I discovered a spectacular new band called Milo Greene. Composed of 5 members, the band sounded polished and seasoned despite being relatively new (they haven’t yet released their first record).

Each of the 5 members could easily have fronted his/her own band, but instead they came together to create a powerhouse/supergroup.

I noticed the band’s use of percussive instruments, the drummer’s decision to use mallets which created a full, orchestral sound, and how the band members switched instruments between themselves, playing guitar, bass, and even banjo for different songs in their set.

I’ve never seen a band where all 4 members up front could sing so well, harmonize together, and switch off vocals for different songs.

Check out video clips of “1957” and “Silent Way” that I took from last night’s show at the Mercury Lounge, along with a special video “hello” to YOU – readers of After The Show — from 2 members of Milo Greene, Robbie and Andrew.

School of Seven Bells: “Windstorm” Analysis

October 25, 2011 / aftertheshow

“Windstorm,” a song on School of Seven Bells’ sophomore album, is one of the most unique-sounding songs in my iTunes library.

The distorted melody that begins the song announces immediately that this song is different — it’s unrecognizable and hard to tell if a machine, guitar on overdrive, or human voice is producing this hook.

The vocals initially sound like they’re not in English but in some other more ethereal and musical language.

Entering the song unexpectedly in the first verse (0:35), the drums are heavy on the snare and sound like they could be played on a drum machine.

The chorus’s lyrical repetition and sparse instrumentation contributes to the song’s ethereal, chant-like feeling.

Sonically, the zenith of the song for me is at 2:35, when two separate vocal arrangements overlap (chorus + verse) creating a musical round that evokes feelings of prayer and meditation.

Live version of “Windstorm” below:

VH1 Save the Music: Family Day NYC

October 23, 2011 / aftertheshow

Today — Saturday, October 22, 2011 — was VH1’s Save the Music Foundation “Family Day.” This free interactive musical expo featured performances, food trucks, and activities for children at The Anderson School on New York’s upper west side.

Check out this interview that Parenting Magazine did with Taylor Hanson to promote Save the Music’s Family Day in New York.

Photos and 3 videos from Hanson’s performance at Save the Music Family Day by After The Show:

Yellow Bird Project

October 18, 2011 / aftertheshow

Yellow Bird Project is an organization that partners with indie rock musicians to create and sell t-shirts to benefit an array of charities, each chosen by the musicians.

In addition to the original t-shirt designs, Yellow Bird Project has two books out — the Indie Rock Poster Book and the Indie Rock Coloring Book.

Bands involved in the project include:

Andrew Bird, Au Revoir Simone, Beach House, Bon Iver, Devendra Banhart, Laura Veirs, Metric, Ra Ra Riot, Rilo Kiley, Stars, Tegan and Sara, and Whispertown 2000.