Tag: music review

Gallery + Review: Broods

By Lilli Banks

New Zealand’s own BROODS stopped at Rams Head Live in Baltimore last month while on their 12 date North American Tour! BROODS are known for Georgia and Caleb Nott, brother and sister, as they started the band together.

Georgia, lead singer, mentioned how they have heard stories about Rams Head Live being a venue that many people love and are eager to play. They were more than happy to be in Baltimore.

Georgia moved along the stage with her exquisite dance moves and connecting with each side of the audience. All their fans were in awe and singing along happy as ever!

A trend with Rams Head Live is that it holds the same types of people that you see: the jocks, couples, loners, fanatics. Each person is different with how they react to seeing a concert.
Lots of people let their hair loose and danced more than other shows I have seen, especially in Baltimore. BROODS music makes you want to dance with your friend and enjoy the night!

They took a chance to slow down the night. They wanted to connect and talk to the audience since the venue allowed that intimacy. They mentioned a little bit of how they came together. They sang “Mad World” which was a song that helped initiate the band. The crowd helped them sing and it brought such a wondrous smile to the bands faces!

They were more than thankful for the crowd that came out and put on a show that makes you want more.

If BROODS comes to a city near you, bring a group of friends, prepare to let go and enjoy yourself!

Listen to their second album titled, “Conscious” which was just released last year here.

Review: Sundara Karma

April 14th at Songbyrd Cafe: Sundara Karma on The Advanced Placement Tour with 888 and Coast Modern

A Review by: Jada Moore

With their first visit to DC after releasing their debut album, “Youth Is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect,” Sundara Karma definitely put on a show not soon to be forgotten! Sundara Karma, an indie band hailing from Reading, England; made up of lead singer Oscar “Lulu” Pollock, guitarist Ally Baty, bassist Dom Cordell and drummer Haydn Evans, sure know how to put on a good show! After waiting for years it was finally time to seem them! Waiting all day at the venue was definitely worth it all. Not only did I meet Oscar and Ally, but I was front row and had such an amazing view and experience. Not to mention each member’s way talented, smart and down to earth. Talking to each member and really getting to know the band, you can just tell just how humble and gracious they are but also how aware they are of the issues currently affecting the globe. April 14th was definitely a night worth reliving!

7:00 pm
The stage was illuminated by the luminescent glow of white fairy lights, with a blue guitar sat on the stage waiting. The room was dark with anticipation, and out of my peripheral view the setlist sat on the stage called to me. The sound of clapping caught my ears, it was time for the show to begin!

First up was their hit single, “A Young Understanding.” From the strums of the guitar to the sweet melody of Oscar’s voice, the crowd was pumped and excited for the night!
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Next, the pounding of the drum along with the start from Oscar’s powerful vocals. Lyrics beating “Oh no, Olympia says she loves me,” comes out of his mouth. With its catchy beat and lyrics, this was definitely a song that had me in my element. I think everyone enjoyed themselves especially because this song (being an older single) had an evoking moment of nostalgia for the audience.

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Following came the funky and dreamy beats of: “Fleshbloom,” “Flame” and “Watching from Great Heights.” Definitely the songs of the night that had everyone in the audience screaming and dancing in joy. I know my friends and I were dancing our heads off!

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Next all I heard was, “She said I don’t wanna go out dancing….” and mentally something in my head and body immediately clicked! I realized that my break out dance song was being performed right in front of my eyes! I honestly was so excited and having so much fun and I knew that sadly their set was soon coming to an end (insert frowny face.)

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The soft melodious chords to “Happy Family” began. As soon as the beat dropped my friends started a bit of a mosh and man was that great, the cheerful beat of the song definitely had everyone feeling nostalgic and cheerful. One of my favorite songs, if not my favorite from the album as the song evokes happy memories in my head and I felt at ease dancing the night away.
As the chords to the last (but not the least in anyway) began, I think the crowd was having the best songs. Shouting out the lyrics to “Loveblood,” while also dancing the rest of the night away the whole audience was captivated. I just remember shouting and dancing along with my friends and having the best time. As the song came close to an end, with the soft “ooohs” I just closed my eyes and was taken away. As the finishing lines continued I don’t think I had ever been having so much, I remember my friends and I all dancing and bumping shoulders. That moment had to be the best one of the night.

Follow Sundara Karma:

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One Million Lovers Fill Baltimore Soundstage

Review + Photos by Lilli Banks

The Growlers, Baltimore Soundstage, May 19.

On a quiet night in Baltimore, the venue, Baltimore Soundstage was growing louder as The Growlers set time came closer. The Growlers decided to stop in Baltimore, MD during their “City Club Tour”.
I’d never known that so many people in Baltimore knew and listened to The Growlers. Many college kids and teens were in the crowd as the older folk occupied the back of the venue.
The venue told me that there was no barricade, so that put on a challenge for me to get as close to the front as I could. To be honest, didn’t really work out. The crowd is different from barricade or in the photo pit…
I saw the crowd so engaged in the band. There were no phone use restrictions nor did the band ask them to put down their phones. Their “beach goth” sound put on the right atmosphere for a Thursday night in Baltimore. The solos brought from the guitarists were chill, but so captivating. The Growlers are one of those bands where if you listen closely, each instrument is heard and never overshadowed by another. The crowd was still energetic as ever as the first few notes of their favorite songs played. The band knew how to choose their setlist, they varied it a bit from other shows which always brings an element of surprise. They chose a great selection from their multiple albums to please all their fans. In one song, Matt, the lead guitarist, takes over singing a song and the entire crowd started cheering! It was a moment where not all bands put the spotlight on other members. Not all fans in the crowd knew he did this either, so seeing the shift and excitement was thrilling for both the band and the crowd themselves!
The best part of a concert is truly seeing how much the fans are in love with the band and live music. The universal effect of music truly is wonderful.

Music can bring such joy to peoples lives. However, on May 22, Manchester Arena was bombed during an Ariana Grande concert. Although The Growlers show was May 19 and the Manchester event occurred afterwards, it is still important to talk about.
PLEASE email your local venues and ask them to up their security. The bombing occurred outside the arena, but venue security is still a problem. Sometimes bags aren’t even checked. Continue to go to concerts. Try to make a change! Even the slightest enhancement can save a life.

All our staff at LDM are sending condolences to those affected by this tragedy.

New Music Radar: Ardyn 

Not too long ago, we spoke with Gloucestershire duo, Ardyn while they were in the process of recording new music. Now the pair have released their new single, Together, effortlessly transitioning from hazy pop noir into rhythmic electro-pop. 

Produced by Tourist, Together unveils a refreshing perspective on the music of Katy and Rob Pearson. With such a vibrant sound and hints of 70’s disco, the brother-sister group make a bold statement for 2017 and for their future material. While there still remains aspects of Katy’s hauntingly melodic vocals and symphonic instrumentals, the new single marks a departure from their previous sound and proves that the duo can progress in a new direction and consistently amaze us! 

Ardyn will also be hitting the road in the coming months for a slew of festival slots at Dot to Dot, Kendall Calling, along with several others. Not to mention, they will be headlining their sold-out show at London’s Hoxton Hall with support from Alaskalaska, come June 13th. 

Listen to ‘Together’ on all streaming services and see below for a list of Ardyn’s upcoming U.K. tour dates. 

Ardyn Live:

‪May 26th‬ – Dot to Dot, Manchester

‪May 27th‬ – Dot to Dot, Bristol

‪May 28th‬ – Dot to Dot, Nottingham

‪June 13th – Hoxton Hall, London (Headline show)‬

‪July 7th‬ – Bluedot Festival @ Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire

‪July 8th‬ – Village Green Festival, Southend

‪July 9th‬ – Samphire Festival, Somerset

‪July 16th‬ – Citadel Festival, London

‪July 21st‬ – Truck Festival, Oxfordshire

‪July 30th‬ – Kendal Calling, Cumbria

‪August 5th‬ – 110 Above Festival, Leicestershire

‪August 6th‬ – Fieldview Festival, Wiltshire

 

www.ardynband.co.uk

www.twitter.com/ardynband

www.facebook.com/ardynband

www.instagram.com/ardynband

Words by Corynne Fernandez|@corynnne

Kane Strang Comes To U Street

Review and Photos by Sara Valenzuela

Red line. 12 am. On my way back home. The only thing keeping me awake is the ringing of my ears. First Monday night out on chilly U Street for a gig; shook my head little. Well worth it.

On their US tour, Kane Strang and his pals performed at the DC9 this past Monday night. His sound gave 80’s vibrations as soon as he performed Full Moon, Hungry Sun from his debut album Blue Cheese. It was dreamy, his voice made it feel as if we were in slow motion. Leaving me in a haze. A sterling show that left DC wanting more of Kane Strang.

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Make sure to check out Kane Strang’s Blue Cheese as well as his new single Oh So You’re Off I See on Spotify and iTunes.

Blue Cheese by Kane Strang

 

Oh So You’re Off I See – Single by Kane Strang

 

Kane Strang on Spotify

Surf Curse: Nothing Yet

By Kayla Fernandez

The surf rock, lo-fi duo coming not too far, from Reno, Nevada released their latest album Nothing Yet last week. There are many bands in the indie lo-fi scene but Surf Curse brings something bigger and better to the table. Their melancholy lyrics and raw energy really tie this whole album together. The second track Doomed Generation really hits home for me, seeing as it reminds me of the pressure my generation carries–especially in this coming 4 years.

Nothing Yet is the perfect album to chill out to, whether it be alone or hanging out with friends. Comparing their previous albums to this one, you can really see the duo’s growth and a more complete body of songs. As I kept listening to this album more and more, I found greater meaning in the lyrics; I’m sure many others feel that way as well. When discovering a soon to be cherished album, poignant lyrics are perhaps the most sought for element; there is a beauty in people latching a variety of meaning to the same set of words. The closing track, Falling Apart, was a natural way to end the album; it leaves an halcyon atmosphere and completeness in its entirety.

Overall, Surf Curse have kicked off the year to a great start. Keep an eye out for some upcoming shows, they are a must see band. 

Favorite Track: Cronenberg

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