September 2, 2010 8pm
Circus
1227 N. High Street
(614) 421-2998
Ages 18+
$8 adv / $10 door
Suckers
http://www.myspace.com/suckers
“If the bouncy poly-rhythms of the Talking Heads made sweet, sweet love to Purple Rain-era Prince, with a healthy dose of lo-fi fuzz and DayGlo swirls.” - MTV
“These guys are… homing in on the New Wave sweet spot between Madness and Tears For Fears.” - Rolling Stone (”Hot List,” June 25 issue)
“Suckers are… redefining notions of off-kilter guitar-pop.” - Interview Magazine
“During [Suckers's] set, my music journo friend and I simultaneously gave each other the same exact “These guys are good, huh?” face. I’ve been to a lot of shows with this friend and the face thing is an extremely rare occurrence.” - Pitchfork Media
“The shaggy, joyous tunes of local quartet Suckers sound like campfire sing-alongs for the Animal Collective generation.” - Time Out NY
“These lads melt together a peachy knack for warm and fuzzy, squiggly psych-pop, complete with whistling and Morricone-like druthers.” - URB (”Next 100″ issue)
“There’s an irrepressible, slow-building energy that pours out of this four-piece band.” - Bob Boilen, “All Songs Considered”
Maza Blaska
http://www.myspace.com/mazablaska
The sheer amount of talent compiled in Maza Blaska made the band a must-see, so last Tuesday I went to Carabar and did just that.
Since midway through last year, the core of the band has remained Yoni Mizrachi and Sam Corlett (she of Karate Coyote fame) doubling up on vocals, with Mizrachi strumming his guitar and Corlett wielding an array of instruments including mandolin and Glockenspiel. Bassist Kyle Charles and drummer Tim Murray have been consistent contributors too, though Murray is on his way out to tend to daddy duties.
The new and (presumably) improved ensemble on view Tuesday featured two of the city’s most talented solo acts flexing their sideman muscles on the flanks. At stage left was Dane Terry, one of the city’s truest musical talents whose piano playing enriches just about everything he contributes to.
Stage right found Blake Miller, a former Alive Bands to Watch honoree for his whispery indie-rock concoctions, contributing sonic special effects with his guitar machinery - with his back to the audience, of course.
The songs I previewed on MySpace were sonically minimal and wide open, like Islands’ take on tropical twee filtered through Spoon’s production values. So I didn’t expect a stage sound as thick as the one they unveiled. The extra pieces totally transformed this band’s identity from light and airy to densely saturated. Sometimes it worked wonders, but just as often it sounded over-stuffed. Lots of good ideas but not enough focus? Edit, edit, edit. - Chris DeVille, Alive
Phantods
http://phantods.com/
If one chooses to wander from the beaten path, they will be drawn to the sounds of Phantods, drifting over from the dark side of the hill. Phantods’ haunting melodies, driving guitars, and masterful songwriting conjure a dynamic, unique brand of music that is palatable to the widest ranges of listeners.
In 2009, Phantods’ debut self-titled LP charted in the CMJ Top 200. Later that year, the four song EP, Revival, was released to rave reviews. In 2010, Phantods hit the ground running. Almost half of Phantods’ debut LP has been used in shows on MTV, including The Real World and The Challenge. Phantods is currently writing and recording their sophomore LP, Creature, due out in October 2010.
“Fantods: n.pl. Nervous movements caused by tension. An outburst of emotion. A fit.
That’s what Webster has to say about it. Columbus would say Dynamic, Melodic, Mysterious, Creative. And they would spell it Phantods.”
-The Hot 17
“Each track is painted in dark shades, sewn together with nimble rhythmic tricks and led by Kind’s doe-eyed siren call.”
-Columbus Alive
“The Phantods were the highlight of what was caught on Sunday evening, playing a set of tight, eclective, penny-dreadful pop with enough teeth and theatrical elan to overcome the inherent limitations of the space and showcase its potential.”
-The Other Paper
“I basically went to see Phantods because they’re rad… I really can’t stress enough how tight Phantods are live and how awesome Gretchen King’s voice is.”
-Donewaiting.com