Music
Review: Surf Harp – Mr. Big Picture
Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 by WLOY Staff
Photo by Micah E. Wood
Album: Mr. Big Picture
Release Date: 2/23
Rate: 9.2/10
LIYL: Talking Heads, The Strokes
Surf Harp’s sophomore album, Mr. Big Picture, is a new, unique sound for the 5-piece local band. Drawing from their garage pop origins as well as their psychedelic 90’s sound from their first LP, Peel, Surf Harp has finally found their own rhythm. This new album perfectly blends their previous style with a hint of 80’s new wave in sound and in concept. A lot of the tracks take the average aspects of a mundane office life and make it interesting by exploring concepts that are not-so-mundane like not fitting in, death, and even what seems to me like dissociation. Such lyrical writing reminds me of Talking Heads, which is exactly what this self-proclaimed art rock band is going for.
Their song writing blends perfectly with these new wave lyrical themes. Mr. Big Picture not only includes varying, layered vocals, synth, and layered guitar, but it also experiments with distorted, lo-fi samples from everyday objects, such as a vacuum cleaner and power tools. Such experimentation allows each song to have its own personality, giving the album a holistic integrity as an art piece. My favorites are “D.I. Cig,” “Mirror Maze,” which makes you want to dance with its post-punk feel and alternating vocals, as well as “Mr. Big Picture,” which gives you the band’s pop roots with an art twist. However, all the tracks rock in their own way, making this an album you absolutely need to listen to. Find it here on Friday when it’s released by Friends Records or on iTunes. The record release party is being held at The Windup Space on Friday night.
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Mark Hopkins @ Coffeehouse 2/22
Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 by The Professor
Mark Hopkins is a Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, and more… He’s joining us for another coffeehouse because we can’t get enough of his excellent pop and rock songwriting. Whether solo or fronting his full band, Mark can rock out with his thoughtful songs and a lot of soul. Check him out at the Maryland Music Awards. Mark has played coffeehouse before and even graced our stage at Honfest and we know how much fun he brings with every song. It’s time for you to find out too!
As always WLOY will also have free tickets to upcoming shows you can win from Baltimore Soundstage as a bonus just for hanging out with us.
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Joe Louis Walker Interview
Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 by The Professor
Photo by Joe Del Tufo
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Jimmie Bones Interview
Monday, February 19th, 2018 by The Professor
Jimmie “Bones” Trombly is probably best known for his role as keyboardist for Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band, but he’s been a part of Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise, and played on and co-produced the final album of bluesman R. L. Burnside, among his many credits.
Currently on tour with Kid Rock and heading to the Royal Farms Arena on March 3rd, Jimmie has also released his first solo project “Snakebit and Wandering” on Funky D Records. Jimmie kindly took some time to talk to The Professor from WLOY’s Monday Morning Blues show in advance of their arrival in town. From getting the guitar of Wayne Kramer (MC5) on his album to the joy of touring by private jet, they covered a lot. Check out the interview below, and pickup a copy of Jimmie’s CD here
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Swampcandy & Doc Pine – Late Night 2/15
Monday, February 12th, 2018 by The Professor
Join us this Thursday night for a bluesy, swampy, rocking night. The great and powerful Swampcandy are playing again for us featuring Ruben ripping up the National Steel and Joey’s flailing bass (and mane). With 4 albums released, they’ve got a deep catalog of excellent songs to draw on, from “Drink Whiskey With Me” to “Devil in the Suitcase”. You’ll be transported to a late night roadhouse deep in the backwoods. Check out their website and amazing videos.
As a bonus this week you get 2 bands for the FREE price of 1! Swampcandy is joined by Doc Pine and The Respect He Deserves. A project of James Von Lenz (you may have seen his other band Voodoo Pharmacology on campus in the fall) they’re going to run the gamut from original twangy tracks to Springsteen covers (State Trooper!) and more. See if you can spot Ahren Bucheister in yet another band (is that 13 now?!).
Don’t order yet, there’s more! We also have a sample of the great bread pudding (and caramel sauce) from Cafe Hon for the lucky ones while it lasts, and free tickets to shows at Baltimore Soundstage you can win!
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Review: Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra
Saturday, February 10th, 2018 by WLOY Staff
Artist: Marty O’Reilly & the Old Soul Orchestra
Album: Stereoscope
Release date: 02/09/2018
RIYL: Civil Wars, The Dead Tongues, Bon Iver
Rating: 8/10
I have the chills, but that’s not because this winter has been brutally frigid here in Baltimore. In my short life, I have found that great music is goosebump-inflicting, and I am afflicted, thanks to Marty O’Reilly & the Old Soul Orchestra. Released on February 9, 2018, Stereoscope is the four-piece’s second full album. Compared to Stereoscope‘s predecessor, Pray for Rain, which has a lot of blues and traditional folk influences, Stereoscope sounds like Bon Iver with a twist. Stereoscope has a lot more string instruments, modern folk influences, and light rock influences. All in all, it’s a great album to listen to while reading (or prepping for a philosophy exam), in bed, under the covers, on a rainy Saturday. Here’s why: (more…)
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Review: American Pets – Bad Dream
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 by WLOY Staff
Artist: American Pets
Album: Bad Dream-Single
RIYL: The Republic Tigers, The Little Ones, Matt Pond PA
Released: January 5, 2018
Rating: 10/10
Do you ever hear a song by a band you’ve never heard of, get excited to look them up to see what else they’ve recorded, and find squat? This is what happened when I looked up American Pets . So, here’s what I know: American Pets classify themselves as a four-piece indie-rock band, they originate from Los Angeles, California, “Bad Dream” is the only song that they have released, but they are releasing their very first EP later this month. “Bad Dream” has me highly anticipating the EP’s release. (more…)
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Coffeehouse 2/8 Bell’s Roar & QueenEarth
Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 by The Professor
WLOY & Spectrum present this weeks show featuring bell’s roar and Queen Earth. Join us Thursday night by Starbucks from 8-10pm for a great night of music!
Sean Desiree performs as “bell’s roar”: The name bell’s roar symbolizes the focus and attitude held in Sean Desiree’s solo project. It’s a reference to feminist writer bell hooks who speaks of intersectionality and solidarity in their work. Being a queer, gender nonconforming person of color Sean cannot isolate forms of oppression. The roar represents the fight to not be silent and to use their creative voice to stop ongoing domination.
Missy Smith aka “QueenEarth” is a Loyola (and WLOY) graduate who has been performing solo and with bands for years. QueenEarth is a singer/songwriter and creative professional. In addition to performing her music, she has combined her passions to create courses, programs, and events that encourage social justice and arts education. She finds the greatest joy when she can bring her experience together for education, music, and creativity.
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Review: Captain, We’re Sinking – The King of No Man
Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 by WLOY Staff
Captain, We’re Sinking
The King of No Man
Rate: 10/10
RIYL: The Menzingers, The Wonder Years, The Descendents
As a whole The King of No Man definitely has a softer tone than Captain, We’re Sinking’s last album, The Future Is Cancelled, which was released in 2013. Despite this, The King of No Man is still very distinctly the punk sound of Captain, We’re Sinking. Overall, the album has mellow verses with heavier choruses. This album’s tracks have similar sounds to that of The Wonder Years, Knuckle Puck, The Gaslight Anthem, classic punk bands such as The Rites of Spring and The Descendents, and complimenting other out-of-genre influences. I feel like this album is like the Thanksgiving meal of punk; there’s so many sub-genre punk tracks that work deliciously well together. Below is just a taste of what the album is like: (more…)
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Open Mic Night Thursday 2/1
Saturday, January 27th, 2018 by The Professor
Join us this week for an Open Mic Night at the Coffeehouse. Bring your instruments, laptop, voice or even your knee-slapping spoon collection. We provide the space and the PA and you provide the entertainment!
All talents are welcome to give it a shot.
Really, bring it on. Amaze us. Show your friends it’s pure talent.
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