Ron Trembath

The Dandy Warhols: Little Drummer Boy [mp3]

Ron Trembath
December 22, 2009December 19, 2009

The Dandy Warhols use their electro-fused, almost Beatles pop sound (one of their many styles) to recreate one of the best Christmas songs ever, “Little Drummer Boy”. And it couldn’t have worked out better. This cover is, too say the least, far better and more energetic than when Bright Eye’s tried it out for size. Yes, rockers doing holiday songs is one commodity that shall never grow old. The Dandies have been releasing this one for free download for a number of years. It’s a quite perfect way to enjoy these annoying jingles that used to bring you so much joy when you still believed it would be a good thing for a fat bearded guy to sneak in your house late at night and eat your cookies. Bless these Portland rockers for bringing back the joyous feelings we seem so often to forget. Read More »The Dandy Warhols: Little Drummer Boy [mp3]

Kasey Anderson: Nowhere Nights [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
December 18, 2009December 16, 2009

The line between roots music and downright country music has blurred of late. Country pop artists tend to say they draw influence from powerful down-home roots artists, but rarely sound like them. So, to call Kasey Anderson an alt-country artist because of the twang in his vocals, or the subtly delightful stories he tells, would be absolutely absurd. What you year on Nowhere Nights are the words of an artist deeply rooted to what it used to mean to be a songwriter with some sad stories to tell. And that makes his music virtuous. Read More »Kasey Anderson: Nowhere Nights [Album Review]

Kagero: Japanese Gypsy Rock [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
December 16, 2009May 29, 2023

Kagero front-man and founder Kaz Fujimoto would have you believe he has explored every inch of this earth. Whether this is true or not, it is the sounds of Japanese Gypsy Rock that will make you a believer. This Japanese wordsmith and harp aficionado pulls off some of the best indie world music you’ll ever get. His lyrics border the general frustrations of any 90’s alternative band; but they do so with violins, musical saws, a saxophone, fiddles, etc.

Ron Trembath
December 14, 2009December 14, 2009

Annabell‘s first full-length album, Each and Everyone, is, for lack of a better word, a doozy. It might be what you’d expect from Midwestern emo kids, and it is mainly more of the same songs and sounds as heard on their self released debut EP – but it’s also got so, so much more. What is it exactly? That’s a tough one. Killer drum lines are a definite. Maybe a greater sense of self confidence, too. These things are a great start. Read More »Annabel: Each and Everyone [Album Review]

Rajiv Patel [Feature Artist]

Ron Trembath
December 10, 2009December 9, 2009

Watching Rajiv Patel perform live is like watching a chemist develop everlasting cures. His “bath-time friendly” instrumentals brush past his fingertips with perfect precision and a tremendous sense of duty to the music he loves and cherishes. Upbeat, yet extremely mellow, there is a strange sense of strong-willed humanity in his sound. It’s as if a charismatic storm of ingenuity hovers over this eccentric but well-rounded guitarist’s head. Read More »Rajiv Patel [Feature Artist]

King of Rocksprings: The Milkman Vs. The Postman [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
December 9, 2009December 9, 2009

Scott Sosebee is a king. Of what you might ask? Well, aside from being the undisputed King of Rocksprings, he is also a royal attribute when it comes to pushing a punk rock influence into the indie world. And with a bit of comedic relief involved, his debut album The Milkman Vs. The Postman is reminiscent of early Bobby Joe Ebola & The Children Macknuggits. Of course, these songs have a premise and a real sense of being. But, their sense of human rings the loudest. Read More »King of Rocksprings: The Milkman Vs. The Postman [Album Review]

Jets Overhead: No Nations [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
December 8, 2009May 1, 2023

Jets Overhead could have easily been around 15 years ago. They would have made a few slacker movie soundtracks alongside the likes of The Jesus and Mary Chain (who, if you remember, were on EVERY soundtrack back then). But, there is also the likelihood they would have faded into nostalgic memory and became a simple novelty for FM radio. Thankfully, their old school and easy paced alternative album No Nations is only now shedding light. Original Soul Asylum fans are now in their forties. Scary, sure – but, this band will make them feel young again.

Ron Trembath
December 4, 2009December 3, 2009

What would you think if you read the lyrics “….but it comes from simple needs/ just fuck me till I bleed”? Would you be expecting a Trent Reznor-inspired electronic mess? Or maybe an speed metal diatribe about lust over love? Well, chances are you wouldn’t expect these words to be used in a song done by an indie power pop group such as The Very Foundation. But, much like their whole demeanor, there isn’t too much obvious about this tremendous group. Especially on their latest release The Restless Enterprise. Read More »The Very Foundation: The Restless Enterprise [Album Review]

Adolfo Lazo: On Tape [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
December 3, 2009December 2, 2009

The quick and spirited ditties like those on Adolfo Lazo‘s sophomore solo release On Tape that will keep this globe spinnin’. World-folk with a great sense of humor is one form of self expression with the possibility of stirring up the heart, body, and the ever-illusive soul. This is an album from an artist who only takes himself just serious enough to garner a bit of respect. Other than that, he comes off as a fun-loving musical vagabond lost on the highway of indie rock. Read More »Adolfo Lazo: On Tape [Album Review]

The Ascetic Junkies To Release Free EP @ Backspace

Ron Trembath
December 2, 2009November 30, 2009

Matt, Kali & the infamous crew known simply as The Ascetic Junkies are back with a brand new bag! Yes, Portland’s favorite folk/pop and sort of punk group are bringing some new material to their anxiously awaiting fans – it’s been over a year since the gang put out one of the best albums of 2008, One Shoe Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. As groundbreaking and delightful as the album was, you could always tell there could have been more. And on December 11th at Backspace, the City of Roses will be fortunate enough to hear the AJ’s return to their bluegrass roots, and bring home the joy absolutely free. Read More »The Ascetic Junkies To Release Free EP @ Backspace

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