Company Of Thieves reunite for 10 years of “Ordinary Riches” at The Troubadour

10/07/2017

Frontwoman Genevieve Schatz of Company of Thieves performs live at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA. 9/30/2017. (Photo: Ken Ben Raymundo | @welcometotheigloo)

“It feels like we never stopped,” guitarist, cofounder and cowriter Marc Walloch of the indie rock band Company of Thieves said to me in an interview on Saturday.

The Chicago-born trio, made up of singer and founding member Genevieve Schatz, Walloch and bassist and keyboardist Chris Faller, reunited this September to play a slate of shows nationwide to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album Ordinary Riches. They ended their 12-show run with a hometown show in Los Angeles at the Troubadour Saturday night.

After being on hiatus for three years, the band spent that time discovering their own solo careers — Schatz released a solo EP Show Your Colors in 2013 and Walloch released Through The Seasons under the moniker Spill. As the band quickly became a favorite among the Chicago indie rock scene, only then to be discovered by Wind-Up Records in 2009 with a follow-up release Running From A Gamble in 2011, the band’s legacy and music has stayed.

“We would run into each other around town and see each other at shows and realize we missed playing,” Schatz said.

To kick off their reunion, the band released their newest single “Treasure” — their first release in six years — earlier this summer. Read More

OCS (AKA Thee Oh Sees) Team up with Ty Segall and Shannon Lay for 2 Shows Benefiting Coalition on Homelessness

10/06/2017

If you are like me, the year 2017 has often left you asking yourself what more can I do to help out locally, nationally and beyond. With everything going on in the world, we all need to pitch in where we can; after all we are in this together. That sentiment is definitely not lost on SF’s fantastic community of musicians. Legends OCS (Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees) have joined forces with friends Shannon Lay and Ty Segall to raise money for some of California’s most vulnerable people. These special shows are set for December 17th and 18th at The Chapel, but tickets go on sale today (10/6) at noon and they will move fast. (Get your tickets here)

Thee Oh Sees have recently made some lineup changes now thrilling crowds as Oh Sees, but for four shows (two in LA and two here in SF) they are OCS, a unique lineup for a great cause. The band features John Dwyer, Brigid Dawson, Tim Hellman, Paul Quattrone and Tom Dolas. And as a special treat, they’ve added a stellar string section featuring Heather Lockie, Eric Clarke and Emily Elkin. Thee Oh Sees have always been a can’t miss show, but in December we are being promised a bit of a departure with a mellow set while supporting our city.

Check out new song “The Fool” by OCS for a taste of what you can expect in December:

Joining OCS is Ty Segall with a special acoustic set. It’s impossible to talk about the heyday of SF Garage without Thee Oh Sees or Ty, making this a dream show for most fans. It is crazy to me that I wrote two paragraphs about a show and I’m only just mentioning Ty Segall. His charisma, song writing and deftness on the guitar are legendary. Add to the lineup Shannon Lay who has her own rock-solid garage rock bonafides in addition to an amazing new album (seriously go listen to Living Water) and you have a show that only a fool would sleep on.

It’s all for a good cause and you can get in for just $25 (plus fees). This is a unique experience and you can get your tickets here.

Photo courtesy of OCS.

Photos: An Astronomical Evening with Sufjan Stevens and Co. at Fox Theater

07/31/2017

Words by Christine Javier
Photos by Leticia Molina

It was a stellar Friday evening at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, United States, Northern Hemisphere, on planet Earth. The sold-out crowd was in for an out of this world performance of Planetarium, a galactical project by Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly, and James McAlister, whose summer tour only spanned across four days in four cities.

Show opener, Thao Nguyen (of Thao & the Get Down Stay Down) has been touring as a solo female artist and multi-instrumental musician. She’s got that folk rock, southern vibe from her early roots in Virginia being a first-generation Vietnamese-American. Her guitar influence came from being surrounded in her bluegrass upbringing, and her impressive finger-picking style evolved throughout the night from guitar to mandolin and banjo. Thao and drummer Jason Slota got the crowd started with “Fear and Convenience” and “Kindness Be Conceived.” Her fourth and newest album A Man Alive marks “Departure” as her latest hit––combining her distinct vocal wails and high pitched mandolin riffs as she explores the relationship with her long absent father. While it’s certainly true this theme is a common tribulation especially amongst Asian-Americans, it’s Thao’s striking style and dedicated activism that pulls her up as she continues to rise amongst other female indie folk pop artists.

The supergroup consisting of Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner (guitarist, notably known from The National), James McAlister (percussionist), and Nico Muhly (composer) soon graced the stage for a breathtaking performance of Planetarium. Support came from three trombonists, a violinist and, and a viola player. While Sufjan Stevens needs no introduction as a singer and songwriter, this collaborative concept album transcends an intergalactic voyage of outer consciousness.

Each planet explores various astrological, mythical and scientific themes tied to its ruler and how it relates to our experimental human awakening. It can feel slightly escapist tying their song “Venus”––being the goddess of love in mythology––and relating it to remembering our first sexual experiences. “Jupiter”––with the most moons and scientifically known as a failed star due to its elements resembling the sun in our solar system––is deemed as “the loneliest planet” which rules expansion, travel and the characteristics of a Sagittarian’s competitive quest to the top. “Language can stress reality, and reality is a social construct” Stevens says as he jokes with the audience about quantum physics and the voyage of mind expansion.

Learning about the intricacies of knowing thyself and how we are affected by the planetarium is the ultimate journey towards your self healing––i.e. your sun is who you came to be on this planet and how you deal with things daily, your rising is your higher self, who you are becoming and how others perceive you and how you present yourself to others, while your moon sign is how you deal with your inner emotions behind closed doors. With Stevens’ lighthearted stage presence and artistic creative endeavor for Planetarium (originally performed live in 2012), Dessner, McAlister, and Muhly gave a touching two track encore with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and a Bowie tribute of the classic “Space Oddity.” This is Ground Control to Major Tom, may you find your meaning and continue to protect our best planet that we get to stand on, Mother Earth.

Outside Lands Summer Pairing Series this Week

07/26/2017

For those hungry for a taste of Outside Lands, this week the Summer Pairing Series kicks off. The pared down series features half as many events as the previous year, though offers enthusiasts plenty to be excited about. This Friday, Harmonic Brewing — the newer Dogpatch brewery — partners with Nombe Ramenburger, offerings guests dishes like Teriyaki Stout Ribs made with Harmonic’s Cold-Pressed Stout, avocado fries with serrano aioli, and Japanese poutine to be paired with of the brewery’s offerings on tap. Starting at 5pm, the free event will also feature live funk music from The Joe Cohen Show.

For those foodies seeking the more refined offerings Outside Lands, on August 4th, Rootdown Wine Cellars will pay a visit to Sorrel for a Tasting of Tomatoes, Rosés, and Nouveau Reds. Chef Alex Hong is planning a seven-course dinner that pays homage to tomato varietals from Bay Area farms, celebrating the fruit in its peak season, and will complement it with bright summer wines. Mike Lucia of Rootdown Wine Cellars, a boutique winery, will pair his Healdsburg Rosés and Nouveau Reds with each course and a soundtrack that features Outside Lands hits and headliners from the past 10 years. Reservations must be purchased in advance and are $95 per person; $48 for wine pairings and reservations can be made at 

 

 

Photos: At Burger Boogaloo 2017 Punk Legends Steal the Show

07/11/2017

Words by Farren Jecky, photos by Pedro Paredes-Haz

Oakland’s Burger Boogaloo is now in its eighth year running. The garage punk fest is located in leafy Mosswood Park, just beyond the industrial sprawl, the docklands and the tent cities of downtown. It’s different out here, as the locals will tell you, the heat is a little more intense and the glittering bay seems like a distant dream, the place has grit.

When I arrive Personal & the Pizzas are busy blasting through their set. It’s as good a start to the weekend as any. Three dudes who look like they lost it all in some shady Vegas deal churning out raw, crude tunes like the Ramones’ sleazy uncles.

Speaking of the Brudders from Queens, they’re a major touchstone for the tone of the weekend. Their synthesis of buzzsaw guitars, fifties harmonies and comic book slogans has become the practical blueprint for a lot of modern punk.

However, as I stroll the grounds I come across some people fundraising for DIY venue 924 Gilman and I’m reminded of a time when the Bay Area was known for an entirely different strain of punk rock.

The flyer is old school, black and white, overtly political, it shows some kids raising the Gilman sign in echo of the famous Iwo Jima soldier photo.

Not to get too nostalgic but it is interesting that in the current climate the one thing missing here is any palpable sense of rage. Perhaps people are still reeling, or still too comfortable, or maybe punk has just become jaded in its old age. Its cultural power diminished. I honestly don’t know but I do catch myself longing for a hardcore band or two, some fury to cut through the haze of beer, pizza and perpetual adolescence. Still, these are just momentary reflections on the state of the culture, a critic has to talk about something after all. But it would be churlish to be too negative when people are enjoying themselves this much. Read More

Berkeley’s Toro Y Moi Honored with “Chaz Bundick Day” and “You and I” Music Video

06/29/2017

The city of Berkeley has named June 27 “Chaz Bundick Day” in order to recognize Bundick of Toro Y Moi’s creative contributions to the city’s art and music.

Although born in South Carolina, Bundick, who recently changed his name to Chaz Bear, moved to Berkeley and made himself at home here (quickly becoming the Bay Area’s pride-and-joy within indie music circles).

Known for his chillwave music, Toro Y Moi has released music since his first Body Angles EP in 2009 and debut record Causers of This in 2010. His most recent work was 2016’s live album Live From Trona and this March’s collaborative album with jazz-duo The Mattson 2 in Star Stuff.

Today, Bundick released the new song and video for “You and I” off his upcoming July 7 album Boo Boo.

It seems to be a bright year for the 30-year-old singer, songwriter and record producer. With his own Company Record Label and knack for graphic design, Bundick’s creations are something to take notice of.

Check out the chill new single from Toro Y Moi titled “You and I,” below.

You can purchase Toro Y Moi’s album Boo Boo on July 7 through Carpark Records. Keep up with Chaz Bear at http://toroymoi.com and his socials @toroymoi.

Song of the Day: Cathedrals’ Dreamy “With You” Reminds us of What Matters Most

06/29/2017

For the last few months SF-based Cathedrals has been treating us to new tracks from their upcoming second LP. The duo, Johnny Hwin and Brodie Jenkins, first burst onto the local (then national) scene a few years back combining soothing synth, raw guitar riffs and sultry lyrics in songs like “Harlem” and “OOO AAA.” And in some ways “With You” is most reminiscent of those earlier tracks than the other new singles, but with a maturity in writing that comes with experience.  

It’s interesting how the composition mirrors the message of the lyrics in places. The song centers around Jenkins’ refrain “with you, with you, with you” and the message that people can find solace in each other. Meanwhile the synths and Hwin’s lo-fi guitar build to a hectic web around around the words, a controlled but chaotic soundscape. As the song ends, we again find peace “with you.” In a world that seems increasingly crazy and broken, loving and depending on the people around you is a comforting message.

Check out the song below and keep an eye out for more new music very soon. We also hope to see another Nightingale party! 

 

Artwork by Jack Vanzet

John Waters Hosts Burger Boogaloo This Weekend in Oakland With Help From Iggy Pop, Buzzcocks, X and More

06/29/2017

At SFCritc Burger Records’ Burger Boogaloo has always been one of our favorite local events. Personally, some of my favorite all-time pictures to grace our pages were from last year’s sets. This year John Waters is back to host an amazing lineup featuring legends like Iggy Pop and Buzzcocks and some local favorites including Shannon & the Clams. Check out the full lineup below.

Burger Boogaloo is bigger than ever but it hasn’t lost its punk charm, you will really see people from all walks of life who are just there to enjoy the music. Tickets are still available online here ($69-$129), and if it doesn’t sell out limited tickets will be available at Mosswood Park.

Both Saturday and Sunday start at noon. Make sure to bring some cash as all the vendors are cash only!

Nick Waterhouse Interview: A Californian with the heart and soul for the blues

06/21/2017

Nick Waterhouse is a true California soul. A retro rhythm-and-blues-playing vinyl-collecting thick-framed-glasses-wearing young guy oft seen wielding his hollow-body guitar and singing moody blues tunes is an artist you need to know.

Waterhouse is the embodiment of California music. His extensive background in writing, recording and producing music from Orange County, San Francisco and Los Angeles makes him a jack-of-all-trades. He recorded his debut single on his own Pres Records label, “Some Place,” which was recorded, mixed and mastered completely analog at the Distillery Studio in Costa Mesa. He’s produced for artists like the Allah-Las and is working on an upcoming John Patisse record. Indie rock artist Ty Segall is a dear friend. Soul artist Leon Bridges appears on his single “Katchi.”

As he just pulled in from Salt Lake City, I sat down with Nick before his show at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco Thursday night. We talked things like rhythm-and-blues, the ever-changing Orange County versus San Francisco music scenes, why he doesn’t like singing and why anyone who doesn’t love music should stop being in music.

Nick Waterhouse live at The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA. 6/15/2017. (Photo: Rachel Ann Cauilan | @rachelcansea)

SFCritic (Rachel Ann Cauilan): I know you actually went to college here in the city. What can you tell me about those days?

Nick Waterhouse: I went to [San Francisco State University]. I moved here as a teenager and I grew up to be an adult. A lot of the relationships I had at that period of time are ones that really defined my career. The first day of school I met Matt Correia of the Allah-Las who’s a really good friend of mine [and whom Nick produces for]. Ty Segall moved up here the year after me and played drums on my first record.

When I came up I actually came up from being in a band in Southern California [The Intelligentsia] that worked a lot. [The Bay Area] seemed like a drag. It was really hard to get bands going. It would be more work in this urban setting to get everybody to take the train, to meet somewhere, everybody was either working part-time or full-time and going to school and space was really expensive which, in hindsight, wasn’t that expensive. But I feel like a San Franciscan.

SFC: I know that you actually grew up in the Orange County area as well, so you pretty much are a full Californian. How would you describe the different music scenes [Bay Area versus Southern California] in that way? Read More

ZZ Ward brings her blue-eyed soul and “dirty shine” to The Independent

06/15/2017

Halfway through ZZ Ward‘s set, she had the whole crowd singing along to “Charlie Ain’t Home,” a song in which she describes as too “sexy” and maybe a bit too promiscuous for a fan who said the song culminated in marriage. But for blues-rock singer ZZ Ward, it’s been a longtime coming since she last played in the Bay Area.

Four years since bringing along singer-songwriter sensation James Bay (before the world knew who he was) and indie folk group The Wild Feathers as opening acts, ZZ welcomed in a sold-out crowd at San Francisco‘s The Independent last Thursday night, with an opening set by new blues artist Earl St. Clair. ZZ was nothing but smiles as she brought back her “dirty shine.”

“Dirty shine,” a term ZZ coined as embracing her true authentic self when it comes to her music — a unique blend of blues, rock, hip-hop and pop — is something that sets ZZ apart from many artists today.

Opening up with a drum-heavy blues number in which she sings, “Say goodbye, goodbye to everything / Make love to you / And I’m dancing on our grave,” ZZ was back in her element. Her blue-eyed soul voice, full and deep and tinged with attitude, excited the crowd as she presented “Ghost” off her upcoming album The Storm dropping this June 30.

Following with hit singles “Put The Gun Down” and “‘Til The Casket Drops,” she exclaimed, “It’s been a long time San Francisco.”

“I’ve been in hibernation,” she explained to the crowd, many of whom donned familiar fedora hats in the style of ZZ herself. She’s spent the past few years working hard on her followup to her debut 2012 album ‘Til The Casket Drops and was more than excited to be playing to a room full of listeners old and new, ready to dance and mouthing back every word. Read More

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