0 [VIDEO] Your Village Sucks! Fest: Dio Tribute Video

This video was shot originally as a video get well card for Ronnie James Dio back on May 8th as part of the Algerbay Records, Rocket Queen, and SRG sponsored Your Village Sucks! Fest in Seattle, WA. We crammed as many of the festival attendees as possible into Rendezvous/Jewelbox Theater in order to send well wishes and good metal vibes to the ailing legend. The grand experiment was pulled off with Throne of Bone and The Keeper head honchos Michael Freiburger and Andrew Chapman leading a “Rainbow in the Dark” sing-a-along, while an enthusiastic crowd dug deep for the epic metal karaoke session.

Much to our sadness and disappointment the official word came only a short week or so later while this video was in post-production that RDJ had suddenly passed away. After some deliberation we decided to make this instead a living tribute to the man on the silver mountain, and the people who participated in this get well card turned tribute video for the late great Ronnie James Dio will forever be a part of something truly awesome.

Long Live RJD \m/\m/

Filmed and edited by Joey Flores, Jerry Howard, and Wes Johnson of Taco Cart Productions.

0 [RECORD REVIEW] Sex with Strangers - The Tokyo Steel (2009)

Words by Matt Abramson

Sex With Strangers - Tokyo Steel (2009)

Here's the thing. Why do people make a huge fucking deal out of sub par acts like The Big Pink and M.I.A. (face it - that album is good for half a dozen spins, tops) when Sex With Strangers is doing the same thing a hundred times better?! It drives me fucking crazy. It's why I avoid a lot of these pop records. Oh, and because they suck.

I've really been screwing the pooch on writing this god damn record review. Usually, this is not an issue. Usually, though, I am talking about gnarly metal records. And 'Tokyo Steel' is anything but. Holy shit I love it though! Despite the slightly haggard appearance and often questionable demeanor I do love a good electro-pop record. I try not to like it, but I squirm and smile and provide the occasional backing vocal.

Frankly, following Sex With Strangers' appearance at Your Village Sucks! fest, I have not been able to stop listening to 'Tokyo Steel'. It is an amazingly fresh spin on familiar electronic themes executed so precisely that I have to argue this is the best sounding album I have heard this year. Hell, my inner audiophile is still spanking it in the next room as I type this.

Right from the album-opening title track, SWS grabs your attention and does not let go. The tandem of vocalists Hatch Benedict and Isabelle Dunlop not only work well together, they both can sing their asses off. The electronics don't just compliment the actual song and the other instruments, they are the catalyst for a pure sonic party. There is also a sprinkling of shorter, more ambient tracks which help the album flow from one great dance tune to the next. Make no mistake, though - if you aren't at least thinking about having a spontaneous dance party while listening to "We Want the Fire" or "Sharpen the Knife" then I suggest you check your pulse. Or join a convent or monastery, whichever applies.

0 [NW NOISE #10] The Cold Cold Ground (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

The Cold Cold Ground

(Set Time = 11:10PM - Grotto Stage)

The Cold Cold Ground is: Danny Kalan: Bass, Joel Boten: Vocals, Casey Wesels: Drums, Zan Ferguson: Guitar, Ben Applegate: Keys

The Cold Cold Ground is a lively five piece rock and roll act from right here in Seattle. Heavily touted by festival co-conspirator Andrew Chapman, the band brings to the table an energetic live rock show boasting a throwback sound that relies strongly on punk rock and rockabilly sensibilities. Add some well-placed synthesized organ and raspy delivery of singer Joel Boten; you have something that falls somewhere between Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Bad Seeds and The Cramps.

The Cold Cold Ground has been playing shows in Seattle for over a year sharing stages with festival comrades Warning:Danger! as well as frequently with Andrew’s band The Keeper. They have also been featured on both of Algerbay Records’ “Your Village Sucks!” compilations, this time around contributing an exclusive newly recorded track to “Your Village Sucks, Too!” available this Saturday at the festival. Look for The Cold Cold Ground to heat up the Grotto early on with soulful energy, and their red hot brand of spirited rock.

DO NOT MISS The Cold Cold Ground as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [NW NOISE #9] Mico De Noche (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

Mico De Noche

(Set Time: 11:40PM - Jewelbox Theater Stage)

Mico De Noche is: Donovan Stewart: Vocals, Guitar, Chad Baker: Bass, Michael Crum: Vocals, Guitar, Reno Dave: Drums

Metallic heavy metal wrecking crew Mico De Noche has been jarring brains out of their skulls locally since 2001. Over the years they opened for such bands like High on Fire, Jucifer, and Big Business. Further down tuning their sound all the while becoming a highly respected, monstrously sludgey favorite on the Seattle metal circuit.

In 2009, Mico was featured on the b-side of a mighty 10”split opposite Tad Doyle’s Brothers of the Sonic Cloth. The crushing track “Ganges” in particular, elevated their status as four musicians that can and will shake you right out of your boots with sonic mind numbing power.

In 2010, Mico De Noche sits with 4 releases under their belt and easily their most anticipated record on its way. Word on the street is that some initial promos have been released and the response to the new material has been a resounding two horns up. If it’s a good metal bludgeoning you are looking for, Mico De Noche will be surely oblige your request.

DO NOT MISS Mico De Noche as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [NEWS] Your Village Sucks! Fest Updates + Schedule

Official festival schedule as it stands now:

Jewelbox Theater:

Ashes Of Empires 9:30

Throne Of Bone 10:15

Sex With Strangers 10:55

Mico De Noche 11:40

Vutures2012 12:30

Grotto:

Guilty About Girls 9:45

Madrasso 10:25

The Cold Cold Ground 11:10

Warning: Danger 11:50

--

Note: Unfortuetly due to injury Mobile Slaughter Unit will not be able to play the festival as plan. We are bummed too, because they rule!

Note: Jerry and Wes of local film crew Taco Cart Productions will be on hand filming the event. With plans on putting together a short film retrospective at a later date.

0 [NW NOISE #8] Vultures 2012 (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

Vultures 2012

(Set Time: 12:30AM - Jewelbox Theater Stage)

Vultures 2012 is: Jeremy Lawless: Guitar/Vox, Donny Even: Guitar/Backing Vox, Chico King: Bass, Tony Rodriguez: Drums

Initially brought to my attention by Your Village Sucks! Fest mastermind Andrew Chapman prior to their Audioasis benefit appearance back in December of 2009, Vultures 2012 has earned steady rotation and quite a bit of local praise due to their massive hybrid of crust punk, death and stoner metal. Vultures 2012 possess all the elements of an extremely heavy metal band, and these former and current members of Flamethrower, Murdock and Hearseburner certainly lather it on thick.

Their dense and devastating sound has propelled them relatively quickly to the top of the local metal food chain, having even been featured live on Hannah Levin hosted KEXP radio shows twice. She’s a fan, Andrew’s fan, and I’m a fan -- what else do you need?

Vultures have been working in the studio laying down tracks for their debut full length, and their Conrad Uno produced 4-track demo EP s available on Amazon.com. Now is the time to catch these guys in an intimate setting as they fill the headlining slot of our little festival. Before they join the big boys of the metal world, a level they certainly have the chops to reach.

DO NOT MISS Vultures 2012 as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [NW NOISE #7] Warning:Danger! (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

Warning:Danger!

(Set Time: 11:50PM - Grotto)

Warning:Danger! is: Mark Ostler: Vocals, Brooker Bauer: Guitar, James Gardner: Bass, Mike Correa: Drums

What’s the deal with these crazy guys in the orange reflective vests and hardhats you ask? Well, let me just enlightened to the creative world of Warning:Danger!, the greatest safety-themed punk rock band ever to step on a stage. Actually, they are probably the one and only safety-theme punk rock act ever to exist, which really makes them all the more a must see this Saturday.

What started as an idea for a short film a few years ago soon morphed into one of the most entertaining and truly original band ideas of all time, the shtick to end all shticks if you will. With songs about everything from the horror of killer bees and sharks to crazy ex-girl friends and STD’s, their sermon-like cautionary tales are delivered by frontman Mark Ostler over top speedy hardcore punk riffs and meaty rhythms. Warning:Danger! have proved time and time again to be much more than costumes and construction tape, as they consistently blister eardrums while simultaneously sneaking smiles on unsuspecting faces.

Having released an excellent self-titled full-length, played numerous shows as part of top-notch billings, and just recently wrapped shooting their first music video, Warning:Danger! come to Your Village Sucks! Fest primed to add to their already strong legion of fans. Just four more words to add: Watch out for Godzilla!

DO NOT MISS Warning:Danger! as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [NW NOISE #6] Sex With Strangers / Guilty About Girls (Vancouver B.C.) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

Sex With Strangers

(Set Time: 10:55PM - Jewelbox Theater Stage)

Guilty About Girls

(Set Time: 9:45PM - Grotto Stage)

Sex With Strangers is: Hatch Benedict: Vocal, Keys, Magnus Magnum: Bass, Keys, Guitar, Wedge Beavers: Guitar, Keys, Vocals, Isabelle "Bobbie" Dunlop: Vocals, Dallas ArchAngel: Drums

Your Village Sucks! Fests boasts the talents of not one but two killer acts from Vancouver B.C. in Sex With Strangers and Guilty About Girls. Sex with Strangers’ post-punk electro legacy dates back to the 90’s where frontman Hatch Benedict and bassist Magnus Magnum first met. They are coming off their first ever appearance at this year’s SXSW Festival as well as released “The Tokyo Steel” -- a disco rock scorcher led by infectious single “New City Anthem” in 2009. Look for these guys to leave everything they’ve got on the Jewelbox Theater Stage.

Guilty About Girls is: Jordy Birch: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Mark Henning: Drums, Keys, Programming

Also making their way from Canada is Guilty About Girls a goth-tinged electro-punk duo who has even been described as Buddy Holly meets Daft Punk. All odd-ball comparisons aside Jordy Birch and Mark Henning’s latest single “Candy Candy” is as catchy as they come, and I expect Guilty About Girls to take over the Grotto Stage with not only tuneful elegance and pumping beats but also should act as a well-timed palette cleanse while sandwiched between the many metals acts on the bill. Both bands were booked by festival co-conspirator Andrew Chapman. The man has a real knack for finding exciting, mostly undiscovered talent, and both of these bands are sure examples.

DO NOT MISS Sex With Strangers and Guilty About Girls as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [NW NOISE #5] Throne of Bone (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words and Video by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

THRONE OF BONE

Set Time: 10:15pm on Jewelbox Theater Stage

Throne of Bone is: Michael Freiburger: Vocals, Josh Patten: Guitar,

Billy Hamilton: Bass, Jeffery Posso: Drums

While boasting a rip-roaring blackened thrash guitar attack, beastly rhythm section, and a guttural black metal-style vocal delivery, not to mention tirelessly playing shows, sometimes a few a week. Seattle’s Throne of Bone have made a name for themselves relatively quickly as a local metal band to watch, and certainly a must see live act as well.

Last Sunday they opened for Red Fang at the Funhouse. Black hooded vocalist Michael Freiburger took to the floor with his signature bone chiseled microphone in hand. The exuberant frontman reared the crowd with dramatic showmanship, wicked screams, and a reasonable amount of microphone overspray. The trio of musicians on stage provided the torrid metal backdrop Throne of Bone has become known for, while guitarist Josh Patten at one point even burned through not one but two guitar strings during some particularly fierce riffage. Throne of Bone are real "charmers", and even though tongue-in-cheek metal clichés’ are at an all time high, I agree wholeheartedly with Your Village Sucks! Fest co-conspirator Hannah Levin -- "Bone is easily one of the most compelling metal bands playing in this city right now."

DO NOT MISS Throne of Bone as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

All hail the mighty Throne of Bone!

0 [PODCAST] Rock Cast Vol. 14 - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Podcast by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest

10 Bands / 2 Stages

May 8th @ Rendezvous

$10 Presale/$12 Doors

9pm / 21+

Getting stoked for Your Village Sucks! Fest? Well, here is the official podcast preview of Your Village Sucks! Fest happening this Saturday May 8th at Rendezvous. Hear a taste of the bands playing the festival as well as a few others included on the "Your Village Sucks! Too" compilation, available at the festival.

If you appreciate Seattle’s vibrate music scene and are a supporter of all things metal, punk rock, DIY, and underground, Your Village Sucks! Fest is a no brainer, so mark your calendars because Saturday May 8th is going to rule, don't miss it!



Advanced tickets are available now for $10 at Brown Paper Tickets and day of show for $12: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/107916

This week SRG will provide a full preview for the fest, and will continue to be your official source for all info related to the event. So stay tuned for more on all the bands, as well as updates as they come. Feel free to RSVP on Facebook, and drop us a line there as well.

0 [NW NOISE #4] Madraso (Seattle)

Words and Interview by Nik Christofferson

YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST Preview:

MADRASO

Set Time: 10:25pm in Grotto

Madraso is: Jeremy Curles: Vocal/Guitar, Chris Jager: Drums, Doug Owen: Bass

I caught Madraso’s blistering live show for the first time at the Brothers of the Sonic Cloth / Mico De Noche split LP release back in 2009. You could say I was a little late to the party being that band had existed since 2006, but none-the-less the crushing magnitude of their jagged hardcore infused noise rock made me a fan instantly. My initial thought during that first of now many Madraso experiences was pretty much, “Amp Rep eat your fucking heart out, this band destroys.” Madraso’s singer and guitarist Jeremy Curles played with chaotic fury, while drummer Chris Jager and bassist Doug Owen laid down the massive foundation on killer cuts such as “Daisy Cutter” from their debut full length “Van Horne”. This is an “unfuckwitable” power trio, and are easily one of premier bands currently at large in Seattle’s heavy music scene. The moral of the story here is Madraso owns, you must seek this band and they will destroy you. Frontman Jeremy Curles was cool enough to answer some of my lame ass questions via email, thanks for being a good sport man and we’ll have to do this proper some other time!

See Madraso TONIGHT as part of an excellent bill at Comet Tavern with Sandrider, Salvador (PDX), and Valis. DO NOT MISS Madraso as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

Here’s our chat:

Nik: Where did name “Madraso” come from? How about “Van Horne” for that matter?

Jeremy: Madraso is Spanish slang for either: 1. bitch slap or sucker punch. 2. It also is a saying you would use if you hit yourself in the head or something. Van Horne is the last name of a few friends of ours (Brad and Brian) we like their last name and they are great guys.

Nik: Speaking of “Van Horne”, it’s a damn fine record, what was the recording process like for you guys?

Jeremy: it was nice. We tracked with Justin Weis at Trakworx studios in SF. All takes were done live and went to 2" so it was a nice fit when it came time to release it on vinyl.

Nik: Who or what are Madraso’s musical influences?

Jeremy: Tough question. There are a lot of things outside of music that influences this band. As far as bands go, there are some common "influences", but the musical tastes of the members varies quite a bit.

Nik: Lyrically are any there any reoccurring themes and/or ideas that come up more than others in Madraso songs.

Jeremy: You can throw a dog in the oven, but it doesn't make it a biscuit.



Nik: Who writes the music and/or lyrics for Madraso?

Jeremy: The band writes the music. I writes the lyrics, they usually happen after the fact and tend to be constructed around the music.

Nik: Who are you favorite bands to play with-- locally or otherwise?


Jeremy: Hmmm.... locally, we really like doing shows with the Ruby Doe, Brothers of The Sonic Cloth, Black Elk and Mico De Noche. Not only are those all exceptional bands, but they are good friends and make playing shows even more fun. Non-local, check out the Rye Wolves and Kowloon Walled City. Both kill it.

Nik: What is your favorite part about playing live?

Jeremy: The live experience. Taking songs that were written in a small cold basement and playing them in front of a small cold crowd.

Nik: What are your thoughts on the state of our current local music scene? Positives? Negatives?


Jeremy: It could use a better sense of camaraderie I guess. There are a lot transplants these days, and that sometimes gives a disjointed feeling to the whole thing. I remember growing up here myself and even though I was too young to go to a lot of "good shows" I do remember it being a bit more cohesive.

Nik: If you had the chance to open for one band past or present over all others, who would it be?

Jeremy: Loaded Question. Jager: Keelhaul. -- Jeremy: Burning Witch. -- Doug: The Jesus Lizard. But, Above all, we all agree on: Michael Jackson.

Discography:

Van Horne (2009)

The Theme of Consequence (2006)

#1 (2005)

Links:

Official Site
MySpace

0 [KILLER SHOW ALERT] Your Village Sucks! Fest Official Announcement

In conjunction with Algerbay Records and the Rocket Queen, Seattle Rock Guy is proud to present:

Your Village Sucks! Fest
10 Bands / 2 Stages
May 8th @ Rendezvous
$10 Presale/$12 Doors
9pm / 21+

Your Village Sucks! Fest is the brainchild of Algerbay Records founder and The Keeper frontman Andrew Chapman. With help from Seattle Weekly scribe and KEXP DJ Hannah Levin, as well as Seattle Rock Guy, this killer festival features 10 amazing NW bands on two stages for one night only.

The lineup is a stellar one; carefully crafted by all three sponsors with a firm finger on the pulse of Seattle's current metal and punk landscape. Though the lineup was assembled by three self-proclaimed metal heads, Your Village Sucks! Fest really has a little something for everyone, including a couple left field additions from our closest Canadian neighbors. Whether it be the metallic sludge riffs of Mico De Noche, the brazen disco rock of Vancouver B.C.’s Sex With Strangers or the amusing shtick of punk rockers Warning:Danger!, expect a beyond kick ass evening of debauchery and killer live music.

Your Village Sucks! Fest Official Lineup (in no particular order):

Vultures2012

Throne of Bone

Sex with Strangers

Mobile Slaughter Unit

Warning:Danger!

Mico De Noche

Madraso

Guilty About Girls

The Cold Cold Ground

Ashes of Empires (Not Pictured)

This event is not only a showcase of some of Seattle’s premier underground talent but is also a celebration and release party for Algerbay Records’ second FREE local music compilation entitled “Your Village Sucks! Too”. Back in 2009, Algerbay Records released the first compilation, which proved to be an excellent cross-sectional look at some NW bands that may or may not have slipped by your radar including The Keeper, Android Hero and Your Village Sucks! Fest participant The Cold Cold Ground to name a few. I also won’t hesitate to point out that SRG’s 1st birthday is quickly approaching, and the fest might be the unofficial birthday bash for us as well.

Advanced tickets are available now for $10 at Brown Paper Tickets and day of show for $12:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/107916

During the remainder of April leading up to the festival, SRG will provide a full preview for the fest, and will also be your official source for all info related to the event. So stay tuned for more on all the bands, as well as updates as they come. Feel free to RSVP on Facebook, and drop us a line there as well.

If you appreciate Seattle’s vibrate music scene and are a supporter of all things metal, punk rock, DIY, and underground, Your Village Sucks! Fest is a no brainer, so mark your calendars because this night is going to rule all, don't miss it!