SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISECTION C

by JEFFREy SISK took longer than expected for the dynamite 10-track release to come to life, but it doesn’t ‘Badlands’ disappoint. Mixing elements of folk, pop Trampled Under Foot (Telarc) and rock, Olney has a winner on his hands. ∂∂∂∂ -basedrockersimpress Keepers include the opening one-two punch Led by siblings Danielle, Nick and Kris by JEFFREy SISK of “Not From Body” and “Auntie Why, ” and Schnebelen, Trampled Under Foot is one Olney soars high on “Josefin the Writer,” of the rising stars in modern . Their ‘Spillway’ “Looking Over You,” “Let Love Be” and parents were fixtures on the Kansas City Royal Forest (Mollusc) “Through and Through.” Hopefully we won’t blues scene and their talented offspring keep ∂∂∂½ have to wait so long for No. 3. the family tradition alive — and then some When I read the press — on latest gem “Badlands.” Danielle and ‘Black Friday’ material accompanying the Nick anchor the 13-track proceedings with sophomore release from Big Black Cloud (Eolian Empire) their jaw-dropping vocals, and put those gifts Austin, Texas-based indie ∂∂½ to good use on keepers “Bad Bad Feeling,” Experimental power trio Big Black Cloud “Don’t Want No Woman,” the title track, rockers Royal Forest, I was are an acquired taste. And while I can’t “Pain in My Mind,” “Down to the River” and a little leery. The lads are quite make myself endorse their eardrum- a spine-tingling rendition of “It’s a Man’s, fond of experimentalism Man’s, Man’s World.” Highly recommended. and make liberal use of field splintering amalgam of garage, punk, noise recordings (inside a World rock and avant-garde, second full-length ‘That’s It!’ War II-era submarine, in the “Black Friday” is, if nothing else, never bor- Preservation Hall Jazz Band (Legacy) midst of a lightning storm, ing. Partners in crime Nick Capello (guitar/ ∂∂∂∂ high above the ground in vocals), Soo Koelbli (bass/vocals) and Travis a single-prop airplane), It’s pretty hard for an outfit that’s been Wainwright (drums) embrace the weird on which too often can turn an plying its trade for more than half a century this 11-track, 33-minute set. Opener “Cities otherwise quality album to come up with many firsts, but that’s just ing — and that prevents the Spillway” and “On the Sun.” of the Red Night” is the clear-cut highlight into a self-indulgent mess. what icons the Preservation 10-track release from being Give ’em a shot. of an album that soon evolves into a cacoph- Well I’m happy to report that Hall Jazz Band have done on latest release an essential addition to ony of noise with songs like “Bomb My my concerns were (mostly) “That’s It!” The 11-track CD marks the first your collection — but Royal Jeffrey Sisk is an editor at Trib Total Brain,” “Barbaric, Mystical, Bored,” “Hate overblown, as “Spillway” is Myself” and “Human Host.” Explore this one time the band has recorded an album made Forest impress on keepers Media. He can be reached at a darn good album. at your own risk. up entirely of original material. Fans will “John Denver, ” “Goldwall- 412-664-9161 ext. 152 or jsisk@ have little trouble embracing tunes like There are still too many tribweb.com. “Dear Lord (Give Me the Strength),” “Come quirky aspects for my lik- paper,” “Castro,” “Near the ‘Coming Out Swingin’’ With Me,” “Rattlin’ Bones,” “I Think I Love Candye Kane (Vizztone) You,” “Halfway Right, Halfway Wrong” and ∂∂∂∂ “The Darker It Gets.” plenty of promise. Twin Peaks deliver the excellent debut (last year’s “All Hell”) into a Big-voiced blues babe Candye Kane’s musi- goods on “Natural Villain,” personal favorite deal with Sub Pop and you can see for your- cal career took off several years ago when ‘Heart of the ’ “Fast Eddie” and “Stand in the Stand.” With self what the fuss is all about on sophomore she teamed up with guitar wizard Laura Geoffrey Keezer (Motema) a bit more seasoning, I fully expect a great set “Me Moan.” Armed with a rich baritone Chavez on 2009’s sublime “Superhero.” They ∂∂∂½ album from them. and a healthy cache of samples, Gibson has struck gold again with 2011’s fantastic “Sis- crafted an interesting collection of 11 tunes. Grammy-nominated ivory-tinkler Geof- ter Vagabond” and “Coming Out Swingin’” ‘Everything Happens for the First Time’ It’s a front-loaded album, with the best mate- frey Keezer is one of the most respected jazz makes Kane and Chavez 3-for-3. There’s a Eli Mardock (Paper Garden) rial (“The Sound of Law, ” “Phantom Rider,” pianists around and he’s spent more than delightful retro feel to the 13-track release, ∂∂∂½ “The Pisgree Nest” and “You Don’t Fade”) two decades playing mostly with others. with standouts “Rock Me to Sleep,” “I’m Eli Mardock earned his stripes fronting coming early. The momentum wanes some The compelling “Heart of the Piano” is his the Reason Why You Drink,” “You Ain’t All underground indie favorites Eagle Seagull, on the back half of the platter, but Gibson is first solo project in 13 years and it’s well That,” “Barbed Wire Mouth” and “Mari- and he steps out on his own with full-length one worth keeping your eye on. worth the wait. He puts an instrumental juana Boogie” songs you’ll want revisit spin on songs from artists as eclectic as Rush debut “Everything Happens for the First again and again. (“Limelight”), Eva Cassidy (“My Love Is Time.” The results are first-rate, as Mar- ‘Yannash Nahollo’ Like a Red Red Rose”), K.T. Tunstall (“Sud- dock mesmerizes throughout the nine-track Mission Dorado (self-released) ‘’ denly I See”) and his mentor James Williams offering. The lid-lifting title track is the best ∂∂∂½ (“Take Time for Love”). Keezer is a master of a very good bunch, and Mardock scores Trey Brown & Mission Dorado opened a (Vanguard) of his craft. with “Everything Is Good,” “Theologians few eyes in 2011 with their self-titled debut ∂∂∂½ Tell Me,” “If You’re With Me, Then You’re album as their laid-back brand of psyche- The Barenaked Ladies just haven’t been ‘Music for Television’ Against Me,” “The King of Crickets” and tinged indie folk struck a chord with listen- the same since co-lead singer The March Divide (Dead Letter) “The Way of the Future.” Good stuff. ers. For album No. 2, their first as Mission left the Canadian pop/rock outfit in 2009. ∂∂∂∂ Dorado, the quartet has crafted another Their 2010 release “All in Good Time” is my Having made a nice splash with “Music ‘Runnin’ With the Wolf’ winner in “Yannash Nahollo.” Brown’s least favorite of their 11 studio and for Films” back in February, Jared Putnam- Omar Dykes (Provogue) vocals still anchor the set, but bandmates as great as was splitting vocal fronted the March Divide wasted little time ∂∂∂∂ Matt Shepherd, Christopher Cox and Simon duties with Page, he struggled being “the getting back at it with the release of follow- Omar Dykes & the Howlers have been Page shine on several instrumentals on the guy” last time out. He seems more comfort- up EP “Music for Television.” The seven- playing the blues for 35 years, and on latest nine-track release. Opener “On the Range” able in the role on “Grinning Streak,” and track release serves up more of the same release “Runnin’ With the Wolf” they tackle sets the tone, and after effective instrumen- that’s probably why the 12-track album infectious indie rock and is a companion the songbook of one of the all-time greats. tal “Terlingua Dawn,” Mission Dorado score is noticeably better than its predecessor. piece for its fantastic predecessor. The open- The 15-track release includes 14 covers of with “White Buffalo,” “Call Up Dem Chil- BNL aren’t as playful as they once were ing tandem of “Like I Do” and “So It Goes” Howlin’ Wolf classics, plus the original title dren” and “Tangled in Deep.” Can’t wait to and they embrace that maturity on keepers set the tone for the EP, and the March Divide track that serves as further tribute to the hear more from these guys. “Boomerang,” “Off His Head,” “,” late, great bluesman. Armed with terrific also score with “Small Differences,” “Write ‘The Missing Years’ “Best Damn Friend” and “Did I Say That Off” and “Trying Now. ” Keep up the good source material, Dykes delivers the goods Out Loud?” This is a pretty good record, but work, fellas. with blistering readings of “Killin’ Floor,” John Prine (Oh Boy) not good enough for me to stop hoping Page “Howlin’ for My Baby,” “,” ∂∂∂∂½ rejoins the fray. ‘Blue Ruin’ “,” “I’m Leavin’ You” John Prine’s career stalled a bit in the Head for the Hills (self-released) and “Wang Dang Doodle.” A must for blues 1980s and after the middling reception to ‘Wrote a Song for Everyone’ ∂∂∂∂ fans. ninth studio effort “German Afternoons” John Fogerty (Vanguard) Ever wondered what the musical love child in 1986, he spent five years putting together ∂∂∂½ ‘Other Voices’ tunes for his next album. That record was of bluegrass, hip-hop, jazz and indie rock As both a solo artist and the guiding might sound like? If so, look no further than The Orwells (East End/Canvasback) “The Missing Years,” a remarkable set of creative force behind Hall of Fame rockers the fourth full-length from newgrass quartet ∂∂∂½ tunes that went on to win a Grammy for best Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Foger- Head for the Hills. The guys put a fresh spin Windy City five-piece the Orwells emerged contemporary folk album. It makes its vinyl ty’s status as one of modern music’s greatest on string music and the 12-track release is on the indie rock scene last year with the debut this week as a double album featuring loads of fun. The Colorado-based collective release of first-rate debut “Remember the original 14 tracks, plus previously unre- is secure. He enlists some of his clearly has fun making music together and When,” and the lads are looking to build on leased bonus cut “The Third of July.” The A-list pals to put a new spin on some of his their chemistry is on full display with keep- that momentum with high-octane EP “Other album holds up amazingly well two decades best compositions on the enjoyable “Wrote ers “Never Does,” “Priscilla the Chinchilla,” Voices.” The five-track release is appealingly later, with tunes like “Picture Show, ” “All a Song for Everyone.” The 14-track album “Look at You Now, ” “Lover’s Scorn,” “Bosun rough around the edges and the songs lift the Best,” “Everybody Wants to Feel Like has a pair of new tunes (“Mystic River” Ridley” and “Scrap Metal.” Highly recom- the project to something more than a mere You,” “It’s a Big Old Goofy World,” “Take a and “Train of Fools”), but the real appeal mended. placeholder until the next full-length. The Look at My Heart,” “Way Back Then” and is Fogerty’s collaborations with artists as title track is fantastic (and appears in here in “Jesus the Missing Years” every bit as awe- varied as Foo Fighters (“Fortunate Son”), ‘Sunken’ both original and “Basement Version” form), some as they were in 1991. A must for Prine Keith Urban (“Almost Saturday Night”), Zac Twin Peaks (Autumn To ne) and the guys score with “Blood Bubbles” and fans. Brown Band (“Bad Moon Rising”), My Morn- ∂∂∂ “Head.” There’s even an “Audiotree Live” ing Jacket (“Long as I Can See the Light”), With its members barely a year removed version of “Mallrats,” one of the keepers on ‘Hypnosis for Happiness’ Kid Rock (“Born on the Bayou”), Bob Seger from high school, up-and-coming indie outfit the full-length. This is a band on the rise. Grant Olney (self-released) (“Who’ll Stop the Rain”), Alan Jackson Twin Peaks seem destined for big things in ∂∂∂∂ (“Have You Ever Seen the Rain”) and Jenni- the aftermath of debut album “Sunken.” ‘Me Moan’ Having never heard Grant Olney’s 2004 fer Hudson, Allen Toussaint & Rebirth Brass While clearly the work of a band in progress, Daughn Gibson (Sub Pop) debut album “Brokedown Gospel,” my first Band (“Proud Mary”). Good stuff. the eight-track, 19-minute album — recorded ∂∂∂½ exposure to the Austin, Texas-based singer/ in band member Cadien Lake James’ base- Pennsylvania native Daughn Gibson ’s music is long-gestating sopho- Jeffrey Sisk is an editor at Trib Total Media. He can be reached ment — shows flashes of brilliance and (Pearls & Brass) parlayed his unexpectedly more album “Hypnosis for Happiness.” It at 412-664-9161 ext. 1952 or [email protected].

‘RebellionHymns’exploresAmericana CONCERT SCHEDULE Jimmy Buffett, The Coral Jesse Dee: 7 p.m. July 19, St. Clair Bosnian Rainbows: 7:30 p.m. Reefer Band: 7 p.m. July 18, Park Amphitheater, Greensburg. July 20, Altar Bar, Strip District. First Niagara Pavilion, Burgett- 724-837-1851 $17-$20. 877-435-9849 by bRIAN KRASMAN ing musicians in independent rock. But stown. 800-745-3000 Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company: Calypso Rose: 7:30 p.m. July 20, her new project Beach needs to be bur- ‘Rebellion Hymns’ Steve Trevino: 7-10 p.m. July 7 p.m. July 19, First Niagara Pavil- Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Down- ied at sea. “In Us We Trust” is all over 18-21, Pittsburgh Improv, Home- ion, Burgettstown. 800-745- town. $20-$35. 412-363-3000 Man’s Gin (Profound Lore) the map style-wise. That in itself is not stead. $18. 412-462-5233 3000 Zac Brown Band: 7:30 p.m. July ∂∂∂∂ a crime, but these electric violin-heavy fun., Te gan and Sara: 7:30 p.m. ApologetiX: 7:30 p.m. July 19, 20, First Niagara Pavilion, Bur- If you’re familiar with Cobalt’s hea- songs have no cohesion as a collection, July 18, Stage AE, North Shore. Center United Methodist Church, gettstown. 800-745-3000 then, violent black metal, you might and at times seem to be trying so hard to $35. 800-745-3000 Natrona Heights. $10-$15. 724- Frankie Valli & the Four Sea- be surprised to hear what that band’s be artistic and to make a point that they Randy Jackson of Zebra with 226-2300 sons: 8 p.m. July 20, Heinz Hall, multi-instrumentalist Erik Wunder can come off as laughable rather than intel- the Pittsburgh Symphony The Stickers: 7:30 p.m. July 19, Downtown. $39-$129. 412-392- do when he turns things down (volume- ligent. Mould’s a better artist than this. Orchestra “Music of Led Zep- South Park Amphitheater. 412- 4900 wise, that is) and channels Roky Erick- pelin”: 7:30 p.m. July 18, Heinz 350-2528 Rehab, Legally Insane, 5 Ele- son and Dax Riggs. On his second Man’s ‘Stills’ Hall, Downtown. $25-$75. 412- Bestial Mouths: 8 p.m. July 19, ments, Insane Eric: 8 p.m. July Gin album “Rebellion Hymns,” Wunder Gauntlet Hair (Dead Oceans) 392-4900 Garfield Artworks, Garfield. 412- 20, Mr. Small’s Theatre, Millvale. Samantha Crain, Luke Zach- 361-2262 $15. 866-468-3401 and his bandmates take things even ∂∂∂½ erl of NOMaD, Bob Gilmore: Hi-Life Wedding, Action Camp, Mother Cool, After The Fall: 10 further, exploring Americana, tradi- Gauntlet Hair’s music is both tough 8 p.m. July 18, Club Cafe, South Shutterdown, Antimony: 10:30 p.m. July 20, Hard Rock Cafe, tional rock, and folk on these tracks that and easy to explain. You can say they Side. $8. 866-468-3401 p.m. July 19, Club Cafe, South Station Square. $5-$7. 877-435- peak on “Inspiration” and “Varicose,” a revel in pop and post-punk of the ‘80s Pittsburgh Blues Festival fea- Side. $7. 866-468-3401 9849 tremendous one-two punch as openers, and ‘90s, yet you still wouldn’t be giving turing Big Sam’s Funky Pittsburgh Blues Festival fea- Emily Rodgers Band, Rebecca as well as “Never Do the Neon Light” a proper description of what this now Nation, The Slide Brothers: turing Los Lonely Boys, Joe Pronsky Band: 10:15 p.m. July and extended, gruff closer “Hibernation Chicago-based band can do. The 10 cuts 4 p.m. July 19, Hartwood Acres, Louis Walker, Eric Lindell, 20, Club Cafe, South Side. 412- Time.” Wunder’s a spectacular musi- on the record are synthy and shadowy, Gibsonia. Benefits the Greater Gina Sicilia: 1:30 p.m. July 20, 431-4950 cian, and Man’s Gin should find him fun and punchy in other areas, and you Pittsburgh Community Food Hartwood Acres, Gibsonia. Ben- Pittsburgh Blues Festival acclaim beyond metal’s campfires. might be reminded of MGMT and Yea- Bank. 412-460-2583 efits the Greater Pittsburgh Com- featuring Ta b Benoit, The sayer when hearing songs like “Spew, ” The Clarks with Bill Deasy: 6:30 munity Food Bank. 412-350- Nighthawks, Billy Price, J.D. McPherson: 1:30 p.m. July ‘In Us We Trust’ “Bad Apple,” and “Heave” that sound a p.m. July 19, Stage AE, North 2528 Shore. $25-$28. 800-745-3000 Alasdair Roberts & Friends, 21, Hartwood Acres, Gibsonia. Beach (Short Story) bit like early INXS. ∂∂ Brian Halloran, Daniel Marcus: Pairdown, AppalAsia: 6:30 Benefits the Greater Pittsburgh 7 p.m. July 19, Club Cafe, South p.m. July 20, Club Cafe, South Community Food Bank. 412- I always thought Karen Mould was one Side. $5. 866-468-3401 Side. $10. 866-468-3401 350-2528 of the more forward-thinking, challeng- Brian Krasman is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.

H Run for your life HH Not awesome HHH Not too shabby HHHH Pretty sweet HHHHH Awesome