Album Review: Taco Tuesday, Brothers From Another

BFA's fourth EP, Taco Tuesday, reflects the way in which this group of college sophomores has matured. The EP is dynamic, fabulously produced, and brings in a number of intriguing guest artists. At the same time however, BFA still relies on the youthful lyrics and lighthearted vibe that brought them to the forefront of Seattle's hip hop scene. The EP is a compelling combination. A coming of age effort is mixed with tales of mischief and hard learned lessons. The group paints a picture of two young men growing up and pursuing their dreams while approaching each challenge with a laid back attitude. The messages that their music conveys couldn't be more applicable to the lives of Seattle's youth. With Grynch and Blue Scholars' MC Geologic posting about the release of the EP several times in the previous week, it's clear that this was the most highly anticipated BFA EP yet. Their most diverse collection of songs to date, the EP starts off with two mellowed out tracks. "Love Cares", featuring the breezy vocals of Mario and Malice Sweet, and "Molly Moon", another BFA shout out to summers in the emerald city, and Seattle's most famous ice cream parlor.  

Taco Tuesday's third song, "Sonic Boom" is a celebration of Seattle and it's growing hip hop community.  With every new release, "a song about Seattle" is almost expected now a days from every local rapper. However, despite the unoriginal theme, "Sonic Boom" is my favorite track off the new EP. Sampling the voice of Sonic's play by play announcer Kevin Calabro and Macklemore's line "My city's filthy" on the chorus, MC's Goonstar and Cole go on to rap about the influence of local hip hop on their lives while giving shout outs to just about every Seattle rapper you can think of. "Not knowing that our lives would be affected by the lyrics and direction of our city's local legends" raps Cole. By far the best line in the song.

Another highlight of the new release was the sixth and final song off the EP, "5th of May". The track features Spokane band-Nude. 2012's  EMP Sound Off winners, the experimental indie band adds a surreal and psychedelic backround to some more serious sounding verses from Cole and Goon. The addition of Nude is certainly one of the best local hip hop collaborations I have heard in a while. 

Like most local rappers, Brothers From Another truly make me proud to live in Seattle. The EP also makes me want to drive to the nearest Jack in the Box and load up on some tacos.

Check out the link above to download the entire new EP for free!

East Blaine St. stairway

From the Ashes of Shankbone, A Star Rises

I can't say that I have always been too high on Sam Lachow. The 21 year old Seattle MC, and former Shankbone frontman has been jetting back and forth between New York and Seattle for the past three years, steadily writing and producing new music, shooting videos and relentlessly promoting himself over facebook and twitter.
I was first introduced to Shankbone about four years ago. At the time Lachow was still a senior at Garfield High School, and the group seemed to be a joke. Shankbone's claim to fame, "Blaow" or "Bajillion Bills", featured the chorus line: "Tonight I'm getting paid a bajillion bills, tonight I'm gettin laid by 41 girls, tonight I'm gon' be smokin the best pot in the world its gonna happen tonight". While comical, and I'll admit a little catchy, the song seemed to reflect a group of artists that were lacking in substance and depth.
After graduating from high school, my expectation was that Shankbone would cease to exist. I was wrong. The title of Shankbone has gone away, but Sam Lachow, and fellow Shankbone member Skyler "Sky Blaow" Swenson have continued to churn out new tunes and videos.
Whether it has been by choice or not, I have ended up paying more attention to Sam Lachow and his endeavors than almost any other local artist. With new songs and videos popping up all over my Facebook news feed, Lachow has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the Seattle hip-hop community. With many of his videos reaching over 50,000 thousand views on youtube, his rise to fame is impressive. More importantly, the quality of his music has significantly increased. Though not up to the standards of more recognized Seattle artists, Lachow has brought together a wide range of budding musicians to create an exciting cornucopia of musical fusion. Taking a serious tone and rapping about his friends that have passed away, Lachow teams up with local rapper Raz and a moving horn section in the video above. Below, Sam Lachow's song "Liquor Store" off his Avenue Music EP features the talents of singer  Arianna Deboo  in addition to another appearance by Raz. Lachow has also joined forces with Knowmads' MC Tom Pepe, Nacho Picasso, co-producer Maggie Brown, and a bunch of other crazy characters. You can see them all in his "23rd Avenue" music video. Make sure to check out the verse from Lachow's buddy Wilson Luxurious. I have to agree with one of the top comments for the "23rd Avenue" video. "Who is Wilson Luxurious, and how did he get so awesome?".
Through his work, Lachow proves that he is a better music and video producer than rapper. He says it best in the video below, "I'm not a rapper, I just rap a lot". Most of the artists that make guest appearances on Lachow's songs usually out do him. However, his music should be respected. It is clear that Lachow puts his heart and soul into every song, and has a blast doing it. While he might not be the musical highlight for each of his songs, he is bringing together artists and crafting songs that are catching people's attention.

Sam Lachow's collection of songs and videos can be compared to a puzzle. Lachow's songs are laced with thoughtful lyrics, catchy choruses, intriguing beats and tasteful videos. Though not every aspect is fully present in each of Lachow's songs, these features are what define this ever developing artist. With some sorting, one can find a wealth of compelling musical material amongst Lachow's repertoire. The next step for Sam Lachow will be putting together more complete songs that include each aspect.
He is well on his way. His latest EP, Avenue Music was some of his strongest and most convincing piece of work yet.
What Sam Lachow has taught me, is that every artist deserves a chance. Though each song of his might not be golden, Lachow is on his way to making a name for himself.
Check out  http://blog.samlachow.com/  for more songs and videos.

June Gloom 2012

Luckily this overcast day was salvaged with a trip to Capitol Hill's Everyday Music. Classic VHS tapes for 50 cents each and bargain CD's are always ready to be found.

Seattle Rock Feature: The Lookout

It is no secret that the Seattle music scene has become predominantly hip-hop based. Seattle area youth flock to popular venues such as Nuemos, the Showbox and the Nectar Lounge to watch local hip-hop shows. Meanwhile, once prominent rock venues have struggled to attract a new generation of fans. With a lack of publicity and hype, up and coming Seattle bands have been unfairly overlooked. As a result, it comes as no surprise that most of you probably haven't even heard of one Seattle's best new bands.
One of my best discoveries of 2012, The Lookout has become a local favorite of mine. The Lookout's sound is a mix of punk, alternative, and pop, with hints of metal. Originally from Great Falls Montana, this group of Northwest transplants has been rocking Seattle area venues for the past three years. The band released a self titled EP in 2010, and has steadily been writing new material since, consistently posting new songs on their Facebook page. This March, the band released their second EP Substance not Substances. I recommend listening to "Wolves", and "Less Talk (More Rock)". However, one of their most recent songs "Skeletons" is their best track yet. The video for "Skeletons" is a perfect compliment to the song. Filmed outside of SODO's Studio 7 and in a Seattle warehouse, the video reflects the simple yet compelling style of The Lookout. Featuring calm but dramatic verses and a moving chorus, the song and video won me over. Frontman Nick Emacio's powerful high ranging vocals kick in on the song's bridge as he screams into his microphone, revealing a heavier side to the band. Giving the track an eerie feel, "Skeletons" also features the use of a keyboard. "I'm so terrified of closing my eyes tonight" sings Emacio. "Will I fall asleep and wake in another time?".

The Lookout's style is similar to pop punk bands such as Yellowcard and Simple Plan, though their music has a darker side to it that almost reflects an emo-rock feel. With indie and experimental bands dominating the Seattle rock scene, the Lookout's pop-punk sound is a refreshing change of pace.
While the band's music is certainly something to get excited about, The Lookout's lack of recognition is concerning. Despite opening for bands such as Hawthorne Heights and Unwritten Law, they have failed to receive a substantial buzz outside of the local rock community. I had the pleasure of attending one of their concerts at El Corazon late last March. While I was blown away by the bands distinguished sound and character, I was shocked by how poorly attended the concert was. Even with Warped Tour member Moneta headlining the concert, the Lookout played to an audience of only 40-50 people, with most of the audienec crammed into the venue's bar area.
The problem seems to be rooted in Seattle's current musical culture. It's awesome to live in a city with such a rich surplus of talent. However, the core musical interest of the city seems to be focused on hip-hop and indie. Almost similar to the grunge era of the early 90's, more people than ever are venturing to venues to hear local hip hop artists, regardless of the act's level of exposure. This has created a culture in which Seattle rappers are getting famous faster than ever before.
Don't get me wrong, this is amazing!. Many artists are getting the respect they finally deserve. However, this intense focus on Seattle's hip-hop scene, and a lasting monopoly imposed by the regions wealth of indie bands has nudged listeners in the opposite direction of Seattle's hard rock scene. Outside of occasional  throwbacks to outdated grunge rock hits, listeners will rarely hear local, mainstream sounding rock on the radio. No longer common for Seattle teens to regularly attend underground rock shows, it seems as if this spectrum of local music has been forgotten.
With bands like The Lookout playing around the Seattle area, now is a great time to re-embrace the genre  that put this city on the nation's musical map.
Check out The Lookout on Facebook for music and show updates, and be sure to make it to a show soon!

Metal Feature: Countdown to Memphis May Fire's "Challenger"

Debating what to write about, I found myself conflicted. A post about a Texas thrash metal band doesn't seem to fit in with commentary on Seattle's hip hop scene. However, I'd rather discuss music that interests me than be contained to a single genre or location.
So here it is. Upon my introduction to thrash/hardcore metal I found myself covering my ears. The current hardcore scene involves an onslaught of screaming, blast beats and layers of distortion. While I could appreciate the technicality of the music, it just seemed like white noise. But! as I dug deeper I discovered a more progressive and dynamic sound from a number of budding metal bands.
Bands such as Mudvayne, Killswitch Engage and Bullet for my Valentine caught my attention. Angry lyrics and a balanced mix of screaming and singing highlighted this faction of the metal world. While these bands drew me into the genre, Dallas grown and Rise Records pride Memphis May Fire has become my favorite.
Like Mudvayne and Bullet for my Valentine, Memphis May fire has a perfect balance of screaming and singing. Singer Matty Mullins mixes melodic vocal tones and angry lyrics with harsh pre-chorus screaming segments. The band's style is dynamic, melodic and poetic, while still sticking to its metalcore roots.
Memphis May Fire's music can be compared to writing a letter. Although the purpose of the letter can usually be accomplished with one sentence, varied vocabulary, effective word placement and proper punctuation contribute to a more powerful message. While most metal bands use the single sentence approach, Memphis May Fire puts off revealing the purpose of each song through verses and pre-choruses that fluctuate in tone and feel, before diving into aggressive hooks that let the listener in on all he or she needs to know.
With the band coming off its latest success, 2011's The Hollow, Memphis May Fire has gained a dedicated fan base. And with the announcement of their newest record Challenger, June 26th just became the new Christmas for Memphis May Fire Fans. The band recently  released "Prove me Right" over youtube, an early look at what the new record will sound like. The song seems to discuss the dark side of the music business and the role of record companies. "Where were you when they had no faith in us?" screams Mullins.  Judging from the song, Memphis May Fire is angrier, more dynamic, and more meftal driven than ever before.  In addition, the band just released a full album teaser with snippets of each song of the upcoming album. The new song "Vices" sounds like the albums best track. Fast forward to the 1:40 mark in the video below.

Giving fans a steady dose of material to hold them over until the albums release, Memphis May Fire has released four studio updates over their youtube page. The updates feature bassist Cory Elder vocally recording bass tracks through a sound mixer, guitarist Kellen McGregor taping off every fret that doesn't sound "southern", and Asking Alexandria's singer Danny Worsnop making a guest appearance. All aspects seem to suggest that the band's next album is something to look forward to. 

Speaking of having something to look forward to, Memphis May Fire has joined the 2012 Warped Tour and will be coming to Redmond's Marymoor park on August 4th. I will be sure to attend and you all should to!

My favorite May Fire song: "The Victim"

Spotlight on: Nacho Picasso

Although Seattle's hip-hop scene has steadily been gaining some much deserved recognition, there are still several undiscovered talents a midst the city's vast collection of up and coming artists. However, with a name like Nacho Picasso, it's hard to go unnoticed. 

While Seattle's most renowned hip hop artists such as Macklemore, Sol, and the Blue Scholars are known for complex beats, tasteful sampling and lyrically conscious raps; Nacho Picasso's ponderous flow, comical punchline lyrics and musical backdrops that mirror the soundtrack of a video game contribute to a style that would lead you to believe that he is not from Seattle.

Life after Nirvana

Headlining the "Moor Gang" of Beacon Hill, Nacho Picasso has teamed up with San Francisco instrumental duo Blue Sky Black Death and fellow Moor Gang member Jarv Dee to complete three full length albums. "I've got an odd flow, one that the Gods quote" raps Picasso on his song "Moor Gang". While it may not seem that Nacho Picasso is one to take himself seriously, the national media has. Spin Magazine listed Nacho's For the Glory as one of 2011's mixtapes you need. In addition, Passionweiss.com listed For the Glory as one of 2011's 50 best albums, and listed "Moor Gang" as a top 50 hip hop song of 2011. The site went on to state that Picasso's vibe is "young, stoned, and gangster as shit".
Above, a picture of Nacho Picasso's February show at Nuemos. Proclaiming himself high enough to make up for anyone that was sober, Picasso went on to dazzle a robust audience with bass laden stoner raps complimented by his hype man Jarv Dee helping out with every hook. No smoke machines were needed.

Similar to New York's A$AP Rocky, Nacho still has a ways to go before attaining his desired amount of recognition. Increased variation in style and more elaborate hooks would work towards Nacho's benefit. However, the fact that he is already gaining notice from national media in addition to playing shows across the country is a good sign.
Fresh off his new album Exalted, now is an ideal time to catch Nacho in concert. I know I will be checking out his set at this year's Capital Hill Block Party. Nacho Picasso has three albums available for free download on his site http://nachopicasso.com/ in addition to show updates.