Category Archives: reviews

Review: The Silent Comedy; January 17, 2010; Bar Pink, San Diego

Few bands in San Diego inspire the kind of rabid devotion that The Silent Comedy enjoy. From their Prohibition-era wardrobes and Old West mustaches to lead singer/bassist J. John’s manic ramblings, the band have struck upon a winning combination of musical chops and good-natured theatricality that has earned them a passionate following. Celebrating their return to San Diego at Bar Pink after a brief but hectic West Coast tour, The Silent Comedy were greeted by a characteristically packed house. And, from the raucous opening song “Poison” onward, the band had the crowd exactly where they wanted them. Continue reading

Review: Bear In Heaven; January 16th, 2010; Brillobox, Pittsburgh

The Bear In Heaven show at Brillobox sold out far in advance.

Granted, Brillobox isn’t exactly Madison Square Garden, but selling out the show was an undeniable feat for this Brooklyn band whose fan base has only slowly grown for the past few years.

Earning Pitchfork’s coveted Best New Music tag didn’t hurt, and Bear In Heaven certainly deserve the award. Their newest album, Beast Rest Forth Mouth, pulsates from song to song, and when it veers into ambient electronic territory, it can sound quite brooding. Going into the show, I felt a sense of great promise, and their brand of electro-psychedelic kraut rock is music to my ears.

At the Brillobox, I soon discovered the full breadth of their ability: Bear In Heaven—in addition to sounding great on record—can also create a sonic landscape that totally surrounds the show-goer. Continue reading

Owl and Bear’s Top Albums of 2009


Owl and Bear writers’ favorite albums of 2009. Continue reading

Real Estate – Real Estate (Review)

New Jersey has produced some terrific music in years past. I mean, come on: Frank Sinatra, George Clinton, The Boss, Yo La Tengo, Bon Jovi… Alright, maybe not the Bon Jovi part, though I do freely admit to feeling the urge to sing along whenever “It’s My Life” comes across the airwaves. Don’t judge. But out of all those bands, Yo La Tengo is probably the most similar to Real Estate, and even that comparison is a stretch.

“Beach Comber”, the opening track on Real Estate’s self-titled debut, serves as a perfect introduction to the band’s surprising restraint and easy-go-lucky rhythm. Their music uses a feeling of youthful carelessness not just as a sonic template, but as a common theme that runs throughout the album. Front man Martin Courtney exhibits a thoughtful, sincere singing style, his voice humbly meshing with the hushed, playful tones. Continue reading

Review: Screaming Females; December 7th, 2009; Mr. Smalls Theater, Pittsburgh

Screaming Females

8:31 p.m. on a Monday night. The three members of Screaming Females appeared on stage: Marissa Paternoster on guitar and vocals, Mike Rickenbacker on bass, and Jarrett Dougherty behind the kit. Though it was a sold out show, so far only about half of the attendees had shown up. As I scanned the room I noticed that the crowd was very young looking, mostly in the 15 to 18-year-old range, and all clamoring toward the stage to stake out a good position for the headlining Arctic Monkeys. Continue reading