Review: The Thermals - Now We Can See

I've had this review sitting on the shelf for a while. After the Thermals pottery class, I thought I would bring it out. This album has been out for over a month and I've been digesting it since then. The Thermals last album The Body, The Blood, The Machine is probably one my favorite albums to come out in the last ten years. It's catchy, anthemic, and makes you want to drive with the top down. Now We Can See is equally anthemic and catchy. The move from Sub Pop to Kill Rock Stars hasn't changed their sound. The addition of a new drummer and a new producer hasn't either. This record is pure Thermals garage rock.

That's it. Nothing else needs to be said. This is both a good and bad thing. The record stands on its own, both simplistic and powerful, but it doesn't aspire to much greater heights. The title track has already grown to be commonplace for me. The production and the "oh we oh" chorus seems forced. I don't want to be one those fans who is like, "I like them better when they had that raw sound on their demos", but it is partially true. "I Let It Go" was the song that got me excited for this album when I saw a clip of them performing it on a short documentary about Portland music. They were in a basement, with no drummer, just playing.

This is a good album. Hutch and Kathy are great songwriters. My expectations were high, probably too high. I'm already excited for the next album and for when I finally get to see them live.

Highs: "I Let It Go", "Liquid In, Liquid Out"
Lows: "Now We Can See"

Mp3: "Now We Can See", "I Was Afraid (Demo)"

Rating: 7.7

Thermals Pottery Class

IFC decided to have the Thermals make some stuff out of clay. They talk a little about their audience and their concert "faces". Not much information about their music other than clips in the background, but if gives you some insight into their personalities. Possibly NSFW when Hutch discusses and demonstrates French eroticism.

Elkfest 2009 Lineup

Elkfest is taking over Cannon St. again for 3 days of music, sun, and beer. Elkfest runs Friday through Sunday, May 29th through May 31st. Artfest is also taking place down the street at Coeur d'Alene Park. Here's the Elkfest Lineup, check out the Elkfest page for artist links.

Friday May 29th

4 PM - The Booze Fighters

6:30 PM - Silian Rail

9:15 PM - The Globes

Saturday May 30th

2 PM - Kaylee Cole w/ Adam David, Dane Ueland, and Kevin Long

3:30 PM - Joel Smith & the Hands of Plenty

5 PM - Whiskey Dick Mountain

6:15 PM - La Cha-Cha

8 PM - The Maldives

9:15 PM - Shim

Sunday May 31st

3 PM - Pickwick

4:15 PM - David Dondero

5:30 PM - The Moondoggies ("Changing" MP3)

7 PM - James Pants & the Royal Zodiac

8:15 PM - Velella Velella ("Do Not Fold/Do Not Bend" MP3)

Vinyl Spotlight: The Valley - The Valley

The Valley - The Valley

I picked up this copy of their "Purple Octopus" EP at The Valley's show last Friday at The Swamp. This is a 10" purple with black splatter record. Their CD was self-released, but this vinyl version was put out by RxEVOLUTION Recordings.

The Valley - Spokane, WA (5/15/2009)

The Valley made the trek over from Seattle to play at the Swamp Tavern. The played songs from their full length, their EP, and one new song. Hopefully we'll get more new material from these guys soon.

The Kitten Killers

Layla's Drink

The Valley




Flickr, Last.fm

State of the Trapper

It's no secret that Blitzen Trapper has quickly become one of my favorite bands. I really enjoyed last year's album Furr and enjoyed seeing them live at Bumbershoot, Musicfest NW, and Coachella. Guitarist Marty Marquis posted yesterday on the Blitzen Trapper forum about the "State of the Trapper". It is a very nicely written piece that thanks the fans and let's you know their status on recording and touring. Also check out their performance and interview in Juan's Basement for Pitchfork.

Death Cab for Cutie - Spokane, WA (4/24/2009)

GSBA was kind enough to convince Death Cab for Cutie to make one more tour stop in Spokane. Ra Ra Riot and Cold War Kids were the openers.

Ra Ra Riot

Cold War Kids
Death Cab for CutieFlickr, Last.fm

Setlist:

1. Marching Bands of Manhattan
2. The New Year
3. We Laugh Indoors
4. Crooked Teeth
5. My Mirror Speaks
6. Company Calls
7. Company Calls Epilogue
8. Photobooth
9. No Sunlight
10. Grapevine Fires
11. I Will Possess Your Heart
12. I Will Follow You into the Dark
13. Title and Registration
14. Cath...
15. Long Division
16. A Movie Script Ending
17. Sound of Settling

Encore:

18. A Diamond and a Tether
19. Soul Meets Body
20. Transatlanticism
-setlist.fm

Tracks 6, 7 from We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes
Tracks 3, 16 from The Photo Album
Tracks 2, 13, 17, 20 from Transatlanticism
Tracks 1, 4, 12, 19 from Plans
Tracks 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 from Narrow Stairs
Tracks 5, 18 from The Open Door EP
Track 8 from The Forbidden Love EP

The Shins in 2009

The Shins are back with a new lineup and new songs. Drummer Jesse Sandoval has moved on to the mobile food service industry apparently. New album not expected until 2010.

The English Beat - Spokane, WA (4/1/2009)

The English Beat came to the Knitting Factory in Spokane on April Fool's Day. I was really excited to hear "Save It for Later". They ended up playing it pretty early in the set since they shuffled the setlist shown here.

Flickr, Last.fm

Setlist

1. Rough Rider
2. I Confess
3. Whine & Grine/Stand Down Margaret
4. Hands Off... She's Mine
5. Best Friend
6. Ackee 1-2-3
7. Doors of Your Heart
8. Tears of a Clown
9. Twist & Crawl
10. Can't Get Used to Losing You
11. Two Swords
12. I'll Take You There
13. Never You Done That
14. Tenderness
15. Ranking Full Stop
16. Mirror in the Bathroom
17. Click Click
18. Never Die
19. Save It for Later
20. End of the Party
21. Jackpot

Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 21 from I Just Can't Stop It
Track 7 from Wha'appen?
Tracks 2, 6, 19, 20 from Special Beat Service
Track 13, 14 from All The Rage by General Public
Track 12 from Threesome Soundtrack by General Public
Track 18 from ?

4 Bands, 4 Videos

The whole setup on this one reminds me of their "Pillar of Salt" video.

The Thermals - "Now We Can See"


Here come a couple of weird ones.

Department of Eagles - "No One Does It Like You"


Torche - "Across the Shields"


Here comes the thrash.

Toxic Holocaust - "Nuke the Cross"