Spew

Xylophones, The Brians, and My Two Dads

MATT DRISCOLL: DISPATCHES FROM VACATION >>>

Xylophones. What’s the deal with this band? After recently playing Colonies’ CD release show at The Den, Xylophones will plug in again this week for a 21-plus show at The New Frontier Lounge on Saturday.

Even on vacation, cranberry sauce stains on my warmup pants, I still have questions — like where did Xylophones, this band releasing plums of economical indie pop on Tacoma, come from?

Before I checked out for my week of laziness, I was able to catch up with David Bilbrey, half of Xylophones. Here’s what I learned.

NOTE: This interview will post in two segments, with the second installment scheduled to hit Spew on Wednesday.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: The main purpose of this piece is to introduce Tacoma to Xylophones. So, who the hell are you guys and where did you come from? If your band was a Tacoma historical landmark, which one would it be?

DAVID BILBREY: We're a couple sons of Tacoma ... David Bilbrey guitarin' and singin' and David Nichols on the drums. We're Tacoma scene vets — both of us have been in tons of local bands over the years (Destruction Island, Some By Sea, Tex., Claymore, Foray, Time to Fly, San Juan, and the list could go on). I met David N. back in 2005 when I approached him to record some of my solo music. As it turned out he ended up recording two Some By Sea albums instead, as was my musical priority at the time. We've been homies ever since.

If we were a Tacoma landmark we'd be the old Narrows Bridge — useful for escaping town for free.

The Prefunk

MATT DRISCOLL: BRING ON THE WEEKEND >>>

I’ll be honest. If Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins can’t make it — who the fuck can?

And, more to the point, with bourbon tainted nog running through my veins, and a day deep into a nearly two week vacation — how can I really be expected to give my all with this week’s Prefunk.

The answer (at least to the second question): I can’t. You’ll get what you get.

Since Baby Jesus and his me first attitude already stole one day of our typical, end of week party days — here’s a look at something that just might tickle your fancy tonight.

TONIGHT

Lozen at The New Frontier Lounge

What says after-holiday fun like two of the most rockin’ females Tacoma has to offer?

Nothing I care to contemplate.

Taking the stage at The New Frontier tonight, T-town’s Lozen is a band to take note of, if you haven’t seen them already, make it your only goal — aside from finding batteries for your new remote control car on the day after Christmas.

Shrieking, sludging, chugging, choking and pummeling — Lozen is at the top of the Tacoma rock pile. Hozoji Matheson-Margullis and longtime friend Justine Valdez take no prisoners. It’s a sight best witnessed in person.

PREFUNK: Throw back the cookies Santa didn’t get to and head out. You don’t need booze to enjoy Lozen — but earplugs may come in handy.

Hell's Kitchen to make its valiant return to Tacoma

MATT DRISCOLL: HELL'S KITCHEN SET ON ROCKING THE SHIT OUT OF DOWNTOWN >>>

We’ve survived the wait, Tacoma.

And, perhaps more impressive, here at the Weekly Volcano we’ve been able to fill the holes in our music section in the interim.

Hell’s Kitchen — Tacoma’s quintessential rock club — is coming back, set to return with a free, New Year’s Eve show with Jet City Fix, Atomic Outlaws, Mom’s Rocket and Wide Eye Panic. In case you’ve been living in a holiday gingerbread haze, or out of the country on a covert operation to Cabo designed to assassinate your liver, the new Hell’s Kitchen, after more than a month of prep-work and anticipation, will swing open its doors 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve, at 928 Pacific Ave. Forced to look for a new location to avoid the law mandated installation of a $60,000 sprinkler system at the old location, the new Hell’s Kitchen (which already had a sprinkler system in place) is not only an upgrade, but also a way to keep what’s quickly become a Tacoma institution running strong. Hell’s Kitchen first rocked T-town in 2002, and thanks to its new downtown location, that streak doesn’t seem likely to end anytime soon.

Tacoma’s rock scene couldn’t be happier. Hell’s Kitchen booking agent Flash couldn’t be more excited. And downtown Tacoma may never be the same.

During a recent tour of the new digs, the man in charge told me the Kitchen’s plans are simple — take downtown by storm and never look back.

After Christmas with Goldwing

MATT DRISCOLL: WINGIN' IT >>>

Yes, it’s true – here at the Weekly Volcano we are friends with Roxanne (Murphy). You may need a last name to identify her, but we certainly do not (although we have called her by other names upon occasion).

This Saturday, the day after the Christianized and/or commercialized world celebrates Christmas with presents under the tree, overcooked turkeys and awkward family get-togethers, Doyle’s Public House in Tacoma will help Roxanne celebrate her birthday – which is Dec. 26, for those playing at home – with a rock show worth its weight in stocking coal.

Tacoma’s Goldwing, a slay first, ask questions later band of T-town troublemakers corralled by Rory Turner (who, now that I write this I realize I identified with a bogus last name a long time ago in a blurb that made the print version of the Volcano – journalistic excellence at its finest!), will share a bill with And Those Who Were Dragged. The night after Christmas show starts at 9:30 p.m.

In preparation for Saturday’s show at Doyle’s, I was able to catch up with Turner this week to get his thoughts on Goldwing’s place in Tacoma, the importance of Roxanne’s birthday, and which member of the band is closest to Robocop.

Here’s what Turner had to say. This interview was posted in two parts – with the first installment hitting Spew on Monday, Dec. 21.

After Christmas with Goldwing

MATT DRISCOLL: WINGIN' IT >>>

Yes, it’s true – here at the Weekly Volcano we are friends with Roxanne (Murphy). You may need a last name to identify her, but we certainly do not (although we have called her by other names upon occasion).

This Saturday, the day after the Christianized and/or commercialized world celebrates Christmas with presents under the tree, overcooked turkeys and awkward family get-togethers, Doyle’s Public House in Tacoma will help Roxanne celebrate her birthday – which is Dec. 26, for those playing at home – with a rock show worth its weight in stocking coal.

Tacoma’s Goldwing, a slay first, ask questions later band of T-town troublemakers corralled by Rory Turner (who, now that I write this I realize I identified with a bogus last name a long time ago in a blurb that made the print version of the Volcano – journalistic excellence at its finest!), will share a bill with And Those Who Were Dragged. The night after Christmas show starts at 9:30 p.m.

In preparation for Saturday’s show at Doyle’s, I was able to catch up with Turner this week to get his thoughts on Goldwing’s place in Tacoma, the importance of Roxanne’s birthday, and which member of the band is closest to Robocop.

Here’s what Turner had to say. This interview will post in two parts – with the second installment hitting Spew on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The Prefunk

MATT DRISCOLL: BRING ON THE WEEKEND >>>

Do you feel it? Do you sense it? Do you smell the Nag Champa?

That’s right, ladies and gentleman, it’s time — yet again — for The Prefunk: A weekly primer designed to get you and your liver ready for the weekend in the South Sound.

Along with some of man’s best friends — all with severe drinking problems that only people like Gary Busey and Dale Ellis could possibly relate to — the Weekly Volcano is here with a glance into what’s happening around town this weekend, and how you can ready yourself for the action.

SATURDAY NIGHT

C.F.A. record release at Supernova?

I really can’t remember how we lived prior to the text message. The only thing I can fathom is this archaic time must have been slow, dreadful and mercilessly unconnected — much like I assume this year’s Pierce County government holiday party will be.

But even at the aforementioned holiday party, there’s still at least a bit of intrigue — unlike the world prior to text message. For instance, things might get interesting if County Exec Pat McCarthy gets sauced on Hot Totties and Xeroxes her ass – in real company holiday party style.

However, my contacts at the county building tell me this is “highly unlikely.”

But, if we are talking about holiday cheer — and text messages — the two things will meet in exciting fashion this Saturday at Supernova Hair and Tattoo in Tacoma.

You see, on my way to work this morning I received a text message from Cody Foster of Cody Foster’s Army — a message later forwarded to me again by another friend — letting everyone know that C.F.A. and Stone Axe will be playing Supernova’s Christmas party. The magic starts at 9 p.m., and according to Foster’s text, “C.F.A.’s unofficial record release? Maybe…”

A good time is guaranteed to be had by all.

Thanks, Text Messages!

PREFUNK: Supernova is right next door to a Shell gas station, and across the street from a Subway. Therefore, the only natural choice for prefunking seems to be a tallboy from Shell — something with an animal on the can — and a Five-Dollar-Footlong from Subway. Consume both in your car prior to heading into Supernova, making sure you spill equal parts mayonnaise and ice beer on your trousers.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Broho’s Anniversary

I’ve said so many, many times – but it still holds true.

The Brotherhood is the best bar in Olympia — hands down.

From the jukebox to the bar staff to owner Pit Kwiecinski — the Broho has it figured out.

This Sunday, the Broho will celebrate its anniversary in style — opening up the stage to Western Hymn and M.O.D.’s. The action starts at 9 p.m.

PREFUNK: Have you ever gotten wasted on Zinn, or blatto on Chomsky? It’s kind of fun if you know how – trust me. The only problem is the hangover’s a bitch. There’s nothing you can drink in the morning — not even a Bloody Mary or three — that will make the pain of societal injustices and super-big words go away.

Prior to the Broho’s anniversary party Sunday, take a few whip-its then skim through Chomsky on Anarchism. Talk about getting the party started…

 

Colonies part deux

MATT DRISCOLL: TWO IS STILL BETTER THAN ONE >>>

Tonight and tomorrow night Colonies will celebrate the release of a debut full-length album, Thirty Thousand, with two record release shows in Tacoma. Tonight the band will strap it on for those of us with iron livers, playing a show with Canon Canyon, Wheelies and Jason Clackley at The New Frontier that starts at 8 p.m. and will cost you $6 to get into.

Then, tomorrow, Colonies will do it up right for the kids at The Den, playing a gig with Freeze and Fur Coat and Xylophones that starts at 7 p.m. and also costs $6.

A long time ago in a far away place (like, sometime last year, in Ron Swarner’s poor, poor condo), the Weekly Volcano reviewed Colonies’ debut EP, Sleep Patterns. At the time, we probably said things about the rising indie band like, “Colonies demonstrate they know their way around a loud/soft dynamic better than most,” and “Singer Travis Shumate’s vocals glide atop cascading walls of on-the-money guitar work and stampeding drums, just as well as they sit beside beautiful silences.”

But who knows. We were also probably high.

In preparation for Colonies’ two record release shows in Tacoma this week, we caught up with Shumate to get his take on things. This interview was posted in two parts, with the first portion hitting Spew yesterday.

Colonies to play two record release shows this week

MATT DRISCOLL: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE >>>

Later this week, Friday and Saturday, to be exact – Colonies will celebrate the release of a debut full-length album, Thirty Thousand, with two record release shows in Tacoma. On Friday, the band will strap it on for those of us with iron livers, playing a show with Canon Canyon, Wheelies and Jason Clackley at The New Frontier that starts at 8 p.m. and will cost you $6 to get into.

Then, on Saturday, Colonies will do it up right for the kids at The Den, playing a gig with Freeze and Fur Coat and Xylophones that starts at 7 p.m. and also costs $6.

A long time ago in a far away place (like, sometime last year, in Ron Swarner’s poor, poor condo), the Weekly Volcano reviewed Colonies’ debut EP, Sleep Patterns. At the time, we probably said things about the rising indie band like, “Colonies demonstrate they know their way around a loud/soft dynamic better than most,” and “Singer Travis Shumate’s vocals glide atop cascading walls of on-the-money guitar work and stampeding drums, just as well as they sit beside beautiful silences.”

But who knows. We were also probably high.

In preparation for Colonies’ two record release shows in Tacoma this week, we caught up with Shumate to get his take on things. This interview will be posted in two parts, with the second portion scheduled to hit Spew on Friday.

Double up your enjoyment

MATT DRISCOLL: COLONIES PREPARE FOR TWO TACOMA SHOWS THIS WEEKEND  >>>

The shoe-gazing Seattle band Colonies has won a few fans here at Weekly Volcano World Headquarters — the four-piece’s heady, sometimes ambient indie rock will do that. Take into consideration some Tacoma ties — at least locally — not to mention a fairly impressive debut EP, Sleep Patterns, and it’s easy to understand why Volcano scribes — and even people outside the weirdness of Weekly Volcano World Headquarters — have come to follow this band.

Later this week Colonies will celebrate the release of a new full-length “debut” album, Thirty Thousand, with two shows in Tacoma: Friday, Dec. 18 at The New Frontier for the 21+ crowd, and Saturday, Dec. 19 at The Den for the wee-ones. Despite the repetition, the shows seem destine to be highlights of the coming weekend.

Over a year ago we discovered Colonies — you can read about it here.

Back then, we promised more timely coverage in the future — and we plan on delivering.

Check out our review of Sleep Patterns from July 2008 — and look for a two-part interview with Colonies’ Travis Shumate later this week as the shows draw closer.

PHOTO CREDIT: MYSPACE/JAQUILYN SHUMATE

The Prefunk

MATT DRISCOLL: IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG >>>

Do you feel it? Do you sense it? Do you smell that smoke?

That’s right, ladies and gentleman, it’s time — yet again — for The Prefunk: A weekly primer designed to get you and your liver ready for Friday and Saturday night in the South Sound.

Along with some of man’s best friends — all with drinking problems that rival your own — the Weekly Volcano is here with a glance into what’s happening around town tonight and tomorrow, and how you can ready yourself for the action.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Tab Benoit at Jazzbones in Tacoma

If the startling hookup of Billy Corgan and Jessica Simpson has taught us two lessons — they are as follows:

1.    Sexiness is very important — even more so than substance.

2.    Even scary ugly bald dudes that haven’t done anything worthy of the air they breath in the last 10 years — guys that release poetry books designed, almost entirely, to trick followers stuck in 1992 into forking over hard earned cash for a collection of upchucked and poorly construed prose — can occasionally land the chick from Dukes of Hazard.

These two lessons may well come in handy tonight and tomorrow at Jazzbones. First of all, Southern blues guitarist Tab Benoit is a muthfuckin’ sexy beast. Ask almost any lady over 40 — or my sister. They’ll all tell you the same thing. Luckily, with Benoit as opposed to Simpson — there’s serious substance with this guy, too. His music is almost — almost — as breathtaking as his dreamy eyes.

Second of all, for dudes out there — Tab Benoit is going to be charging up the room with sexiness. If you’re in the midst of a cold streak, shouldn’t you be there to reap the benefits?

You might not be Tab Benoit, but shit — at least you’re not Billy Corgan. The ladies will see that.

Am I right?

PREFUNK: Tab drinks Courvoisier, and so should you. There’s a liquor store right next door to Jazzbones. Just sayin’. Take a few swigs in your Cabriolet before heading in and watch the magic happen.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Spectacular Optical at Bob’s Java Jive in Tacoma

Did you realize Tacoma has a new wave going? It’s kind of crazy, but almost entirely true.

While it’s certainly not cut and dry, some of the bands that first stirred the indie rock pot in Tacoma are getting (slightly) long in the tooth, and — thanks especially to SOTA — a new breed of young, but remarkably talented, kids are infiltrating the clubs and stages — most of them wowing us in the process.

Spectacular Optical fits that bill. Experimental pop with more excitement and urgency than most, they’ve been on stage a lot lately — and I’d expect that trend to continue. See them on the Jive’s tiny stage this Saturday.

PREFUNK: There’s really nothing you can do in the comfort of your own home or car that you can’t do right inside the Jive — or, at the very least, the smoking section. No real need to prefunk here — just bring open ears and mind.