| |
 |
 |
|
 |
Loquat
Vital
Statistics: Formed in 1996, Kylee Swenson (vocals, rhythm guitar)
and Earl Otsuka (lead guitar) started expanding their then-Pro-Tools-produced
tracks into something more organic, adding bassist Anthony Gordon,
keyboardist Ben Kasman, and drummer Chistopher Lautz. Named after
a tasty Asian fruit, this Bay Area-based band balances trip-hop
beats, ambient guitar, and electronic pop into fresh new music that’s
generally unclassifiable but magically delicious. Loquat folds in
strains of Bjork’s vocals, Travis’ melancholy-happy
feel (but not sound), and American Analog Set’s subtlety in
songs like the should-be hit “Swingset Chain,” all the
while preserving their own unique personality.
Current
Status: Just opened up for Mates of State and Rainer Maria
last month at the Great American Music Hall. Currently recording
a cover of “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” for
a Smith’s tribute album on The First Time Records. Their first
EP, Penny Drop, is now available at your local indie music
store.
Make
Contact: loquatmusic@yahoo.com.
Or visit www.loquatmusic.com
for more info and mp3 downloads.
—DH
|
|
 |
The Junior Panthers
Vital Statistics: Citing influences as diverse as The Stones,
Burt Bacharach, Jellyfish, and Ride, The Junior Panthers (formerly known
as The Damsels) write terribly catchy, sunshiny, power-pop, fashioned
with melodic vocal harmonies and a raucous guitar sound.
Current
Status: Their debut album will be re-released by The First Time Records
this month. Coming from a recent Noise Pop performance with Creeper Lagoon
and Imperial Teen, the band will be hitting the road in April with Mark
Gardner of Ride. They play Bottom of the Hill, April 3rd.
Make
Contact: www.juniorpanthers.com
or kittykat@juniorpanthers.com.
—KR
|
|
 |
The Invisible Cities
Vital statistics: Burgeoning lo-fi pop, emo-esque outfit formed two
years ago. With hooky lines and vocals reminiscent of Dealership and The
Breeders, Sadie (vocals, guitar, bass), Han (guitar, bass, vocals), Tim
(drums), and sometimes Gary (bass) are a promising bunch from the City.
Current
status: Recording their first album at Wildlife Studios in Montara
with Matt Yelton, to be released this year. Homemade demo available through
their website.
Make contact:
www.theinvisiblecities.com.
—DH
|
|
 |
Brett
Swain
Vital statistics: Singer/songwriter, originally
from Houston, Tex., who has been weaving in and out of the Bay Area music-scene
for the last seven years. Citing influences from Willie Nelson to Richard
Buckner, Swain mixes country and folk roots with an underlying pop-sensibility
that is deeply personal yet easily accessible. He usually performs solo,
but is often seen in a duo setting and sometimes backed by a full ensemble.
Current status: He performs live throughout the
Bay Area, most frequently at the Nite Cap in S.F. He has completed three
albums, which are available free-of-charge
(except $2 in postage).
Make
contact: villasenorarecs@aol.com
- for free CDs or www.ideaofnorth.com
- for free downloads.
—JW
|
|
| |
|
