We Recommend
The Jettycats are nothing more or less than a remarkably pure embodiment of rock 'n' roll spirit. The Band's music is absurdly propulsive, and they sound positively thrilled to be making it. That this kind of enthusiasm is infectious on record is something, and it speaks volumes about how raucous
Live & CD Reviews
Writing a review of Motopony's self-titled debut LP is a tricky proposition. What with all that's been written about Daniel Blue as a person in this rag, very little has been said about the music. In writing this review, I have made an effort to divorce everything I know about
Guides
My ears were ringing for over 24 hours after the last time I saw the Fucking Eagles perform. I think I could feel the damage being done to my ears as it was happening, but I didn't care. I stood planted by the speakers as one blistering dose of rock
We Recommend
The man who calls himself Fences, Chris Mansfield, comes across as very young, in every sense of the word. His interpretations of destroyed relationships, his waffling between self-loathing and self-pity, his declarations of affection that almost sound like fishing for compliments - purposefully or not, Mansfield has painted a diverse
Music
Sadly, the man who calls himself Fences, Chris Mansfield, was unable to be reached in time for my deadline for an interview. The thing is, I feel like I know him pretty well anyway. Fences' debut self-titled LP is almost uncomfortable in its confessional style. Listening to it feels like
We Recommend
In the early part of 2010, the popular underground venue known as the Warehouse was forced to shut down by the City of Tacoma. The residents of the Warehouse proved intrepid in their desire to bring exciting shows to the people of Tacoma, regardless of whether they had a permanent,
Music
In the early part of 2010, the popular underground venue known as the Warehouse was forced to shut down by the City of Tacoma. The residents of the Warehouse proved intrepid in their desire to bring exciting shows to the people of Tacoma, regardless of whether they had a permanent,
We Recommend
Writing the intentionally misspelled Nucular Aminals is an act of superhuman will on my part. The silliness and implied hostility of such a misspelled band name comes off as a first test, an opening gambit to see just how many people can stick around to hear the actually pretty conservative
We Recommend
Keeping in mind that I am well aware of how simultaneously reductive and frightening this will come off, let me just suggest that I think the Gentlemen Gluttons sound kind of like a bluegrass version of the Decemberists. No, come back! Of course, this comparison is entirely unfair. Yes, while
We Recommend
Lutherie, for the uninitiated, is the craft of guitar-building, as well as the making of other stringed instruments such as violins and lutes. One who takes part in lutherie is known as a luthier. The Guild of American Luthiers holds a convention at Pacific Lutheran University - and if you
We Recommend
NXNW Metal Fest devotes three whole days to a dizzying assortment of bands, ranging from hardcore to mainstream metal to death and speed metal. From Friday, July 22, through Sunday, July 24, Sixth Avenue - specifically the Backstage Bar & Grill - will be the absolute loudest place in Tacoma.
We Recommend
NXNW Metal Fest devotes three whole days to a dizzying assortment of bands, ranging from hardcore to mainstream metal to death and speed metal. From Friday, July 22, through Sunday, July 24, Sixth Avenue - specifically the Backstage Bar & Grill - will be the absolute loudest place in Tacoma.
We Recommend
NXNW Metal Fest devotes three whole days to a dizzying assortment of bands, ranging from hardcore to mainstream metal to death and speed metal. From Friday, July 22, through Sunday, July 24, Sixth Avenue - specifically the Backstage Bar & Grill - will be the absolute loudest place in Tacoma.
Music
I confess that I'm not always up on the current happenings in local metal. The world of metal and punk has remained strong and thriving in Washington for a long time, though it has been increasingly relegated to insular communities who always know when and where the great shows are
We Recommend
Am I a sucker for getting a little gooey inside every time boy and girl vocals meet over a bed of guitars? It's like catnip to me. Something about the way the intrinsic differences between guys and girls become naked and clear when they begin to sing. The Never Never
We Recommend
Bobby Slayton is a real pro. After a few minutes in conversation, it becomes abundantly clear to me that he's done a million interviews in his time as a comic, and that nothing could be more natural than speaking to a perfect stranger about the business. Over the
Arts
When I call Bobby Slayton, he picks up and immediately starts talking. It takes him mentioning Tacoma for me to realize that I've not reached a voicemail. And then it's off to the races. Bobby Slayton is a veteran comedian, a road warrior who's been at it for more than 30
We Recommend
What if I were to tell you that there's a show featuring bands performing in the middle of a goddamn skating rink? Yes, you are totally allowed (nay, encouraged!) to put on some rentals and skate backward in a full 360 degree rotation around a rock band while they wail
Music
I'm just going to float this idea past you: You know how there are shows "in the round?" You know how that almost seems like a good idea, but in practice it's kind of lame? Well, what if I were to tell you that there's a show coming up in
Music
At this point in humankind's evolution, the televised singing competition - aided in no small part by American Idol - has abstracted to the point of a never-ending, sensory-obliterating series of lights and sounds. Contestants have had all personality (if, indeed, they ever possessed any) drained, vampire-like, from their bodies.
