Apparently, ex-members, Ryan Ross and Jon Walker, of Panic! at the Disco have formed a new “band” or duo of sorts, dubbing themselves The Young Veins. Ironic that the announcement came within a week of Cincinnati based indie sweethearts, Bad Veins’, debut release on Dangerbird Records. Two Veins? - not super keen on that idea, especially since I’m a supporter of the underdog.
Where Ryan was the lyrical mastermind being Panic!’s hits, the key word here is “was.” Will anyone care about his new project? In the beginning, I’m sure there will be a buzz, but ultimately, my guess is a big fat NO. Or, worst case scenario, even if people initially do care, I predict The Young Veins will further alienate the tweens who didn’t get Panic!’s second record, Pretty. Odd., which abandoned pop punk for 60s psychadelia. Bad Veins have a sweet and innocent air about them for which even the snootiest indie hipster can’t help but have a soft spot. They’re uniquely appealing- from the lo-fi approach to their live show, with a reel-to-reel as a third bandmate, to the organic vocal effects singer Ben Davis creates with megaphones and old telephones to the dynamic, relentless drumming of Sebastien Schultz. Bad Veins is interesting. Ryan Ross, well, isn’t. (Who’s Jon Walker again?)
Problem with Ryan Ross is that his straight out of Williamsburg “look” doesn’t make him appear to be any less of a fraud the indie scene rejected with the onset of Panic!. Good luck to The Young Veins, but where I come from, they’re no match for Bad Veins if there’s only room for one.
If you’re unfamiliar with Breakfast at Sulimay’s, well, you’re 25 episodes behind. My favorite three geriatrics, Bill, Ann, and Joe review Yo La Tengo and Raphael Saadiq over breakfast in Fishtown, Pennsylvania. (WTf is up with Ann’s hair? I love that woman.)
Yo La Tengo -
Ann: “Oh baby… put his album right there now…I could lay a number on this one…that’s a humpin’ song…watch me do it…I think I’m hittin’ a strike…lick your lips” (ahahahaha)
Joe: “Yo, la tengo! I got it!”
Raphael Saadiq-
Bill: “Mary J Bleege?”
Ann: “What can I say? When you’re good, you’re good!”
Joe: “I still say record and sometimes sigh. I can’t think in terms of CD.”
**Joe stayed awake this episode… Obviously, these two records are winners!
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Los Angeles quartet Division Day to our roster of artists. Division Day will see the release of their much-anticipated sophomore full-length, Visitation, on August 18. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Justin Meldal Johnsen (NIN/Beck/Gnarls Barkley) and mixed by Todd Burke (Ben Harper/The Rumble Strips/Idlewild). The follow up to 2007’s Beartrap Island, Visitation finds the band steering confidently into darker territory, marrying synthetic and organic textures in songs about death, transformation, and the devil.
Formed while still in school, Beartrap Island was self-released by the band in 2006. Division Day took to the road, touring the west coast relentlessly, making a splash at CMJ, where they caught the ears of The New York Times, leading to a commercial release the following year. Response to the record was tremendous, garnering excellent reviews, and nationwide tours. Some excellent words about Beartrap Island:
“Division Day turn their own sorrow into something worth celebrating.” – Pitchfork
“They call themselves freestyle / Hawaiian / shoegaze, which is kind of misleading. They should just call themselves “lovely” and be done with it” – NYLON
With renewed focus and excitement Division Day will return to the road upon the release of Visitation. Dates to be announced shortly.
California born and raised, but left my heart in Chicago.
These things make my life complete:
live music, Silverlake, foreign food, Blue Moon, vintage dresses, Street Fighter II Turbo, gypsy punk, Labyrinth, my puppy, wine/baguette/cheese, NPR, cold roses, my point & shoot, Tofurky, British accents, video chat, my antique bed... and my glasses.
