Your Month in Beer

By Shanon Emerson

Oregon Craft Beer month is happening now, and July 4th is the only day this month that there isn’t at least one beer-related event planned. Below are a few highlights that you won’t want to miss. For a full calendar of all the brew-inspired revelry that July has to offer, visit oregonbeer.org/oregon-craft-beer-month-events.

Rogue’s Bloody Mary Pajama Brunch: July 13, 10am
Rogue’s Portland Distillery and Public House (1339 NW Flanders St, 222-5910, rogue.com)
Sleep in until 10am, roll out of bed, leave your pj’s on (or put them on depending on your rogue status) get yourself to Rogue’s Portland distillery. Now officially start your day by building your own Bloody Mary and ordering the Chocolate Stout pancakes.

Portland International Beerfest (PIB): July 17–19
North Park Blocks (NW 8th & NW Davis, portland-beerfest.com)
There’s no better place to taste the world’s beers than at PIB. This three-day festival features
over 150 beers from more than 15 countries. Pay $20 for 10 beer tickets and an official PIB glass. Each additional ticket is $1. Each beer will cost one to four tickets depending on the beer’s “swank factor.”

Hopworks Urban Brewery’s Homebrew Demo: July 20, 2–6pm
Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd, 232-4677, hopworksbeer.com)
For those of you who want to do more than just drink great beer, Hopworks is offering a homebrew demonstration in their parking lot. Who knows, maybe this will be the beginning of your career as a brewmaster. Or, better yet, it could be the beginning of your career as everyone’s new best friend at your next BBQ.

New Old Lompoc’s Festivus in July: July 22, 5–6pm
New Old Lompoc (1616 NW 23rd Ave, 225-1855, newoldlompoc.com)
This month New Old Lompoc takes the absurdity of Christmas in July to an entirely new level with Festivus in July. Festivus went mainstream when it was written into an episode of “Seinfeld” by a writer whose father had invented the holiday in the ’60s. Now Portlanders can sip traditional Christmas Ales while they experience the “traditional” airing of the grievances and the feats of strength.

Oregon Brewers Guild Brewers Dinner: July 22, 6–8:30
Tom McCall Waterfront Park (288-2739, oregonbeer.org/brewers-dinner)
This informal-style BBQ is held on the eve of the Oregon Brewers Festival as a fund-raiser for the Oregon Brewers Guild. The money they raise will help them continue to spread the word about Oregon’s native beers. It will feature beers that are not available at the festival. For $50 you’ll get dinner, a souvenir pint glass, and your choice of six half-pints of Oregon beer.

Oregon Brewers Festival, July 23–26, oregonbrewfest.com
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, downtown Portland
The Oregon Brewers Festival started in 1988 as a way to support and promote microbrews. Twenty-one years later the festival will feature craft beers from 80 different breweries from across the country. Packages range from $10–$50 and include a 2009 souvenir mug, which is required hardware for your beer-drinking pleasure. Admission is free if you’re more interested in the food and live music than the beer.

July Set List

By Jenny Rapf



RZA
Hawthorne Theater
July 9th

As one of the founding members of one of the most highly coveted rap groups in rap and hip hop history, RZA left Wu-Tang Clan to focus on his solo career. But not much has happened with the Wu since we lost our beloved crack-smoking Big Baby Jesus (aka Ol' Dirty Bastard). Interestingly enough, few people know that RZA produced nearly all of the Wu's albums including many of the members' solo work. Heralded as one of the greatest producers of all time, he has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital. In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo releases, RZA was also a founding member of the rap group Gravediggaz where he used the name "The Rzarector." You may have also seen him in 2007's film Derailed as a corporate mailroom clerk/gun slinger on the sly (classic Hollywood cliché if I’ve ever seen one). Any way you slice it, RZA's appearance in Portland will be a good show.



Azure Ray
Mississippi Studios
July 10th

Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink (who met at the Alabama School of Fine Arts at the age of 15) have been busy putting out their own version of underrated and intimate pop music with dashes of alt country and folk Americana. As much as I enjoy putting labels on things, I can't help it here because they sound like less melodramatic versions of Tegan and Sara. Don't get me wrong I love me some angst ridden Lesbian twins singing about their most recent journal entry and what BITCH just broke their heart, but Azure Ray infuses a little less self-deprecation into their love-loss lyrical prowess. They have worked with the likes of Moby (yikes) and Bright Eyes (just to redeem themselves). Since 2004 the two ladies have been focusing on their own solo work, but more recently have started touring as Azure Ray once again. This will be a very mellow show and it's in the newly remodeled and re-vamped Mississippi Studios, and for those of you who haven't checked out the new digs, this show will be the perfect opportunity.



Death Cab For Cutie
Edgefield
July 17th

This show is quite the ideal li'l outdoor package (any show at Edgefield is, really). Spend the day golfing Edgefield's pitch-n-putt chipper course then have a basket of tots and go enjoy a fabulous outdoor show with Seattle's own indie rock darlings, Death Cab For Cutie. Personally I am not a huge fan, but I have learned over the years that just because I don't have a fondness for something doesn't mean that it doesn't appeal to the masses. When it comes to Death Cab...well let's just say the masses have latched on like white on rice. Their latest release The Open Door EP (April 2009) has received the usual Death Cab buzz, however, I think their rise to fame can only be properly attributed to the fact that Seth Cohen from the infamous and short lived high school “mellow” drama The O.C. was OBSESSED with them, thus launching them into indie rock stardom. Oh Seth...how I miss you with your tussled hair and wildly sarcastic sense of humor. TV just hasn't been the same without you.



Too $hort
Roseland
July 24th

Too $hort is one of those artists who transcends the test of time...some might even say the boundaries of rap and hip-hop. Hailing from Oakland, Too $hort started his career at the age of 15, distributing custom made mix-tapes. By "custom" I mean he was creating his own raps personalized for whomever was requesting a tape. So, it's not like you could hand him a list of The Cure, Bob Marley, early Madonna (a'la True Blue) and maybe a little Ice Cube and ask him to throw something together for a Friday night living room dance party. It was more like you would tell him what’s on your mind and in a week's time you'd have a tape full of rhymes all about you and your current “situation”. It was unheard of at the time and still is to this day, especially with the content and rhyming ability that Too $hort was capable of at such a young age. Since then, he has released 17 LPs and sold over 11 million albums making him one of the most commercially successful rappers of all time. Though he is considered in many circles to be a Gangsta Rapper, the vast majority of his lyrical content is about sex (though his gangsta cred most likely was spawned from his huge influence on such “gangsta” rappers as Ice Cube and the whole of N.W.A). This show will be raucous...raunchy and AWESOME. Don't miss it.



Nas and Damian Marley
Roseland
July 31

I was a little shocked to see this duo on tour, so in shock that I had to check the appropriate websites to make sure that the REAL DEAL Nas was actually going to attend. Because, let's be honest kids, you've seen one Marley, you've seen them all. Excuse me, Damian, I'll take that back. It's just that I would rather see your father, Bob.
At the same time, the tour does sound intriguing (if only for the fact that it’s an opportunity to see Nas live). Perhaps you know of him from his widely-publicized feud with other hip-hop heavy weight Jay-Z from 2001 to 2005 which was later “squashed” in a 2006? No? Perhaps you know him from his many collaborations with emcees from Eminem to Lupe Fiasco to KRS-One? You must know him from the phenomenal work he did in bringing to life 1996’s It Was Written, a masterpiece in its entirety. Nas has been a front runner in the support of intelligent and progressive music, pushing and fighting for his career and a voice that can cross racial boundaries…it is rare and magnificently unique.

Get Hitched! Get tix!

By Hollyanna McCollom

The recession has everyone watching their wallets, but thanks to a few domestic tax breaks (i.e. buying a house, having a baby, etc) now is actually a pretty good time to get hitched. Earlier this year, Reuters reported that the recession has actually boosted American’s sense of romance. Blame it on the decrease in disposable income (“I don’t know honey, what do you want to do tonight?”) or the the increase in unemployment; whatever the cause, the lovebug is getting some serious action these days.
If you are looking to pop the question, the love-sick folks at Portland Center Stage (128 NW Eleventh Ave, 445-3700, pcs.org) are angling to make it worth your while. Riding the wave of their soon-to-be-closed Victorian love-fest, The Importance of Being Earnest, PCS is still feeling twitterpated and they are trying to spread the love. In a March 4 blog post, the company placed a call to arms for people to get engaged in or around PCS’s home, the historic Armory building. If the newly affianced couple then sends in photographic evidence of the joyous occasion, they will receive three pairs of tickets on the house.
So, head over to Tiffany’s (330 SW Yamhill St, 221-5565, tiffany.com) or hit up Gilt (720 NW 23rd Ave, 226-0629, giltjewelry.com) for a one-of-a-kind vintage ring (it is a recession after all!) and make a date. Grab a pre-made picnic basket from Elephant’s Delicatessen (115 NW 22nd Ave, 299-6304, elephantsdeli.com) stuffed with romantic edibles like salami, almonds, olives, brie, freshly baked baguette, seasonal fruit salad, cookies, chocolate mousse and Izze sodas. Then drop to your knee alongside the building in the tiny but lovely Vera Katz Park, or simply make her blush in front of their iconic red lit wall.
Then reap the rewards of your romantic gesture (the tickets AND the girl, silly!) because they’ve got two shows in April that are worth the effort. Storm Large’s much-anticipated Crazy Enough runs through June and the political drama Frost/Nixon opens April 14. And as PR & Publications Manager Trisha Pancio sites, “Nothing says romance like fallen politicians [and] filthy sex kitten rockstars.”

Sports Spotlight

Tuesday, December 30
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Boston Celtics

The Blazers have not only survived, but thrived despite the toughest early season schedule in the NBA. With Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Fernandez all clicking and Greg Oden slowly but surely getting his legs back, it’s time for Blazer fans to start expecting to win every home game, even against the defending champs.

Where: Rose Garden
When: 7pm
Tickets: 797-9600, trailblazers.com
Additional Home Dates: 12/9 vs. Orlando, 12/12 vs. LA Clippers, 12/16 vs. Sacramento, 12/18 vs. Phoenix, 12/23 vs. Denver, 12/25 vs. Dallas, 12/27 vs. Toronto

Pink Martini at the Crystal Ballroom

December 28

Come join Portland’s own “little orchestra” for their last show in PDX this year, and get a sneak peak at what to expect from their fourth album which is coming out next year. Pink Martini takes music from all over the globe and turns it into a sound that is all their own—something you can dream to and dance to. The Crystal Ballroom provides the perfect venue for the immense talent that comes with this 12-person band. Lead singer China Forbes will whisk you away on a one-night world tour with her velvety voice and one-of-a-kind style. If you have not seen Pink Martini yet, you are missing out on one of Portland’s great gems. Another local band, The Stolen Sweets, will open for Pink Martini at this all ages show. The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $27.50 if you buy them in advance and $30 on the day of the show. (225-0047, mcmenamins.com)

–Shanon Emerson

Sports Spotlight

Friday, December 26 – Tuesday, December 30
Les Schwab Invitational

Top local and national prep programs––and even some international teams––will be on display at Liberty High School this month for five days of high-quality hoops. This is a great opportunity to check out tomorrow’s stars today, with past participants including big time NBA ballers like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. Most days will offer a full slate of games from 9am to about 10pm, while Sunday will feature a slam dunk and three-point contest from 4–7pm.

Where: Liberty High School
When: Fri, Sat, Mon, Tues 9am; Sun 4pm
Tickets: lesschwabinvitational.com

Sports Spotlight

Saturday, December 20
Portland State Vikings vs. Montana Grizzlies

The Vikings were picked to repeat as Big Sky champs in both the preseason media and coaches polls, but both polls also had Montana as a solid second-place contender. This should be a good indicator of where the Viks stand in their first conference game of the season.

Where: Stott Center
When: 7:05pm
Tickets: 888-VIK-TIKS, goviks.com
Additional Home Dates: 12/6 vs. Seattle, 12/9 vs. Lewis & Clark

Wonderball!

Wonder Ballroom
December 19–20

Wonderball! has been described as a holiday variety show like none other. I don’t know how it’s going to beat the Dean Martin Show, but I’m willing to give it a shot. You should, too. During this two night entertainment extravaganza—December 19 and 20—at the Wonder Ballroom, you will witness an array of talent with performers such as Mayor-Elect Sam Adams, drag diva Darcelle, The Mercury’s Dan Savage and Mic Crenshaw, not to mention China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini. Of course, with headliners Storm and the Balls, the show promises to be a mishmash of “music, comedy, bawdiness, naughtiness and special surprises unlike any show you’ll see this holiday season.”

The proceeds from the silent auction and a friendly portion of the event’s profit will go to benefit both The Oregon Music Hall of Fame and Planned Parenthood. General Admission tickets are $20 per night. Limited VIP seated tickets are available for $30. This includes front seating, private bar and a meet and greet with Storm and the Balls!

–Dave McAlinden

Presidents of the United States of America

Crystal Ballroom
December 19

Remember the Presidents of the United States of America? You know, the guys who saved the Boggles from fading into one-hit-wonder oblivion. That’s right, I said it! Well, if you want to see them put on one hell of a good show, you can. Ticket prices are between $18 and $20; and I would suggest getting them early given the band’s popularity.

When the Seattle-born pop group formed in 1993, their pop-punk flare and catchy melodies caught the ears and captured the hearts of many happy fans. Fifteen years and five albums later they’ve come to Portland once again to bless us with new tracks from their latest album, These are the Good Times People. I don’t know how, but I feel this album is even more poppy than any previous. With that said, the Crystal Ballroom is the perfect setting for fans of this persuasion; the flexing floor is great for the I’m-a-white suburbanite-and-can’t-dance-so-I’m-just-going-to-hop-in-place-until-the-song-ends-and then-feel-awkward-between-sets dance style linked to the group’s central demographic. Suffice to say that it will be a good time. I really hope they play “Dune Buggy,” that’s a good one. I like that one.

–Dave McAlinden

Portland Saturday Market’s Festival of the Last Minute

December 17–24

T’was the week before Christmas, and all through the city people were shopping at Portland Saturday Market’s Festival of the Last Minute, where they could find crafts, jewelry, baby gifts, candles, instruments, art, pottery, toys, games and so much more. They have it all, so if you are starting to worry that you won’t get all your shopping done or that you won’t find the right gift for everyone on your list, worry no more. Take a stroll down the rows of tents at the Festival of the Last Minute and the gift ideas will start flowing. You may even find the perfect gift; and when you do it will likely have been made by a local artist or craftsperson, which means you can give a homemade gift without having to make it yourself. Most booths take credit cards and there is an ATM machine at the market as well. So slow down, take a break and wait until the last minute. The Saturday Market will be open during the week starting on December 17 from 11am–6pm, on Saturday from 10am–5pm and on Sunday from 11am–4:30pm through Christmas Eve. Visit their website for a list of vendors. (portlandsaturdaymarket.com)

–Shanon Emerson

18th Annual Champagne Ball

December 31

Looking for that one right party to end 2008? Look no further and get ready to ring in the New Year at the 18th Annual Champagne Ball. This party has been going strong for 18 years and is now “one of the largest New Year’s Eve events on the West Coast,” according to the event’s official website. There will definitely be enough going on to keep you interested with six individually-themed rooms and a total of 32,000 square feet of party space, including four dance floors on two different levels. You could choose to see 5 Guys Named Moe playing Motown and ’70s dance music in the Boogie Wonderland or Hit Machine playing dance hits from the ’80s and ’90s in the Blue Moon Ballroom. The point is, there is plenty of music to get you moving and enough space to keep you moving. Plus there is a no-jeans dress code, and what better night than New Year’s Eve to kick it up a notch. Cocktail attire is a minimum just to get you in the door.

Check out the website to determine what package you want. They offer everything from general admission to your own VIP lounge. Choose your adventure and have a happy New Year. (champagneball.com)

–Shanon Emerson

Sports Spotlight

Saturday, December 13
Pape’ Jam: Oregon Ducks vs. San Diego Toreros

The Ducks will make their annual visit to the Rose Garden this month, but it’ll be a very different Oregon team with Malik Hairston, Bryce Taylor and Maarty Leunen all having graduated. This year’s squad belongs to pint-sized gunner Tajuan Porter, dynamic forward Joevan Catron and a collection of intriguing young prospects like freshman center Michael Dunigan.

Where: Rose Garden
When: 5pm
Tickets: 877-789-ROSE, rosequarter.com
Additional Home Dates (all at McArthur Court): 12/7 vs. Kansas State, 12/13 vs. San Diego, 12/17 vs. St Mary’s, 12/20 vs. Portland, 12/29 vs. Long Beach State

The Pretenders & Amos Lee

Roseland Theater
December 12

Is it me or is going to a Pretenders and Amos Lee concert like going to see Cher and Ben Harper? Hmm. It is quite an odd pairing, isn’t it? On the one hand you have The Pretenders, a British group, formed in 1978, that has since developed into a blend of ’80s new wave and early ’90s rock ’n roll. Then, on the other hand, you have Amos Lee, a relatively new face when compared the Pretenders’ resume, whose sound stems from old-timey blues and folk story telling. Nevertheless, the abnormal coupling of the two artists might prove a complement to each other.

To their credit, they both put on involved, high-energy performances and each have a large fan base. Speaking of, both have had albums come out this year with a high degree of positive response. The Pretenders’ Break Up the Concrete debuted at number 32 on Billboard’s album chart in October; and Amos Lee’s Last Days at the Lodge received critical acclaim. The show will be happening at the Roseland Theater on December 12 with ticket prices slightly expensive at $40 a pop.

–Dave McAlinden

Meshell Ndegeocello

Aladdin Theater
December 10

Despite the fact that I don’t particularly enjoy the musical stylings of Meshell Ndegeocello, I do possess a great deal of respect for the magnitude of her talent.

One would have no ear for music to say she is not good at what she does—she most certainly is. In fact, she’s good enough to merit nine Grammy nominations since the inception of her most impressive debut album, Plantation Lullabies, in 1993. And, oh, the woman can slap a bass—it’s like watching a fireworks display soaked in sweat. That is to say I don’t only appreciate her skills as a musician, but her wowing ability as a performer leaves me a little rapt regardless of my aural preferences.

Starting young in music, Ndegeocello attended The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. from which she hails. Her music incorporates soul, hip hop, reggae, R&B, acid jazz, rock and of course, FUNK. If you would like to hear this seamless cacophony of genre and style you can purchase tickets to see Ndegeocello perform on the 10th for only $25.

–Dave McAlinden

One Night in Frogtown

Bagdad Theater
December 6

Do you enjoy music? Do you embrace cultural diversity? If you do—and I hope you do—you will thoroughly enjoy Philip Pelletier’s One Night in Frogtown (One World Musical Books), a critically acclaimed story that was nominated for the 2008 Oregon Book Award for Children’s Literature. One Night in Frogtown tells the coming-of-age tale of a saxophone wailing tadpole which will be performed by Curtis Salgado, Linda Hornbuckle, Devin Phillips and Oregon Symphony soloists on Saturday, December 6 at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 236-9234). At $5 a pop, the tickets are a pinch for the amount of fun you and your family will have. Get tickets at the Bagdad Theater, the Crystal Ballroom box office and ticketmaster.com.

–Dave McAlinden

“Maternal Legends”

23 Sandy Gallery

Merriam-Webster defines the word legend as “a person or thing that inspires.” The artists who are featured in this month’s exhibit at 23 Sandy Gallery have created art inspired by family—specifically the women in their family. The influence our mothers, grandmothers and sisters have had on our lives often derives from the way their own mothers and grandmothers shaped their lives. The books created by artists from around the world for “Maternal Legends” are born out of this inspiration.

This exhibit will feature artwork related to the book arts, which have been created in editions and as one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Artist books, sculptural books, book objects, altered books, zines and broadsides will all be included in this themed exhibit.

The show will be juried by Cara List, the art and art history librarian at the University of Oregon’s Architecture and Allied Arts Library. As the curator of the Artists’ Book Collection, she teaches extensively with artists’ books. List earned a master of fine arts degree in painting from the School of Visual Arts in New York, where she worked and exhibited for a number of years before she earned a second masters in information science at the University of Michigan.

There will be a reception for the artists on Friday, December 5 from 6pm–9pm, and the show will run from December 5–January 3. Gallery hours are Thursday–Saturday from 12pm–6pm. For more information, visit 23gallery.com.

–Shanon Emerson

Blitzen Trapper

Wonder Ballroom
December 4

Imagine Neil Young and Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) were in a serious relationship. Now imagine Malkmus once cheated on Young with Jeff Tweedy (Wilco). Then suppose the Pavement lead got pregnant as a product of this affair and they both vowed to keep the true origin of the pregnancy a secret. In an attempt to eradicate his estranged guilt, Malkmus convinces Young to move to Oregon. Young, not knowing the baby is another musician’s love child, raises it with his partner to the best of his influence. That baby then grows into Blitzen Trapper, a Portland band on SubPop that can rival Beck in any contest of composition and lyricism.

Hypothetical situations aside, Blitzen Trapper is a well-coordinated group of solid musicians. They are what Dylan might have sounded like in the ’90s if he didn’t have his weird little breakdown in the ’70s. With clean Southwestern progressions—which aren’t country enough to be car-commercial annoying—coupled with the depth and cadence lyrics should possess, one can most certainly say that Blitzen Trapper pretty much rocks. They also fill that hollowness that seems to ache in the background of most folk songs with a fantastic electric ambience which sets them apart. It will be nice to welcome them home; all ages are welcome to do so.

Tickets are available either through the Wonder Ballroom or TicketMaster for about 10 bucks—well worth the show, if I may say. If you’ve never heard their music I would suggest checking out the tracks “Furr” from the album of the same name, and “Big Black Bird” from EP 3—they really kick ass.

–Dave McAlinden

OMSI After Dark

December 3

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is about to bring you science, sans kids. We all know OMSI is cool, but sometimes, whether you’re a parent or not, it’s hard to really enjoy the museum when the kid energy is so high. Fortunately, OMSI will be opening its doors to the 21-and-older crowd on December 3; no kids, just science. Did we mention that there will be food, beer and wine too? It’s all in the name of science, of course. You will be able to learn about the science behind food and beverages from local artisans from establishments such as Caffe Vita, Full Sail Brewing, Clear Creek Distillery and Moonstruck Chocolate. Don’t worry, there will also be appetizers and a cash bar if you want more that just a nibble or a sip. While you’re enjoying your beverage you can explore the entire museum and check out all the things those pesky kids would never let you near. The museum will be open from 6pm–10pm on December 3. Admission is free for members and is $10 for non-members. (omsi.edu/afterdark)

–Shanon Emerson

Small Works Show

Waterstone Gallery

Susan Johnson and her oil-bar drawings are the feature of Waterstone Gallery’s small works show, which starts in December and runs through January.

Johnson’s images have the strength of oil paintings, but they are drawn with layers of lines using oil-paint sticks referred to as oil bars. To create these bars, pigments are fused with waxes and refined linseed oil to create the quality of oil paint with the convenience of a crayon-like utensil. The drawings are created on acid-free mat board framed behind glass or drawn on paneled clay or gesso board.

The artist describes her art as “contemplations on the incidents and scenes of my personal experience. Abstracted to their basic shapes, they become bold color-blocked landscapes, shadowy patterns suggesting a human presence, or vibrant and rhythmic still lifes. Trees, images ‘windowed’ within images, shadows and colors are used to go beyond a simple landscape to suggest human interactions, emotions, and reactions. Pathways, the passage of time, human relations are common themes.”

About the small works, she says, “The little pictures quite effectively transcend their size with surfaces of layered, soft hues that seem capable of moving beyond their edges.”

Waterstone Gallery is located at 424 NW 12th Ave and hours are Wednesday–Saturday from 12pm–6pm and Sunday from 12pm–4pm. For information, visit waterstonegallery.com.

–Shanon Emerson

of Montreal

Roseland
November 20

This Georgia band makes indie pop music. Kevin Barnes, the band’s leading man, has always been one to keep your eye on, and on their latest and ninth album, Skeletal Lamping — which was released last month—a little something has changed. In the past, their content has been a mash-up of autobiographical loner teen angst and personal growth. Now, in a schizophrenic frenzy of alter egos, Barnes seems to be emerging with a different sound. While the band is both narrative and personal in lyrical content and style, their juxtaposition of gloomy themes overridden by positive and upbeat hooks and melodies is one that sets the band apart from their other contemporaries. Listen closely and you will hear stories of loneliness, apathy and death, but by the melodies you would never guess such darkness is riding just beneath the surface. They are masters at this craft and are proven musical geniuses, continuing to reinvent themselves with each new album.

–Jenny Rapf