RX Bandits//The Builders and The Butchers @ Club Congress 3/10/10

Allow me to start this off by saying that Club Congress is an absolute beauty of a venue. It has to be the epitome of any band's wet dream of a venue. The stage is facing the bar, which is only fifty feet or so away. The stage is backed with red velvet curtains and lined with bars of light that illuminate iron-work designs that beckon to the era of the 1920's. With that said, this place is run sloppy. Instead of using the Denton-area common 'wristband' system, they set up a fish net around the bar with a bouncer and a piece of paper that put it simply: "21 & up only." Of course, if you have a drink in your hand you can't go in the 'minor' area, which is the only way to get close to the stage. I eventually became accustomed to it, but I still did not like viewing the show through a net. I won't get on rant about what bullshit it is that you can't smoke inside ANY bar in the Tucson area, but I will complain about the fact that the doors to their patio were locked up for the night.

I did not make it time for Zechs Marquise. Even though, I was excited to hear what they were about; Mostly due to the fact that the band name comes from one of my favorite Japanese cartoons of all time, Gundam Wing.

But I did make it in just as TBATB were setting up. I was not at all surprised to find out that most people I spoke with around me had no idea who this band was. With only one record, the band did manage to turn some heads and win over the crowd. Two stand up drummers was a refreshing change of pace that excited the room. An acoustic folk band that can capture a room like what happened that night is something to take notice of for sure. "Vampire Lake" brought that house down more than anyone could have expected with only the exception of the group themselves. After Ray Rude and the gang made a venue full of fans that night, an encore was called out for. They took that call, having played their entire released catalog. With little debate they "played something new." that will hopefully be featured on a future EP/LP.

RX Bandits headlined. RX Bandits has a strong local following, to say the least. Women cried, stereotypical dude-bros tried to start a mosh pit, but we all danced. They played for over an hour, selecting tracks from every album. Including, "Falling Down the Mountain" from The Resignation record, "Apparition" from ....and the Battle Begun, and several others. The energy in the room was staggering to say the least, RX Bandits definitely comes across like a band to see live then tell your grandchildren about. The best part though? Knowing that their energy is pure, a group that plays purely for the entertainment of others as much as themselves. A group of music nerds that intricately compose beautiful rhythms that are expertly and talent-fully executed in a live setting without compromising on performance intensity. In the end, the crowd called for an encore. But it truly did seem as if they would start a riot on Congress if they did not get to hear more music. Faking reluctance, the Bandits teased the crowd for five minutes before wailing through a lengthier version of "Decrescendo." Ironically enough, that song closed the night and the crowd was spent.

Truly was a night at Club Congress to write home about, if you weren't there you should regret it.

NX35

NX35, the second annual music conferette in Denton has managed to pull off a truly impressive lineup this year. That is really saying a lot, especially since this is only the second year. Including RTB2, Telegraph Canyon, Spooky Folk, This Old House, Lonesome Heroes; Somehow The Flaming Lips agreed to play as well. But a set time, I'm sure, is still being worked out.

I believe that the fact that the Flaming Lips will be performing is a reason in and of itself for any music lover to make attendance to this self proclaimed 'conferette'. Conferette, the fact that it is not a real word tickles me and holds to the nature/style of this Denton musical gathering. The NX35 people have also ingeniously scheduled it right before SXSW so as not to compete with Texan Festival-goers. So with that, short of not having a penny to your name, there is no real excuse not to attend. Rest assured, I will be in the crowd, doing my best to acquire as much coverage as possible, and utilizing what little connections I wield to get on location pictures. Hell, if the journalism Gods smile upon me I may even grab an interview or two.

So far, only evening schedules have been posted which do not yet include my friends The Wellington Lights or my Heroes The Flaming Lips. Visit NX35.com for a full lineup list, tickets, and other wonderful information about this event.

P.S. I can't say I'm one of those penniless people. But I am all the way in Arizona and have yet to get paid from my new IT job. If anyone feels charitable enough to help me acquiring a weekend wristband, I will pay you back with interest. I am merely stressed that this thing will sell out before I have the funds to get a pass.

PP.S.

Black Angels is a modern Blues/Rock group that is rocking my world right now. I sincerely recommend that you watch this if you don't believe me when I say they will do the same to you.

1. She is strong but also a fool.

2. They either work or they are fired

3. Let us consider the origin and progression of engineering

4. Failure is due to either a lack of preparation or the inability to master the subject

5. Not only was he kind, he also knew when to help people in trouble.

1. Knowing you're Doing the right thing is the best solution

2.

3. The package arrived late because he didn't mail it soon enough

4. Sally's integrity was greater than her opponents

5. I read a book that said subsidies should be eliminated

70/100=15/22

New Rock Superband

Its late and I am tired. But before I let my consciousness fall into bliss, I feel obliged nay compelled to tell all about this band. Them Crooked Vultures is the name of the group. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Probot) is on the drums, which, makes any band amazing just by itself. However, I do recognize that as a drummer I do have a bias. That is not all she wrote. The keys and bass in this band is played by none other than John Paul fucking Jones (Led Zeppelin). Vocals? Guitar? Josh Homme (Eagles of Death Metal, Queens of the Stone Age).

This band's style is exactly what you would think it would sound like just by reading that alone. Its like Led Zeppelin and Eagles of Death Metal had sex then produced a baby. Then that said love child grew up unaware of its parents but instead got drunk a lot from living in this sad world. That was until the day of destiny which it heard Dave Grohl on drums for the first time. That child returned from flesh to its rightful form of sound and infused itself with the drum/cymbal beats. That fusion can only be described visually as two exhales of smoke coming from opposite directions meeting. They are instantly lost in each other but seem like they should have been together all along.

Dave Grohl met Josh Homme when he accepted the offer to record drums for a Queens of the Stoneage album, "Songs for the Deaf" which released back in 2002. John Paul Jones recorded several instruments for the Foo Fighters 2 disc release, "In Your Honor" (a tribute album to his close friend, Kurt) back in 2005. Shortly after that album dropped Dave commented in an interview with Mojo Magazine, "The next project that I'm trying to initiate involves me on drums, Josh Homme on guitar, and John Paul Jones playing bass. That’s the next album. That wouldn’t suck." No members of the described project commented on his declaration. In fact, until Dave's birthday in early 2009, Josh Homme had not yet met John Paul Jones. At the event, which was held at a Medieval Times, Dave arranged for the two to sit next to each other*. The three soon sat down and scheduled to record from February through July of 2009. The album dropped last November and the band just finished the North American Leg of their international tour while being put on countless "top albums of 2009" lists.

It is my humble opinion that this band/project is one for the history books. They are a sick fusion of folk/rock/prog. I urge any rock...nay...music lover to buy this album immediately.

Now, now I go to sleep...

Been too long

Wow, wish I could say where all the time goes. Mais, I have no definite place in mind. The most likely place seems to be Lou's. So I suppose the biggest news in my life is my big move coming up in a few short weeks. If you are unaware of this I made a note about it on BookFACE. I will be moving on to not quite greener pastures, cause its a fucking desert but shortly I will have a sweet job with benefits. But fret not readers, I will continue on my quest of journalism and music!

Now for a few Artists I have encountered lately:

"The Builders and The Butchers" is an indie folk band currently touring with Brand New. I happened upon them when I was looking up tickets for Brand New. I got their album, "Salvation is a Deep Dark Well" on a whim, thinking my satisfaction would go either way. The blew my mind. Who knew that a band could have a mandolin, while still singing lyrics that are something that would make Jeff Mangum proud, and still make one play the air drums?? Not me. Think of how surprised I was to find that weeks before I moved into the "Bordello", the house played host to this band! Small, crazy world indeed.

"The Dead Weather" is Jack White's new band. With a twist: he hits the skins this time. Lead Singer from the Kills (Allison Mosshart), Jack Lawrence (Raconteurs), and Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) complete the band line up. Their debut Album is titled, "Horehound." Must I say any. thing. else?

Thats all for now, more later kids

Dear Denton

You have been my home for most of my life. But, alas, it is nearing the time to say goodbye. I do not know when I will be back, or even if I ever will be. Yes I will visit, I will write, but I just do not want things to "be weird." Like when you see an Ex at the bar and one of you is not "with" someone. I want things  to be clearly defined, to have a sense of closure. I am trying to remember that saying..."If you love something, let it go. If it returns to you, it is yours forever." If we are to be together again, it just might be forever. But if I never come home again, just know that I am doing well.

In January, when my lease is done, I will be moving to Tucson, AZ. This is to get a better job with health benefits, have free rent living with my mother and sister, and maybe even finish out my degree there. Now, I could wait out for the Public health care option and stay here. Not that I don't believe in our president's plan, I do; But with the bill barely out of Congress, I really doubt my wisdom teeth pain can wait that long. I am not only leaving because my teeth hurt! I am leaving because I have been barely surviving financially and owe too many people too much money. I can't afford to drive my own car, which I hate and need a new one. I simply cannot deal with the stress of wondering if I can come up with rent while trying to study. I won't do it anymore! Even now writing this, I am having to plot how many more hours I must work, to pay rent. 

But I digress, my possible return is just that: possible. Will transferring to U of A cost me to retake too many classes? Will I like whatever job I get there? Will I hate it? Will I get to a point where I go crazy living with my mother and sister? Probably. Will I make any new friends? Possibly. Will they be nearly as great as the ones I already have? No. Will I miss my friends so much that I will make it a mission to return to Denton with a vengeance and a few last classes to take? Probably. Or will I like restarting my life in Tucson so much that I will not return? VERY doubtful.

I love Denton too much. I love getting drunk at Lou's. I love being able to walk anywhere I need to go. I love late night conversations over cigarettes. Blacking out at parties, running into old acquaintances, drinking J House Coffee while pretending to study but actually getting some studying done. I love dressing like I really want to and getting away with it, shooting films, living within walking distance of all my friends, feeling like I am in a small town but still not knowing everyone, meeting weird Hobos that actually have some things to say. My bible study group, sitting in class and knowing I will have a friend to hang out with when I get out. Sharing advice and philosophies with my buddies. Crazy house parties where I know mostly everyone and some even wouldn't mind talking to me. But most of all I love Denton because it brought me and Erica together. If it was not for UNT she probably would have a gone away for college, also I probably would not have needed to find a job at bennigans and would never have met her. Also, if it was not for Denton, I would definitely not been able to afford a house with my  friends to have a party at to invite her to so that I could kiss her for the first time and told her how I felt about her. Thank you Denton, one day I hope that I will find a way to return everything you have given me. But in January, I will be off to find more.

With love,

Brenden Mask

MUSE @ Nokia Theatre Sunday, September 16th

It truly was an amazing show. Only thing that was disappointing was the seats but still way better than not even being there. I see why they are the top voted band to see live in the UK for three years running. The set opened with a favorite from the new album "Black Holes and Revelations", "Knights of Cydonia". Things only got more insane from their, the band truly dug deep into their arsenal of the old tunes like "Micro Cuts" but also not being afraid to play vocal drivens like "invincible" or the cover "feelin' good". This writer is now one who will agree when it is said that MUSE is one of the bands to see before you die.