I have been waiting for this for a long time!

Whether you have heard or not, two of the most prolific bands of the last twenty years have reformed to fight the good fight once again. I am talking about El Paso's At the Drive-In and Sweden's Refused. They both announced their rebirth just in time for Coachella music festival in April.

Starting in chronological order, Refused, all things Swedish and all things hardcore. The band formed back in 1991, but did reach the U.S until the mid 1990's. In 1998 the band release "The Shape of Punk to Come", the definitive album of their careers. The album was a left turn from their previous material; it was a new form of punk rock that was never heard before, and maybe unable to recreated, even by themselves. This album should be issued at birth. (SORRY FRAMPTON!) If you don't own this album, buy it, and listen to is over and over and over. You can hear the influence of Refused in many bands today, even if the band doesn't fit into their genre. I hate to say it but I don't think their would be a "emo" scene without this band. Besides that, I think it is easy to say that Refused had huge influence on At the Drive-In.



On or off drugs At the Drive-In is one of the most electrifying and energetic bands anyone will see. Their style transcends genres, with a mixture of punk, rock, jazz and Latin influences. At the Drive-In parted ways in 2001 after their studio masterpiece "Relationship of Command", right before their U.S tour. The main rumored reason that the band split was drug use. If you were to ask each band member why they broke up, each one would say that it was because some other band member couldn't handle their drugs. With no cohesive reason and much speculation, ATDI fans have been frantically waiting for their return. There have be many rumors of a reunion in the past, but now if seems like it is going to happen for real. It will be interesting to see what will come of this, a tour? a new album? coke buffets and drunken banter? I hope so, man I hope so.....

Mustache Envy

So its been a while now since I have posted up anything. I've been busy...so there. Anyways I decided I would talk about Mustache Envy, and how much fun it was. My friend Brody (partner in crime) and I always talked about the concept of a two-man-band, and how what a great delivery it is. Just two people feeding off each others thoughts, energy and musical influences. Its bare-bones, up-front, and straight up ballsy. (Big Ones!!!)

This may go without saying but, the whole concept of Mustache Envy wouldn't exist without the Black Keys. With Brody and my affinity for the blues, we could not resists loving these guys. The Keys' sound may have changed throughout the years, but at the core they have always a firm grasp on where popular rock music started from, the blues. This is nothing new, every era of music has an artist/artists that puts a new twist on something that has been done before. But I believe that the Black Keys have done it in such a way that it seems seamless.  When you listen to them, you feel like you have heard something like this before, but at the same time you have no idea where it is going. I bet you told them that they sound like Cream, I'm sure they would not deny that Cream was one of their influences. (I have no idea if Cream is one of the Black Keys influences, I just used them as a example.)

So to bring this all together, Mustache Envy is heavily influence on the Black Keys. I'm not saying that we are not even on the level of the Black Keys, but this was our take of what they are trying to do. I bet if you told them that they sound like Cream, I'm sure they would not deny that Cream was one of their influences. (I have no idea if Cream is one of the Black Keys influences, I just used them as a example.)

I had a blast making and recording these songs with Brody. I hope there will be more to come.

Thanks for reading,
Skophammer

Mustache Envy by Mustache Envy

I need you to give me music.

Hey everyone! I need music suggestions to check out. I want this blog to be about people sharing music with people. Check out tomorrow's blog, my first cd review on Rungup! Thanks for reading!

Skophammer

West Bank Music Festival

This last weekend I got to enjoy the West Bank Music Festival. Recently moving to the metro area, this was the first time I got to really check out the local scene and explore for myself. A number of bars along Cedar Ave hosted over 20 bands. And it only cost $5!!! I wish I could see all the bands I could, but hear is the ones I did see.

The first band that I saw was the Red Pens. A two-man-band, or should I say a two-person-band (guy and girl) straight from Minneapolis. This duo created their version of punk/surf rock with drums and a ton of loud, fuzzed, looped guitar. Their sound was refreshing to hear, in the sense that simplicity rules, and maybe some ear piercing distortion helps too. But I can't wait to see them again. I see that they are playing on Friday, the 27th. So check them out if you are the Loring Park area.

Red Pens

Later in the night I stopped by the Acadia Cafe, thanks to the suggestion of my buddy Golder. What up Golder! When I arrived the God Dam Doo Wop Band was on stage. Three petite young ladies fronted the stage with vintage dresses and their three piece band backing them. I thought to say the least, "very cool", sharing their own style and version of classic 50's, early 60's pop music, with a punk twist. Another band I will for sure see again. It looks like they are going to Cali to get famous or something. But I'm sure they will be back around soon enough.

God Damn Doo Wop Band

Immediately after the God Dam Doo Wop Band, was the cleverly named Fuck Knights. With the drummer/singer using a three piece drum kit in the fore front, supported with bass and guitar, I can really only describe the show as "raw". Mainly because I am still in shock from what I saw. As soon as you think you can put your finger on them, think again! I mean I have heard this style of punk rawk before, but they have that "something" that kept me intrigued the whole time. I wish I could describe it better, but I suggest you see them for yourself. Fuck Knights (rolls off the tongue) are also playing Friday the 27th @ the Kitty Cat Club, check them out!

Fuck Knights

The last show that I saw was at the Nomad, featuring the acclaimed Dessa. All I can really say about Dessa is that she is about to blow up! Her rap/singing and subject matter over phat beats can attract the masses.I'm sure we will all hear more and more of her music as time goes on. But if you are not familiar with her material check her my space and make sure to check out the rest of the Doomtree artists.

Dessa

So thanks for checking out my first post. I hope that you keep on following Rungup. I will try to add new post daily from now on. So keep the lookout for the next one and I'll keep my ear to the ground.

Skophammer

Welcome to Rungup!

So I decide to start a music blog for myself and for others to check out. My purpose for this blog is not to analyze artists music and tell you if I think its bad or not. My purpose for this blog is to describe my perception of the music the way I hear it and the way I see it. I hope to the people that do read and follow, if any, that they find out about new music and find some artists they like. In return I hope readers give me new suggestions of music that I can later blog about. So I thank you for checking out this blog and I hope you follow. Keep your eyes peeled for me first review in the next couple of days.

Keeping my ear to the ground,
Skophammer