Tonight in Music: BattleCry Melody, Draze, Grand Archives, The Rosebuds, Slack Fest, and more
Posted by Joe GustavBattleCry Melody, Varnish, Fit For Hounds @ Showbox SoDo | 7/9 | $8 (Get Tickets) | 8 pm | 21+
Rap-rock group BattleCry Melody mash out like nu-metal never died. The Seattle band, lead by perpetually backward hat-wearing vocalist Ahmad “Talksick” Daher, lay down self-described “rugged rhythms” for Daher’s flows. Like P.O.D., Papa Roach, and others before them, their sound tries to be aggro but has a very polished studio sheen. They’ll be over at Showbox SoDo tonight with Varnish and Fit For Hounds.
Draze, Parker, Yirim Seck, Da Association @ Chop Suey | 7/9 | $10 | 9 pm | 21+
via thisisdraze.com
Chop Suey hosts a showcase of more street-oriented Seattle hip-hop starring Draze. The man behind the Notorious B.I.G. “mixtape movie” a few years ago, he’s back with the bumping posse cut “What Up Pimpin.’” Also featured on the bill: Parker, one half of the Parker Brothaz, now splitting his time between Seattle and Atlanta to work with esteemed production duo Tha Bizness. They helmed his late 2010 mixtape Between Struggles, a polished, solid collection of honest raps with crossover aspirations. Yirim Seck and Da Association, both featured on “What Up Pimpin’,” open.
Grand Archives, The Redwood Plan, Royal Eyes @ Neumos | 7/9 | $10 (Get Tickets) | 8 pm | 21+
via Grand Archives' Facebook page
Grand Archives are digging deep to bring their local audience some carefully tucked away mellow sounds. Fans who wish to reminisce on days gone by will enjoy this folky grunge with a bit of twang.
Singer/guitarist Mat Brooke of Band of Horses fame has changed directions alongside three friends with whom he started the band in 2006. This more uplifting, calmer take on rock will set the good vibes in motion and send spirits soaring. If you just can’t wait for the show, visit their website for a free download of their demo release, Villains EP. – Kat Taylor
For your chance to win tickets to this show, e-mail contests@ssgmusic.com with the phrase “Grand Archives at Neumos 7/9″ in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name for the guest list. We’ll holler back if you win. Follow @SSGPromo for all of our giveaway updates.
The Rosebuds, Other Lives @ The Tractor Tavern | 7/9 | $12 (Get Tickets) | 9:30 | 21+
via The Rosebuds' Myspace
From Raleigh, North Carolina, The Rosebuds are the product of Kelly Crisp and Ivan Howard. The two met (and, as legend has it, fell in love) in college, forming The Rosebuds and eventually getting married. While their marriage has had the ups and downs of any romantic relationship, the band has had only ups, releasing five albums and several EPs since 2003. Now, coming off the release of their fifth album, from Merge Records, they are preparing to tour with indie phenom Bon Iver.
The Rosebuds’ music is all about the pair’s equally timeless voices. Kelly sings dreamily, Ivan solemnly, and the combination—whether they are harmonizing or conversing—is exquisite. Make sure to catch them at The Tractor, as it’s their last scheduled tour date in the Seattle area. – Nick Wallace
For your chance to win tickets to this show, e-mail contests@ssgmusic.com with the phrase “The Rosebuds at the Tractor 7/9″ in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name for the guest list. We’ll holler back if you win. Follow @SSGPromo for all of our giveaway updates.
Slack Fest 2011 @ Slim Dog Race Track in Stanwood – 07/09 | $25/$35 (Get Tickets) | 10:00am | All Ages
After a two year absence, Slack Fest 2011 is back and better than ever. If you enjoy great local music, cheap beer and good friends (and weren’t quick enough to order tickets to that other, over-night, local music fest) Slack Fest is for you! Love child of KEXP’s “swingin’ doors” DJ Don Slack, this event is a must attend for local music fans like yourselves. Bring your tent, sleeping bag and a friend to keep your warm at night, just watch the river as they are still running high and deep and we don’t want any of your crazy kids getting hurt. – Kelly Alexander
Bands playing Slack Fest 2011:
This group is a fantastic example of modern-day americana music. The soulful vocals, electric guitar, drums, keys just flow together seamlessly. If you are a fan of The Avett Brothers vocal harmonizing, you will love The Moondoggies. – Lindsey Scully
The Maldives are a nine-piece band out of Seattle, Washington that plays a multitude of sounds. Some call them alt-country, I’d like to call them epic-Americana. Instrumentation they incorporate besides the standard rock ensemble is violin, lap steel guitar, banjo, and mandolin. To understand The Maldives’ sound you have to understand the musicians. Up top we have Jason Dodson (Lead composer, vocals, rhythm guitar) to the right, who started forming the band with Seth Warren (middle) back in 2002. These are a couple of chill guys who love Neil Young, playing music, singing, friendship, having thought-provoking conversation, and alcohol. Everything about the Maldives can be trailed back to those elements like breadcrumbs, and being in the same room with them is always a party. – Nikki Benson
American Girls
My Goodness have put together something that is back to the basics, gimmick free, and superb within its own right. The guitar work in My Goodness is charismatic, beefy, just right. Joel Schneider has powerful vocals with the classic charm of ’60s rock. They exude energy. Although understated, these guys have got ‘it.’ – Nikki Benson
Slim Dog Race Track: 23311 70th Ave NW, Stanwood, WA 98292
