FYM ON THE LIST: THEORETICS ° BLACKALICIOUS

REAL Hip Hop is alive and well in the Pacific Northwest. This past Sunday the 7-man crew known as Theoretics unleashed a fury of rapid fire energy on a packed house of fans at Neumos in Seattle Washington USA.

For those of you not in the know, Theoretics are an untouchable hip hop BAND, fronted by two dominate Seattle MC's. Pictured above, Mark Hoy one half of the duo, lit up the stage that night, with joyous positive showmanship. But that is nothing new to us.

FYM has been following Theoretics ever since we caught their opening live show for hip hop legend K-OS in May of 2011 at the Crocodile in Seattle. We were instantly hooked (truly). After seeing them in a live setting, FYM immediately picked up their self-titled debut full-length.

This past November 2012, Theoretics released a stunning follow-up EP titled Plenty Of Anything. Sunday night the the group was in high spirits. They certainly know how to put on an entertaining performance, the crowd was beyond stoked to rock with this intoxicating live band.

Chimaroke Abuachi is the other half of the Theoretics dual MC hip hop siege. Hoy and Abuachi share an unparalleled connection in their sonic  delivery. Both combined, encompass verse-trading unity, unlike anything we have ever seen before.

Up next, Sacto CA lyrical legend Gift of Gab (performing under the moniker Blackalicious) took stage with Lateef the Truthspeaker. Gift of Gab kicked off the set with his signature track, still standing tall and as relevant since 1999, Alphabet Aerobics.

Seeing Blackalicious and Theoretics perform back to back was a rare reminder of how REAL hip hop should be. It was down and dirty vintage passion, with crowd heads bobbing, hands rocking in unison. As recently reported by Theoretics on Facebook, things went so well you will be able to catch them again Friday February 8, 2013 at the Nectar Lounge. Thanks again for the incredible evening. Cheers, FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: RAYLAND BAXTER • LIVE AT THE FOX THEATER • OAKLAND CA ° USA

Last week, FYM San Francisco had the pleasure of rollin' over to Oakland, and watching RayLand Baxter perform LIVE at the Fox Theater! (on tour with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals)

In August, Baxter officially released his intoxicating debut album Feathers & Fishhooks on ATO Records. That night in Oakland, RayLand and crew set an impressive tone for the evening, performing one of our favorite cuts off the new record- The Mtn Song. His music video below:



Baxter's rambling free-spirit, along with his incredible songwriting abilities, and solid backing-band support, will leave you wanting more. To top off the set, he tossed in a tight little cover of Run Run Run by The Velvet Underground. We can't wait to see RayLand again!

Word has it, he's due to be back in January for another round in San Francisco, and will continue touring across the country in the spring. Baxter finishes out his current tour with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in December, followed by a leg of East Coast dates with Seattle's Sera Cahoone. Buy Feather's & Fishhooks  HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: FIDLAR • THE HIVES • LIVE AT THE FOX THEATER • OAKLAND USA

FYM was beyond stoked to discover that Los Angeles buzzworthy band FIDLAR was going to be on the same bill as The Hives last week in Oakland California. That evening, FIDLAR's super-charged garage rock whimsey was a perfect counterpart to their Swedish tour mates.

FIDLAR which stands for "Fuck It Dog, Life's A Risk" put on a great live show,  rockin' out signature tunes like Cheap Beer featuring the catchy little chorus—I drink. Cheap Beer. So what. Fuck you!



Watch the campy too kool 4 skool teenage/soCal/stoner anthem No Waves, music video above. The only thing that would make this video better would be adding a few clips of Gleaming the Cube into the mix.

Look for FIDLAR's debut full-length due out in early 2013 via Mom & Pop. In the meantime, visit their bandcamp Here and their tumblr Here.

Up next The Hives came out to headline this fine evening in Oakland, and were dressed to the nines as usual (featuring suits and top hats). The Hives do not disappoint LIVE—not only do they dress the part, but they also put on a heavily kinetic rock performance.

Howlin' Pelle Almqvist takes the lead and plays the part of the preacher and the crowd as the choir to follow his every move. Their single Tick Tick Tick Boom brought the house down literally—as Pelle told the audience to take a seat, just before bringing fans to an explosive state of excitement as the opening notes of the tune broke in.

Hate To Say I Told You So was another obvious crowd pleaser, with the entire audience going bananas during the song. The Hives most recent album Lex Hives is out now, feel free to stream on spottily HERE. They Live! Cheers, FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: JIMMY EAT WORLD, BLEED AMERICAN_THE FILLMORE SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Jimmy Eat World released Bleed American July 18th, 2001, a masterpiece of an album which catapulted the band straight up the sonic ladder to mainstream rock radio success. Jimmy Eat World went through a lot, tirelessly pushing to produce the record on their on -working day jobs, scratching and surviving to make it happen. The hard work paid off as a bidding war ensued ironically with their former label Capitol Records and Dreamworks (who ultimately won in the end). 

This past Monday September 26th, 2011 -FYM had the chance to hear this momentous time capsule of our youth in it's entirety live at The Fillmore in San Francisco USA. During the set lead singer Jim Adkins reflected -that the album having been out for 10 years now makes you have one of those old people moments. Jimmy Eat World the rest of the night didn't have much to say to the San Francisco sea of dedicated followers, instead they let their tour de force album Bleed American speak for itself.

Throughout the entire performance Jimmy Eat World had to compete with an audience passionately singing word for word back to them what they had produced over a decade ago. Perhaps giving the crowd meaningful flashbacks (at least it did for us) of their former selves at impromptu teenage dance parties, learning to drive in vacant parking lots (while Bleed American was on the car speakers), and playing this album on repeat via a cd player instead of an iPod. 

The second that Sweetness vocals started, the entire room of the historic Fillmore echoed with their best Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh's. When Hear You Me began a disco ball lit up the room with luscious acoustic guitar tempting everyone to slow dance like it was their High School prom. It was a nostalgic night filled with fond memories, proving that Jimmy Eat World's Bleed American is timeless classic, that still sounds as fresh as it once did 10 years prior. Cheers, FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: THE CHURCH- RAISE OUR SPIRITS IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA

(Editors Note: We are still reveling in the reverb that was The Church playing live in Seattle this week. The event was so special, FYM had to provide multiple perspectives (creating a duel review) of an unforgettable evening. You will hear from Art Director: J. Codling, and FYM's Security Guard, and go-to high-end jewelry designer E. Codling. Cheers)

The Australian Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees known as The Church have set out on a career spanning tour called Future Past Perfect. They delivered one of the most unprecedented performance evenings this Art Director have ever seen live in Seattle (over two days) this past week. 

A special thanks must be sent to the iconic/classy/stylish Seattle Venue, The Triple Door, for letting us in that night. FYM was struck with surprise Tuesday evening, when our name was nowhere to be found on the guest list (which was confirmed over a month ago, by The Church publicist- What happened Brooke?). Luckily our Jedi Mind Tricks, and kind help from the management resolved the issue. FYM soon found themselves being escorted by the friendly Triple Door staff to a dining table, seating us right up front (a mere ten feet from the the stage). 

The Church started off this eventful night, ripping through their latest release, Untitled #23. It's a reaffirming creation, that journeys into deep valleys of solid, thought-provoking sonic prowess. Untitled #23 is a grand showcase of twinkling atmosphere fused with 30 years of talent, culminating in their most relevant record to date. It's an FYM must listen, check it out HERE. 

The Church is known for the distinct tuning they use while playing. After every song, seamless instrument changes took place (cheers to their techs for making it happen), with The Church pulling specially tuned guitars from their rock arsenal. 

It also should be mentioned that The Future Past Perfect Tour model is quite brilliant. There seems to be a classic album tour trend going on right now. But as other acts like Weezer, are posting up in cities two nights in a row, and only playing one classic record each night (forcing devoted fans to either choose which night they want to attend, or fork out the green for both concerts) The Church offered THREE records in one evening, two nights in a row at The Triple Door in Seattle (with tickets ranging from $30-$45). 

With each album being performed entirely, representing the very best of bands three decade spanning music legacy. Following Untitled #23 came the 90's gem Priest=Aura, closing with their 80's masterpiece Starfish. 

It's definitely a special gift hearing any album performed in-full live. This idea engages the audience with new perspective, allowing the listener to appreciate how each song fits into the bigger picture (the album itself).

Lead Steve Kilbey, continues to impress FYM with his solid/sultry vocal work, and truly seraphic showmanship. Guitarist Marty Willson-Piper, was also a dominate inspiring force to appreciate live (go back and listen to Reptile! off Starfish). And Peter Koppes noble, yet understated presence, kept the boys in-line throughout each set. 

The Church in Seattle turned out to be a jaw-dropping marathon of shimmering artistry. The U.S. leg of the tour runs through the end of February, check HERE for tour dates. The Future Past Perfect Tour is a peerless, unrivaled rock spectacle. A must see for lovers of music. 

Cheers,

-j. codling words/graphics/photos

(Part Two Editors Note: The second review is written by FYM's Emily Codling. A little background, Emily and Jesse have been attending shows together for nearly 10 years now. This review is from her first-person perspective, with insight on how the evening went as a whole)

As we walked into The Triple Door for the first time ever. I had no idea what to expect... my first impression gorgeous! Although the dinner theater style seating had me a little worried. The only other time I've been forced to sit at a rock concert (Ryan Adams), J. Codling and I were almost removed from the show for STANDING!! (Jesse was indeed that guy at the Ryan Adams show that 2,000 people boo'd to sit down when all we wanted to do was dance to let it ride). But this wasn't folding chairs on the Iowa City IMU lounge floor. The thoughtful Triple Door layout of tiered, stage-focused tables, art-deco style decor and dim lighting gave a feeling of a 1920's big band club, with the class and elegance to back it.

After a little wine/dining the first album was played. Untitled #23 is an emotional ride with lead singer Steve Kilbey exposing some beautifully heart-breaking tales of love lost, with seemingly bitter endings. The crowd enjoyed the music, along with their pad thai- between songs the sounds of silverware hitting dinner plates filled the air (it must have been a surreal experience for a rock band to play this venue).

After a quick wardrobe change, and two sticks of nag-champa lit, the band came out for their second set. Priest=Aura definitely evoked a stronger crowd response. Stellar sound accompanied the poetic lyrics from this 1992 treasure.

We were stoked as FYM headed into the third and final set of this marathon of amazing music. Starfish was the bands 1988 release, and gave them their first and only US top 40 hit. Under the Milky Way received some reprise in 2001, when it was featured on the soundtrack of every hipsters favorite film, Donnie Darko. The band came out as a kinetic force. The Church evoked a youthful excitement throughout the audience. The.. "let's order another round" feeling was in the air, as the band played one solid jam after another on this extraordinary, breakthrough album.

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Watching The Church live- who have withstood the test of time, and recorded decades of amazing music, truly makes you realize the incredible devotion these men show to their craft.

(Event Program: Click Image to Expand for Greater Detail)

Today, the working age adult has an average of five careers in their lifetime. It makes you wonder if the demonstrated dedication will still exist with modern musicians. Will our children and grandchildren have the privilege of watching a band who has played together, and stayed together long enough to produce over 30 years of amazing music? 

-e. codling

Check out our streaming (non-downloadable) recording of Starfish Live in Seattle below. This recording is meant to promote The Church, and shed a bit of light as to how special this crew really is live! Enjoy: