Boris & Red Sparowes @ Neumos

Helms Alee played as well. I mostly went to this show to see Red Sparowes (call me boring, whatever), but Boris headlining was also a plus. I'm not even obsessed with Red Sparowes or anything, but I've been wanting to go to a post-rock show for ages. Most all post-rock bands that filter through Seattle play at Neumos, where nearly every show is 21+. So... this Red Sparowes show is probably one of the few opportunities that will come up for me for a while to see some post-rock live.

I was fairly impressed by all three bands. I wasn't even expecting to like Helms Alee, as I heard their music online prior to the show and didn't enjoy it much, but apparently they sound much better live. Still, I was stroked to see Red Sparowes, and when they took the stage I was absolutely astonished. Up till that day, their latest album had never really 'clicked' with me, but hearing them play it live definitely changed something. They were just killer, but sadly only played a 45-minute set.

Boris. Boris was insane— but let me first say that I'm not actually familiar with their music all that much. I listened to Pink maybe once in 2k8 or something and enjoyed it, but I'm not well acquainted with anything beyond that. I feel like it's necessary to 'know' their music in order to fully appreciate their live show, but I was impressed regardless. I just wish I had stayed in the front longer (I was around 3rd row at the beginning) instead of going to the back in hope of actually getting to 'hear' their music. The acoustics blow in almost every corner of that venue and the insane volume at which Boris played at didn't really help. Better to stay in the front and have just have fun. I guess my only other complaint would be about the length of their setlist. One and a half hours? It would've been nice if Red Sparowes could have had 15 of those minutes (that's like one song I know w/e).

Helms Alee

Red Sparowes <3 u

Boris

so dro)))ne

Photographs by Monika Sapek.

P.S. Sorry for the lack of content this month. I'm currently working on a review of a lovely ambient album that will be posted soon and also have plans for other things too.

[currently listening to: You Make Me Like Charity - The Knife]

sleepmakeswaves

With only several minor releases to their name, sleepmakeswaves don’t have any one concrete release to speak for. Since their formation in 2006, the small Australian post-rock group has only released a self-titled demo, a 37-minute EP, and a split with fellow Australian instrumentalists, Tangled Thoughts of Leaving. Having had little opportunity to write full albums, sleepmakeswaves have found a way to condense their epic post-rock in individual tracks, while maintaining the same impact and intensity. They take varied, but obvious influences from many of the ‘big guys’, but whether building off of 65daysofstatic-esque electronic textures and beats, Mono’s dramatic atmospheres, or guitar lines with Mogwai’s ferocity, each song takes on a sparking individuality. They may lack complete originality, but are definitely engaging.

Though each of their releases are well worth dl’ing (they’re all free via net label Lost Children) and listening to, I personally enjoy their split with TToL most. It reaches the most beautiful climaxes and reminds me a lot of This Will Destroy You (whom I love very, very much omg). In Today Already Walks Tomorrow, their only EP, is a much darker and heavier piece, taking hints of post-metal at various points throughout. Their demo is their first work, and probably a worthy introduction. They also released a single song last month, titled “The Obstacle Is The Path”. Check it all out at either of the two lovely links below.