CALPURNIA: ON TOUR


BY ASHLEY ROSARIO

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALPURNIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALPURNIA

If you’re an indie-rock fan and have been waiting for something new, fresh, and unique look no further. Calpurina, the relatively new band (formed in 2017) should fill the void. Their first single “City Boy” debuted in March 2018, and their debut EP, Scout was released in June of 2018. Their youthful and dreamy vibes will surely captivate you. You can catch them on tour now through September. Tour dates are listed below, and you can get tickets here!

 

July 14 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

July 24 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre

August 4 - Montreal, Canada @ Osheaga

August 18 - Boson, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

September 2 - Hamilton, Canada @ Rasberry Farm at Royal Botanical Gardens

September 16 - Chicago, IL @ RIOTFEST

 

FIND CALPURNIA ONLINE

WEBSITE     TWITTER     INSTAGRAM     FACEBOOK


'STRANGERS AGAIN' / ALEXANDER WREN: SINGLE REVIEW


BY EMMA SCHOORS

In the midst of a breakup, fallout or simply fading away of a relationship, the last thing anyone wants is to be reassured that everything is fine and that there is nothing to be angry or sad about. Sure, the initial lie strikes as a spur of the moment realization that everything is fine, but it never holds true. 

Alexander Wren’s “Strangers Again” embraces the power of being self aware in the wake of a seemingly endless situation. The lyrics reflect the back-and-forth nature that many of us find ourselves in over losing someone we thought we could run to for shelter. The words don’t glaze over the fact that the worst kind of loss is one that’s belittled or ignored by the other person feeling it. 

In the simple yet melodic guitars you’ll find that the vocals shine through as a sort of lighthouse for the song. They guide the way for drums that resemble a sort of ticking time bomb initially, and crashing waves more than the instrument itself as the song progresses. 

The song’s lyrics are a standout for any listener, going through a similar time or mindset. The track paves a way for not only a deeper conversation about where all of us are, but how and why we’re here, regardless of what others may define it as. 

 
 

FIND ALEXANDER ONLINE

WEBSITE     TWITTER     INSTAGRAM     FACEBOOK


COMMUNITY FESTIVAL 2018: REVIEW


BY AMANDA LAFERRIERE

Photo credit: Phoebe Fox

Photo credit: Phoebe Fox

Photo credit: Phoebe Fox

Photo credit: Phoebe Fox

If there is one thing I have picked up on since I’ve been in London, things are just better here in my opinion. That holds true for the festivals as well -- Community Festival at least. I’ve been to two music festivals back in America, and while they were amazing and I wouldn’t trade the experiences for the world, Community Festival was an experience like no other. Everyone was so incredibly considerate of one another, the security guards were giving out free water to people in the crowd, and it felt like someone was apologizing for squishing someone else in the pit every 5 seconds. I know the main lure of music festivals is obviously the music, however, the food has a draw of its own. Community Festival had everything from Thai street food to mac ‘n’ cheese stands. The festival also featured an abundance of vegan/vegetarian options (They make it so easy to be vegan in London). 

 

MARMOZETS - Photo credit: James Bridle

MARMOZETS - Photo credit: James Bridle

Now for what you’re all actually here for: the music. I walked into the festival to the beginning of the Marmozets’ set. Receiving accolades and recognition from Kerrang!, Q, Noisey, and Radio 1, the Marmozets have made made a significant name for themselves in the British rock scene since their debut album in 2014. After seeing their set this past weekend, I understand all of the buzz. They played older songs along with some newer ones from their recent release of “Knowing What You Know Now”. 

I made my way to the second of two stages to catch a bit of Ten Tonnes’ set. The intimate setting coupled with his melodic vibes was a treat for sure. I was introduced to Sundara Karma by a friend of mine a little while back and I’ve loved them ever since. They are the perfect festival band. Even so, I was very surprised when the crowd began moshing at during “She Said”.

RAT BOY - Photo credit: James Bridle

RAT BOY - Photo credit: James Bridle

I took a lunch break and enjoyed Rat Boy’s set from a nice grassy patch in the back of the crowd. It was great seeing his one-man-band music performed on such a large stage to such a receptive group.

THE VACCINES - Photo credit: James Bridle

THE VACCINES - Photo credit: James Bridle

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - Photo credit: James Bridle

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - Photo credit: James Bridle

Next on my agenda for the day was Pale Waves. I stumbled upon them the same way a good portion of others did; their association with The 1975. Opening with what is arguably their most popular single, "Television Romance", Pale Waves had people moving and grooving from the get-go. I worked through the crowd to get back to the main stage after a few more songs to get a good spot for one of my personal favorites, The Vaccines. I’ve been listening to The Vaccines and Two Door Cinema Club for years now and had just accepted that I would never see them because neither of them ever come to America. If I had known all I had to do was go to Europe for a study abroad trip to see them, I would have done so forever ago. The whole crowd was swaying and singing and chanting along to almost all of their songs. While The Vaccines certainly gave an unforgettable performance, I do not think I’ve had a concert experience quite like seeing Two Door Cinema Club. It was obviously special for me as I have been a fan of theirs for so long, but I could tell how special it was to a majority of the crowd as well. Some highlights of the set include the goosebump inducing synchronicity of the crowd’s “Undercover Martyn” claps and the absolute madness that ensued following the opening notes of “What You Know”.

Photo credit: Michelle Roberts

Photo credit: Michelle Roberts

While all of the artists performing were amazing, my favorite part of the festival was when they began playing England’s “Football’s Coming Home” song. Every person at that festival was immediately on their feet dancing and singing. If you’re not familiar with World Cup culture, England is currently in the final four and there is a good chance they may win this year. This song brought everyone at Community Festival together with one common thing: pride for their country and its football team. It truly gave out a sense of “community” and made the experience truly unlike any other for me.

 

'EASY LOVE' / ALEXI BLUE: MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW


BY EMMA SCHOORS

Alexi Blue’s new music video for her song “Easy Love” details the simplicity of love that has no deadline or expiration date. The video is simplistic as well, complimenting the lyrics, which are examples of the days when love isn’t complicated. The song is a refreshing take on what most ignore about love; the easy parts and how they coincide with why we choose to love someone in the first place. Nowadays lots of music lovers go first to the romanticism of love that’s manipulative and the songs that describe it; Alexi is breaking through those stereotypes without fear. The video depicts the possible inspiration and process of writing the song, reminiscing on past times and looking forward to when you can show your love in easy ways.  

The song takes multiple listens to realize the simple nature of love in the first place. Perhaps it’s there to remind us that love is to some a feeling, to some a choice, but the definition of it can’t be doubted and re-worked so many times that it doesn’t exist. Maybe it’s a reminder to appreciate the times in which we fall victim to wanting the extreme of every situation, because the extremity in love is often the softest and smoothest kind. 

 
 

FIND ALEXI ONLINE

WEBSITE     TWITTER     INSTAGRAM     FACEBOOK