Preview: The Vincent Black Shadow

[Music] It's a long way to the top if you want to rock & roll in dark, poppy fashion. For Vancouver's Vincent Black Shadow, the lengthy journey out of obscurity began with the band assessing its talents in relation to popular acts My Chemical Romance and The Used—groups who employed the type of dramatic theatrics VBS infuses in their own eclectic sound.

The female-fronted act lived largely in the shadows even after releasing their debut, Fear's In the Water (2006), but with the new El Monstruo its members make a strong case for audiences to wake up to a hard-riffed blend of punk, metal, jazz and classical-fueled compositions—songs that help them stand out in the eyeliner-obsessed demographic.

The album has received widespread critical acclaim from print and television outlets, coverage that’s well-deserved (though it doesn’t hurt that lead singer Cassandra Ford resembles Christina Ricci, either).

Ford sings in a style comparable to Gwen Stefani’s fierce pipes during No Doubt’s heyday. Fun, confident and completely catchy, her voice lifts songs like “Fear’s In the Water, “Broken,” and “Control,” to complement melodic guitars and keyboards. Those songs, however, fall short of brilliant. El Monstruo’s track listing demonstrates the band’s marked improvement.

In 2008, VBS signed to Beef Records but distributed El Monstruo independently on their website, TVBSMusic.com. A bold move, yes—but it paid off.

El Monstruo takes the same formula that drove the group’s debut effort, but ups the volume and energy. Dramatic strings and heavy guitars appear on songs like “They Still Want You” and “Don’t Make Me So Mad,” giving the band a polished and mature sound.

The band deserves credit for going out on a limb and releasing it themselves. Currently, they act as managers, public relations specialists, promoters and, oh yeah, rock stars.

As for their live show, well we know they’ve learned from some of the best. The Vincent Black Shadow has toured with bands such as Joan Jett, Bif Naked and Snow Patrol. Now on their second headlining tour, the band takes its energetic show to Salt Lake City tonight at Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, KilbyCourt.com.



(Jonny Glines)

Imaad Wasif & RTX: Tonight!

[Live Music] You might know Imaad Wasif from his work in Alaska!, Folk Implosion and, recently, backing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Or you might just know him because you read City Weekly. Either way, you should get on down to Urban Lounge (241 S. 500 East) tonight to see the man with his band Two Part Beast. Here's a clip from the new album:



and here's an incredibly awkward interview with the Folk Implosion on MTV's 120 Minutes, a sort of how-NOT-to primer on intelligent band interviews



(Jamie Gadette)

Pump Up The Volume

[Music Review/Preview] Man oh man, did Dead Meadow kill last night or what?! I must have looked like a burned-out lunatic closing my eyes and rocking back and forth against the window where I could best feel the vibrations. It helps that the Los Angeles-based stoner/psych-rock trio brought no less than 10 Orange Amplifiers to kick out their heavier-than-hell jams. The ragtag virtuosos played an ear-splitting mix of new material off their latest release Old Growth (Matador) and older jams, including one of the first tracks they ever wrote. They dedicated the latter song to Iota's Oz, their SLC brother in arms who cozied up against the giant Orange stack, banging his head in appreciation. The crowd--which included a lot of super young hippie chicks gyrating in not-always rhythmic motion--rushed the stage before the show and remained there with giant grins and blissed-out expressions til the bitter end. Bitter only because Dead Meadow had to keep on rollin.

All that after two killer sets by Pink Lightnin (who offered to play more all-ages shows if the kids want them) and the Furs, who are tighter than ever. If you're reading this and feel like a road trip, the Furs are hitting the road today and heading to Vegas. Maybe you can tag along.

For those who'd rather stay in the city, this weekend is crazy packed with awesome shows. White Denim and Tapes 'N Tapes play one side of In the Venue while Atmosphere drops new material on the other side. Brilliant booking guys!

Also tonight, Destroyer plays The Urban Lounge and Cavedoll joins Simple Shelter for a multi-media extravaganza at Trapp Door.

Tomorrow, check out Matt Hopper and The Roman Candles, also at Urban with Drew Grow and Dead Horse Point.

And last but not least, motherfucking M.I.A. at The Depot, Sunday!! This show has not sold out ... yet. Get in while the getting is good.


(Jamie Gadette)