Well, after going on about Suffering, I ran out of room and neglected to say much of anything about Suffering's Lujo labelmates In Praise of Folly, who also released a record that very same week (April 20). I won't make that mistake again, however, because no one--including myself--will be able to ignore the local band much longer. After opening that Suffering and the Hideous Thieves show, the amount of compliments IPOF received for the rest of the night made for pretty solid evidence that the quartet of young men are going to be gaining quite a following as they begin to tour and play more local shows in support of their debut full-length.
The record, titled The Present Age, is a dreamy collection of mellow pop/indie rock songs with beautiful vocals drifting in and out of melodic guitar and bass and steady drumming. They also throw in some trumpet, organ, and strings. It's calming, intricate, and not boring in the least.
Since recording The Present Age last spring (at the Hall of Justice with Joel Brown manning the boards), the band have made an adjustment to their lineup, moving vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Verdoes to drums (while still singing), and adding new guitarist Zach Malm.
Their new material (much of which they showcased at the show) has a stronger, fuller sound, and they're beginning to steer away from the quieter side, opting for more dramatic dynamics.
IPOF play this Friday (the 7th) at Ground Zero in Bellevue with Cobra High and Desert City Soundtrack, and duh, you should go. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. and it's eight bucks at the door (you get a dollar off if you bring a can of food to donate to Northwest Harvest).
And I can't wrap up this week without mentioning the ska show at the Old Fire House on May 8. Spokane's 10 Minutes Down are playing with the Ted Dancin' Machine, the Recliners, and the Push. Perhaps it's time for ska's "fourth wave"? Yeah, okay, I don't know about that either, but if you remember how to skank, the show might be a fun way to relive those ska days at RKCNDY. Don't tell me I was the only one with checkered tights, creepers, and the entire Dance Hall Crashers discography in high school. I know I'm not alone in this.
Oh, and breaking news! Unfortunately the Kinison have had to cancel their May 9th show at Graceland. They're working on rescheduling the show (so don't fret) but in the mean time you should still get yourself to Graceland that night because the Senate Arcade and Kane Hodder are still playing with My Hotel Year and Feable Weiner. Take my advice. Go. MEGAN SELING
