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indie-snob>+!#
troubled hubble @ the fireside (5-6-03)
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This was supposed to be Ted Leo's show, and I can cry all I want, but it won't fix the fact that Ted has damaged his vocal chords and cancelled his tour until the end of May. Even so, I think all of you out there should go and buy "Hearts of Oak," his second full-length with the Pharmacists. I have it at #6 thus far in the year, but I think it's a solid album. If I were to review it here, it would get a 9. But anyway, we all know I love Troubled Hubble... or you would if you knew anything about me, like this is my third time seeing them (once with Ben Kweller and once with the Like Young) and I thought that their latest release, Penturbia, was better than they could ever get credit for. Looking like they just got out of high school (which isn't SO far off from the truth, but I'm fairly certain these guys range from 22-24), Troubled Hubble creates sensible pop music with that rock edge. Not only can the songs be charming and quite amusing (such as "I Love My Canoe"), but TH is able to create songs that seem wise beyond their years with breaching that undisclosed age gap. Chaotic, hard-rocking and some of the most elegant riffs you've ever heard, these Suburban Chicago boys surely do not neglect to impress. Their best songs include "Nancy," "Airplanes" and "Understanding in Traffic." I really do recommend "Penturbia," as I've said before, and think you should see them live soon, too. They have a couple shows in the area (Des Moines, Evanston, and a free show at the Metro if you print out tickets from their website... check the artists page for the link.) Following Troubled Hubble was a group I was vaguely familiar with: El Guapo. Another band out of the DC scene, I had to assume they were hardcore, after all, what else is there to be out of DC? However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw not one, but TWO synthesizers, a drum machine, a mixer and random other electronic goodies! I hate to define them into a genre, but when I saw them, I could help but think LIARS. RAPTURE. !!!. HOT HOT HEAT. DISCO-PUNK. It was great and all... but that's what it was, only a bit more electronic. I in fact really liked them and ended up buying both of their full-lengths. Man, stick vocals over any thing electronic and I'm in love with it. However, they used their laptop noise and gadget buzz well, while adding real drums, bass and guitar every now and then. The drummer was really interesting to watch... he looked super punk rock. Oh yeah. Where's the blood at? Oi! Anyway. It was a good show. Both bands are recommended should you have the chance to hear them. I left before Little Ax came on... although I heard one song and it was that generic indie rock I'm not impressed with. *yawn* |