J Roddy Walston and Reignwolf let loose in Raleigh

Photos by Justin Weber

The prominence of rock and roll revivalism is waning in the current musical zeitgeist, but J Roddy Walston and Reignwolf showed it still remains popular by selling out Kings Barcade on a Tuesday night.

Reignwolf is the stage name for Jordan Cook, a Seattle musician via Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He’s been tearing up the northwest for a few years now with his anthemic blues and intense performances. Last night was no different.

Cook’s music is the kind of cathartic, virile rock and roll that foregoes any subtlety for pure release. Reignwolf exaggerates what the Black Keys were doing on their earlier records and adds the energy of fellow north westerners Japandroids to the mix.

New music from Superchunk - "Breaking Down" (Acoustic)

Photo by Jason Arthurs

Local indie icons Superchunk are about to head to Australia in November and then Europe in December on tour in support of their new album I Hate Music.

Now the band has released a mellow acoustic version of the album's seventh track "Breaking Down." Check out that version below.

While you're at it, check out the band performing a stripped down version of "Me & You & Jackie Mittoo" for radio station WNRN below as well and a review of I Hate Music HERE.

Album Review: Tim Kasher - Adult Film

Tim Kasher’s second proper solo album, Adult Film, inhabits much of the same space that his other work covers.

Kasher trades The Game of Monogamy’s orchestral songs about the insecurity of love for organ-heavy songs about the insecurity of mid-life crisis, but the effect is similar.

Typically, Kasher overcomes his shortcomings with lyrics listeners connect with, but they fall flat on Adult Film.

Gross Ghost releases new album, playing two in-stores

Just off of their fantastic main stage set at the Hopscotch Music Festival last month (check out photos and a write-up HERE), Triangle rockers Gross Ghost released a new album titled Public Housing today, October 29, via Odessa Records and they've scheduled a few Raleigh in-stores in support of it.

First tonight, October 29, the band will play Nice Price Books in Raleigh with See Gulls. The show starts at 9 p.m. and is BYOB.

Next the band will play an in-store at Schoolkids Records in Raleigh on Saturday, November 2. They'll play at 3 p.m.

Neko Case impresses with solo career spanning set at DPAC

On one of the first truly chilly North Carolina nights in 2013, Neko Case treated a nearly sold out DPAC to a set that only a nitpicky few would find lacking.

Opener Karen Elson set the stage with a set of dark blues. With just her voice, her guitar and her partner on guitar the sound was sparse and foreboding. Elson’s set derived mostly from her debut album The Ghost Who Walks, but she left out most of the medieval sounding sounds and stuck with blues.

With a small personal repertoire to pull from, Elson performed a few covers including a wonderful version of Jackson C. Frank’s “Marcy’s Song.” She closed with “There Is A Time” by The Dillards which seemed fitting in the Tar Heel state as the song was made famous during a performance on The Andy Griffith Show.

The Love Language & Sylvan Esso to play two-night 'Winter Formal' in Raleigh

Triangle superstars The Love Language and one of the best up-and-coming new groups in the Triangle, Sylvan Esso, want you to get all dressed up and come out to their Winter Formal in December.

The Winter Formal will happen on December 6 and 7 at Kings Barcade in Raleigh. The show will be followed by a dance party featuring DJ Sweet William. Tickets are on sale now via Etix for $12.

Check out a video of The Love Language performing "Kids" and "Hi Life" from their new album Ruby Red at their album release show at the Cat's Cradle in July below. Also check out a live video of Sylvan Esso performing "Play It Right" from their debut 12" single.

Dave Rawlings Machine announces fall tour

This fall the incredible David Rawlings and Gillian Welch will hit the road this fall as the Dave Rawlings Machine, their group that features Rawlings on most of the lead vocal duties instead of Welch, and they'll make their way to the Triangle

The duo will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Sunday, November 24. Tickets will go on sale at noon on Tuesday, October 29 via Ticketfly for $25. Their shows there have a tendency to sell out fast, so you've been warned.

The Dave Rawlings Machine release their debut album in 2009 titled A Friend of a Friend and they played the Cat's Cradle in December of that year in support of it. Check out a review and photos from the show HERE.

Big Head Todd & The Monsters announce 2014 tour

Colorado rockers Big Head Todd and The Monsters are gearing up for the release of a new album in early 2014 and they have already announced a big U.S. tour in support of the as-of-yet untitled release.

The band will return to the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh on Friday, January 31, with Ronnie Baker Brooks and Hazel Miller will open. Tickets will be on sale via Etix soon for $20. VIP packages are available now via the band's free fan club HERE.

Check out a video of the band performing "Broken Hearted Savior" at the Hard Rock Cafe in St. Louis earlier this year below.

A Skaggs Family Christmas coming to Durham in December

Ricky Skaggs is taking A Skaggs Family Christmas on the road this winter, which features his wife Sharon White and her family group The Whites.

They'll make a stop at the Carolina Theatre in Durham just a few days before Christmas, on Saturday, December 21. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 25, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $37 to $77.

Check out the song "Christmas Times a Coming" from the A Skaggs Family Christmas Volume Two released in 2011 below.

Video: Chris Cornell & The Avett Brothers cover Pearl Jam on Fallon

The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show just can't seem to get enough of The Avett Brothers lately. The band made another appearance on the show Monday night with Chris Cornell, this time covering Pearl Jam as part of Fallon's week long Pearl Jam celebration.

Scott and Seth accompanied Cornell on banjo and guitar for a stripped down performance of the Pearl Jam b-side "Footsteps," originally released with the "Jeremy" single. Check it out below.

The Avetts new album Magpie and the Dandelion was released last week. Check out the band's previous performances of the songs "Another is Waiting" and "Vanity" on Fallon HERE and HERE.

Hospitality releasing sophomore album 'Trouble' in January

Up and coming indie pop band Hospitality released their acclaimed self-titled debut via Merge Records in January of 2012. Almost exactly two years later the band will return with the follow-up, Trouble.

Merge will release Trouble on January 29. Check out a minute-long trailer for the release below which features some trippy animation accompanied by a very danceable beat, which could indicate a new direction for the release.

The band will likely hit the road on once the new album is released and we'll let you know when they'll be coming back to the Triangle. Check out a few photos of Hospitality's set at the Hopscotch Music Festival in 2011 HERE.

KEM announces What Christmas Means tour

Detroit R&B/soul singer and songwriter KEM released a Christmas album last year titled What Christmas Means which will receive a deluxe edition release on October 29, and he'll be hitting the road later this year on a holiday tour in support of it.

The tour will bring KEM and friends to the Durham Performing Arts Center on Monday, December 16. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 25, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $45 to $100.

Check out the music video for "A Christmas Song For You" from What Christmas Means below.

Kopecky Family Band announces fall tour, coming to Durham

Up and coming Nashville indie rockers Kopecky Family Band passed through the Triangle last month to play the Hopscotch Music Festival and they'll return to the Triangle again next month on their North American tour.

The band will pay Motorco Music Hall in Durham on Friday, November 8. Tickets are on sale now HERE for $10.

Check out our review of the band's debut album Kids Raising Kids HERE and stream the entire album below.

Jason Derulo, Sammy Adams to play NC State next month

Next month the NC State Union Activities Board will host their annual Pack Howl concert on campus celebrating homecoming weekend at the school.

This year's event will feature R&B star Jason Derulo, and up-and-coming acts Sammy Adams and Chill Moody. It will all happen at Reynolds Coliseum on Friday, November 1. Tickets are on sale now via Etix. They're $5 for students, $10 for alumni, faculty and staff and $20 for the general public.

Derulo just released his third studio album Tattoos last month. Check out the music video for "Marry Me" from the album below. You can also check out Sammy Adams' video for "L.A. Story" below which features Duke alum Mike Posner.

Run the Jewels to rock Raleigh on New Year's Eve

It may seem a bit early to talk about, but New Year's Eve isn't too far away and Hopscotch will be presenting a big show in Raleigh this year.

Hip hop heavyweights Run the Jewels (EL-P and Killer Mike) will ring in 2014 at the Lincoln Theatre. Toon & The Real Laww will kick things off at 9 p.m. and then both EL-P and Killer mike will perform solo sets before joining forces as Run the Jewels at midnight. Tickets are on sale now via Etix for $29.50 (general admission) or $49.50 (VIP upstairs).

Stream the entire album Run the Jewels, released earlier this year, below.

Album Review: Saint Rich - Beyond the Drone

Saint Rich, the side project of Delicate Steve bandmates Christian Peslak and Steve Marion, debuts with force on Beyond the Drone.

The history of collaboration between Peslak and Marion is obvious as Beyond the Drone sounds like anything but a debut or a side project. There’s confidence and clarity throughout the compositions. The verses have purpose, the melodies have urgency and the guitar licks have chutzpa.

This album doesn’t wait on its audience. “Crying From the Home” and “Young Vultures” lasso ears with bold and cathartic pop and drag them along.

Hiss Golden Messenger to play free Chapel Hill show

Singer-songwriter M.C. Taylor, aka Hiss Golden Messenger, has joined up with Paste Magazine to play their ongoing series Live @ Aloft Hotels.

Taylor will play the Triangle stop of the series which will be at WXYZ Bar in Chapel Hill on Tuesday, October 22. The show starts at 7 p.m. and it is free but you'll be able to RSVP for yourself and a guest HERE soon (but there is a disclaimer that RSVPing does not necessarily guarantee you admission, so get there early).

Hiss Golden Messenger and Friends will also play a big show at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw on Saturday, October 26, with Phil Cook and the Guitarheels and The A's. Tickets are on sale via Ticketfly for $8.

Schoolkids Records to move to Mission Valley in January

Last night David Menconi of the News & Observer officially broke the news confirming Schoolkids Records moving plans for the new year. For those unfamiliar with the story, the strip mall on Hillsborough Street where Schoolkids is currently located as well as Sadlack's next door will be torn down to make way for a big new hotel and retail space.

Schoolkids will remain where it is through the end of the year and will move to their new location at the Mission Valley Shopping Center on Avent Ferry Road right across from NC State's campus (the shopping center was home to another deceased record store, Record Exchange, until 2006). The building that will house Schoolkids is an old Blockbuster Video.

Chris Isaak announces holiday tour, coming to Durham

Singer-songwriter and occasional actor Chris Isaak has has announced a holiday tour which will include songs from his latest album Beyond the Sun as well as holiday favorites and more.

The tour will bring Isaak back to Durham's Carolina Theatre on Tuesday, December 17. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 18, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $35 to $115.

Check out a clip of Isaak playing the song "Blue Christmas" at a show in 2009 at Universal Studios in Florida below.

Shovels & Rope announces early 2014 dates, coming to Carrboro

South Carolina duo Shovels and Rope have been taking the world by storm as their star has continued to rise since the release of their latest album O' Be Joyful. They'll keep touring hard in early 2014 which will bring them to the Triangle for a big headline show.

The band will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Wednesday, March 5. Hurray for the Riff Raff will open. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 18 via Ticketfly for $14.

Shovels and Rope will also open for The Avett Brothers at their big New Year's Eve show at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster for $39.50 to $59.50.

Cat Power announces fall solo tour, coming to Carrboro

Singer-songwriter Chan Marshall, better known as Cat Power, will be hitting the road this fall for some solo shows, including a stop in the Triangle.

She'll play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Sunday, November 10. Nico Turner will open. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16 via Ticketfly for $25.

Check out the music video for "Manhattan" from Cat Power's latest album Sun, released last year, below.

Chatham County Line announces 2013 Electric Holiday Tour

It's only October but the winter holiday season is right around the corner. Chatham County Line will be heading out on their annual Electric Holiday Tour in a few months which features the band plugging some electric instruments and having some fun with their friends. This year's tour will feature two Triangle shows.

First they'll play Kings Barcade in Raleigh on Thursday, December 19. Tickets are on sale now via Etix for $22.

And then they'll wrap the short four-date tour at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw on Saturday, December 21. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $17.

Mattthew E. White & Ivan Howard collaborate on new 7", announce fall tour

Singer-songwriter and composer Matthew E. White has been busy since the release of his first solo album, Big Inner, last year which included a stellar set at the Hopscotch Festival with a huge ensemble (see photos/review HERE). Now he and his Spacebomb Records Players have joined forces with The Rosebuds' Ivan Howard for a new 7" Howard is releasing under the moniker Howard Ivans.

The 7" features the songs "Red Face Boy" and "Pillows" and it will be out on November 19. Check out the funky, killer tune "Red Face Boy" below.

White and Ivans will hit the road together in December for a few shows which include a stop at Kings Barcade in Raleigh on Saturday, December 14. Tickets are on sale now via Etix for $12.

New music from Roman Candle - "Not Strangers Anymore"

We told you about Triangle expatriates Roman Candle's new album Debris a few months ago and now the band has released more details of release and another new track (check out the previous track they released, "Small Time," HERE).

Debris will be out on October 29 via Big Light Records. Check out the album's fifth track, "Not Strangers Anymore," below along with full track list.

The band have also updated the trailer for the album which now features the song "Small Time" over the same studio footage. Check it out below too.

Basia Bulat announces fall tour, coming to Carrboro

Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat just released her acclaimed new album Tall Tall Shadow in September and she's hitting the road on a big fall tour in support of it.

She'll play the new Back Room at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Friday, November 15. Foreign Fields will open. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $10.

Check out the music video for the title track from Bulat's new album Tall Tall Shadow below.

Video: Mandolin Orange performs "House of Stone" for CMT

Triangle rising stars Mandolin Orange have been working hard touring and promoting their new album This Side of Jordan since it was released in August and the band garnered the favor of CMT and they recorded a performance for the site.

The band talked about the song "House of Stone" and performed it for CMT Edge, which you can watch below.

Mandolin Orange will play a big show at the Fletcher Opera House in Raleigh on Friday, January 10. Tickets are on sale now via the Duke Energy Center box office and Ticketmaster for $27 or $29.

The Love Language releases 'Black Mt. Demos' digitally

When The Love Language released their long-awaited third album Ruby Red back in July, a few lucky folks who pre-ordered the album from Merge Records got a bonus cassette dubbed Black Mt. Demos, featuring early version of songs on Ruby Red as well as some outtakes.

As of yesterday, that collection of demos is available digitally to purchase on major download sites including iTunes. It's also available to stream via a variety of services, including Spotify. Check out the track list below.

Love Language mastermind and frontman Stuart McLamb will open for Eleanor Friedberger at the Cat's Cradle Back Room in Carrboro this Saturday, October 12. Tickets are available via Ticketfly for $12.

Joseph Arthur announces fall tour, coming to Carrboro

After spending the first part of fall touring Europe, singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur will come back across the Atlantic for a North American tour in support of his new album The Ballad of Boogie Christ.

Arthur will play the Cat's Cradle Back Room in Carrboro on Tuesday, December 10. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $15.

Check out the music video for the tune "Currency of Love" from The Ballad of Boogie Christ below.

Album Review: Polvo - Siberia

On Polvo’s sixth LP, Siberia, there isn’t a moment wasted. From the outset of “Total Immersion,” it takes hold of the listener and treats them to an impressive eight song journey.

The aforementioned “Total Immersion” kicks things off by dropping listeners right into the song’s key guitar lick. It feels unstoppable. The heavy momentum swings right into a satisfying climax in the chorus. It’s exhilarating, the type of tension and release more connected to the moment it happens.

Pixies announce winter tour, coming to Durham

Alt-rock icons the Pixies are showing no sings of slowing down in the new year as they've just unveiled a hefty winter tour schedule that will finally bring the band to the Triangle (the closest they've come in recent years is Greensboro in 2011), though they're touring without Kim Deal right now. Kim Shattuck of The Muffs is their current bass player.

The band will play the Durham Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 31. Cults will open. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 11, for $45 to $55.

The Pixies just released their first new music in more than 20 years, a four-track EP dubbed EP1. Check out the music video for "Indie Cindy" from the EP below.

More than 60 bands heading to Shakori Hills this weekend

For four days this weekend, October 10-13, more than 60 national, regional and local bands will descend on Pittsboro for the biannual Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival.

Among the performers are Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Donna the Buffalo, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Big Fat Gap, Bombadil, The Old Ceremony, Birds & Arrows, Yonder Mountain String Band, Brett Harris, Peter Lamb & The Wolves, The South Carolina Broadcasters and Mipso among many more. Check out the full lineup HERE and the stage schedule HERE.

Today, October 7, is the last day to buy advance tickets online HERE. Tickets will also be available at the gate (a four-day pass will be $110 and single-day tickets will cost $23 to $43 depending on the day).

Saint Rich adds more fall tour dates, another Durham show

Saint Rich just released their debut album Beyond the Drone this week via Merge Records and they announced a fall tour in support of it about a month ago that includes a stop at the Pinhook in Durham on Sunday, October 6.

Now they've extended their tour plans which now include a second stop in Durham. The band will play the Duke Coffeehouse on Wednesday, November 13. Tickets will be $5 at the door for the public and free for Duke students.

Check out the music video for "Officer" from Beyond the Drone below.

Lord Huron announces winter tour, coming to Saxapahaw

Photo by Ben Schneider

Los Angeles indie folk rockers Lord Huron will hit the road this winter on a U.S. tour in support of their latest album Lonesome Dreams released in 2012 which will include a stop in the Triangle.

The band will play the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw on Tuesday, February 11. Tickets will go on sale at noon on Friday, October 4, via Ticketfly for $16.

Check out the music video for the title track from the album Lonesome Dreams below.

Video: The Avett Brothers cover metal songs, play "Vanity" w/ Chris Cornell on Jimmy Fallon

After playing "Another Is Waiting" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last week, The Avett Brothers returned to the show last night to debut another new song with a little help from Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell.

Cornell joined the band for a performance of "Vanity" from the Avetts' forthcoming album Magpie and the Dandelion, due out on October 15. His distinct, emotion-filled voice fit right in with the band really well. Check out the performance below.

Earlier in the show, the band took part in a sketch called The Avett Brothers Sing Heavy Metal. The premise is that the band have released an album of metal songs for people who like the "sinister and aggressive" lyrical themes of metal but prefer sunnier music. During the sketch they cover "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden, "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath and "One" by Metallica. Check it out below.