Photos: IPO Day 4

Here's my last round of photographs from the 2007 International Pop Overthrow in Seattle. I didn't last the entire night. But, I did manage to see four bands before needing to pack it in. So, apologies to Jim McIver, Brides of Obscurity and Ionesco.

I arrived at the Sunset in time to catch a few songs by Blackout 101. I had forgotten about this tiny trio of teen (pre-teen?) rock tots. I stick by last year's assessment that the guitar player is going to be a rock star when he grows up... or at least get lots of chicks.



The Cheats were on second, and I actually enjoyed them more this year than I did last year. It's still not entirely my cup of tea, but they're good at what they do.





The Lund Brothers were on third, and they once again rocked my socks off. I think these guys are best described as a combo of The Posies and Cheap Trick. It definitely seems like they're informed by 1970s "hard rock," but they're so dang melody and harmony driven that it never ceases being catchy. The picture of their bassist Gwon is perhaps the best photo I took at this year's IPO.





The Green Pajamas were on fourth and were the last band I managed to see before heading home and heading to bed. It's amazing that they're still at it, some 20 years after starting. This was my first chance to see them live and they didn't disappoint. They have a classic psych pop sound that is simultaneously swirly and direct. I dug it.

Photos: IPO Day 2

Whew... I'm too old to rock this much. My dog woke me up at 8am (in fact, that's "sleeping in" for him), and after two five-hour nights at the Sunset, I'm pooped! But, it's worth it, because last night was another good rockin' affair. Here are some photos and random commentary.

Smile Brigade started the night off. The lighting was different tonight than last night. So, I struggled all evening to get good shots. This one isn't particular good. But, it made me laugh, because I'm pretty sure their singer was flipping me the bird here. :)



Emilio Banda (formerly of Static Radio) came on second with a solid set of acoustic pop. He's got a strong voice and good songs.



The Broadcast Debut was on third. Although I loved their last recording, this was my first chance to see them live. I thought they had the best pre-Amateur Lovers set of the night. Last night I realized that one really can't take a good shot of a drummer at the Sunset. Sorry drummers! But, at least one of these includes the drummer!





Matt Southworth of the Capillaries followed The Broadcast Debut. I thought the full band was going to be playing. But, turns out it was just Matt, which is still pretty dang good. This photo represents what he would look like seven days after watching that video tape in The Ring movies.



Andy Werth was on next, and he and his band crammed onto the Sunset's stage. It was a bit less crowded this time, because they only brought one keyboard. The audience really dug their set. You know how they say that Germans love David Hasselhoff, well the ladies love Andy Werth. See evidence below.







Sixth on the bill was Twink The Wonder Kid, who grabbed everyone by the shoulders, shook us really hard and yelled "suck it" in our faces. Sounds harsh? Well, it was all in good fun. After the initial shock wore off, the crowd was digging what they were burying.





The Snakebites came on next, and a funny thing happened during their set. The Sunset started getting more crowded with people who came only to see the Amateur Lovers reunion. And, let me tell you, some of those folks just didn't know how to process The Snakebites. It was amusing to watch.



Closing out the evening was the aforementioned Amateur Lovers reunion. They were very warmly welcomed with a full Sunset Tavern (see audience shot below), and they did a great set. It was bouncy and poppy and included a medley about trees, as well as a debate as to whether two songs constitutes a medley. It looked like they were having a great time, and they hinted that they may do more shows. I'll dig for more info.

Photos: IPO Day 1

The IPO kicked off at the Sunset Tavern last night with its typical early start of 7:30pm with Catfight! and rocked solidly (and efficiently on time) until The Tripwires shut it down about five hours later.

I had a great time (if a little woozy by The Tripwires, thanks to Ryan from the Young Sportsmen buying me two Red Headed Sluts... and I'm an alcohol wimp), and it was a good sized crowd, and they were enthusiastic about the rock emanating from the stage.

Rather than try to write a review about each band, I'm going to let the photos do the talking this year. So, without further ado, here is your photo guide to Day One at the IPO.

Garage pop duo Catfight! started the night off with a bang:



They were followed by Portland's Beyond Veronica:




The Scheme was on third, but there are no photos, because I was on stage playing bass rather than in the crowd taking pictures.

The Young Sportsmen were on fourth, and they put on what I thought was the best set of the night:





The Small Change is such a great band that even when they come close to coming completely off the rails, it's still a great rock show. I know I said I was going to let the photos do the talking, but I have to tell a Small Change story. I was snapping pictures and had a perfectly framed photo of Greg in mid jump. But, due to the delay of my digital camera, he landed by the time the shutter engaged, resulting in a perfectly framed photo of his ass. Sadly, I accidentally deleted the shot.







Stuporhero was the second male/female duo of the night, but their ace in the hole was a mannequin named Bubbles Chuckles (thanks for the correction!) on drums and a laptop computer:





The Sterling Loons followed Stuporhero, and did a number of tunes from their upcoming album, which they described as a "popera."





Closing out the night were the fabulous Tripwires. It took them a while to get on the stage, because Mark seemed particularly annoyed and frustrated by the drum kit. His frustration continued into the first couple of songs. But, once they all settled in, they killed it.

Photos: Young Sportsmen

It was a busy rock and roll weekend. In addition to the Friday show at the Comet, I went down to the Sunset Tavern to catch the CD release show for Young Sportsmen. Obviously I dedicated a crapload of blog space to these guys this past week (scroll down the page if you missed my three-part interview/cd review). So, I won't say much much, except this:

If there is one word that describes their set last night it's "triumphant." There was a great turnout, and they played their usual great set set. They played the entire album in-order (save for the final song of the set, which isn't on the album), and the audience just gave them more and more love with each passing song. I hope this album explodes.


Wesley and Ryan - Young Sportsmen


Richard and Wesley - Young Sportsmen


Jeff (and Richard's hand) - Young Sportsmen


Ryan - Young Sportsmen

Photos: The Purrs and Star Collector

I took in the Bang The Mantra/The Scheme/Star Collector/The Purrs show on Friday (only partially because I play bass in The Scheme) down at the Comet Tavern. I snapped a few photos, and surprisingly (considering the lighting at the Comet) got a few good ones, especially of Star Collector.

Here ya go:


Vic - Star Collector


Steve - Star Collector


Jima - The Purrs

More photos from SPB Powerpop Night

Dan Muller from Trickshot Photography put up a gallery of shots from the SPB Powerpop Night last Saturday at Mars Bar. Here are a few of my faves:


Photo Credit: Dan Muller, Trickshot Photography


Photo Credit: Dan Muller, Trickshot Photography


Photo Credit: Dan Muller, Trickshot Photography

Femurs/Upskirts/Hungry Pines photos

The SPB Powerpop Night at Mars Bar last night was a pretty rockin' time. The crowd wasn't as large as some that I've held there, and the poor Femurs played to a most-empty room. But, by the time the Hungry Pines took the stage to close out the night, it was respectable.

Here are some snapshots:


The Femurs - Colin Femur


The Femurs - Rob & Colin (and Rob's Voldemort-esque counterpart self)

While this was technically The Upskirt's final show. It was, in fact, a show by the band Emblematic. They really only played one Upskirts tune. So, it was a bit of a bait and switch act. But, it was still a good set, so who cares . :)


The Upskirts/Emblematic - Brad


The Upskirts/Emblematic - guitar close up

The Hungry Pines closed out the night with a strong set. After I got home I realized who these guys kind of remind me of, locally -- Cantona. Imagine Cantona with more distortion and with tighter arrangements.


The Hungry Pines - Irene and Bryce


The Hungry Pines - Chrysti