Unruly Music Magazine November 2011
The Intimate Issue
Suuns, Wise Blood, The Sandwitches, Braids
The ChuCk Taylor all STar ouTSider booT
THE RIGHT TO makE nOIsE
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coming uP dirty beaches
Suuns
01 November - Trix, Antwerp
25 November - Cactus Club, Bruges
FEAST FOR THE IMPRO EARS
Gangpol & mit + eekhoorn x
06 November - Les Ateliers, Brussels
BRAIDS
26 November - Ascheld’apen, Antwerp
High places
07 November - De Kreun, Kortrijk
01 December - De Kreun, Kortrijk
WISE BLOOD + SSALIVA
04 December - Dokkantine, Ghent
Cults
06 December - Bonnefooi, Brussels
THE SANDWITCHES + LOVE LIKE BIRDS
07 December - Trix, Antwerp
13 November - Dokkantine, Ghent
14 November - Trix, Antwerp
16 November - DOK kantine, Ghent
Jeff the brotherhood
Peaking lights Teams
Das racist AUSTRA
09 December - Charlatan, Ghent
21 November - L’escalier, Liège BECOME A MEMBER FOR €7/ MONTH and SEE all THESE SHOWS FOR FREE!
SIGN UP AT www.subbacultcha.BE
The Intimate Issue
This happy and intimate constellation of people are the members of Braids. Raphaelle, Katie, Austin and Taylor are lying on a pool table in the dimly-lit Green Room of the Mohawk in Austin, Texas before playing their show on 4 October. They were shot on film by Katherine Squier. After this photo was taken, Raphaelle emptied her handbag and laid out the contents on the pool table. You can see that photo and read the accompanying words on page 34. Braids have been touring since that day. Most probably with ups and downs, but always as friends. Close friends. Now, a good month later, they will play in de Kreun in Kortrijk on 7 November. The show is free for Subbacultcha members. Page 5
Content
The Intimate Issue
Suuns
Wise Blood
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Page 26
The Sandwitches
Agenda
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Page 47
Top 5 New Music We Saw You SUUNS The sandwitches wise blood panda bear centREfold Braids
10 13 16 18 24 26 32 34
new releases featured artist food Agenda subbacultcha shows other shows Free Stuff after midnight
36 40 45 47 48 53 61 63
Autumn is here, so it’s that time when you turn up the radiator another notch and cuddle up on the couch. You know, sip a little wine, watch a movie, talk about the stuff that keeps you up at night. Too bad you’re a Subbacultcha! member and we have about a gazillion shows lined up for you. So no time for all that, you need to go out there and smell the flowers. To make it up to you, we’ve made the intimate issue featuring Suuns, Wise Blood, Panda Bear, Braids, The Sandwitches and lots more. Enjoy! And, um, see you at one of the gazillion shows. Page 6
New Music Colophon
This WhoMonths we arerecommendations and what we do
Subbacultcha! Magazine is published by Subbacultcha! Ghent Office Krijgslaan 53A, 9000 Ghent, Belgium www.subbacultcha.be. magazine@subbacultcha.be Amsterdam Office Da Costakade 150, 1053 XC Amsterdam, the Netherlands www.subbacultcha.nl. magazine@subbacultcha.nl We are Editors: Leon Caren, Bas Morsch and Kasper-Jan Raeman Editorial Assistant: Sarah Gehrke Design: Bas Morsch Interns: Marina Henao, Ryanne Lannoye and Freek van Heerikhuize Good Girl: Loes Verputten Printing: Drukkerij Gewa, Arendonk Contributors: Nuno Barroso, Carly Blair, Basje Boer, Brenda Bosma, Leon Caren, Zofia Ciechowska, Jason Crowly, Ephameron, Sarah Gehrke, Keko Jackson, LADDA, Steven McCarron, Bas Morsch, Jonas Nachtergaele, Martyn F Overweel, Vincent Van Peer, Herlinde Raeman, Kasper-Jan Raeman, Stine Sampers, Christopher Schreck, Eno Swinnen, Katherine Squier and Johanna Valdés Distribution: Brussel: Jesse Van Pée, Gertjan Rasschaert, Melika Ngombe Gent: Bart Bruneel Antwerpen: Antonio Marques. Brugge: Pieter Devriese Leuven: Elmo Lê Van Kortrijk and Hasselt: Sofie Marguillier Luik: Collectif Jaune Orange Pick up Subbacultcha! Magazine here (among 200 other places): Brussel: AB, Buzz On Your Lips, VK* Concerts, BOZAR Gent: Democrazy, Vooruit, SMAK, DOK, Music Mania Antwerpen: Scheld’apen, Trix, Kavka, American Apparel, Think Twice Brugge: Cactus, De Werf, Snuffel Kortrijk: De Kreun, The Pits Leuven: STUK, Depot, De Werf Hasselt: Muziekodroom, Popacademie Luik: Jaune & Orange If you want your bar, venue, store or business to be on the distribution list, please send us an email. Advertising To advertise in Subbacultcha! Magazine send an email to magazine@subbacultcha.be Memberships Become a member of Subbacultcha!. For only €7 a month you get free access to all Subbacultcha! shows and the monthly magazine sent to your house. Plus, you get a fresh Subbacultcha! bag. Check the website to sign up. Cover Image by Ephameron Page 8
Top 5
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Last month at our office
Blog: weirdmagic.biz
Weird magic is a portal presenting music, photos and events from Brooklyn. Check out their latest summer music memories with adorable pictures by Erez Avissar of Girls, Pictureplane and Clams Casino.
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Book: And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks
Not the record label (Hippos in Tanks) but the book that kicked off the Beat Generation. Written by poets Jack Kerouac before he went on the road and William S. Burroughs before his drug use spiralled out of control.
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Festival: Autumn Falls, Brussels
Autumn Falls celebrate their second edition in late November, and it features U.S. Girls, Anika, Suuns, Nurses and She Keeps Bees in different venues all over Brussels. As part of the festival, we host a Stop and Listen evening at Bonnefooi on 21 November.
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Magazine: ’SUP Magazine
’SUP Magazine intimately documents music culture the way we like it: great interviews and great art work. We’ve spotted it in the WIELS bookshop in Brussels. Just saying.
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Music: Zak Mering
Another crazy dude from the Ariel Pink family with several alter egos and bands: Greatest Hits, Instead, Raw Thrills, Philippians, Silent Talk, The Sweethearts. This ’80s-driven psychedelic-funk-lo-fi artist also engages in making books and collages, painting, zine printing and various other artistic endeavors. Wow.
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Subbacultcha is all about a membership
Suuns 25/11 Free for members
Illustration by Eno Swinnen
Become a member of Subbacultcha! for only â‚Ź7 a month. The membership includes home delivery of our monthly magazine as well as free access to all Subbacultcha! shows. Plus, you get a fresh Subbacultcha! bag. Check the website to sign up. See page 48 for the full list of shows. Page 11
By Zofia Ciechowska
This month’s recommendations
New Music
Christian AIDS staystaystay.bandcamp.com
Yeah, so what, I know Christian AIDS were all the hype a while ago, but guess what, I’m creating an EVEN BIGGER CRAZE because these guys are so cool I think I my brain might haemorrhage from listening to too much of this amazing post-rave shit. Christian AIDS produce a feverish shivering fit of bass-heavy heart thumps and trancelike synths that make you wanna raid the medicine cabinet and toss and turn at some grubby house party till dawn. Little is known about this Mancunian ensemble apart from the fact that everyone relates them to Wu Lyf, which is totally ridiculous. Please ignore all analogies of this sort from now on.
NZCA/Lines
www.nzca-lines.com London-based Michael Lovett of NZCA/Lines is the cool new indie pop star on the block. Basing his music on an eclectic mix of references to Italo Calvino, post-apocalyptic landscapes and Aaliyah, Lovett comes up with what we could call nu-r&b but let’s spit that word out and wash our mouths with soap and just say: NZCA/Lines sounds nice, he seems like a nice fellow and does a pretty good falsetto too; just follow the hype because we have a feeling he will be big, or at least relatively big. Page 13
New Music
continued
Replicas
www.replicasreplicas.co.uk Two Northern English girls based in London, Helena Gee and Ashiya Eastwood string together harmonies that rush through your clothes like a gust of startlingly cold air. These two exude an eerie coolness with their cooing vocals and downtempo beats, subdued guitar strums and keyboard punches. Sound the new-girl-band-crush alert, it won’t be long till you start writing ‘I HEART REPLICAS’ in Tipp-Ex all over your notebooks. Their new single is out on O Genesis Records, and their video ‘Open Arms’ is worth a gander too.
Radiant Dragon www.radiant-dragon.com
With a name worthy of being that of a video game karate warrior, you know that the man behind this project is destined for awesomeness. Radiant Dragon is Lawrence Lek’s Chinese name that his parents gave him for good luck. It looks like it worked, because this dude can mix up a storm of a track. Treating his music like a travelogue, Lek conjures up frightening visions of the earth as his twisted samples veer into tormented oblivion. He’s done a fair bit of remixing and has also been remixed himself by our all-time faves Nowa Huta. His debut LP Screengazers is out on 11 November. Page 14
New Music
MSHR
www.mshr.info
MSHR is the solo audio/visual project of Portland-based Brenna Murphy. Murphy makes homemade electronic instruments called Nestar and mucks about with sound collage, web images and clever technologies to visualise sound on the Internet. How cool is that? I insist that you go to the MSHR website and scream WHAT THE EFFFF once you’ve scrolled through all the links and looked at all the crazy cyber tapestries embedded in your browser. This one is a special treat for all the Lucky Dragons and new media art fans out there. Happy browsing!
Baby Sloth Spirit
babyslothspirit.bandcamp.com Is it just me, or is everyone absolutely obsessed with baby sloths? I, for one, am completely hooked on YouTube channels featuring these narcoleptic cutie-pies. I’m guessing Bryan Kusenda of Baby Sloth Spirit is too, although very little is known about the person hiding behind this genius pseudonym. BSS screws up dance beats to create what sounds like a monkey invasion in a video arcade in the ’80s. It’s wildly unpredictable and yet head-boppingly amusing. Check out his bandcamp for some free downloads and if you really wanna stalk this man, he’s got another side project called Pagemaster you can check out. Page 15
We Saw You
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Spotted at Subbacultcha
Photo by Stine Sampers
What’s your favourite song at the moment? The McQueens - ‘Roman Nose’. I just love the drama in that song.
Gisele Switten (23), spotted at the Subbacultcha! launch at DOK (Ladda), , Ghent on 9 October
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Features
The Intimate Issue
Suuns
We called Suuns synth maestro Max while he was sitting in the back seat of a car headed to a show. We talked quite openly about intimacy. Did you know there were at least five types of intimacy? Of course, the anecdote about groupies was the most revealing, sobering even. The thing about the Mars bar was also pretty honest. Go see them live and don’t be afraid to get intimate. You know there are at least five types of intimacy, right? Interview by Brenda Bosma. Photos by Christopher Schreck
Hi Max, thanks for doing this again. The last time we spoke I remember you promised us electric cars to get us inspired to attend a Suuns show. Yeah, I remember, you had just woken me up. As this is our second chat, maybe we can fast forward to the subject of intimacy now? Well, I’ll do the best that I can. Being Canadian and earnest, you can only be so intimate. Page 18
Yeah, and why not, there are thousands of miles between us, so it’s pretty likely I will misinterpret your remarks about groupies. I hope so. How’s the social intimacy within the band? Any activities outside Suuns with your bandmates, like attending christenings or funerals together? It’s kind of hard to tell lately, because we’ve been spending so much time together being on tour. When
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The Intimate Issue
Suuns
you’ve been off the grid, so to say, you sort of have to reconnect with society to make some money or whatever. We’re all flying (metaphorically as well as literally) on the same plane, and we seem to be ending up in similar situations when we get off. So outside of Suuns, we tend to bump into each other when doing little jobs here and there. No funerals yet. There’s a lot of hanging around at the coffee shop. Who cries the most? I don’t think I’ve seen anyone of the band cry. Come to think of it (for the record: what I’m about to tell you might be a bit embarrassing, but I think it’s quite endearing), Joseph, our guitarist, has a dog. He was just telling me that he had a dream in which his dog died, and when he awoke he was crying. That was really sweet. So, such an emotional confession tightens the bond between you - or do you secretly think he’s a woosie? No, not at all. We are a very sensitive band. We are sophisticated gentlemen. Okay, just to be clear. Who’s the most intellectual and talks about politics and insurances and that kind of stuff ? We don’t really talk politics that often, but I would say it’s Ben (singer/ guitarist), because he reads The New York Times the most.
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What do you talk about? I’m the only one that doesn’t have a driver’s licence. Usually in the morning I drink a bunch of coffee and talk the ear off of the driver for the whole ride, about all kinds of stuff really. That’s nice, sitting in the back seat and watching everything slide past you. The back seat of the car is like another time zone really. Is your gratification level in balance or do you think Suuns have peaked too early? That’s funny, I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. We are relatively successful in Europe. It’s an incredible contrast to how we seem to be doing in the US. I don’t know to which extent it’s a peak or not. We’ve benefited from experiencing having tremendous highs and lows almost simultaneously in the sense that it makes us humble. At the same time it’s also rather frustrating. Not that we expect to be very successful. I guess in a way we’re like an ice cube in hot water sometimes. Who of you is the most spiritual and talks about feelings and brings a scent of lavender into the van? I don’t think you want to talk about who takes care of the scent in the van. We all do, but not in a good way. We’re all absolutely contributing Page 21
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The Intimate Issue
to the same extent that carbon dioxide is responsible for global warming. As for spirituality, none of us are particularly religious. Superstitious? Not really. I personally have a sense of impending doom that follows after any immediate form of success, but that has more to do with my Jewish guilt. Let’s talk about Jewish guilt trips then. Who always gets the last beer or Mars bar and is never honest about it? Busted, that would be me. Thanks for your honesty. Then there’s also a different kind of intimacy. Who is the most polygamous about it? Okay. I will try to answer that as safely as I can. Who gets all the groupies? You know, we don’t really have groupies. This one time a couple of fairly forward ladies came backstage. They were very nice and interesting and pretty, but the atmosphere suddenly had become very awkward. We don’t know what to do with that. That’s rock ’n’ roll for us, I guess. It’s not to say that we are devoid of that particular sense of intimacy, but, you know, that’s how it is. Who’s the most codependent of the band? Who’s most likely to not know what to do with themselves when Suuns decide to go on hiatus? That would be me. I’ve always Page 22
considered myself tremendously lucky to be in Suuns. I feel like a bit of an impostor sometimes, being surrounded by so many great and talented people. Who energises you the most? This can be a band member or your little sister after winning a math tournament or maybe after she’s been dumped again. In the band the battery shell is definitely Liam (drums), he’s got the most energy. He would be the first one to laugh at a joke, even though he doesn’t get it. He’s very optimistic. What’s worse than rejection in your opinion? When your synths get lost at the airport? I don’t get attached to physical things. I accept that things come and go. Rejection may well be the worst. How do you want to be remembered? Would you like to be thought of as a Suun, a Zero? I’d happily be remembered that way. Actually, it would be wonderful to be just remembered. Thanks for your candid honesty. I think I can say I saw a glimpse of your real self. Hope you can be intimate in the Cactus Club. Suuns play on 25 November in Cactus in Bruges. The show is free for Subbacultcha! members. Other live dates: 24/11 - VK, Brussels; 26/11 - Le Guess Who?, Utrecht
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Sandwitches The
The contents of a person’s bag can tell a million stories. We talked to Heidi of The Sandwitches about the secrets that hide out in her handbag. Words by Johanna Valdés. Photos by Keko Jackson
What’s all this knick-knack on the top? A bunch of charms that I keep in my grape change purse like rocks, rings, a piece of gold snakeskin and a marble me and my boyfriend, Johnny, found lodged in a picnic table when we went camping this year. Who’s the gentleman surfing and playing the flute at the same time? That’s my boyfriend. He’s not surfing, he’s standing on the beach, but it would be cool if he was surfing. We went on vacation last year to Mexico. He and I drove a crappy car down to Baja. And what’s that cute little puppy doing in there? Page 24
That’s my sunglasses case. I got it from an old friend of mine, Phoebe. We had been up all night in her house when I saw this case and I made her give it to me. It looks exactly like her Boston Terrier. I almost lost it last year at South by Southwest. It fell out of my bag and somebody made a substantial effort to chase me down and give it back to me. It’s a cherished possession, I would have been really sad if I’d lost it. Who’s that clowning around on that little button? H: That’s our drummer, Roxy. Somebody at Grace’s work makes buttons so he made some from this photo of us dressed like clowns.
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The Sandwitches play on 16 November in DOK in Ghent. The show is free for Subbacultcha! members. Page 25
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Wise Blood
The Pittsburgh cut-’n’-paste wizard Chris Laufman aka Wise Blood seems to fill the web with his tracks incessantly. Be sure to get a physical copy of his latest EP These Wings though. There’s talk about his grand ambition to take over the world of pop. We chatted with him about, well, death, mostly. Turns out he’s slightly changed his plans towards the domination goal. ‘What are you gonna do tomorrow, Chris?’ - ‘Same as I do most of the time’ – ‘Try and take over the world?’ – ‘Just gonna work, I guess.’ But just maybe that’s the best way to someday own some ‘Penthouse Suites’. Words by Brenda Bosma. Photos by Jason Crowley
You’re manipulating samples from mammoths such as The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, aiming for world domination, and in ‘Penthouse Suites’ you sing: ‘I’m shooting for the moon, landing with the stars.’ What’s up with the megalomania?
Haha, um, I think it’s just sort of me trying to keep myself motivated, but my goals have changed. It’s weird, I think I’m supposed to be doing this, I feel like I can contribute something great, but the path there has been changing in my mind... and the ulPage 27
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timate payoff is looking different to me now. It’s never what you expect it to be, I guess, but perhaps you were born this way, like in a Lady Gaga way? Yeah, that’s the idea! I feel that very strongly. You refused a scholarship from The Juilliard School, a Mickey Mouse Club kind of training camp. Amy Winehouse got kicked out of one. Britney, Justin and Christina didn’t and they are still alive. Not a wise choice, maybe? Yes, maybe not a wise choice. Everything is looking a lot different to me these days, but I still believe everything happens for a reason. Does that stem from your Catholic upbringing? That everything happens for a reason and you got to roll with it? Or is it a Zen Buddhist thing? Well, I think it’s just about perspective. I believe that I’m here for a reason, so basically I am. Everything that happens to me is contributing to my purpose. You came out of nowhere as Wise Blood, having worked as a cemetery undertaker before. Not exactly a ‘regular’ job. Would you say being Wise Blood is an even odder occupation? I think this occupation is weirder. I appreciated life more after working at a cemetery. That’s for sure. Page 28
I hope you are now confronted with the bright side of life. Any tragicomic Six Feet Under stories to share about your cemetery days, or have you closed that chapter? Nothing much... sort of boring, to be honest. There’s probably very little humour in death, huh? I can’t really recall any. Any irony in your music? There is usually more sincerity in it, but there’s nothing wrong with irony though. Your live performances are pretty sincere, very energetic, angry maybe... reminiscent of Eminem in his trailerpark days, if you don’t mind me saying. It’s certainly not what you expect from a laptop artist. For one thing, I’d expect to see someone behind a laptop that is placed on a bar stool. Do you deliberately try and feel that for live shows you need to bring something else to the table? Yeah, actually I do, but it was completely organic, I don’t know, that’s just how I felt like the songs should be performed, I would have a hard time just standing around. Is this hard for you by the way? To talk about what you do? Um, no, not really. I like it! Good. What is pop music to you in these postmodern days of ours? And do you
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‘The album is actually almost done, and I’m using samples differently. It’s interesting. The whole album is instrumental and it’s based on public executions in the Middle East.’ see a difference between borrowing and stealing? Oh, that’s a hard one. I don’t even know, I really don’t... it’s been fucking with me lately. Sorry. Well, that’s okay. I won’t ask about your opinion on Auto-Tune. Okay, thanks. :) Some more about taking over the world. What does the grand (or maybe not-sogrand anymore) masterplan entail? I’m just trying to re-evaluate everything. I also always have to look at things in a larger context, so a masterplan is something I’m always tweaking. I’m a tweaker. Right, the perspective thing. You have to see where it takes you. That’s the main thing. And the use of samples is just what felt good at the time? It sometimes is very difficult to hear what’s you and what’s found footage. Would be funny (or not so funny really) if you got sued by Paul McCartney or Jimmy Page. That would definitely put you on the map.
That would definitely be interesting... and yeah, it’s just what feels right at the time when I’m coming up with a song. Is it possible that in the near future you will leave the sample path? Or will it develop into a real shtick? I can imagine it’s a very meticulous and perhaps frustrating job sometimes. The album is actually almost done, and I’m using samples differently. It’s interesting. The whole album is instrumental and it’s based on public executions in the Middle East. Wow, that’s downright different than for example ‘Solo 4 Claire’! Could you elaborate on this choice? I just got really into these videos of public executions, like they really fucked with me. It was so strange watching these people preparing to die, with a crowd there watching as well. So, I sort of came up with a concept album about this process. The record is also kind of similar to David Bowie’s Low. Page 29
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That’s pretty fierce. It sounds really good to me. I guess the album essentially is a statement, but it’s more about the feelings you get watching something like that, and the grotesque interest in it. And no lyrics? Since you have quite a way with words. That’s just how I’m feeling. And when I have a feeling... ‘Facebook’s the same/ Twitter’s always the same/ You either update tour schedules or you play up insane.’ (@fuckwiseblood) That’s pretty funny, modern and honest. I liked that a lot when I came up with it. You have a strong opinion about social media. Have you tried Google+ yet? I haven’t. I actually don’t use social media very much. I have to make a concentrated effort to sit down and post something. I suppose if something’s good, it’ll find its way into people’s heads and hearts. Although with ‘Solo 4 Claire’ you must have lost a great chunk of your female fanbase. That truly is a rapegaze song! That’s funny. I hope I did not lose too many female listeners. Sorry for the misogynist lyrics. About the name Wise Blood. You’ve taken up the Hazel Motes persona from Flannery O’Connor’s debut novel. I’ve Page 30
read you can relate to him. Does your car also break down all the time? Actually yes, it has been, funny enough... but my granddad named me Wise Blood when I was young. It sort of stuck with me. When I read the book, it floored me. I think he was a cool guy. And tragic in a way. He tried to escape what was laid out for him. You’re trying to embrace it a little more, I hope? I don’t know, I think. I’m trying. I don’t know how I’ll end up. That’s wise. There’s probably no definite answer. Guess I was trying to squeeze something out of you... What are you going to do tomorrow, Chris? Hmm, same as I do most of the time. Try and take over the world? Just gonna work, I guess. A last request. Will you bring your infamous moccasins and those sweaters with the sad smiley face you have as merchandise? For sure! I’ll have all that stuff and can’t wait for the show! Wise Blood plays on 13 November in DOK in Ghent. The show is free for Subbacultcha! members.
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Centrefold
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Panda Bear in a park in Lisbon
Photographed by Nuno Barroso
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Braids
The contents of a person’s bag can tell a million little stories. We talked to Raphaelle of Montreal shoegazers Braids about the secrets that hide out in her handbag. ‘Sometimes, I just feel like I need a bra. It’s really hard for me to part with it at times.’ Words by Johanna Valdés. Photo by Katherine Squier
Subbacultcha!: You carry a bra in your handbag, why is that? Raphaelle: Sometimes, I just feel like I need a bra. It’s really hard for me to part with it at times. Especially if I’m going out to dinner with my boyfriend’s parents or onstage, I just NEED to put a bra on just so things aren’t moving about. What’s that book in there? It looks about the size of the bible. That’s Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. One of the boys who was on tour with us, Reese from Painted Palms, had taken it out from his public liPage 34
brary and somewhere along the way I started reading it. Then I was like, ‘Reese, I’m not going to be able to finish this before the end of tour but I really want to keep reading it! Can you call your library and just see if I could just pay the fine for it?’ I think it is really beautifully written. What’s that baggy you’ve got there? It’s not drugs! It’s an energy booster, guarana. It’s the pure plant derivative of the stuff in energy drinks. Uh-huh. What about all the tiny bottles? They’re tinctures, different kinds
of herbal remedies to keep me healthy. Yoga? I went to hot yoga in Nashville and it was more like boot camp. The instructor kept saying things like, ‘Ok people, tuck in your tummies! Do you want to get diabetes?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t want to get diabetes!’ Usually in yoga, you’re not thinking about fucking diabetes, you’re trying to think about nothing. What are some of the things in here you take with you everywhere? A notebook so I can write down lyrics and stuff. A red friendship
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bracelet I have with my best friend Ezra—I bring it along with me because I miss him. And once on tour, we went grocery shopping and I found this miniature horse in my basket. I’m a horse on the Chinese Zodiac so I thought it was a good luck charm. Braids play on 07 November in de Kreun in Kortrijk. The show is free for Subbacultcha! Members. Other live dates: 05/11 Botanique, Brussels; 24/11 - Le Guess Who?, Utrecht
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Music Reviews
New releases worth your while
Future Islands On the Water (Thrill Jockey)
The third full-length by this Baltimore synth-pop trio was recorded in March in the historic waterfront Andrew S. Sanders House in NC’s Elizabeth City. Life at the seaside is present throughout the album, from the sounds of ropes and metal clanging against the masts of boats, through the soothing splashing of waves, to the tempos, which for the most part have slowed down to match the ocean’s tranquil rhythm. While these songs are mellower and less danceable than those on 2010’s excellent In Evening Air, they have all the romance, throbbing rhythms, addictive melodies and stirring vocals needed to impress in their own right. Utterly charismatic frontman Samuel T Herring has described his objectives as a songwriter thusly: ‘I want you to Page 36
By Carly Blair
cry. I want you to feel the way I feel. I want to crush.’ Foolishly prideful or silly though that may seem at first glance, if you spend enough time with these songs, there’s an excellent chance he and his bandmates will succeed in all of the above.
Atlas Sound Parallax (4AD)
The ridiculously prolific bedroom pop maestro Bradford Cox is at it again. Parallax is the third full-length from his Atlas Sound solo project, which serves both as an outlet for Cox’s selfexpression and a proving ground for his many sonic experiments. On his previous album, Logos, the most impressive songs were the collaborations (‘Walkabout’ with Noah Lennox and ‘Quick Canal’ with Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadler), if only because they sounded the most confident. Here, Cox is back to work-
ing alone, but that greater feeling of self-assurance thankfully remains. The great sense of loneliness that pervades his music gives one the impression that Cox feels fundamentally disconnected from other people, and while that may be true of his interpersonal interactions in the real world, he’s at least becoming more and more proficient at connecting with the awkward, lonely nerd in his listener. This one’s a grower.
Blouse self-titled
(Captured Tracks)
Music Reviews fronted Craft Spells. It’s telling that the band’s name isn’t TShirt, or Jacket, it’s Blouse: not something that serves a simple purpose simply, but rather something optional that bridges the gap between basic and formal, something you wear to look effortlessly nice. While the suite of references they’re tapping into is so trendy it brings them to the verge of sounding generic by default, there are moments when their music can be as subtly stunning as their namesake clothing item.
The Field Looping State of Mind (Kompakt)
After posting a couple of mpfrees on their bandcamp page, this Portland dream pop trio eventually signed to Captured Tracks. Like labelmates Widowspeak, Blouse features some pretty seductive female vocals, although their music is more somber, ’80s synth-channelling, like a bummed-out, female-
Around 2009, ambient techno production whiz Axel Willner had moved from his native Stockholm to nightlife utopia Berlin, and turned The Field from a solo project into a three piece. His sophomore LP, Yesterday & Today, followed shortPage 37
Music Reviews
Continued
ly thereafter, and was a bit of a slump in comparison to his much-lauded debut. Two years later, these changes have had time to sink in. While many of Willner’s earlier influences are still present (eg German electronics, modern classical, shoegaze), the incorporation of more live-recorded instruments, and perhaps the influence of touring with live bands over the past couple of years, lend these songs a more varied and complex feel. The title refers to the idea of having looping thoughts in your head and being unable to shake them. Like those thoughts, and also the loops which serve as this music’s foundation, these songs don’t actually go back and forth ad infinitum, but rather subtly change and move forward, so skillfully that you hardly notice how far you’ve come till it’s over, when the looping state of mind thereby induced will have you pressing ‘repeat.’
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Gauntlet Hair self-titled (Dead Oceans)
Gauntlet Hair are a Denverbased duo founded by best pals Craig and Andy. They make danceable avant-pop music that calls to mind Sleigh Bells in its blissful, speaker-bursting loudness, though when you turn the volume down a smidge you might more immediately think of Panda Bear’s soaring vocals or the abrasive oddness of The Dismemberment Plan. The obvious Animal Collective influence manages to not annoy, since beyond their vocals the main thing they have in common with them is the ability to make me want to bounce around like a ping pong ball and bellow lyrics at the top of my lungs, which is a good thing for me, if not for the poor bastards I’m sharing the dance floor with.
Youth Lagoon The Year of Hibernation (Fat Possum / Lefse)
Music Reviews allows him to craft songs that often build into anthems and without fail pack an emotional wallop, making for a touching and memorable debut.
Korallreven An Album by Korallreven It seems like I throw around the term ‘bedroom pop’ nearly as often as ‘chillwave’ of late. While the list of genre signifiers starts to feel cliched after you’ve read them dozens of times (fuzzy production, intimate atmosphere, drum machines, reverb galore), listening to them doesn’t, when they’re well executed. Welcome Trevor Powers, the 22-year-old Boise, Idaho native behind Youth Lagoon. On his first LP, he sounds like a mentally stable Daniel Johnston, singing ridiculously sweet and sorrowful songs about shyly navigating one’s way through small-town life and the uncertainties of coming of age. In spite of his mousy persona, limited tools at hand and lyrics which occasionally betray his young age, his flair for melody
(Acéphale)
This beachy, Balearic electropop project of Swedes Marcus Joons and Daniel Tjäder (also of the Radio Dept.) was inspired by an actual island vacation - albeit in Samoa rather than Ibiza - which Joons took a few years ago. On their debut full-length, they strongly evoke the wistful, spacey disco of Tjäder’s main gig as well as groups such as Air France. Everything here is beautiful, and those are both very nice bands, but sometimes the resemblance to other acts is so uncanny that they fail to stand out in the crowd. Page 39
Art
Featured Artist
Ephameron
On the following pages you’ll find the work of Ephameron (32) who lives and works in Antwerp. Her work has strong lines, yet is very sensitive. It is touching, charming and about little, everyday subjects, making the passing time tangible. When asked what her favourite intimate moment is, she answers: ‘On a walk, when my husband rearranges a stray strand of my hair.’ Typical. Ephameron’s work is shown at the following exhibitions: Until 05/11: Beyond the Empty group show at Needles and Pens in San Francisco Until 03/12: Dream Team, group show at Choque Cultural in Sao Paulo www.ephameron.com Artist selected, liked and approved by Ladda & Topo Copy.
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Art
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Art
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Featured Artist
Ephameron
Art
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▲
Printing Passion with
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❙❙
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2370 Arendonk (B) l Hoge Mauw 130 Te l + 3 2 ( 0 ) 1 4 6 7 8 6 6 9 Fa x + 3 2 ( 0 ) 1 4 6 7 2 3 1 6
w w w. g e w a . b e
By Zofia Ciechowska Photo by Basje Boer
What’s Cooking?
Food
Panda Beer
Serves: 1 thirsty binge drinker Ingredients: 225g sugar 1 ½ - 2 tbsp grated ginger root (the fresher, the better!) Juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp honey ¼ tsp baker’s yeast Cold mineral water Equipment: Well cleaned 2l plastic bottle and funnel • Using the funnel, put the sugar and yeast into the bottle. • In a separate bowl, mix the grated ginger root, lemon juice and honey. Add the mix to the bottle using the funnel. • Fill up half of the bottle with mineral water. Screw cap on and shake. Add some more water (leaving about 2.5cm headspace so it doesn’t explode when it starts fermenting). Screw cap on and give it another good shake. • Place the bottle in a warm
place for about two days or until the bottle is rock hard when you squeeze it. Once the fermentation process is done, put the bottle in the fridge overnight. • Be careful when opening the bottle! Provided it hasn’t exploded in your face and stained your skinny jeans, strain the ginger beer through a sieve or some cheesecloth. Then pour it in a tall glass, add a sprig of mint and gulp down with gusto! Page 45
de kreun vzw · conservatoriumplein · 8500 kortrijk music, info & tickets www.dekreun.be of 32 56 239 855
SAuL wILLIAMS 02.11 iconaclass
CHOkebOre 04.11 @ le grand mix
HYPnOTIC brASS enSeMbLe 06.11 brAIdS 07.11 THe THInG 09.11
cactus truck feat terrie ex & dave rempis
kInkY kOnG 10.11
with ao djuma soundsystem · fred hush · Brooke johnston · …
OrCHeSTre InTernATIOnAL du VeTeX 12.11 cd release
SHInInG 14.11 skiv trio
GrOuP InerAne 18.11 eXPLOSIOnS In THe SkY 19.11 (sold out) HeIderOOSJeS (farewell tour) 24.11 flatcat
CHAnneL ZerO 25.11 (sold out) PInbACk + 5 more (4x4 fest) 26.11
Agenda On the following pages:
Subbacultcha! concerts, totally free for members Page 48
Other shows Page 53 Free tickets Page 61
This is Lizzi Bougatsos of Gang Gang Dance photographed by Keko Jackson in San Fransisco. Gang Gang Dance play with Panda Bear on 28 November in Botanique in Brussels.
See all these shows for free. Sign up at www.subbacultcha.be.
Dirty Beaches
01 November - Trix, Antwerp 19.30 | €13 | Free for Subbacultcha! members Dirty Beaches is Vancouver-based nomad/crooner Alex Zhang Hungtai. He’s been compared to Elvis, Suicide, Jerry Lee Lewis and David Lynch and he’s made one hell of a badass record called Badlands. It’s a pretty exhilarating collection of songs, ranging from heartbreaking pop songs to violent uptempo road music. We’ve been playing it nonstop here at the office, so we’re thrilled to finally see him live.
Feast for the Impro Ears
ft Chris Corsano, Darin Gray, Daysuke Takaoka and many more 06 November - Les Ateliers Claus, Brussels 20.00 | €8 | Free for Subbacultcha! members On the last day of the Ma Japan Festival, no less than 21 musicians, actors and dancers will take part in what is bound to be a giant improv extravaganza, as the fine fleur of the international improv scene will get together at Les Atelier Claus for a one-off performance that will blow your ears and mind. Page 48
Shows in November
Agenda
As a member you will also receive this magazine every month plus a stylish tote bag
Braids
07 November - De Kreun, Kortrijk 20.30 | €10 | Free for Subbacultcha! members Montreal-based shimmering indie darlings Braids have recently released their impressive debut album Native Speaker on Kanine Records, offering up a fine mix of delightfully delicate harmonies and noisy shoegaze instrumentals.
Wise Blood + Ssaliva + DJ Nosedrip
13 November - DOK Kantine, Ghent 20.00 | €7 | Free for Subbacultcha! members Wise Blood’s Chris Laufman samples r&b, gospel, rock, blues, hip hop and just about everything but the kitchen sink into an intricate sonic collage. And that’s just the base coat. The final touch is Laufman’s chameleon vocals that shift properties with every track, taking us somewhere fresh each time. Next up are Ssaliva, offering Lynchian obscurity in sweet ’n’ sour sounds and samples, rough around the edges. Drool!
Cults
14 November - Trix, Antwerp 19.30 | €12 | Free for Subbacultcha! members Riding the waves of their indie summer hit ‘Go Outside’, these mysterious New Yorkers turned their cult status into success almost overnight. But don’t expect just another one-hit wonder: Cults will bring you song after song of girl-group goodness covered in a fuzzy modern blanket. It’s sure to keep you warm when you go outside this autumn. Page 49
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See all these shows for free. Sign up at www.subbacultcha.be.
The Sandwitches + Love Like Birds 16 November - DOK Kantine, Ghent 20.00 | €7 | Free for Subbacultcha! members
The Sandwitches are an all-girl freak folk band fresh from the Bay Area that offer cooled-down Americana mixed in with haunted harmonies. Their spring 2011 release Mrs. Jones’ Cookies is sweet, soft and gritty - you’re in for a treat! Support by Ghent based folk-pop singer Love Like Birds. So head down to the wonderful DOK kantine and indulge in a night of solid girl-folk entertainment.
Jeff the Brotherhood
21 November - L’Escalier (Collectif JauneOrange), Liège 20.00 | €6 | Free for Subbacultcha! members Neither of these Nashville boys are called Jeff, actually, but the Orral brothers Jake and Jamin make their own brand of post-punk garage pop music, and run a record label as well. They’ve built up quite a live reputation, playing art galleries, rooftops, bars and backyards, so it’s gonna be one psyched-out party tonight!
Suuns
25 November - Cactus Club, Bruges 20.00 | €8 | Free for Subbacultcha! members As they went from Zeroes to heroes, these noisy Montreal boys have taken their cues from prog-, kraut- and art-rock. With their jaw-clenching singspeak vocals, minimalist drumbeats and angular riffs, this group has the sonic tools to mess with your mind on a whole new level. So, good luck balancing on the cliff between rush and restraint - just don’t suu us if you get a seizure. Page 50
As a member you will also receive this magazine every month plus a stylish tote bag
Gangpol & Mit + Eekhoorn X 26 November - Scheld’apen, Antwerp 21.00 | €8 | Free for Subbacultcha! members
French glitch-pop IDM two-piece that meld blocky 16-bit visuals with some of the most diverse musical styles you’ve ever heard. They cut and paste everything from chiptune to classical, creating a contrasted and unpredictable musical universe.
High Places
01 December - De Kreun, Kortrijk 20.00 | €10 | Free for Subbacultcha! members We’re excited to see LA-based electronic duo High Places return to Europe. Over the past couple of years, they’ve built up quite a following with their sound-collage aesthetics and dreamlike compositions. This month they’re releasing their brand-new album Original Colors, which sounds a bit darker than their previous efforts, and also more dance-oriented. Should make for an exciting live show.
Coming Up 04-12 Peaking Lights 07-12 Das Racist 06-12 Teams 09-12 Austra All these shows are part of the Subbacultcha membership deal. If you join for €7 per month, you’ll receive a pass that grants you free access to all the shows listed above. Plus you get this magazine delivered to your house every month. And you get a fresh and stylish tote bag. Sign up at subbacultcha.be Page 51
Agenda
Shows in November
Wise Blood
Dirty Beaches 01 November - Trix, Antwerp You gotta love this lo-fi Canadian troubadour who’s been blending rough-cut garage rock with a seedy undercurrent of rockabilly. Read why on page 48.
Is Tropical 04 November - Botanique, Brussels They’re less tropical than the independent scene has come to expect over the past couple of years, but the sweet electro pop of this frequently masked London-based outfit has set hearts fluttering over the past year or so. They have serious dance cred, having signed to French label Kitsuné, but they’re all about pure pop at their core.
oOoOO (Buzz on Your Lips) 04 November - Steelgate, Brussels The commercial whores of the witch house scene? Yip, you can actually google this
bunch despite the playful name. But their sound is wholly enchanting, whether it’s their downbeat ‘Depeche Mode does doom’ symphonies or the slightly more sumptuous electro pop.
Feast for the Impro Ears 06 November - Les Ateliers Claus, Brussels On the last day of the Ma Japan Festival, no less than 21 musicians, actors and dancers will take part in what is bound to be a giant improv extravaganza. Read more on page 48.
Braids 05 November - Botanique, Brussels 07 November - De Kreun, Kortrijk Delightfully delicate harmonies and noisy pop music from Montreal-based shimmering indie darlings Braids. Read more on page 49. Page 53
agenda november x december
MA JAPAN FESTIVAL
with A PAGE OF MADNESS FILM, FOOD, THEATRE, TATSUHISA YAMAMOTO + MISHIO MAI + ...
MA JAPAN FESTIVAL
with CHRIS CORSANO + DARIN GRAY + DAYSUKE TAKAOKA + ...
ASTRO BLACK MYTHOLOGY AST HANS VAN KOOLWIJK HANS VAN ECK UT RHYS CHATHAM C74 MARTINI - LOBO WOOLEY TRIO JOACHIM BADENHORST TRIO with C. SPENCER YEH + TOMA GOUBAND FRANCOIZ BREUT ISABELLE VIGIER ELODIE CEDRIC LEROULEY & LE JEAN-NOﾃ記 REBILLY WINTER FAMILY more info, more concerts, more rock, more avant garde at
www.lesateliersclaus.com
Agenda
Shows in November
Dum Dum Girls 10 November - Botanique, Brussels Blissed-out lo-fi fuzz pop from the all-girl Californian group, who blend ‘60s girl pop with a ragged punk edge. Signed to Sub Pop, they’ve kept things flowing this year with a lush little EP, He Gets Me High (containing three originals and a slightly unexpected, yet lovely cover of The Smiths’ ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes out’). Plus, post-summer brought the release of their second album, Only in Dreams.
Veronica Falls 04 November - Charlatan (Democrazy), Ghent 10 November Botanique, Brussels Scottish twee pop masters The Pastels meets the ramshackle rock of Vivian Girls with a tiny dose of The Jesus and Mary Chain between. This London-based (though Scottish-hearted) quartet have toured hard over the past year, but only got round to releasing their self-titled debut album back in September.
Bass Drum of Death 09 November - Trix, Antwerp 24 November - De Zwerver, Leffinge Perhaps unsurprisingly (judging from their name), this young, bedraggled trio have clearly been lost to a beer-soaked garage rock universe. It seems only fair that you join them. Maybe see you on the other side with some bruised eardrums?
Othin Spake + Trevor Dunn + Tim Vanhamel 10 November - Netwerk, Aalst Tonight’s show marks the release of the new album of Mauro Pawloski’s free jazz prog-rock side project Othin Spake. The band also features two of Belgium’s fin-
est improv musicians, Teun Verbruggen and Jozef Dumoulin, and to top it all off, Mr Bungle’s Trevor Dunn and Millionaire’s Tim Vanhamel will be making a guest appearance.
K-X-P 12 November - Le Vecteur, Charleroi 13 November - Trix, Antwerp K-X-P are the missing link between krautrock and disco. Rhythmic thumps and sirenlike wails infuse their sound with a dark energy most suitable for late-night dancing.
Wise Blood 13 November - DOK Kantine, Ghent Wise Blood’s Chris Laufman samples r&b, gospel, rock, blues, hip hop and just about everything but the kitchen sink into an intricate sonic collage. Read more on page 49.
Cults 14 November - Trix, Antwerpen Roughly 18 months have passed since we first encountered the utterly infectious indie pop of Cults. Their single ‘Go Outside’ was so unfathomably catchy that it got stuck in our speakers (and heads) for months. Read more page 49.
Girls 15 November - Trix, Antwerp Girls started out in a California garage, in the footsteps of the punk and hardcore bands that had inspired leading songwriter Christopher Owens to break away from the Children of God cult that he had been born into. Being deprived of most popular music as a youngster, as a songwriter Owens was never held back by an overload of musical references. As a result, Girls’ eclectic take on ’60s and ’70s rock and pop and Owens’ simple lyrics are delivered with such disarmPage 55
JAUNE RANGE
ENABLERS (USA) + HIPPY DEATH SUITE (B) + NOX) (B) + VOLT VOICE (B) + DJ’s COLLAB. HONEST HOUSE, RHAAA LOVELY ET NORA LUCA
22 Octobre LA ZONE LIÈGE 7 euro
THREE TRAPPED TIGERS (UK) + JUFFAGE (UK) + ARNACK (B) 31 Octobre LE TIPI LIÈGE 6 euro
THE CHAP (UK) + Support
13 Novembre L’ESCALIER LIÈGE 6 euro
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD (USA) + THE SIDEKICKS (B)
22 Novembre L’ESCALIER LIÈGE 6 euro
BARE WIRES (USA) + Support EN COLLABORATION AVEC LA PLASTIC TEAM
7 Décembre LA ZONE LIÈGE 6 euro
www.collectifjauneorange.net
Agenda
Shows in November
ing sincerity that their songs are both emotionally resonant and timeless-sounding.
Twin Sister 15 November - Botanique, Brussels If anything, this is where chillwave meets the sonic prettiness of Cocteau Twins, though when Andrea Estella sings, she embraces an actual vocabulary and isn’t terminally terrified of her audience. A great thing, and they’re set for bigger things now that their debut In Heaven is finally available.
The Sandwitches 16 November - DOKkantine, Ghent The Sandwitches are an all-girl freak folk band fresh from the Bay Area that offer cooled-down Americana mixed in with haunted harmonies. Read more on page 50.
Pure X + Sleep ∞ Over 17 November - Ancienne Belgique, Brussels A great double bill featuring two of Austin’s leading psych-pop/dream gaze bands. Both acts are on tour in support of new albums that we simply can’t get enough of here at the office. With Forever, Sleep ∞ Over’s Stefanie Franciotti has moved away from the catchy dream pop realm, offering up a haunting sonic collage of soundscapes and distant vocals. And then there’s Pleasure by Pure X, an addictive twangy slow core pop album that wraps around you like a warm blanket on drowsy autumn evening. Just what we need this time of year.
Group Inerane 18 November - De Kreun, Kortrijk 26 November - Zaal België, Hasselt Sublime Frequencies is an amazing label that tirelessly tries to open up small pockets of the global music scene to broader audi-
ences. And while bigger names like Tinariwen have taken Tuareg desert rock around the world, there’s plenty of other surprises still waiting to be heard. Group Inerane hail from Niger and blend traditional folk and rock, occasionally whipping it up into a mesmeric psychedelic swirl.
Autumn Falls Festival ft Bill Callahan, Suuns, Nurses, The Field, Still Corners and Pink Mountaintops 21-27 November - Various locations, Brussels The Autumn Falls festival offers seven days worth of great live music taking place in various locations throughout the city of Brussels. Great, great line-up people.
Stop and Listen with Subbacultcha ft Dolphins into the Future 21 November - Bonnefooi, Brussels Listen to Subbacultcha’s very own KasperJan Raeman talk about his favourite current releases and then indulge in dreamy, repetetive soundscapes by Belgian cassette wizard Dolphins into the Future.
Jeff the Brotherhood 21 November - L’Escalier (Collectif JauneOrange), Liège Nashville brothers Jake and Jamin play pretty loud and reckless garage noise punk, and their live shows are pretty overwhelming. Read more on page 50.
Nurses 22 November - Magasin 4 (Autumn Falls), Brussels Portland’s own psych pop trio Nurses have just released their new album Dracula on Dead Oceans, which contains a new batch of their winsome ramshackle pop melodies. Page 57
05/11 SoundBits @BSB:
GaBLé support: BRNS
FREE ENTRANCE
12/11 LYDIA LUNCH’S BIG SEXY NOISE - CARLA BOZULICH’S EVANGELISTA
FOREST FIRE support: LEAF HOUSE 23/11 AF Festival - ‘KOMPAKT IN KONZERT’ ft. THE FIELD - WALLS 24/11 AF Festival: SUUNS - VESSELS + 1 MORE BAND TBC 25/11 AF Festival: FOOL’S GOLD support: ORCHESTRA OF SPHERES, TEAM ME 26/11 AF Festival: CHROME HOOF - PART CHIMP support: ALKERDEEL 17/12 BLACK LIPS 23/11 AF Festival @MDM:
INFO & TICKETS: WWW.VKCONCERTS.BE
We’re open for
Writers photographers Illustrators Distributors send samples and enthusiasm to magazine@subbacultcha.be
Agenda
Shows in November
Com Truise 23 November - Charlatan (Democrazy), Ghent New Jersey-based producer Seth Healey aka Com Truise released his groovy album Galactic Melt in spring and is now finally bringing his bottom-heavy mid-fi synthwave, slow-motion funk music to Belgium.
PIAS Nites ft Other Lives 23 November - K-Nal, Brussels Pias is hosting another label night in Brussels. This edition features wavy synth rock from Other Lives, stripped-down acoustic folk songs by Piers Faccini and melodic pop from Belgium’s very own Dan San.
US Girls + Anika 23 November - Magasin 4 (Autumn Falls), Brussels With her new album U.S. Girls on KRAAK, Meghan Remy might have delivered what is her most pop music-focused effort so far, and tonight’s show marks the official release. Also on the bill: Anika, whose twisted pop songs are both offbeat and off-tune, but utterly fantastic.
dent music and culture, featuring everything from freakish underdogs to old hands such as Malkmus, Callahan and Low.
Panda Bear + Gang Gang Dance 28 November - Botanique, Brussels Panda Bear is arguably the most successful Animal of the Collective. His 2007 album Person Pitch was a psych-soaked melodic gift. Although the newer Tomboy is a more rhythmic beast, it remains a heavy trippedout vocal experience. Brooklyn-based electronic-ethno-experimental tribe Gang Gang Dance, released their fifth album back in spring. Mark your calenders, cause line-ups like these don’t come around too often.
Zola Jesus 28 November - Botanique, Brussels Over the past couple of years, Zola Jesus has been building quite a name for herself, releasing several albums and EPs as well as collaborating with acts such as Former Ghosts, M83 and LA Vampires. On her new album Conatus, she continues to impress with her dark mix of industrial beats, gothinduced electronics, wavy synths and melodic vocals.
Suuns
She Keeps Bees
24 November - VK (Autumn Falls), Brussels 25 November - Cactus, Bruges These enchantingly crooked Canadian sonics flip between post-punk, electro disco and dense guitar pop. Read more on page 50.
26 November - Botanique, Brussels 28 November - Video, Ghent It can be a tough task to stand out in the bluesy singer-songwriter scene. But there’s a real, simple beauty to the music this Brooklyn duo make; tangible chemistry and occasionally wailing r&b vocals.
Le Guess Who? ft Gang Gang Dance, Panda Bear, Suuns, John Maus, Zola Jesus and many more 24-27 November - Various locations, Utrecht Utrecht’s growing celebration of indepen-
Puro Instinct 29 November - Video, Ghent LA sisters Puro Instinct are bringing their glo-fi bedroom pop to Ghent for a free show at Cafe Video. Page 59
28 OKT 29 OKT
12 NOV 17 NOV 18 NOV 25 NOV
D.A.F. (EXCLUSIEVE BENELUX SHOW! ) GRAND FOULARD: NOBODY BEATS THE DRUM 333'' + BARE NOIZE + DEATH LETTERS + JACK OBLIVIAN + DEM SLACKERS + VEEL MEER! LITTLE DRAGON KID CONGO POWERS & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS SHAKING GODSPEED + TRAUMAHELIKOPTER THE DRUMS + CLOUD CONTROL
Free Stuff
Free Tickets and Goodies
To win, sign up to our mailing list on www.subbacultcha.be 1x2 tickets All Tomorrow’s Parties ‘A Nightmare Before Christmas’
2x2 Tickets Bass Drum Of Death
3X2 Tickets John Constable Exhibition
9-11 December Butlers, Minehead (UK)
24 November De Zwerver, Leffinge
17 September - 29 January Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Ghent
2X2 Tickets Group Inerane
3X2 Tickets PIAS Nites
2x2 Tickets Veronica Falls
18 November De Kreun, Kortrijk
23 November K-Nal, Brussels
04 November Charlatan (Democrazy), Ghent
We’re also giving away free tickets to Ice Age in Ghent and Scott Matthew in Bruges. Page 61
Overview of all Subbacultcha shows in November
01 November
16 November
Dirty Beaches
Trix, Antwerp Starts 19.30 | €13 | Free for members
06 November
The Sandwitches + Love Like Birds
DOK Kantine, Ghent Starts 20.00 | €7 | Free for members
Feast for the Impro Ears
Jeff the Brotherhood
07 November
25 November
De Kreun, Kortrijk Starts 20.30 | €10 | Free for members
Cactus Club, Bruges Starts 20.00 | €8 | Free for members
21 November
Les Ateliers Claus, Brussels Starts 20.00 | €8 | Free for members
Braids
L’Escalier, Liège Starts 20.00 | €6 | Free for members
Suuns
13 November
Wise Blood + Ssaliva + DJ Nosedrip DOK Kantine, Ghent Starts 20.00 | €7 | Free for members
26 November
Gangpol & Mit + Eekhoorn X
Scheld’apen, Antwerp Starts 21.00 | €8 | Free for members
14 November
Cults
01 December
Trix, Antwerp Starts 19.30 | €12 | Free for members
High Places
De Kreun, Kortrijk Starts 20.00 | €10 | Free for members
Coming Up
04-12 Peaking Lights - Ghent 06-12 Teams - Brussels 07-12 Das Racist - Antwerp 09-12 Austra - Ghent
See all these shows for free. Join at www.subbacultcha.be Page 62
Submitted photos
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Send photos that were taken after midnight to aftermidnight@subbacultcha.be If your photo gets published, you win a good goodie This month’s photos were submitted by Gijs van Maanen (top) and Tudor Mircea Page 63