I’ve been fighting the urge to just quote John Hoffman from when I interviewed another one of his bands, The Mimes, earlier this year, because I think he described his songwriting style really well in it. Instead, you get a vague, shameless plug, though I’ll circle back after more explanation. On their latest offering, Vacation hasn’t wildly changed. Existential Risks and Returns is … Read more
For running with the DIY punk scene, Vacation are surprisingly diverse (not to mention prolific). The band’s latest is the 12-song Mouth Sounds #2699 and its 26-minute span delivers the band’s general sound of fuzzed out garage-punk bangers, but within that general sound they deliver crunchy grunge riffs, pop melodies, and flat out noisy bursts, all within a short-song framework that rarely … Read more
Elway kick off their latest with “Inches,” a middle finger at those of us listening to and writing about their music. So, well, I’m not the type to throw fuel on the fire so I’ll leave it at that. They’re entitled to their opinions. Tim Browne even shared some great points in an SPB guest column. The notable point in “Inches” … Read more
John Hoffman (Vacation, The Mimes) SPB: From when you were starting out to now, what parts of your setup in studio have help to voice your sound as it stands today? Hoffman: I'd have to say it's my Tascam 122 cassette deck. It's a two-track cassette desk that can monitor the … Read more
Last year Clown Sounds released its debut LP, Preacher Maker on Recess Records. While the band name may be unfamiliar to some, frontman Todd Congelliere has a long history of making music and running Recess out of San Pedro, California. Prior to, and in addition to, Clown Sounds, Congelliere has … Read more
Till Lemoine (Guerilla Poubelle-vocals/guitar) SPB: What is the furthest you’ve ever traveled to see a show (and who/where was it)?Till: I guess the furthest I traveled for a show was going to Fest 9 in Florida in 2010. It was a long trip from Paris just to see some punk shows! I … Read more
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