The Artists' Quarter could be saved?? (was" RIP :(((((")

11/1/13 5:58PM

It sounds like it may not be closing afterall as indicated:

http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2013/10/why_we_need_to_keep_the_artists_quarter_open.php
http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2013/10/why_we_need_to_keep_the_artists_quarter_open.php?page=2

Good article by Dave King of The Bad Plus/Happy Apple.

also a key note:

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, "We're going to make sure the Artists' Quarter stays open." 







Facebook

Star Tribune link

Closing at the end of 2013.
This is pretty significant to myself and boatloads of Jazz fans in Minnesota. Just as I wrote last year, ranking it as my 2nd favorite venue in Minnesota.

Station 4 closing sucks, but I suppose I have been able to accept it.
The 400 Bar and The Uptown Bar, as well.
The Rock Night Club to a point too, although

but this hits home more.

I have seen DEAN MAGRAW there many times, and those are some of the most enjoyable live shows I've ever seen. The 2 Media Addicts shows I saw there last year were amazing, and I'll never forget.

The OPEN MIC nights, every FUCKING MONDAY NIGHT, which I'm ashamed to admit, I wanted to go to for many years, and never ended up doing so.

I even indirectly met my girlfriend through The AQ (at the Dean Magraw/Marcus Wise show in November 2010, talking to Ellen Stanley whose label Red House Records was selling Dean and Marcus's new cd, and speaking to her about among other things, KFAI (where I did meet the gf).





But what I will add for now, is how it is EXTREMELY PATHETIC that a venue like this, that IS ABOUT THE MUSIC AND *ARTISTS* can't survive, because the bloody fucking hipsters/MUSIC MEDIA IN MINNESOTA spend countless hours and content on OTHER, FRANKLY MUCH WORSE VENUES THAT ARE FOCUSED MORE ON PUSHING DOWN THEIR FLAVOR-OF-THE-MONTH ARTISTS, BOTH LOCAL AND NOT-LOCAL.

And if they actually realized how this fucking space SHOULD BE CHERISHED, the fucking cost of RENT MAY NOT FACTOR IN SO MUCH.

Ever since The Dakota went South (although, I'll admit, after seeing 2 shows for the price of 1 with Josh Rouse and then Billy Cobham last week, I'm not as down about it as I was less than a year ago), this place totally became THEE place for live Jazz. I am sad to admit, I only got to see shows there the last 5 years or so.

What may happen to the local Jazz shows? they may end up at other venues I suppose. Places like Black Dog Cafe, Golden's, The Amsterdam Bar, The Turf Club, Minnesota Music Cafe and perhaps even something like Celtic Junction or Dreamland Arts, could end up with some of their shows. Although they would not likely be quite the same. For one, likely not going as late. As much as I like shows to end at an early hour, the AQ shows ending around Midnight or 1AM was kind of a tradition, and I would try and do only on Friday or Saturday nights. Those other venues, I wonder if will be as casual about the lateness factor (and calm/relaxed nature..the AQ didn't care typically if you hung around. I would chat with Davis, the night manager? often after shows. In fact, I'm sure others, including owner Kenny Horst are incredibly more down about this than myself, but having known Davis a little bit, I feel even worse for him. Which is why I, like some of my friends I imagine, will make it a point to try and attend as many shows this Fall there before they do finally close the doors.

But then again, maybe either the place can be saved. Or at least, something will pop up and fill the void for Jazz in St.Paul (and the whole state). I do wonder if something may, because the Jazz community have their fanbase, who I wouldn't be surprised, will do something financially, as a result of this. In other words, my impression has been, Jazz fans can and do have money. So, unless they end up putting even more of it towards The Dakota (than they already are), they may try using some money to a new venue, or an already existing one (who knows, maybe where Station 4 is even?).

The cost of rent is key, for most if not any venues (Station 4, or even a small business in town like "Sweet Chocolate" who had to move to what seems like a worse location, but at least another location that the rent was more in their budget). My gf was suggesting if Blackdog Cafe took on more of their shows, the cost may change at that place. Which sucks, but I guess I wouldn't blame them. I wonder if the cost of rent could be going up due to the Light Rail expansion down there, and the unforeseen costs of things like the new St.Paul Saints Baseball stadium being much higher than it was planned.

If that stuff indirectly caused the rent increase, well, it supports my feelings about those things even more. Our tax dollars are going up, that pay for that, and may have killed the AQ.

Davis, if he ever reads this, I feel for him especially. And look forward to at least coming down a few times before the place is finally closed.

Station 4 shutdown for the Summer/for Improvements

 8/19/13 11:53AM
CP article

So they are shutdown at least until January. My friend aka That Drummer Guy's concerns about it never reopening again might still hold true sadly. And even if it does, if there is some truth to that article (done by CP and Reed Fischer, I can't necessarily have 100% confidence to be honest), the venue that may reopen may not even be catered for Metal.

Which, honestly, just plain sucks. But, I also worry on a larger level, what the Light Rail in downtown St.Paul could do to downtown St.Paul as a whole. We don't need another wannabe-NYC downtown.

We also do not be any means need another CABOOZE, lol.

I hope (almost predict), if whatever may reopen there is not catered towards Metal, ANOTHER VENUE opens up within 5 years that books National/International Metal acts just to combat how much that place may have changed.

I mean jeezus, all they really needed was some fucking AIR CONDITIONING and an improvement in the SIGHTLINES and SOUND SYSTEM. But of course that sounds like it's far too much to do right now, lol.

Hipsters influence? yeah, I would hardly be surprised.



6/6/13 11:53AM
I've given my opinion about Station 4 over the years, or when it was known as The Lab and the 4th Street Station. And the recent Pain of Salvation non-show doesn't help, although that had nothing to do with their venue.

And I guess they have installed AC recently, which is a big thing in their favor. I also don't wish any ill-will to them. But perhaps this situation will force them to finally get their shit together and be the best or only real proper venue for not only Metal, but it seems like Prog.

I would love to feel this place is much preferred to First Ave and others, and with some improvements it could be. But for this Summer, they are out of commission to do just that hopefully.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The building owners of 201 4th Street (Station 4's building) have been engaged in an 18 month battle with the City of St Paul over the City's desire for new ventilation. The City has granted the building owners two extensions, the latest of which expires on June 7th. Station 4 will have to close for 80-90 days to complete the ventilation work because it will lack a Certificate of Occupancy until the new system is approved.

Unfortunately, this means after Friday’s show we will be closed until Labor Day.

I have been dreading writing this as we were hoping to get an extension from the city so that the shows already scheduled this summer could happen. I myself have a big show scheduled next week that now will be canceled.

The good news is that when we re-open in September, we will have a new HVAC system. In other words, no more ungodly heat! It just sucks that we have to shut down to get it.

That’s all I can tell you for now. For anyone who has any shows scheduled, we are sorry. This is now out of our control. We will work to try to reschedule for the fall. As far as National shows, refunds are available at point of purchase.

I will keep things updated on this page when I know what’s going on. I am just a guy who runs the Facebook page. I do not have much power.

Thank you to all of our patrons. While this is a really crappy way to do it, we all know a remodel is needed.

Thank you.

Between the Buried and Me Fall NA Tour: Full "Future Sequence"..The Faceless

http://www.showstubs.com/collections/the-future-sequence-tour




Between the Buried and Me, The Faceless, The Contortionist and The Safety Fire are on all dates as far as I know.

I'm wondering if the uncertainty of Station 4's status had them book this show. And the fact BTBAM was with Coheed at First Ave last Winter, has made them *acceptable* for the hipsters now. The Varsity used to book prog and modern college-prog. But in the past few years, it's been a lot more infrequent. Maybe this show will be a sign of them getting more prog/prog related or Metal shows? I can't say I'd be upset if that happened.

As far as BTBAM and Future Sequence, I enjoy enough of it, and it may work in-full, better live. And The Faceless as well, their last album didn't go too far for me, but seeing them live again may change my feeling. I hope they at least play some of the Akeldama stuff.

September 13, 2013
Winston-Salem, NC at Ziggy's

September 14, 2013
Knoxville, TN at NV

September 15, 2013
Atlanta, GA at The Masquerade

September 16, 2013
Jacksonville, FL at Brewster's Roc Bar

September 17, 2013
Orlando, FL at The Plaza Live

September 19, 2013
Houston, TX at House of Blues

September 20, 2013
Austin, TX at The Mohawk

September 21, 2013
Dallas, TX at House of Blues

September 23, 2013
Denver, CO at Summit Music Hall

September 24, 2013
Murray, UT at Murray Theater

September 26, 2013
Mesa, AZ at The Nile

September 27, 2013
West Hollywood, CA at House of Blues

September 28, 2013
San Diego, CA at House of Blues

September 29, 2013
Santa Ana, CA at The Observatory

September 30, 2013
San Francisco, CA at Regency Ballroom

October 01, 2013
Sacramento, CA at Ace of Spades

October 03, 2013
Portland, OR at Hawthorne Theatre

October 04, 2013
Seattle, WA at El Corazon

October 05, 2013
Vancouver, BC at Commodore Ballroom

October 07, 2013
Calgary, AB at The Republik

October 08, 2013
Edmonton, AB at Starlite Room

October 09, 2013
Winnipeg, MB at Garrick Centre

October 11, 2013
Minneapolis, MN at Varsity Theater (16 and Older Only)

October 12, 2013
Chicago, IL at Metro

October 13, 2013
Detroit, MI at Majestic Theatre

October 14, 2013
Louisville, KY at Headliner's Music Hall

October 16, 2013
New York, NY at Best Buy Theatre

October 17, 2013
Worcester, MA at The Palladium

October 18, 2013
Sayreville, NJ at Starland Ballroom

October 19, 2013
Philadelphia, PA at Theatre of Living Arts

October 20, 2013
Cleveland, OH at Peabody's

October 21, 2013
Millvale, PA at Mr Smalls Theatre

October 23, 2013
Baltimore, MD at Sound Stage

October 24, 2013
Asheville, NC at The Orange Peel

October 25, 2013
Nashville, TN at Cannery Ballroom

Pain of Salvation in Minnesota Sat 5/11/13 w/ Anneke

http://www.station-4.com/viewItem.aspx?ID=1727



Daniel posted an update today with news and a tour, but strictly for Europe. I know there's an acoustic EP coming soon titled Naked I guess. And they were recently confirmed to play at the Right of Spring Festival the 1st weekend of May.

http://www.painofsalvation.com/2011/acoustic-tour-announced/


Kicking off activities in 2013, Swedish Pain of Salvation are ready to embark on more worldwide touring. The upcoming European tour in April will be exclusively acoustic based and Pain of Salvation will be joined for the 3 weeks of dates by Dutch singer/songwriter Anneke Van Giersbergen (ex The Gathering) and Árstíðir from Iceland, making this a remarkably interesting package.

The tour is to coincide with Pain of Salvation’s upcoming album release via InsideOutMusic, featuring newly recorded acoustic versions of hand picked Pain of Salvation songs. More details about this special album project will be made public soon.

These are all the dates of the European tour:

PAIN OF SALVATION - ACOUSTIC 2013
special guests: Anneke Van Giersbergen & Árstíðir

03.04.2013 – Krakow (Poland) @ Kwadrat
04.04.2013 – Warsaw (Poland) @ Progresja
05.04.2013 – Prague (Czech Republic) @ Klub Nova Chmelnice
06.04.2013 – Bratislava (Slovakia) @ Majestic Music Club
07.04.2013 – Budapest (Hungary) @ Club 202
08.04.2013 – Wien (Austria) @ Szene
10.04.2013 – Bologna (Italy) @ Estragon
11.04.2013 – Rome (Italy) @ Orion
12.04.2013 – Milano (Italy) @ Magazzini Generali
13.04.2013 – Yverdon (Switzerland) @ Amalgame
14.04.2013 – Toul (France) @ Chez Paulette
15.04.2013 – London (UK) @ The Garage
17.04.2013 – Paris (France) @ Le Trabendo
18.04.2013 – Pratteln (Switzerland) @ Z7
19.04.2013 – Weert (The Netherlands) @ De Bosuil
20.04.2013 – Zoetermeer (The Netherlands) @ Boerderij
21.04.2013 – Essen (Germany) @ Turock
Booking: www.dragon-productions.com

Prior to the European tour, Pain of Salvation will also be perfoming
two regular headline shows in Russia:

16.02.2013 – Moscow (Russia) @ Moscow Concert Hall
17.02.2013 – St. Petersburg (Russia) @ Arctica

Furthermore, Pain of Salvation will be heading out to tour in North America in May.
More details about these shows in the USA and Canada will follow soon...


So some added tour dates isn't surprising. And this show, is very mixed in terms of timing. Of course I saw them 3 times from 2001 to 2004, but Daniel Gildenlow is the only member left since then. And their recent albums have not been close to the level of the music they made in the 90's and early 2000's.

And they were supposed to come to the US with Dream Theater on Progressive Nation in 2009, but their record label folding killed that at the 11th hour.

So, this does not mean what it could have meant, even just a few years ago. However, it still does mean a fair amount. To me? maybe to have the chance to actually chat with Daniel and meet the other new members of the band I suppose. But it means a lot to me to see others who never got to see them, finally get to.

Also Anneke opening adds a little more to this. I still won't ever forget how The Gathering I believe opened for King's X back in 1999 at what was known as the 4th Street Station, and I didn't make it due to being unemployed at the time. Anneke is both eye candy and someone who is a great live singer/performer. I wouldn't expect any stuff from The Gathering, but who knows.

Also, I guess Station 4 may finally have installed AIR CONDITIONING.

The only concern I have with this is the fact the date being Saturday May 11th, the 3rd consecutive Saturday I plan to see a concert. The gf will NOT be happy about that. Steven Wilson is the previous Saturday, and Cloud Cult just announced a show on Saturday April 27th.

At least this show is ALL AGES so, I imaging it'll be over by 10PM, but as far the gf is concerned, that doesn't matter. I'm not sure what to do, beyond wanting to buy her flowers or some other desirable gift(s).

Also not to forget, Nathan with Sword Lord Productions deserves a lot of credit for bringing this show to Minnesota.

Vektor: 2012 Summer Tour

As I posted on mp.com:

Sucks to be a fan and live in Minnesota, but damn it must be nice if you're hailing from spots like Warren, Michigan Lincoln, Nebraska and Idaho Falls, Idaho, LOL. So typical, but then again, if they played MN it would likely be at Station 4, which does not have Air Conditioning course, thus , a Sauna.

But still, like with Agalloch, the promoters in Minnesota's heads are firmly stuck up their asses's with this one. I'd love to see them, but unlikely on this, possibly their 1st extensive US Tour. Hopefully it won't be their last.

Agalloch - 2012 North American Summer Tour

It's great and everything that they are doing maybe their most extensive American Tour ever, but given there's no date for Minneapolis or St.Paul, I can't help but remember how naive the promoters in my hometown are about Metal and progressive Metal if the band isn't named Dream Theater or Opeth.

Agalloch have even become somewhat HIPSTER/PITCHFORK/NPR APPROVED, lol.

Of course there are dates in Chicago and Milwaukee, but also OMAHA, NEBRASKA???? I'm sure their fan base is enormously higher than what we have here in Minnesota, it was an obvious preference, lol.

O well, odds are even if we had a date, it'd be at Station 4, in the middle of the Summer which of course is a SAUNA without any air-conditioning.

That likely being the case, I would still like to see these guys live someday, and meet Don Anderson among others. Maybe talk to him about Sculptured, etc. But unless something changes or falls through, it'll have to be on another tour. Perhaps in the Fall or Winter if Station 4 is the venue, which at least with a lack of AC there then, it's not quite as sweat inducing an environment. Although the lack of AC is hardly the only issue with Station 4, but it remains the biggest issue still.

Agalloch does have a new EP coming this year titled Faustian Echoes which I'm looking forward to, but I still would trade seeing them live for getting to hear that right now.

Facebook announcement

“We fumed and screamed in our mountain nook, mad drunken Americans in the mighty land. We were on the roof of America and all we could do was yell, I guess—across the night, eastward over the Plains…” – Jack Kerouac, On the Road

AGALLOCH will embark on a full US tour this summer. We will be playing the following dates:

Wed 7/11 in Portland, OR at Branx w/Eight Bells
Thu 7/12 in Seattle, WA at the Crocodile w/Eight Bells
Fri 7/13 in Vancouver BC at the Rickshaw w/Eight Bells
Sat 7/14 in Spokane, WA at The A Club w/Eight Bells
Sun 7/15 - TBA
Mon 7/16 - TBA
Tue 7/17 in Denver, CO at Bluebird Theater
Wed 7/18 in Omaha, NE at Waiting Room
Thu 7/19 in Milwaukee, WI at Miramar Theater
Fri 7/20 in Chicago, IL at Reggie's
Sat 7/21 in Ann Arbor, MI at Blind Pig w/Musk Ox
Sun 7/22 in Cleveland, OH at Beachland Ballroom
Mon 7/23 in Toronto, ON at Opera House w/Musk Ox
Tue 7/24 in Montreal, QC at Petit Campus w/Musk Ox
Wed 7/25 in Boston, MA at Middle East
Thu 7/26 in Brooklyn, NY at Williamsburg Music Hall w/Musk Ox
Fri 7/27 in Philadelphia, PA at Underground Arts
Sat 7/28 in Springfield, VA at Empire
Sun 7/29 in Raleigh, NC at King's Barcade
Mon 7/30 - OFF
Tue 7/31 in Tampa, FL at Orpheum
Wed 8/01 in Atlanta, GA at The Earl
Thu 8/02 in Birmingham, AL at Bottletree w/Pallbearer
Fri 8/03 in New Orleans at One Eyed Jack's w/Pallbearer
Sat 8/04 - TBA
Sun 8/05 in Austin, TX at Red 7
Mon 8/06 - OFF
Tue 8/07 - OFF
Wed 8/08 - TBA
Thu 8/09 in San Diego, CA at The Casbah w/Author & Punisher
Fri 8/10 - TBA
Sat 8/011 in San Francisco, CA at Great American Music Hall

We will continue to update this list as dates/venues and opening acts are confirmed.

Joining us for main support will be TAURUS (featuring Stevie Floyd of DARK CASTLE & Ashley Spungin ex-PURPLE RHINESTONE EAGLE). We are excited by their experimental and challenging music and feel they are a perfect fit for us: www.facebook.com/TAURUSISDUST

This tour will mark the release of our recently recorded EP “Faustian Echoes” on both LP and CD. We have taken great care in the design of this release. Sometime before the tour we will have both a streaming and digital download option available. However, the LP and CD versions will only be available at the shows during the dates on the tour and will be available via mail order after the tour.

We will be adding material (both new and old) to our set list and depending on stage time we anticipate playing between 90-120 minutes. The set will rotate each night. We have carefully selected local openers whose music fits the environment of an Agalloch show. Where there are no openers selected, we will play nearly 120 minutes. We are all personal fans of the openers and encourage everyone to show up early to see them.

We will have a variety of merchandise for sale including: 2 new shirt designs, our back catalog, “The Demonstration Archive,” “Marrow of the Spirit” vinyl, a tour poster by Stevie Floyd, original photographic prints by Veleda Thorsson, and various other odds and ends.

NOCTIS V METAL FEST APPEARANCE in Calgary, AB

We are further pleased to announce that we will appear at the Noctis V Metal Fest in Calgary, AB on Sat 9/29

We will post further news and updates via our Official Facebook:

www.facebook.com/AgallochOfficial

and Twitter:

@AgallochBand

The Faceless update

4/26/12 6:09PM

UPDATE (the AD sucks, I know, but there's no way avoiding it I don't think).

"barring any disaster, it should be out by Summer Slaughter"




we'll see, 10 songs it sounds like. Here's the Summer Slaughter dates. Between the Buried and Me + The Faceless sounds nice, but @ the Sauna that is Station 4 (in the Summer especially), and with that many bands? save for a free ticket or it being held outdoors, I can't see myself going sadly.



Jul. 20 - LosAngeles, CA - House of Blues
Jul. 21 - San Diego, CA - SOMA
Jul. 22 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
Jul. 23 - Scottsdale, AZ - Venue of Scottsdale
Jul. 25 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
Jul. 26 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
Jul. 27 - Mission, TX - Pharr Events Center
Jul. 28 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
Jul. 30 - Tampa, FL - The Ritz
Jul. 31 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
Aug. 01 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Aug. 02 - Knoxville, TN - The Valarium
Aug. 03 - Charlotte, NC - Amos Southend
Aug. 04 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
Aug. 05 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero
Aug. 07 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Aug. 08 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Aug. 09 - Albany, NY - Northern Lights
Aug. 10 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
Aug. 11 - Montreal, QC - Heavy Montreal
Aug. 12 - Toronto, ON - Heavy Toronto
Aug. 14 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
Aug. 15 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew's
Aug. 16 - Chicago, IL - House Blues
Aug. 17 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Aug. 18 - St. Paul, MN - Station 4
Aug. 20 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
Aug. 22 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox Sodo
Aug. 23 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
Aug. 24 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
Aug. 25 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove

2/25/12 1:30PM
Just a small update, but a good sign. I guess Michael Keene hurt his hand last Fall and it hurt the progress of this record. But it appears to be healed up and they're finally getting going on this album. Hopefully more specifics about the record will come soon, and the anticipation of their 3rd record will be more conscious to myself and others.

Facebook post

11/13/11 Cynic with 3 and Iron Thrones @ Station 4

Okay, given the late hour, people might follow why so many concerts, tv, and movie reviews haven't found their way in here. (Time, discipline, etc. more to add soon. about that)

Iron Thrones: they played 5 or 6 songs I think, and I sensed among the 3 shows I've seen from them, they may have sounded the best from a performance standpoint. Now, just a point to make, when this tour was announced, Anathema was included as another potential band on the bill; but they couldn't make this show, nor the tour I don't believe. I think due to Visa issues, but I shouldn't be quoted about that.

So, someone who runs Station 4's facebook page asked for suggested local bands to open this show with Anathema canceling (and Scale the Summit, who will be coming with Protest the Hero in a few weeks). So I and especially my friend Josh suggested a few names (Brice Plays Drums, The Royal Veil and maybe 1 or 2 others), and Iron Thrones were among them. I had seen them with East of the Wall in 2010, and knew they were playing another show with EotW coming up.

So, I am glad they got to open this show, and if I had any reasonable part in helping them out, cool.

And their music, I guess I'd describe as slightly technical metalcore, is kind of hit and miss for me. I really enjoy some of the guitar tones they use, and when they use syncopation. Their vocals are a little hard to gauge given tonally their singer often sounds similar on more than one song. Although to be honest, that's hardly a huge factor for me, nor all that different than a lot of metalcore bands.

But the last point I can't forget is just Station 4. While thankfully tonight was not the Sauna that it can often be, namely in the Summer. The sound issues, namely the mix of the vocals and some of things, continues to disappoint me here and there. The vocals get drowned out by the distortion. It goes in and out, but I've experienced this issue there enough times to not be surprised by it. What they can do about it, I dunno.

3:
My Divided Falling
Battle Cry
Numbers
Alien Angel
Sparrow
High Times
Bramfatura
Jam
Amazedisgrace

they didn't have the extra members to jam on the tom drums like at Progressive Nation 2008 or when I saw them at the Entry in 2009. However, Joey and the others still had a great energy which is one of the biggest reasons why they stand out live. Although I'd be lying if the absence of those drummers/drumjams wasn't missed.

But like Iron Thrones, I found Joey's vocals going in and out and muffled at times. Now part of that could be he wasn't always directly on his microphone when he was really extending himself (and his head or neck). However, I spoke to him both after and before the show. And I actually asked him about them playing the song "Only Child" and he said they are looking to debut it at a show on December 30th in their hometown (Woodstock, NY). It making more sense to play it live the right/full way, etc.

But one reason he said they'd never do a song like that at a show like the show tonight is they didn't have a SOUNDCHECK. So, there you go. His vocals were drowned out sounding at times, go figure without a soundcheck.

But overall, especially the energy and some of the songs like "My Divided Falling" and "Alien Angel" really were enjoyable. And the "Bramfatura/Jam/Amazedisgrace" is always worth the price of admission. Joey popped a string on his acoustic and was sorta animated and tempted to smash it. But unlike Pete Townshend or Jimi Hendrix, a guitar smashing doesn't work too well in the budget.

It was cool chatting with him, Billy and some of the other members of 3 afterwards. Joey mentioned that they may, or have been approached to do some kind of split EP with Between the Buried and Me. Also perhaps Josh from Kiss Kiss/Vuvuzela could be working with them, playing with 3 as another guitarist and/or some new original music (if the opportunity was given). While many may not be aware (although not myself before last night) Joey is a big fan of Kiss Kiss. And that may largely be a result of when Three toured with Kiss Kiss, going back to 2006 with Kaddisfly, and I recall at least 1 or more tours a few years later.

As a fan of Josh and Kiss Kiss along with 3, I'd love to see that happen. Also The Dear Hunter as Joey knows and have done some shows with them. A tour with them could happen next year, if the timing were to work. Now whether those 2 bands doing a full-scale North American tour together, and it coming to St.Paul or Minneapolis is still a bit of wishful thinking right now. But logically it would be a great tour, and The Dear Hunter and 3 have gained at least a little more of a following in this town of late.

Cynic:

I'm guessing this is the setlist as it is given for the show from Friday.

Hieroglyph
Amidst The Coals
Carbon-Based Anatomy
Evolutionary Sleeper
How Could I
Adam's Murmur
Celestial Voyage
Elves Beam Out
King of Those Who Know
Veil of Maya
Wheels Within Wheels
Integral / Integral Birth
Box Up My Bones
The Space For This

given I love Focus, but also think/know it best as a complete, flowing record, this Cynic concert and setlist was a bit hit and miss for me. I do find their new EP Carbon Based Anatomy interesting, but not necessarily addictive or as Cynic-like. But I did enjoy the music from it, the samples and atmosphere tonight. However, compared to seeing the complete Focus back last year, this show didn't engage me throughout.

I will say, the best moments got my attention enough. They have this hypnotic quality often in their music, which really works wonders. And I think the sound issues were less noticed during their set for some reason. But overall I ended up getting an uneven reaction. Maybe it's just the material, mainly the Traced In Air work which I've never loved. Or maybe Station 4 had something to do with it. I would enjoy seeing them at another venue if possible, but the odds seem almost nil for that to happen. And given their interest (and lack of promotion in this town) I suppose there shouldn't be many reasons to be disappointed.

I also overheard someone mention they have a new record coming next year. I wonder how much of the ambient, post-rock kind of work (like from their new EP) it'll include.

Cynic US Tour: Support 3, Anathema, STS

one posting with some dates

Cynic‘s upcoming tour with 3 has begun to take shape with initial dates available below. The trek will also apparently feature Scale The Summit and Anathema at a number of the stops with more details pending.

11/03 West Chester, PA – The Note (no 3)
11/05 New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre (“The Metal Suckfest“) (no 3)
11/11 Pontiac, MI – Clutch Cargo’s
11/12 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
11/13 St. Paul, MN – Station 4
11/18 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
11/22 San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
11/23 West Hollywood, CA – Key Club


I'll be going to the show on the 13th, however, it'll mean a lot more if in fact Anathema is there. Station 4? as I've said many times before about them, credit to them for booking good tours, but their sound and environment (namely how hot it gets) has really led me to sour about that place. So much so, I may even prefer 1st Crapenue now, lol.

But so be it. It's a show with some great bands, however the venue circumstances will have to be secondary. Perhaps they'll install air conditioning and have the right guy doing sound (unlike whoever did the last Fair to Midland show, along with Protest the Hero a few years ago).