Portugal the Man (Ex-Anatomy of A Ghost) July 25, 2007

Portugal the Man is a soul/progressive/grime trio from Wasilla, Alaska. Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental band from Chicago. It would be tough to imagine that a band would be able to develop its own unique presence and innovation with such solid groundwork in the instrumental genre. However, Russian Circles does bring something new to the table. Their songs feel incredibly narrative and linear. There is no angular flash or mathematical flair. These songs stream through themes and by no means build on just one repeating idea. They are gargantuan in scope. They flow seamlessly from beautiful soft ambience to truly defined melody to massively thick heaviness with a gradual progression that never leaves you lost. Variety is no gimmick and they are a band that does not just vacillate within an achieved sonic identity. 50 Foot Wave features Kristin Hersh and Bernard Georges from Throwing Muses. Guitarist Bill Threlkeld, bassist Mark Hawkins and guitarist/vocalist Alan Andrews bring their best twitchy hardcore while hyperkinetic drummer Devon Shirley moves the sound out under the disco balls and strobes with his irresistible, machine-like beats. Tera Melos is a high energy act hailing from Sacramento.