On the 30th of April, 2013 Boise band The Blaqks kicked down my door and rocked out in my apartment. Danny Blaqk, Jonny Blaqk, and Derell Blaqk worked out acoustic versions of a couple of their songs mere moments before coming in and talking with me about broken relationships, the local music scene in Boise, and the future…

The post The Blaqks – 30 April 2013 – The Mixed Bag Interview appeared first on University Pulse.

No?

I didn’t think so. But you really should have. The eighteen-year-old Scotch may have started her career posting covers of Ed Sheeran songs on Youtube, but her latest release—Stay Out—has proven that she isn’t content to stay under the covers any longer.

Stay Out is an EP, which means that if you’re expecting a full twelve-to-fifteen song album which contains numerous rock ballads, you will be sadly disappointed. Instead what you’re getting is four tracks which refuse to be consigned simply to one genre. Since this is a short “album,” I’ll keep my review short as well. There are a number of reasons why I enjoy Stay Out (not least of which her usage of “whilst,” a criminally underused word) but the real calling card is the titular song.

“Stay Out” starts with an upbeat twangy guitar, which gives way to Nina’s voice—a voice which seems to blend with the instruments rather than stand out. The lyrics are catchy, and if you’re anything like me you’ll be repeating the first line (“He’s got a Rolling Stones tape, but he only knows one song; they think they’re from the sixties, but they were born in 1991”) under your breath.

“Stay Out” may be the top song off the EP in my opinion, but the rest of it is not to be missed either. “No Interest” is a quasi-hip-hop song that has a decidedly more angry tone than the other songs, whilst “Just Before Goodbye” is a more mellow song, which probably comes in at number two on the Stephen Jay Standardized Rating Scale. “Statue”—the slowest and saddest song on the album, and a definite “break-up” song—contains the word “whilst” and therefore is fantastic even without being filled with heavy similes. The EP can at times be moody, then quickly becomes more bubblegum. Nina’s guitar playing is delightful, and I’ve already mentioned how well her voice blends with the instrumental track. While she isn’t strictly playing covers anymore, there’s a reason that some people refer to her as the “female Ed Sheeran,” and if you’ve heard his music before you may well have an idea of what her music sounds like… More or less.

I’m not going to say that Stay Out is the perfect EP or everyone’s idea of what music should be. But if you’re open-minded, and you happen to like listening to female singers with a Scottish accent (surely I can’t be the only one) then you should consider giving it a try. If you’ve been craving something new, something that may be more obscure than a lot of the pop music you hear on the radio, or want to support an up-and-coming songstress, give this a try. You might just be pleased with what you find.

If this is Nesbitt at eighteen, her career should be well worth watching.

Stay Out is now available on Amazon and iTunes for $4.99. Just don’t buy a Subway sandwich for ONE DAY and you’ll be able to afford it.

The post Stay Out EP–Nina Nesbitt appeared first on University Pulse.

The post-hardcore band, Sleeping with Sirens from Florida finally made their way to Boise, Idaho with their Take It or Leave It Tour. Lead singer Kellin Quinn, bassist Justin Hills, guitarist Jesse Lawson, drummer Gabe Barham and lead guitarist Jack Fowler haven’t played a show in Boise for years so it wasn’t surprising to see the turn out of people at the Knitting Factory on Thursday.

The Knitting Factory was packed with people ranging from middle schoolers to college aged kids. The excitement in the venue could be felt anywhere you stood. With kids packed beyond belief on the barrier and the crowd continuing all the way to the bar, the entire venue buzzed with excitement. Everyone that was there to see the long awaited SWS patiently waited through the supporting acts, Lions Lions, Dangerkids and Conditions. All three of these bands took the stage with such a commanding presence, it was hard not to enjoy every second of their performances.

After the three openers had performed, SWS walked on stage and immediately sent the entire room in a panic of excitement and anticipation. The crowd of young girls and boys was immediately set into motion and the crowd was in a frenzy. The band started off the set with “These Things I’ve Done.” Certainly an interesting choice considering that it was a demo that had surfaced online. Either way, it was an electric and high energy start to an incredible set.

In the middle of SWS’s high energy set, they decided to slow things down with an acoustic set that featured the guitar of Lawson and vocals of Quinn. This acoustic interlude is something most SWS fans have come to expect from that band. They have been performing acoustic songs after shows since the beginnings of their band. It’s no surprise that they have now started to integrate that unique part of their band into every set they do.

Overall, Sleeping with Sirens performed excellently. The long wait from us Idahoans was definitely well worth it.

Below are photos from the show:

Find Sleeping with Sirens here

https://www.facebook.com/sleepingwithsirensband

http://www.sleepingwithsirens.net/

https://twitter.com/SWStheband

Check out their new single here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s81ZHFOD4UI

The post Sleeping With Sirens- April 4, 2013 appeared first on University Pulse.

Denny Spinks of All Things Metal spoke with Danko about the tour, the music, and the differences between Europe and North America. You can check out the interview here. You can also check out photos from the show here.

The post Interview with Danko Jones – 031913 appeared first on University Pulse.

The post Interview with Johannes Eckerström from Avatar – 030813 appeared first on University Pulse.

You can also check out pictures from the show here.

The post Interview with Robb Rivera of Nonpoint – 020113 appeared first on University Pulse.

Thursday- Saturday, April 18-21

“The Misunderstanding.” 7:30 p.m. Morrison Center. This absurdist drama by Albert Camus takes the audience to a small European hotel in a grim world where summer never comes. A young man, Jan, returns home after 18 years to reunite with his mother and sister who run the inn. Instead of announcing himself, he hopes his family will recognize him and welcome him with open arms. $15 general, $12 seniors, alumni, students and military at idahotickets.com. A free ticket for Boise State students, faculty and staff at the Student Union Info Desk. Visit theatrearts.boisestate.edu.

Thursday, April 18

Distinguished Lecture Series, Louis Menand. 7 p.m. Morrison Center. The Boise State Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series presents Louis Menand, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of “The Metaphysical Club.” Free, no tickets required. Visit go.boisestate.edu/distinguishedlectures.

Student Recital, Robyn Whitmore, violin; Caid Jones, violin. 7:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596.

Friday-Sunday, April 19-21

Idaho Dance Theatre Spring Show. 8 p.m. April 19-20; 2 p.m. April 21. Special Events Center. Carl Rowe will premiere a new work and Marla Hansen will revive “Fractured Silence” in IDT’s final concert of the season. Tickets are $10-$37 at idahodancetheatre.org or by calling 331-9592.

Friday, April 19

Student Union Performance Series, Last King Outlaw and One Drop. 1-2 p.m. Last King Outlaw; 2:30-4 p.m. One Drop. Student Union Building Patio. The Student Union Involvement and Leadership Center and Student Union Performance Series present a reggae fest in honor of Earth Week. Free. Visit finearts.boisestate.edu. 

Junior Recital, Samaquias Lorta, cello. 5:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596.

Raymond Gay-Crosier lecture, “Exiled in a Spiritual Geography: Albert Camus’s Road to Values.” 6-7:30 p.m. Yanke Family Research Park, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd. Keynote address for the two-day “Topography and Toponymy in the Works of Albert Camus” international colloquium. Free. For more information, email camus2013@boisestate.edu.

Don Williams. 7:30 p.m. Morrison Center. Country music star Don Williams is out of retirement and touring with his accomplished road band. With his warm hickory baritone and familiar Stetson hat, he draws his listener into the intimate world of an old friend. $30-$65 in advance, $3 more at the door. Tickets are available at the Morrison Center box office, at all Select-a-Seat outlets, at 426-1110 or online at idahotickets.com. Please note: Original date, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 was postponed due to illness. Tickets for the original show date will be honored for this date. No need to exchange tickets. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date, visit mc.boisestate.edu for refund information.

Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21

Seven Arrows Pow Wow. Grand entries at noon and 7 p.m. April 20; 7 p.m. April 21. Student Union Jordan Ballroom. Pow wow means high-energy entertainment in colorful regalia, a vibrant culture featuring song and dance, traditional craft vendors, storytelling and demonstrations. $5 general, $3 children 6-12, free for Boise State students with ID, seniors and children under 6. Call 426-5950.

Saturday, April 20

Service Saturday. 9 a.m-2 p.m. Student Union Barnwell Room. Take your pick from four to five service projects at local charitable or nonprofit agencies and learn about new and exciting ways to get involved. Breakfast provided. Participants should wear comfortable, appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes. Reserve your spot at https://orgsync.com/23254/forms/54971. 

Boise Philharmonic, Big Bands with Carl Topilow. 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Morrison Center. The 1940s was a period of immense change and an incredible banding together of Americans of all stripes. Through it all musicians like Berry Goodman, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller kept spirits high. The Boise Philharmonic presents the optimism and joy of this period with guest conductor, clarinetist and comedian Carl Topilow. Tickets are $25.50-$76.50 at boisephilharmonic.org.

Graduate Recital, Kyle Downs, tenor. 1:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596. 

Student Recital, Nicole Oswald, violin. 3:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596. 

Boise Philharmonic, Youth Orchestra Spring Concert. 3:30 p.m. Morrison Center. Tickets are $8 at the door. Visit boisephilharmonic.org.

Student Recital, Josh Barro, tuba; Daniel Becerra, tuba. 5:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596.

Rodney Atkins. 7:30 p.m. Taco Bell Arena. Rodney Atkins’ “Most Hits for the Money” tour features Josh Thompson. Atkins knows the value of taking the long way home, of veering off the beaten path onto that road less traveled. You can hear it in his music, in the lyrics of his smash single “Take a Back Road,” a song that celebrates that feeling of getting away from the noise of everyday life, really living in the moment and getting right with your soul. Tickets are $25-$35 at idahotickets.com.

Sunday, April 21

Spring Symphonic Winds. 7 p.m. Morrison Center. A tribute to Mel Shelton presented by the Boise State Music Department. Featuring the Treasure Valley Concert Band and the middle school/junior high school honor band. $5 adults, $3 seniors. Students and Boise State faculty, staff and students are free with ID at the door. Call 426-1596.

Tuesday, April 23

Boise State All-Campus Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Special Events Center Auditorium. $5 general, $3 seniors at the door. Students, Boise State faculty, staff and students are free. Call 426-1596.

Wednesday-Sunday, April 24-28

“The Misunderstanding.” 7:30 p.m. Morrison Center. This absurdist drama by Albert Camus takes the audience to a small European hotel in a grim world where summer never comes. A young man, Jan, returns home after 18 years to reunite with his mother and sister who run the inn. Instead of announcing himself, he hopes his family will recognize him and welcome him with open arms. $15 general, $12 seniors, alumni, students and military at idahotickets.com. A free ticket for Boise State students, faculty and staff at the Student Union Info Desk. Visit theatrearts.boisestate.edu.

Wednesday, April 24

Screening of “Icizere: Hope.” 6-8 p.m. Student Union. Part of the Healing Wounded Hearts: Reconciliation in Communities after Violence in Africa program. Filmmaker Patrick Mureithi will introduce the documentary that chronicles the genocide in Rwanda and follows a group trying to find reconciliation after the violence in their community. Free. Free parking available with advance registration. Call 426-1568.

Graduate String Quartet Recital. 7:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596.

The post Weekly Update- April 18-24 appeared first on University Pulse.

O.M.-I read an article you wrote about a Providence man, Jack McCarthy’s poetry and passing. The tone of the article sounds like you really looked up to this man. Had he became a friend of yours? What influence do you think he had on you as an artist?

B.Dolan-Jack was one of the exceptions to the rule stated above, and like the rest he’s no longer around that scene.  In Jack’s case that’s because he passed away last year.

I certainly did look up to him, and he continues to be an inspiration.  He showed the power of sincerity and understatement, and his work was full of wisdom and really simple beauty.  If people aren’t aware of his work it’s recorded and available as videos, text and audio at www.standupoet.net.

O.M.-So what happened with the Find Mag? Any new Twitter Fueds??

 

B.Dolan-Ayyyyee.  We’ve gotta keep these kids on the internet entertained somehow.  Just part of my ongoing quest to get my funeral picketed by the Westboro Baptist Church.

O.M.-You volunteer and co founded knowmore.org, so you are a pretty involved and informed individual. How and why did you start up knowmore.org? Do you feel that these things have made some impact?

B.Dolan-I started Knowmore in 2005, in the aftermath of the re-election of George Bush.  I was thinking about the other ways we vote and how the things we purchase essentially constitute a vote for companies to keep doing what they do.

I was doing research about the foods I ate, the clothes I wore, and the true cost and impact of the companies who counted me among their consumers.  I ended up wishing a website like Knowmore existed, and because it didn’t we created it.

I do think it’s had an impact, and it’s still the largest database of it’s kind on the internet.  there’s an encyclopedia of corporate abuse there that’s been in existence and being updated long before the global financial collapse.  We sort of predicted these things and as they came to pass people have moved more and more toward the kind of attitudes and reforms that need to happen.  The work is still ongoing but I still believe it’s worth doing and critically important.

Click here to view the embedded video.

O.M.-Anyone who follows you on any social networks knows your stance on marriage equality. Thank you for being open, honest and supportive. What do you have to say about those who say things like marriage equality will lead to beastiality or tax fraud?

 

B.Dolan-I laugh at them because they’re silly.  These people are relics who will be dead soon, I imagine.  I mean.  If you’re talking to me about people marrying donkeys I don’t think I should have to talk to you like you’re a rational human.  I’d rather just laugh and wait for you to adapt or die.

As for tax fraud, when those tax zealots go after the $150 billion dollars lost to Corporate Loopholes we can talk about the threat posed by smalltime “Chuck & Larry” copycat crooks.

Click here to view the embedded video.

O.M.-Thanks again for doing this interview. Your performances at the Treefort Kickoff Concert on campus and later at the Reef were equally amazing. Come back to Boise soon!

 

B.Dolan-I certainly hope to.  Boise is one of my favorite places to perform in the world, and I honestly tell that to reporters everywhere.  The hipster capitals provide jaded audiences a lot of the time, unfortunately.  When we come to Boise we always now we’re in for a rowdy show with good energy.  Salute to your city, and thank you.

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Disarm The Descent

Album Review

Sound: The album starts with a solid rhythm that demands your attention. At 0:10, Leach is heard for the first time since his departure in 2002; his loud, slightly generic, vocal tones make me nervous at first, but he delivers a solid verse. Not much farther into the song, Leach unleashes a wave of melodic vocals that ease any doubt I have of the album; it would have been nice to hear a solo, but it did not detract from the song too much.

Next on the album was the song: “Beyond The Flames.” Upon hearing the opening riff I knew I was going to like the song. It is the type of song that puts a smile on your face with the first note, you just know you will like it. Apart from the guitar, Leach sells the song with solid verses and an extremely catchy chorus. “Beyond The Flames” clearly demonstrates the melodic elements and crushing metalcore sounds that we all know and love.

“In Due Time” was the first single released by the band for this album. The song starts with a heavy head banging riff that makes you just want to go and punch someone. Leach delivers yet another stellar chorus; it’s catchy, easy to remember and will definitely cause some spontaneous outbursts of singing. For the most part, there is not a single song I hate, the only song I have a remote problem with would be “A Tribute To The Fallen.” I just don’t get the same feeling I do with the others; it is still a good song, just not one I can get into. The tone in which Leach sings does not carry the way the other songs do. The way the chorus is sung just rubs me the wrong way for some reason, and while this could just be me, I think it could have been done better.

Sound Rating: 9

Lyrics: Jesse Leach and Howard Jones have both been known to sing about uplifting topics, such as love and understanding. Upon their release of their self titled album, Jones admitted his writings had taken a darker turn. With Jesse’s return, his lyrics appear to discuss his inner struggle with depression, yet there will always be hope, and that he will overcome whatever is thrown at him. This can be seen in the song “In Due Time.”

“How much more can I give of myself,

as these walls close in on me?

As I slip down into this despair

(into this despair),

There is nothing to attain.”

Leach uses a mixture of dark and light lyrics to convey his message. Dropping into despair, (above) Leach sings about his slow descent.

“All that we suffer through leads to determination.

The trials we all go through gives us the strength to carry on.

Something within us burns, desire feeds the will to live.

A reason to believe I will see redemption.”

But seeing the light, he powers through the darkness with heavy riffs of pure metal and vocals of steel until he breaks through and achieves his redemption.

Lyrical Rating: 9

Overall Impression: Yes it is true, Jesse Leach is not Howard Jones, but they are both incredibly talented. Whether or not one leaves and the other returns, Killswitch Engage will always be a great band deserving praise. As for Jesse, he has grown into a fantastic screamer and an overall excellent vocalist. While it will take some getting used to for some, or may be a bit slow at times for others, I am completely fine with Jesse back on the reins and I believe Killswitch Engage still has many years of greatness. I look forward to the future of this band and encourage you to go out and buy this album.

Overall Rating: 9

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Treasure Valley Concert Band and Caldwell High School Bands Concert. 7:30-9 p.m. Caldwell High School, 3401 S. Indiana Ave. Free. Call 426-1596.

Thursday, April 11

“Sabah: Relationships across Cultures.” 6-8 p.m. Student Union Forum Room. Film screening and discussion presented by the Women’s Center and co-sponsored by International Student Services. A part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This film about how a couple overcomes cultural barriers will be followed by a discussion about family, culture and relationships. Free. For more information, call 426-4259.

Friday and Saturday, April 12-13

Ballet Idaho, “Swan Lake.” 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Morrison Center. “Swan Lake” is considered one of the greatest classical ballets of all time. Its romance and beauty have allowed the classic ballet to mesmerize audiences for more than 100 years. It is a story of conflict and loss, love and triumph between the starring roles of Odette, Odile, Prince Siegfried and evil wizard Von Rothbart. This is the Boise premiere of Peter Anastos’ full-length “Swan Lake,” accompanied by the Boise Philharmonic. Tickets are $37, $42 and $57 at idahotickets.com.

Friday, April 12

Boise Chamber Music Series Presents the Alexander Quartet. 7:30- 9:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart and Shostakovich, the quartet also has established itself as an important advocate for new music. Tickets are $20-$25. Call 426-1216 or email jbelfy@boisestate.edu.

Saturday, April 13

Beat Coach Pete Scholarship Run and Walk. 9:30 a.m. Student Recreation Center. Racers are challenged to beat head football coach Chris Petersen to the finish line of this three-mile race through campus, ending outside Bronco Stadium. $15-$80. Register at imathlete.com/events/beatpetefunrunwalk.

Graduate Recital, Daniel Warns, piano. 5:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596.

Senior Recital, Jessica Burlile, piano.  7:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Free. Call 426-1596.

Sunday, April 14

Boise Jazz Society Presents The Loston Harris Trio. 7 p.m. Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, 9th and Myrtle, Boise. Visit boisejazzsociety.org or call Mike Samball at 426-3498.

Monday, April 15 

Boise Jazz Society Residency Events, The Loston Harris Trio. 2:30- 8:30 p.m. Morrison Center Recital Hall. Visit boisejazzsociety.org or call Mike Samball at 426-3498.

Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Conference. 1-4 p.m. Student Union. The 10th annual event, which will be a blend of podium, poster and performing arts presentations, allows the campus and greater community to meet students and learn about their meaningful explorations of everything from choreography to cancer treatment and alternative energy to marketing. Free.

Tuesday, April 16

“What Happened to World War II Theater?” 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Student Union Ah Fong Room. Riley Caldwell-O’Keefe, lecturer for Foundational Studies and Theatre Arts, will give a presentation focused on how national theater created myths about American society during World War II. The presentation is titled, “Genealogy of a Romanticized World War II Ethos, or What Happened to World War II Theater?” Free.

Top Ten Scholars Reception. 3:30 p.m., program at 4:30 p.m. Student Union Simplot Ballroom. Ten outstanding Boise State graduating seniors will be recognized for their exceptional academic success. Presented by the Alumni Association in conjunction with the Honors College. Free. Register online at alumni.boisestate.edu.

Healthy Relationships Comic-Con. 4-5:30 p.m. Student Union Barnwell Room. This Comic-Con style event explores the concepts of consent, gender and relationships across the comic university. A part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Women’s Center and co-sponsored by the Comic Book Club. Free. For more information call 426-4259.

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