Bunbury Music Festival 2014

Once again, the city of Cincinnati, OH, holds its annual Bunbury Music Festival. Having had attended for the last two years, The Glitter Pox was sad to not be able to make it for year three. However, that doesn’t mean we weren’t excited about this year’s lineup!

Bunbury is definitely The Glitter Pox’s favorite Ohio festival. Every year is filled with new (and some returning) artists that make for an extremely eventful three days of music. Bunbury is especially good at mixing up the genres. Most acts are what we consider modern indie pop, but they do bring in electronic, acoustic/folk, and some eccentric bands, which bring in a wide variety of fans.

One thing we’ve always loved about Bunbury festival is that they have one or two bands a year that would be considered senior to all the new indie bands. These bands are usually 90’s bands that everyone in our generation heard on the radio as a child, so of course they make you warm and fuzzy.

The first year, Weezer was the headline of night two and it was so exciting to get to see a band that we knew for so long. Then last year, they had Jane’s Addiction and CAKE, which we proudly checked off our concert bucket list. And this year, Bunbury has yet again brought back past acts Veruca Salt and The Flaming Lips, who are no doubt going to set that stage ablaze.

Of course, we were excited to see some of our featured artists playing this year like New Politics, whom we had the privilege of conducting our first face to face interview with last winter, J Roddy Walston & The Business, whom we are positive are going to cause a raucous on stage with their popular tune “Heavy Bells,” and Robert Delong, whom definitely made us effing DANCE at Bunbury 2013.

But there are some less popular artists that we really think you would find contagious too!

The first is this lovely little family of six called Kopecky Family Band. Not only are they some of the sweetest people we’ve had the chance to meet, but they make it so every fan feels like they can join their clan of folk singing friendly faces. Don’t let all that fool you though, some of their tunes are chain rattling, show stoppers and they are one of The Glitter Pox’s favorite live performances. Seriously, don’t miss this set!

The second artist we were excited to see on the lineup this year is Brick + Mortar. The Glitter Pox hasn’t had the chance to see them live yet, but we can promise we’d be front and center singing away to the badassery this New Jersey duo brings.

Another group worth catching is The Lighthouse and The Whaler, whom has a special place in our heart, since their hometown is also Cleveland (make sure you mention Lebron coming back! You’ll be Matt’s new BFF...). “So why don’t [you] all fall in love” with the dancy vocals and happy tunes this mandolin bearing band will be sure to play at the River Stage on Sunday.

Finally, one act you just CAN’T miss is The Orwells. This band has a sound that matches the quirk and craziness of lead singer Mario Cuomo and I would dare to say they will be as wild as any Foxy Shazam show. Don’t be surprised if you get a little more than you bargained for when standing in the front row!

There is no doubt that we haven’t mentioned all the groups we would be eager to see, but no one has time to read the whole lineup in detail. ;) Bunbury Music Festival has yet again put on another spot on indie rock weekend and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year!

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas - Shadow Boy

Shadow Boy isn't one of those songs that sticks in your head because it is catchy, but because it's a story that resonates through lyrics and through the big vocals from which they are sung. Jessica Hernandez has a vintage jazz tone that borderlines old country western in some parts and modern soul in others. The moment the tremolo guitar begins, Shadow Boy becomes a little darker and all the more sexy and it doesn't stop there. With soft drums and smooth saxophone this song becomes a ballad bathed in a passion that can only be experienced when given a closed eyed listen.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

I Know Leopard - Daisy Eyes

I Know Leopard is a five piece indie/pop group from Sydney that is a blend of bands like the XX, Beach House, and San Cisco, only they have a particular way of pulling at heart strings with pretty vocals and honest lyrics. Daisy Eyes feels like it is one song made up of layered moments of musical genius. There are parts with big bass and ticking drums, and others of staccatoed strings of lyric answered with frosted ahhh's, but they mesh to create the dreamy chorus that holds it all together and makes you fall for this song.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Yellerkin - Solar Laws

Made up by two lifelong friends from Brooklyn, Yellerkin is a rising indie band that is sure to spark your interest. Whether it be by the ever chancing pace in Solar Laws, which almost make it seem like the music is taking a pause to catch its breath before the drums crash back in and it's on the move again. Or maybe it's just how the vocals and language switch between soft and low to bold and high in a matter of moments. Or perhaps just their eerie music video featuring a yeti and what can only be described as a witch doctor that bares some resemblance to Rafiki from "The Lion King." Either way, Solar Laws is a journey that takes the listener into the space between, where only you have say over reality and dream, which makes this tune something to talk about.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Zella Day- Sweet Ophelia

Sweet Ophelia opens with a heavy almost hip-hop beat meshed with sweet organ tones that trick you into expecting something opposite of the Lana Del Ray resembling verse that follows. Zella Day has a dreamy quality to her hushed vocals that cause this song to feel secretive and the taps of xylophone tie in a whimsy that helps add to the story building within the music. It is both engaging and seducing, which makes for something unforgettable.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

COIN - Honey

If you dig bands like Walk The Moon, then COIN is sure to be the next to end up on your favorites list. With easy going vocals that sway against a dancy tune in the background, this is indie pop that just makes you feel happy. Formed in Nashville, COIN is everything sweet wrapped up and poured into your morning tea.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Rixton - Me and My Broken Heart

Me and My Broken Heart is already hitting mainstream, but with its smooth modern pop vibe, it's too catchy not to notice. Rixon has a sound, much like artists like Adam Levine, that immediately snags your attention. The vocals bridge indie and boy band, making it dynamic and pleasing to different types of music lovers. It's not only dancy, but it also has a hook that you'll sing for days, with harmonies that are just damn good.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Dent May - Best Friend

Dent May has a sound that would be on the same playlist with bands like Night Panther. Best Friend has a slow motion feel with all the emotions that come with reminiscing about that one person who knows you better than anyone else. (It's okay, I was thinking about my pet too.) The electro-beats are lively with taps and tones that are constantly changing, but then there are these tender spots that just make you want to sway with the melody and smile. This song has all the sweetness of a sugar cube.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

SomeKindaWonderful - Reverse

Reverse starts with an instant drama in the big drums and tambourine taps. The vocals have a tender growl, in their staccato reggae vibe, that makes them seem cold and rough at times, yet sincere in others. This song moves as if you're following someone through all the told scenarios within and like in its lyrics, it is a not-so-guilty pleasure.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Hozier - Take Me To Church

Favorite Lyrics: ALL OF THEM

Take Me To Church is dark, but not just in that eerie lyrics kind of way. The vocals are low and steady, with sweet melody and a conviction only found in gospel music. The soft amens throughout have this silencing effect that make the chorus' that follow even more powerful, not to mention the deep drums between the two, aiding in the immediacy this song portrays. I image that if Jeff Buckley and Amy Winehouse could have composed a song together it would result in something as passion driven and consuming as Take Me To Church.

And that music video though...

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Bleachers - I Wanna Get Better

I Wanna Get Better is sung in old radio static and mimics something poem-like of how monotony has the power to change us. The actions within the lyrics are mirrored though loudness and emphasis on manner of how each line is sung, which cues the listener in on what the narrator in this tune is feeling. Through broken background sounds to choruses made up of a cheery choir, Bleachers takes us through their journey of how to get better, and one way is by listening to this song.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Night Panther - KISS EP

Synth/Sex Pop band, Night Panther, strikes again with their killer new EP titled KISS, which you can download for free off their sound cloud.

The first single off KISS is called I Want You To Know and it's the intricate web of harmony and synth sounds that give this song life. It has a type of dream state feeling that is brought on by the tender tone of the mid range vocals paired with the falsetto of lead singer, Farzad, which gives Night Panther that extra something that many modern bands don't have.

Next on the track list is Tonight (I Believe In Us), a ballad of soft vocals and saxophone. There is something sexy in its slow pace and lyrics that really give it a groove that's impossible to deny.

And lastly Never Change, starts with sick base and that disco vibe that Night Panther does oh so well. This song is quick electronics with a chorus that can't be erased from the head after listening.

In the 15 min and 15 seconds it takes to listen all the way through this EP, your entire mood has changed and you're in a whole new world with Night Panther, which is a real nice one.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

1,2,3 Album Release - Big Weather Pt. I & Leave Me In The Sky With The Lawnchair

No, this isn't some awful April fools joke, the moment every 1,2,3 fan has been waiting for is finally here! After almost two years, Pittsburgh's own has announced that they will be releasing a double album, titled Big Weather. American Heritage, a record label created by the band members themselves, will be making it available to purchase digitally (you pick the price!) and on vinyl on May 27th and they will be playing their first show in over a year at the Brillobox in Pittsburgh on May 30th. In honor of their release they put out the first two songs off the album and oh. man. Turn up the volume and get ready to jam.

As the first track, Big Weather Pt. I starts off just right with big drums and bass to match. Loud and low this song sets the disaster theme this album was inspired by, the lyrics telling of a post apocalyptic world that strikes a certain fear of the inevitable in the heart of its listener.

Immediately following is the rough and rowdy Leave Me In The Sky With The Lawnchair and though this song is much different from anything on 1,2,3's first album, New Heaven, it has a garage-rock vibe that adds a whole new genre to the list perfected by this band. It's lively and fast, with lyrics that emanate a sense of humor that only select bands can pull off and who doesn't love all that tambourine?

Seriously, watch out! The rest of this album is sure to be as intricate and obsessable as their first.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

The Holidays - Voices Drifting

The Holidays have a "go with the flow" feel in their dream pop tune Voices Drifting. It's an easy listen, with all the right dancy parts included. From beginning to end, the music is full of interesting electro tidbits that keep this song fresh and just damn fun.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Marian Hill - Loveit

Lovit screams lust and indulgence, but in that oh so appealing way that seems almost devilish to admit to. It's new age jazz matched with that old age freedom to be an elusive woman and you can't help but Loveit.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

The Preachers - Is This How You Feel?

Is This How You Feel starts with a cooler than you beginning that is taken over by the switching of perfectly matched female and male vocals. Though the drums are quick and groovy, the vocals are airy and flow in a contrasting dimension to the rest of the song. The Preachers have a Fits And The Tantrums vibe in their soulful sound, which is what makes this song so radio ready.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Courtney Barnett - History Eraser

Barnett's sassy indie punk vibe really sets this tune apart. From the spoken middle range verses to the bassy chorus, this chick has a badass range that many other female singers don't and the lyrics, vivid and story telling, have their own interesting piece in this arty puzzle. History Eraser is more like a poetry reading than an actual song, though melodic and full of great guitar tones.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Wampire - The Hearse

The Hearse is everything you'd expect the hear from a song titled as such. It's ominous and dark and there is even an organ. Reminiscent of The Killers, The Hearse has a particular edge. Though it is musically involved, there is some sort of quietness about it, possibly from the lack of vocals, but this makes it largely unique to Wampire.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Psychic Twin - Strangers

Strangers is the music version of a lucid dream with its collection of calming echoes that vibrate throughout the song. Because the lyrics are repetitive they induce a type of trance and in their hypnotic wake you are left with a feeling of weightlessness. The only thing that snaps you back to reality are the shakers and woodblock buried in background.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Blood Culture - Indian Summer

Blood Culture has a similar sound to bands like Beat Connection, but with soft vocals and slow synth. Indian Summer has a dream like quality that has an instantaneous glimmering effect. Between the ooos in the beginning to the beach wave ending there is a certain calm about it and it's one of those songs that you can get lost in.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Hockey - Too Fake

Too Fake is energetic! The percussion is fast paced; Even in the slow parts there is still a steady backbeat that keeps this song moving. Switching from scratchy spoken lyrics to sung whispers, the vocals compete with the content of lyrics as the main attraction. Hockey has this rebel teen vibe full of a non-fazed arrogance that seems to make this tune positively genuine.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Kishi Bashi - Bright Whites

Bright Whites starts with a unique native sounding background that sparks The Shins like story telling within the song. It is lighthearted and hard not to want to dance around to. Kishi Bashi has a way of being uplifting, but in a bearable type of way. And who doesn't love a beautifully made video full of idioms?

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Ida Maria - Oh My God

Ida Maria is one of those singers that falls in that "Bad-Ass Rock Chicks" category. Her low toned vocals matched with quick paced drums and sassy yelled choruses are perfect for blasting through a stereo and screaming along. Oh My God is punk and passionate and, like its lyrics propose, a little out of control, but that's what makes it so infectious.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Hollow & Akimbo - Singularity

The first 15 seconds of Singularity is something straight out of a horror flick, but once the drums and guitar kick in it turns into something entirely unlike what is expected. There are moments in this song that feel like you're floating in outer-space and yet other parts that completely ground you, all tied together by a sound much like a track being played backwards as the undertone. Hollow & Akimbo have a sound that seems to be influenced by popular alt music, but that has a uniqueness all its own and Singularity is the first single off their self-titled album which comes out on February 11th!

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Aer - Says She Loves Me

Says She Loves Me is one of those songs that immediately catches in the webs of the brain. That updated Sugar Ray - Every Morning groove paired with contagious hand claps makes it a not so guilty pleasure that vibrates through the mind.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Man Man - Head On (Hold On To Your Heart)

Head On (Hold On To Your Heart) is a happy little reminder type of tune much like The Bloodsugars - Light at the End of the Tunnel. Both play on the idea that music can be that shoulder to lean on and after listening to either song it's hard not to smile. This song has an old fashion feel and the string instruments in the background add a warm and romantic element, which makes it even more endearing.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

J. Roddy Walston & The Business - Heavy Bells

In the beginning J. Roddy Walston & The Business has a very Kings Of Leon feel vocal wise, but by the chorus Heavy Bells takes a dramatic turn. It's loud and in your face, with angst much like that of Manchester Orchestra. Then the guitar takes over with something both moving and destructive and by the end you're left with visions of a perfect mess made with a smile.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Rebeka - Stars

This Polish electro-pop duo knows no genre limits. With almost old fashion, proper-esque vocals mixed with new age electronic techniques and Spanish sounding guitar, Stars immediately catches your attention and pulls you into all of its layers. Like their video, Rebeka glitters like the stars, but in a unique sort of way.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Cruiser - Kidnap Me

Kidnap Me is everything you wouldn't expect to hear from a song titled that way. It's sunny and has its own sway, with beachy guitar riffs and electric drum beats, which contrast the seemingly dark lyrics. Though Cruiser sounds similar to The Orwells, they have a charm and dance all their own. And it's magic.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Lucia - Silence

Lucia resembles artists like Regina Spektor and Agnes Obel, with elegant piano and vocal purity. Silence is melancholy, sung with such passion and control that entice emotion in both sound and lyric. It is almost impossible to not believe in this story.

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Temples - Shelter Song

I know The Glitter Pox posted Keep In The Dark by Temples in October of last year, but I was really digging this tune by them too. There is a definite 60's vibe with the dreamesque vocals and trippy kaleidoscope video in which Temples has revived good old psychedelic music. With a Revolver era Beatles guitar riff backed by a droning drum beat, Shelter Song is drifty and consuming.

Glitter Pox rating: 86% contagious

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Big Data - "Dangerous"

From the start, Dangerous has a pungent bass line that captures, and carries the song until the end. Layered on top are electric drum beats and cool-cat vocals that are both dramatic and slow in motion. Big Data's sound is like putting on your darkest pair of shades and walking into a full room of stares, big.

Glitter Pox rating: 83% contagious

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Elephant - Shapeshifter

Something about Shapeshifter is otherworldly with its light headed sound and distant vocals. The strings throughout add a fairy-tale element, making the sound feel like it's swallowing you whole. Elephant has a unique way of writing love stories that are trapping, yet so easy and free at the same time.

Glitter Pox rating: 98% contagious

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox

Happy 2014!

Dear Glitter Pox friends,

Wow, It's 2014 already?! A new year and so many changes are coming with it. First, Happy Belated Birthday to our three year old baby. It seems like just yesterday, Chelsea and I sat down and brainstormed names for our little project. We have truly enjoyed the last few years spent together finding and sharing music with all of you. However, in the new year, Chelsea will no longer be able to continue with The Glitter Pox, so I will be taking it over. I know, I cried a little too. But the show must go on! I will continue to post every Tuesday and Thursday and possibly any other time throughout the week if I just can't wait to share something new with you guys. Another change that also occurred, which you may have already noticed, was the URL to the site. It is now theglitterpox.blogspot.com. However, the contact email address is the same and I would still love to hear any and all of your recommendations. Thank you so much for all your love and support and I can't wait to discover the awesome new music of 2014!

Happy New Year!

Hope you catch it,
The Glitter Pox