For Fans of: Sleater Kinney, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ida Maria
Why you should check them out:
The stunningly aggressive Demander is creating a riotous following with their exceptionally moody and gritty new tracks. Their abrasive punk rock, strong female vocals, and indulgent indie metal have made them a venerable force to be reckoned with.
Background Check:
Singer/bassist Karen Correa and drummer Sivan Harlap were playing together in New York’s the Hissyfits when they first decided to venture out on their own. While opening for acts across the nation had introduced them to music’s manic lifestyle, their current lineup wasn’t quite enough. With a shared desire to make music that was a little rougher around the edges, they formed Demander in 2004 with guitarist Jared Scott, quickly unleashing brash and raucous battle cries amidst chaotically searing punk rock dissonance.Their debut full length, The Unkindness of Ravens, is a smart and tight collection of aggressive jams and darkly themed tones. Their standout single, “Hollis”, features Harlap’s sharply fractured beats, Scott’s screaming guitar cacophony, and Correa’s rumbling bass and dangerously sweet vocals. It was this album that first propelled Demander into supporting posts alongside the Hold Steady and New Model Army, showcasing their playful take on such heavy music. Recently, David Kurutz, who was also Sivan’s old high school pal from California replaced Scott.
After a bout of touring, the band released their Books 7″ in 2008 and have just completed their sophomore LP, Future Brite (release date TBD) which was mixed by luminaries like John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Screaming Trees) and features guests such as The Hold Steady’s Franz Nicolay.With the early track “Math”, signifying a progressive step towards a new found indie rock lightness and pop punk straightforwardness. Not that Demander is easing up, they’re still packing all of the aggressive punch of the debut. Demander has always been a band on the verge of true breakout status, and Future Brite may be the most aptly titled prediction possible.
For Fans of: The Pretenders, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Janis Joplin
Why you should check them out:
This San Diego trio’s blues driven rock packs a punch with influences that range from gypsy music to club funk, all interwoven with storytelling lyrics delivered by boisterous frontwoman Kristin Gundred.
Background check:
I like the loud. I will not go gently into that Easy Listening night. In preparation for rocking out all the way into my twilight years, I’ve never been ashamed to rip up napkins or stick nubs of toilet paper in my ears and let a crushing wave of guitars slam me in the face, over and over and over again.
Enter Grand Ole Party to fill the void. This young pop-rock n’ blues trio from San Diego revolves around singer-drummer Kristin Gundred who leads her bandmates (John Paul Labno on guitar and Mike Krechnyak on bass) with her passionate and powerful vocals. The band deftly combines ferocious songwriting with a raucous and electric sound. Their live shows are notoriously rocking.
The band put out their debut album, Humanimals, which was produced by Blake Sennett of Rilo Kiley and was released on DH Records in January 2007, and has been receiving accolades ever since.
It may be the end of an era for the GOP, but just the beginning for this Grand Ole Party. Go vote with your ears. Don’t forget the toilet paper.