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Conor Agnew on December 2, 2019
Don’t be fooled by the phonetics—The Hu are no pinball wizards. But by combining traditional Mongolian throat singing and instrumentation with contemporary hard rock sensibilities, they have created a sound that is truly unique and seriously heavy. Fresh from an appearance on the soundtrack for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and currently in the midst of their first North American tour, these mysterious musicians are bringing their primordial brand of metal to The Ritz. They’ll be joined by Canadian psych rockers Crown Lands on a bill that proves headbanging is indeed a universal language. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on December 2, 2019
Up until 2018, fans knew what to expect from the San Diego-based psychedelic metal band Earthless: long, intense, scorching, jaw-clenching jams without the benefit of vocals. One Earthless album featured only one instrumental track, just shy of an hour long. Lengthy and wordless face-melting was their brand. Continue reading »
“Fuck you!” yelled the enraged half-naked man from across the dry creek, where he stood in front of his tent like the senile grumpy geezer of the neighborhood. He paused for 30 seconds and followed up with basic vulgar insults about how my girl is a whore and how my dog ain’t shit then made general threats about kicking my ass. I understand that life may have been hard on you, but I’m just walking my dog on this very public trail and talking to my wife about how good “Peanut Butter Falcon” was. We weren’t saying anything about you. And even if we were, there’s no way in hell you could have heard us from 30 feet away so why assume that we did and potentially start an altercation? A piece of me wanted to fire back some obscenities of my own. But it was such a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and I knew it wasn’t personal, so we strolled on. Sorry if we killed your buzz, but I hope that tall can you were holding was still half full so you could get it back.
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
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Kenny Ngo on November 20, 2019
San Francisco-based house music DJ and producer Ardalan is practiced in the art of restraint. On his latest full-length set with Dirtybird Records, Mr. Good, Ardalan gives his grooves time and space to bloom. He revels in the dry thud of an over-compressed kick on album-opener “I Can’t Wait,” allowing the bass drum to take center stage for nearly a minute before introducing a fragmented ice splinter lead and stuttering vocal snippet. The Tehran-born selector comes to San Jose with support from Miss Dre. Continue reading »
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Conor Agnew on November 20, 2019
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting a hearty meal and some quality time with your family or anxiously anticipating some really uncomfortable political discussions, one thing is certain: The night before Thanksgiving is ideal for letting off steam—and maybe, if you play your cards right, hooking up with your long-lost high school crush. In honor of this joyous time of year, The Ritz is hosting this admission-free all-vinyl party. Resident spinners Pardi B and Basura will be joined by special guest Cutso. Together they aim to keep the dance floor lit while The Ritz’s bar staff help you get into the holiday spirit. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on November 20, 2019
He sees you when you’re sleeping… He knows when you’re awake… Every year, a bearded, immortal elf makes a list, checks it twice and then descends from the icy wastes of the Arctic Circle to break into every single home in Christendom. It doesn’t get much more metal than that. Founded in the mid-’90s by a cadre of virtuosic session shredders, Trans-Siberian Orchestra are known for their face-melting arrangements of classical, hymnal and folk Christmas music—and, of course, for soundtracking yuletide light shows of Griswold-ian proportions. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on November 20, 2019
Somewhere, on an alternate plane of existence, Kevin Gates is the universe’s greatest late-night host. There he is, trading witticisms with his guests, seamlessly dropping into outrageous and uproarious non-sequiturs, and waxing philosophically about the merits of Blink-182, Miley Cyrus and the health benefits of a bootylicious diet. In this timeline, however, the Louisiana rapper is simply one of the best emcees in the game. He has followed up his critically acclaimed 2016 LP, Islah, with his second full-length, I’m Him, which dropped in late September. Gates comes to Santa Cruz behind his latest effort. Really really. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on November 20, 2019
Pairing West Coast hardcore with classic SoCal surf rock, Agent Orange raced to the head of LA’s burgeoning punk rock scene in 1980 like a bat out of hell. Their debut 7-inch became a soundtrack for skate punks with the urgently infectious anthem “Bloodstains,” featuring the tweaker-friendly refrain: “blood stains, speed kills, fast cars, cheap thrills.” With the help of KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer—a DJ famous for being ahead of the curve on punk and new wave artists—and the reputation they earned shredding Orange County house parties, the band climbed through LA punk clubs and onto a touring schedule that has spanned more than 30 years. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on November 20, 2019
Back in June, Amy Dabalos (a.k.a. Amy D.) gave fans a taste of what she’s been working on, screening the video for her single “Like You”—a potent affirmation of women’s empowerment, agency and authenticity—at The Continental. This Friday, the local singer and San Jose Jazz regular will pull the curtain back on her full album with a party at Cafe Stritch. The collection showcases Dabalos’ raw vocal talent, which she has deployed in a number of styles over the years, including in the service of rueful soul, energetic R&B and lively reggae arrangements. Continue reading »
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Conor Agnew on November 20, 2019
Take a healthy dose of Emo Phillips, throw in some Michael Scott at his cringey-est, top it off with the most terrified open-mic performer you’ve ever seen, and you may have some idea of Joe Machi’s comedic persona. But the Pennsylvania native’s excruciatingly awkward timing boosts some solid punchlines, and his appearances on Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, HBO and the late night circuit prove he’s not being forced to perform by an offstage tormentor. Treat yourself to one of his sets at Rooster T. Feathers this week and let his pain be your gain. Continue reading »
