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André Jaquez on October 25, 2017
All heartache-inspired music acts have their quirks. This band’s delicate approach is like sipping sadness from a skull-shaped chalice. Who knew a band from sunny San Diego could be so gloomy? BHP’s dramatically tense open spaces are reminiscent of slowcore bands like the austere, whispering Low. Their last single, “Blood Bunny” is…
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André Jaquez on October 25, 2017
Chaz Bundick, better known as Toro y Moi, makes records that hop from one experiment to the next. As a singer, songwriter and producer, his eclectic tastes lead him down obscure roads with soft-served dream-pop, preppy funk and R&B dance. What’s most notable is Toro y Moi’s progress as a vocalist on…
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Andrew Lentz on October 25, 2017
Once in the O.C., always in the O.C. That’s how it goes for singer-guitarist Dustin Kensrue, currently kicking back at home in Irvine, California. In fact, three-fourths of post-hardcore heroes Thrice call Orange County home. Guitarist Teppei Teranishi is the only member to escape north to Palo Alto. But thanks to technology,…
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Bill Kopp on October 25, 2017
Singer-songwriter Lorrie Morgan likes to say that her whole life is a country song. Her accumulated life experiences have enhanced her finely tuned ability to get inside of the songs she sings. “To reach people, you have to be true to the song,” she says. “You’ve got to be able to live…
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Dear, belligerent bouncer. Your first day, you kept everyone from coming into the club, even though there was no private event. Instead of explaining to people why they were denied, you mean-mugged anyone who walked up and then barked at those waiting to get in, which is when the owners noticed your…
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Every time San Jose rapper Righteous Reg goes to 7-Eleven, he says he fears for his life. In his tracks, the outspoken artist wrangles with his reality of being young and black in a time when the news features men who look like him getting abused and killed on a frequent basis.
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André Jaquez on October 19, 2017
Taiwanese percussionist Ja Hsieh and his newest ensemble, Percussion X, are bringing their latest work, “Pulse,” to De Anza College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. Deploying a wide variety of instruments—including bongos, congas, marimba and chimes—“Pulse” promises to be an impressive display of the power of percussion. Hsieh is known for his…
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Matt Crawford on October 19, 2017
A new breed of underground South Florida rappers has gained mainstream traction while the region also serves as a springboard for a hip-hop festival with global aspirations.
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André Jaquez on October 18, 2017
Walking a tightrope between chaos and cool, Chicago-based indie trio OHMME is like Kate Bush meets PJ Harvey. The avant-garde trio’s new eponymous EP drives femme rock into the 21st century. They play discordant harmonies and their voices compliment each other very well. Their songs range from serious themes like compassion to…
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André Jaquez on October 18, 2017
Brooding and rhyming like a hip-hop Leonard Cohen, Onry Ozzborn comes to San Jose for a cypher showdown. He is one of many Rhymesayer label rappers, such as Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif and Busdriver. Ozzborn’s alternative style is also deeply personal and inventive. The rapper has multiple side projects such as, Grayskul,…
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