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Show life B2 MONDAY • APRIL 16 • 2007 piiS Concert review DIY rocker promises new album at intimate performance Of music, donuts and Chad Hunt Life Writer As the crowd gathered into Kilby Court last Monday night, no one could have predicted how the two-bill show would have turned out. But everyone left with a renewed love for lo-fi, indie veteran John Vanderslice who came to town with St. Vincent. St. Vincent, better known as multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark (The Polyphonic Spree, Sufjan Stevens tour band), opened up the evening. Clark put together a set of stripped down, raw versions of her music that included "Human Racing" and "Marry Me." She dedicated "Marry Me," which is also the title track of her forthcoming album and debut on Beggar's Banquet due out July 10, to John Vanderslice for inviting her to tour with him. The dedication seemed fitting as the choral lyric "Marry me John" needed no tweaking to make it fit the flattering gesture. Clark, who dawned some kind of vintage school uniform during her performance, surprised the majority of the gathering crowd, who were mostly unfamiliar with the artist. Regradless of the groups unfamiliarity with the music of St. Vincent, Clark gained instant fans with her stark, honest lyrics, sophisticated and sometimes sharp guitar, and her ability to put together an enchanting experience without the help of additional accompaniment. St. Vincent's sound seemed a good compliment and introduction for John Vanderslice. The DIY Io-fi legend came to Salt Lake City this time around playing only with long-time friend and drummer, Dave Douglas. While Vanderslice commanded the show with his guitar and uncanny vocals, Douglas filled out the performance simultaneously commanding the drums, Moog Source (keys), Moog Taurus (bass pedals) and any additional sampling necessary for each song. Still touring on his last release, the twoyear-old Pixel Revolt, Vanderslice promised a new release sometime this summer, which will be followed by a return visit during September. Though sticking primarily to Pixel Revolt during the set playing songs like "Exodus Damage," "Angela" and "Dear Sarah Shu," Vanderslice did venture off supplementing a number of older songs and a couple new tunes, including one called "White Dove." During the show Vanderslice introduced everyone to some tour favorites of his, most notably a box of jelly-filled donuts which was passed around to the crowd and wittily dubbed the "Vanderslice Communion." There were also some "firsts" for a Vanderslice live performance, some planned, others accidental. Courtesy Photo/Chad Hunt Vanderslice playing guitar above, Clark at right. One that was planned, but took an interesting turn, was a beautiful duet with Annie Clark that, due to microphone issues, turned completely acoustic. Others included a guest, a fan named Jason, who had responded to an e-mail soliciting guest vocalists, taking over vocals for one song, kind of like a "Vanderslice Idol," and an acoustic rendition of "Me and My 424" which Vanderslice played out in the middle of the floor, soliciting the crowd to sing along at his direction. The intimate setting and connection Vander- STUDCflT SUflimER WORK f 12-15 bci/e oppl *PT and FT Opening/ *Cu/(omer /ale/ and /ervice TleHiblellour/ * evening and Weekend Shift/ flvoil. slice established with those in attendance turned another visit to Kilby Court into a unique ex- perience. All sparked by Vanderslice's unique ability to connect with an audience, turn near di- sasters into one-of-a-kind opportunities and make everyone at the show feel a part of the performance. Concert review Frontman for The Rocket Summer reveals plans for takeoff of a freak that way," said Avary during the interview. For live performances he puts together a touring band, but he said that he has fun seeing how his songs come out playing with other people. He is now looking to launch The Rocket Summer to even higher heights with a new album, which is due out sometime July. The new record. Do You Feel, will be The Rocket Summerfs first release on Island Def Jam Records. Avary said of the new album, "It's a big step up both musically and lyrically. It's going to be a bigger deal ^than [Hello, Good Friend], or at least I hope so." During his performance that evening Avary gave fans a taste of things to come. He played a couple songs from the new album, including one he said was arranged by Ste- Chad Hunt Life Writer Bryce Avary, better known for his one-man band. The Rocket Summer, took a few minutes out of his current touring schedule to share a few words with The College Times Friday, March 30. Avary, a 24-year-old native out of Fort Worth, Texas, has been heavily involved in creating music in all its aspects since he was 14. Now, with two popular full-length albums and a couple EPs under his belt, Avary has earned a reputation as a staple in the power pop genre. His work ethic is relentless, writing, composing, producing and performing all instrumentation and vocal work for all of his studio albums. "I really love making records, playing all the instruments because I'm kind vie Wonden's horn section. The young singer/songwriter doesni't rely solely on his records to get his band heard around the world. Avary is also a relentless performer, spending most of his time on the road in support of his music. He opened up a little bit about living on tour with his wife. "Right now we don't really have a place. Iti's just not worth throwing money into an apartment or house we'll never actually live in. We're only home a few weeks out of the year, and if there's a big break it's usually to record." This hasni't slowed down his desire to get out and connect with fans. The Rocket Summer will finish out their current tour with The Early November, after which they have plans to tour throughout the spring and also play select shows in support of Do You Fee! in August. *flo Enperience fleee//ary« Exten/ive Training Provided *AII major/ fllay flpply •Jome Inlern/hip/ and Corporate Scholar/hip/ flvail. . . / • • • : ; • : " # ; • ' • • • • • # ( • > ; ; : • - : • ' . • % *flo Door to Door or Telephone Sale/ Interview now. /tort after final/ Proro 801126-5515 CDn. ID 408-667-6071 UJallolOallQ 509-525-9190 Boi/e 208-544-5700 loGrande 541-962-0462 a Fire WHer. 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