Canyon Lake Music and Arts Festival 2012 - 80 Proof

Spending time with these cats was insanity! From the campfire acoustic sessions, to their onstage presence. They are truly a Reggae/Punk band....they are the bastard children of the Sublime movement, this is the kind of band you listen to when you're surrounded by those you love the most, bbq'ing, sitting around the campfire, making love to your old lady (Better than the Lovage album I cherish so much!)

The ingredients that make up this amazing dish of reggae/punk/Sublime like dessert: 

Evan Manriquez - Vocals
Daniel Cooper - Vocals/Guitar
Joel Catello - Guitar
Aubrey Rivera - Bass
Sean Fleming - Drums
Alex Williamson - Keys/Percussion

It can only be described as being reborn. Music that makes your feet move, your heart beat to the sounds, the blood flowing through your body keeping perfect rhythm, hips moving, sensuality, nothing compares to this band. 

Yeah they sound like Sublime, maybe 311........but I think one of these cats was spawned from the loins of Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Bradley Nowell and Rita Marley. Goosebumps spread over my flesh sitting here in this swank coffee shop. I can't get enough, I'm hooked. They are the heroin I am the junkie. And I am OK with this.

Favorite tracks? #2 Vixen #4 Got UR # #5 Medicine and  #6 Joe Rogan

Inspiring. Relaxing. Addictive. I love the reggae beats, the true nature of their sound and their overall personalities. Sitting around the campfire on a cool Saturday night, Alex joined us for an acoustic jam session with Riley from Raina- Fire on guitar he flowed out an unforgettable song. These kids enjoy what they do. 

After 13 hours on the road from LA to get to Canyon Lake Campgrounds, they were in good spirits. After being ass tagged by a drunk driver, they were still in good humor. I had the honor of being a part of this weekend festival, so much talent, cute guys and a few cute girls. Evan, Alex and the rest of the crew proved to be the sound of the future.

If you ever had a reason to buy a CD this would be it. I can't wait until I hear their music on the radio, crank it up and dance shoeless in the grass. Thoughts, memories of those 2 days making me smile. I am forever addicted. Dont ever stop doing what you love! 

80 Proof! Be my heroin. Worth traveling for. 

http://www.facebook.com/80proofmusic

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744594270/80-proof-full-length-album

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Festival 2012 - BirdCity

Two words come to mind when I think of BirdCity....

FUCKING RAD. 

Like a rare vintage wine, BirdCity brings a little Me First and the Gimme Gimme's to the table, and for those of you who know local band Carolines Spine, Loki brings that sound, the one you dream about. The one that makes you feel like you're in a scene from a Midsummers Night. THIS is the soundtrack for your dreams.

Forget Rick Flair and Nature boy, BirdCity is the only Flair that matters. Proud of their hometown, Phoenix, AZ, Birdcity represents everything that is RIGHT with local music. Fresh. 

I love the way they pull off the classic rock songs, hitting notes and beats that would make Jim Morrison tap his foot. You can't label their sound. They aren't punk, adult alternative, they aren't even rock. They will go down in history as being in a genre all their own. Legends in their own right.

Standing in the grass at the Canyon Lake Music and Arts fest, I realized that my feet were planted firmly, eyes closed, letting the sounds seep into my soul washing away my worries and giving me a chance to be a part of something much bigger. 

The sounds from Bird City gently stroking my ear drums, Loki singing his rendition of Awolnations Sail, I was transformed. Music feeds the soul, and I have a fat kid soul. Beautiful. Fresh. Heart thumping. Unbridled. 

Worth a listen. But only because Bird City is FUCKING RAD. 

 

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Fesitval 2012 - Libertine Social

When I listen to a band, I won't be like the anal retentive Driver's License dude checking you off for drifting around a corner. No. You will get my experience, how the music made me feel and if I felt it was worthy of actually writing about. 

Libertine Social, I had the pleasure of doing an acoustic jam the night before they played the Team Trick Canyon Music Fest, with these cats. A voice to serenade you on a cool night in October, the water lapping as they started playing. Eric started singing....and the rest just fell into place. The peaceful night was softly filled with the melodies of an amazing acoustic guitar, and a Bougarabou or better known as the conga...there is an enigmatic sense of being serenaded. Exuding a genuine vibe, they guys are just as down to earth as their music. 

Eric's voice is beautiful. Caressing your ears....playfully teasing you....

Don't believe me? You can become entranced by checking out their ReverbNation or Facebook pages.....You will thank me later.

http://www.reverbnation.com/libertinesocial

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Libertine-Social/292024154237821

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Festival 2012 - Radio Box

The collab on this band is insane. There are really only a few words I can use to define who they are, what they sounded like and well lets be honest, the talent in this group....

6 String bass? Check. 

Fearless sound? Check. 

Lets take a minute and do some Sci-fi low fi DNA mixing. Take 7 Mary 3, The Ramones, The  NY Dolls, The Misfits, with a sprinkle of Five Finger Death punch and bake at 500 degrees, serve with a side of toe tingling, finger gripping sounds and you get Radiobox. 

I enjoyed the sound, the stage presence but most importantly the sound and of course the 6 string bass (seriously fucking awesome!) the ambiance of the entire experience was worth listening to. My fave song out of the set? Someone Else Than me. 

You can cop their tunes on their ReverbNation site http://www.reverbnation.com/radiobox

Or check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/radioboxband

The after hours acoustic jam was even better. I was able to spend time getting to know Mike, feel his personality out, and enjoy his voice. 

Mike Engelhardt - Lead Vocals

Alfred Trujillo - Lead Guitar

Hans Homberg - Drums

Bruce Goode - Bass