Feist, Seu Jorge, Melt Banana, The Veils
FEIST
What is it that attracts us to Ms. Leslie Feist? Is it her looks? Her voice? Her Parisian flavor with a touch of Canadian heart? Whatever the reason, the allure to the music of Feist constantly changes like every inflection that passes through her lips as she sings. Though she may roll her eyes and kindly smile at the notion of being something of a buzz among the indie music scene (and now breaking into the mainstream with a slot on the Billboard charts for her new album The Reminder), Feist must certainly marvel at the attention that has been lavished upon her. From her work with artists such as Broken Social Scene and dear friend Peaches, Feist became sort of the girl next door — you knew about her but never knew the whole story. The Reminder continues the tale of Feist, but it’s a tale that some may find already familiar. (Appearing with Grizzly Bear at the Vic on June 19) –text: Chris Castaneda
SEU JORGE
Seu Jorge’s deep raspy voice over playful guitar would sound just as welcome on the beaches of Rio as in an underwater research center with Steve Zissou. Best known this side of the equator for his delightful, heartfelt David Bowie covers and roles in The Life Aquatic and City of God, Mister Jorge won’t let it stay that way for long. His 2005 international debut and second solo album Cru (Wrasse Records) touches lightheartedly on everything from sweet love songs to the pandemic of breast implants in his native Brazil. “I will never make a cerebral or intellectual record,” Jorge says. “I make records for the people to touch their hearts.” The acoustic guitar is his favorite accompaniment, while percussion and light electronics produce hip hop and samba-style beats. Currently recording Brasil America, fans looking for more will likely get a sneak peek at his special Chicago appearance this month. (Appearing with Cesária Évora at Ravinia on June 17) –text: Justine Reisinger–photo: Jorge Camarotti
MELT BANANA
For a band with over 30 releases in its 15 years of existence, Melt Banana certainly don’t seem to be losing any steam. The band’s continuous musical onslaught, including splits with legends of loud and abrasive music such as Discordance Axis and Merzbow, has won this Tokyo group praise across the world. Melt Banana’s ferocious live show, occasionally featuring Dave Witte on drums, cements the belief that they may very well be the best ‘noise rock’ band in the world. It has gotten to the point where wild rumors have started to spread about their live show, most notably speculation that guitar player Agata has a disease due to the surgical mask he wears. Melt Banana is a band that will make you believe their hype — and if you can’t feed off the energy from their live shows, you may not have a pulse. (Appearing with Cheer Accident and Locks at Abbey Pub on June 21) –text: Hal Conick–photo: Spex
THE VEILS
With a new band and new LP release, The Veils are revitalized and ready to hit the States. After breaking away from his former band, singer/songwriter/guitarist Finn Andrews retreated to his childhood home in New Zealand to write his latest creation, Nux Vomica. After rounding up former classmates Sophia Burn and Liam Gerrard on bass and drums — along with Dan Raishbrook and Henning Dietz on guitar and drums — The Veils return with a sound even more gargantuan than before. Nux Vomica is a staggering composition rich with soulful jazz, folk sentiment, brash melodies, angelic harmonies and pervasive lyrics which linger long after the listening is through. Andrews’ sultry screams only intensify the immense emotion conveyed through his aggressive and biting wit. While each instrument is crisp and discernable, the atmosphere created by The Veils is a uniquely hypnotic and amalgamated entity. (Appearing with The Saturday Nights at Empty Bottle on June 17) –text: Amy Kaufman
