Typical show previews on FensePost list upcoming shows throughout the Pacific Northwest, often centered around Seattle. But this one is a bit different, as France’s Cocoon is playing two shows in the states, starting this week. Read More »Cocoon [Show Preview]
Rock Plaza Central fit a comfortable medium between the highly intense and erratic folk of artists like O’Death and modern (and much more sane) artists like Megafaun and David Karsten Daniels. In all cases, these artists push the boundaries of folk and Americana despite maintaining a fairly comfortable lineup of instruments. “Handsome Men”, for example, is packed with fiddle and features an introductory trumpet. It’s backed by crashing cymbals and punchy percussion and a subtle guitar. Read More »Rock Plaza Central: Handsome Men [Track Review & Show Preview]
Any time the words “community” or “family” to a band moniker, one gets the distinct impression that the group is an ever morphing being, consistently and regularly adding people. On one end, a keyword is variation — a live performance could feature a band leader solo or with a few select members. On the other is quantity, noting an expansive collective of individuals. And so it is with Akron/Family; the core of the band is a trio and may, at any time, feature them alone or include a dozen additional guest musicians. Read More »Akron/Family [Show Preview]
Two years ago I met my girlfriend (her name is Andi, too) at the Capitol Hill Block Party, one of Seattle’s many kick-ass local summer festivals. Last year I went again, and it was packed. This year, as much as I hate to say it, I most likely will not go unless I score some press tickets or something awesome along those lines in the next week. It saddens me because Pela will be there, playing tracks off their debut full-length record, Anytown Graffiti. Read More »Pela [Show Preview]
Brett and Rennie Spark have given each other an amazing gift to share on their 20th anniversary of togetherness. As lovers in arms, this eccentric folk duo known as The Handsome Family, have recently released their aptly titled album, Honey Moon. And they are more than happy to share their expressions of fondness for one another, as strange as a fashion as it may be, with audiences anywhere. A grand husband and wife duo far more serious than the Bonos ever were are headed to a stage near you. Read More »The Handsome Family [Show Preview]
Destruction has never been so catchy, as proven by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band in their video for “Cheer For Fate”. The song, as noted in my review of their self titled Dead Oceans LP, the song originated from the group’s debut, Weepy EP. Read More »Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Cheer For Fate [Video]
Kranky is known for putting out great releases that edge toward the avant-garde and the drone-heavy by artists like Deerhunter and Windy & Carl. Their latest release, Tape Chants by Gregg Kowalsky, fits the mold perfectly. In support of Tape Chants, Kowalsky will head out on the road to roam the states and avoid the Pacific Northwest. Read More »Gregg Kowalsky [Tour]
In all honesty, I kind of miss Page France. But Michael Nau’s latest project, Cotton Jones is a more than viable replacement. Filled with a baroque-ish style pop, and dipped in a light coat of psychedelia, Cotton Jones boasts harmony male/female vocals quite unlike Nau’s earlier concoction.
Read More »Cotton Jones [Show Preview] 
Andrew Fenstermaker, FensePost proprietor extraordinaire, has transcended into the glorious world of home ownership. He will now know the joy of backyard BBQs, pulling weeds, and vain attempts at cleaning larger interior square footage (which also means more room for his expanse of records, seen above). Read More »FensePost Has A New Mailing Address
Playing power pop in the vein of Apples in Stereo, or perhaps more so of Teenage Fanclub, I Was A King hits the road later this month in support of their self-titled sophomore release. The Norwegian group will hit the states late this month, kicking the shows off in Chicago and winding across the east coast and circling the states before winding things up here in Seattle. Read More »I Was A King [Show Preview]
