Seven Watt Media: May 2010

I took an impulsive trip to Chicago last weekend, not only to visit some great friends out there, but to catch a tour that I just so happen to be out of town for next month in NYC. This tour features two of my favorite bands, including a band from Arizona that I have been championing for years, What Laura Says as well as the never-fail-amazing-live-set band Annuals.

What Laura Says released their debut full-length, Thinks and Feels on Terpsikhore, a label run by members of Annuals after meeting each other by playing together in Phoenix. They are set to release their latest album, Bloomcheek on June 8th and are touring with Annuals across the country as we speak. The buzz for this band is tangible, and the record itself speaks volumes to their talent, capturing the energy of their much-talked-about live performance and connecting the dots in an outstanding way.

As for Annuals, there was one point in my life where I remember saying that if I could only see one band live the rest of my life, it would be them, and gosh darnit, that's still holds pretty true. They seem to have a new show every time, and as you'll see in the "intro" video, they've added even more live elements on top of what's going on musically on stage. I was fortunate to catch my favorite song, "Brother", which you'll see below. Unforunately the venue was pretty dark, but the sound turned out really well and I think you get the idea :)

It's shows like this where I step band and think how fortunate I am to do what I do, as a fan or otherwise. I am supremely geeked out for the music What Laura Says is about to unleash on the world and for the example that Annuals has set for live bands everywhere. It just plain feels good.

What Laura Says "On the Fence" (new song!)