It’s almost the end of winter, so artists are coming out – literally. Sia and Missy Higgins recently joined our queer music canon, and out guitarist Kaki King is releasing her new album, Dreaming of Revenge, this month (look for an interview with her soon). In this edition of Sound Check, I review Sia’s live show as well as new releases from punk rockers the Shondes and folksinger Ellis.
Live Onstage
Australian singer-songwriter Sia (pictured left) was in Chicago for two days during her tour in support of her latest album, Some People Have Real Problems. She stopped at Borders bookstore on Feb. 28 for an in-store performance, donning a long, men’s style button-down shirt and rainbow scarf that a fan had given her a few nights prior.
“Does anyone need anything?” she cheerily asked the crowd, who remained seated on the floor for Sia’s mellow set. Even with a full band, her music is low-key pop, but it’s through live performance that her vocals are best experienced. Her smooth voice flew flawlessly from note to note, and her runs rivaled those of any jazz or soul songstress.
Sia started her set with “Little Black Sandals,” a groovy, repetitive song about walking away from a tired old romance, and ended with “Breathe Me,” the hit single from her previous album, Lady Croissant. With time for only a handful of tracks, Sia obliged an audience member with a request by telling him she’d play it at her concert the following night, promising it would be much more dramatic in a larger, dark venue.
Nonetheless, the audience was pleased with what they received for free in the downtown bookstore, and they lined up eagerly to get their CDs signed and photos taken with Sia.
Later that night and across town, Le Tigre offshoot MEN were deejaying at Sonotheque. Hoping for a performance of some kind, attendees were disappointed by the lack of anything more than a sighting of J.D. Samson and Johanna Fateman. They wandered in and out of the DJ booth, playing hits from the 1990s like “Tootsie Roll” and some mainstream hip-hop, but failed to do much more.
J.D. Samson (left) and Johanna Fateman of MEN
Samson, who also deejays solo as DJ J.D., has been rumored to be Sia’s love interest, but there was no sighting of Sia at the show even though she was in town on the same night.
Releases Reviewed
Queer quartet the Shondes have a Jewish edge to their dark punk rock, and though that might sound odd, it actually works. On the band’s debut album, The Red Sea, they sing political songs about New York City and their home borough of Brooklyn, as well as about high expectations for love and life. Fans of Sleater-Kinney will swoon over the Shondes, especially with vocalist Louisa Solomon’s Corin Tucker—like croons about socially conscious living.
The violin on songs such as “Your Monster” gives an extra punch to the art pieces, and The Red Sea is an album that, despite its innate queerness and feminist, riot-grrl leanings, could surely cross over into other areas of indie rock. Luckily, those factors are an added bonus for queers who enjoy radical punk rock.
Canadian group iblamerobot definitely have a robotic element to the tracks on their self-titled EP. Fronted by lesbian Stephanie Noel, the guitar and electronics mix with the drum machine in a staccato and hard-hitting force. Unfortunately, songs such as “We Met Eyes” aren’t interesting enough to stand out from other songs by similar bands in the genre.
iblamerobot
“You’re Just a Boy in a Dress” isn’t necessarily awful, but the gender identity lyrical content is what makes it listenable once. Noel’s singing is reminiscent of Nicky Click’s rhyming and Kelly’s viral hit “Shoes.” If you’re a fan of irony, you might become a fan of iblamerobot, but if you’re seeking songs for your playlist, you probably won’t be adding this EP to your iPod.
Now a Minneapolis resident by way of Texas, Ellis‘ voice is ideal for the kind of folk she sings. Her new album, Break the Spell, is full of positive songs about accepting and living through change. She has a nice, clean-sounding voice, especially on songs like “Before You Leave,” and her music pleasantly retains some of her Texan background with a tiny bit of twang, giving her an edge on her competition.
Break the Spell is Ellis’ sixth album, so she knows what works for her and what doesn’t. Her fans will likely purchase the album for the uplifting, Buddhist-inspired tracks about embracing challenges. However, those not into folky, poetic pieces might not find her lyrics – such as “Every sky is a memory” and “Caution, listen for red lights” – as inspiring.
News and Notes
In mid-March, Austin, Texas, turns into a music madhouse with the South by Southwest Music Festival. Among the lesbian and bisexual musicians playing the festival March 12—16 are Kaki King, Girl in a Coma, the Blow, Von Iva, Mika Miko, New Bloods, Uh Huh Her, the Cliks, Dynasty Handbag, Paradise Island, Sia, Swati, Bound Stems, MEN and Midtown Dickens.
Sarah Bettens has announced the U.S. release of her new album, Shine. Fans can find it in stores on May 13. Her video for the single “Daddy’s Gun” has been in the top 10 of Logo’s Click List for several weeks.
Watch the video for “Daddy’s Gun”:
Returning to her original moniker, Bitch (briefly known as Capital b) will release an EP this spring with her band, the Exciting Conclusion, on her new record label, Short Story Records.
Tila Tequila has released a video for her song “Stripper Friends.” The bisexual pop and reality television star keeps up her bi tricks in the vid, getting a lap dance from a stripper and making out with a guy outside the club.
The Gossip will release their CD and DVD, Gossip: Live in Liverpool, on April 15.
New York band Triple Creme have announced they will split up after an April 4 show at Brooklyn’s Southpaw. The amicable parting has produced two new bands featuring former members, Luff and big, that will also play at Southpaw.
On Tour This Month: Sia, MEN, Antigone Rising and Yo Majesty.
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