Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Pulse hangs with Set Your Goals at the AP Fall Ball Tour

Hey, Alena here just popping in with another awesome interview! I got an awesome chance to hang with Mike (Drummer), Matt (Vocals), and Dan (Guitar) from the Bay Area pop-punk band Set Your Goals. Their performance at the Fall Ball Tour was INSANE and the guys from the band were really cool to hang with. Check out some of their latest tour stories and the story behind their latest album "This Will Be The Death Of Us" (Epitaph Records).

SET YOUR GOALS Pictures, Images and Photos

TP: So how is everyone doing?
All: Good
Mike: Pumped for the show
Matt: Word, I got my coffee in hand

TP: Did you guys dress up for Halloween?
Matt: Yes we were the Juggalos
Mike: of the Insane Clown Posse

TP: HAHA NICE! Did you guys do anything special? Any parties?
Matt: Haha we tried getting into clubs but had no luck getting in
Dan: But we ate loads of candy

TP: So how’s it been playing with all the other bands on the Fall Ball Tour?
Matt: It’s been good. We love all the guys on tour
Dan: There are a lot of different bands and it brings in a huge crowd. It’s like one big family
Mike: There is just so much energy and the crowds are insane

TP: Who’s the messiest of the 5 on tour
Mike: Joe
Matt: Joe
Dan: Yeah Joe
Matt: Yeah he’s definitely the messiest but we make him clean.

TP: Who has been the best band to tour with so far?
Dan: Fireworks. They are a lot of fun. They have been our friends for a long time.
Mikey: True, New Found Glory and Four Year Strong were awesome as well.
Matt: Yeah we love Fireworks. When we're with them we go insane.

TP: What has bee the best location to visit while on tour?
Matt: Boston definitely
Mike: Chicago
Dan: I think on this tour though, I think we all can agree that the Nashville show was pretty crazy. Sold out and the set was nuts

TP: Any specific bands do you dream of touring with?
Matt: Metallica, The Cure, you know the usual
Mike: Ditto, New Found Glory, and we’ve already gotten to do that!
Dan: Black Sabbath, The Police, there are just so many amazing bands out there we’d love to tour with.

TP: So SYG just released a new album? Any specific inspiration for the title? 
Matt: You know we all had been going through some hard times just at home and stuff. The title just came up and really reflected everything we were going through. If things kept going the way they were, than it would have been “The Death of Us”.  But things turned around and picked up when we switched labels to Epitaph (Dan: Whoot).
Mike: We spent so much time on the record and we are just really proud with the way it came out. Mike Green is the man.
Dan and Matt: WORD!

TP: What can fans expect when they see you play live
Matt: Nothing but a crazy show. Don’t come if you don’t want to go crazy. It’s just full of energy and enthusiasm.
Mike: And don’t forget to sing along
Dan: Definitely
TP: Alright bros thanks for hanging with us and good luck on tonight’s show.  
All: Peace man

Photos from their performance on the AP Tour at the 9:30 Club Washington, DC:


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Pulse's Christmas Wish List

These soon-to-be released and newly released albums are expected to make the BEST stocking stuffers (or Hanukkah gifts, or winter solstice gifts depending on your religion of choice) for you (of course) and your friends. Don't forget to hit up your local record store and pick one of these babies up:

For your parents:
Buffet Hotel - Jimmy Buffet

For the young adults:
Battle Studies - John Mayer
This Is War - 30 Seconds to Mars
Fall be Kind EP - Animal Collective
Butter - Hudson Mohawke

For the teeny-bopper:
Glee - The Music Vol 2 - Glee Cast
The Fame Monster - Lady Gaga
For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert

Seasons Greetings and get ready for your black friday shopping!
Alena (THE Pulse)


Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Kin is going from Nowhere to Somewhere


If your are a fan of Dave Matthews, Howie Day, or The Fray, then be prepared for The Pulse's latest "mashup". The Kin brings back the soul pop music once had as their music grows from it's roots in the land of the Aussies. Australian Brothers, Isaac and Thorry Koren, have been touring the world with their infectious brand of alternative music; melodic with soaring vocals and insightful storytelling, the boys give audiences a true co-led duo experience. After a successful first record, 'Rise & Fall', and a live acoustic EP released back in '08, The Kin released their sophomore album, entitled "THE UPside" in October of 09. They are currently touring some of America's various halls, theaters, and even synagogues as the opening act for folk phenomenon Joshua Radin. For more information check them out at www.thekin.com or www.myspace.com/thekin 


Bur for now, check out their song Animals

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Album Review - Sherwood


I had the pleasure to see Sherwood play at the Fillmore in Detroit with Steel Train, Hellogoodbye, and Hanson. I was impressed by the band’s performing chops and by keyboardist/percussionist Mike Leibovich’s amusing dance moves, including throwing a tambourine up towards the lights.

Despite my positive impression of the band, I had to admit I was skeptical about the timing of their new album. Sometimes bands try to come back to quickly after achieving success, afraid that their fans will leave them for some other new band. However, Sherwood’s new album Qu meets expectations, despite that it only took the Californians two years to write, record, and release.

Qu is happy, cheerful pop music, complete with “woah” choruses and easy going guitar riffs. Don’t get the wrong idea about Sherwood though. They are not (I repeat NOT) just another overproduced alternative pop band. Every single song on this album has enough real instrumentation that you could sing them around a campfire with just an acoustic guitar ß Props go to producer Brad Wood on that one.

Their 2007 effort A Different Light peaked at #30 on the U.S. Top Independent Albums. With all the good press these boys are getting from critics at StereoSubversion (8/10 stars) and the Alternative Press (4/5 stars), I would be surprised if Qu doesn’t do even better


Myspace

Twitter

Official Site

 

Peace.

Emily


Tour:

11/3 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

11/5 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom

11/7 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

11/8 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues

11/10 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Theatre

11/11 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

11/12 – Santa Barbara, CA – The Hub at UCSB