Roundup Rodeo

So it's been all quiet on the blog front of late and I can only apologise. This post might be a little late but here's Kiki vs Everyone's brief round up of 2010:

Slam Dunk Special: Moneen

It can't be easy being the opening act for the phenomenal Rx Bandits, but Canadians Moneen do it effortlessly. throwing themselves (literally!) into a passionate performance night after night. Leaping through songs like 'The Passing Of America', 'Don't Ever Tell Locke What He Can't Do' and 'Believe' from the new record makes for a classic show. The band's frenzied, energetic stage presence combined melodic harmonies and melodramatic tunes sees them sure to be one of the highlights of this weekend's Slam Dunk festivals.

Moneen play the Jagermeister stage at Slam Dunk South at 4.20pm and the Atticus stage Slam Dunk North at  4.15pm.

The album 'The World I Want to Leave Behind' came out in March and they continue on with Rx Bandits on a European tour in June. Check their Myspace for more details. 

Click here to check out more photos from their recent shows at Southampton Joiners & Bristol Fleece.

Slam Dunk Special: Stage Times

 

For all you lucky people out there going to Slam Dunk Festival in the UK this weekend here are the all important stage times so you can plan your day ahead and not miss out on any of the bands you want to see:

RX Bandits - Mandala

RX Bandits? One word. Evolution!


Evolving from the ska-influenced ‘Halfway Between Here and There’ back in ‘99, weathering the Drive Thru storm and, come 2009, morphing into a genre-defying behemoth of a band with their fifth studio album, ‘Mandala’.

While many bands' sounds remain stagnant and others try to force a new musical direction (*ahemBrandNewahem*), RX Bandits have made an effortless progression into the alt-rock arena including epic six minute masterpieces ‘Bring Our Children Home’ and ‘Bled To Be Free’.

If you thought they reached their pinnacle with third album, ‘The Resignation’, you'd be gravely mistaken. 'Mandala’ reaches even greater heights and cements them at the top of their game. Truly an album by music lovers for music lovers, with beautifully constructed, lovingly thought-out and perfectly arranged songs. To fleetingly skip through these would be nothing less than sacrilege.

Despite ten years worth of change, Matt Embree has remained the band's constant in every sense, vocally anchoring the music through Mandala's frequently shifting time sequences (hear 'Hope is a Butterfly, No Net it's Captor...') and languages ('Mientras La Veo Sonar).

If only more bands could be as brave, original and absolute master musicians (their talent even more clearly demonstrated live on stage).

From start to finish, ‘Mandala’ is polished and inspirational.

 

RX Bandits: Mandala

2009 Sargent House Records

Also check out: Love You Moon & The Sound of Animals Fighting

(special thanks to Darren for the spice)