#FREEWEEZY TALK & MIXTAPE RANKS [DIVE BLOG]

I'm not one to usually post stuff that I did elsewhere but I had a good time writing this and thought that my constituency might enjoy it. Check it at the Daily Tar Heel Dive Blog.

[FREE] Dive Party @ Local 506 4/9

impressive local acts showcased by Dive

The Diversions section of the Daily Tar Heel, the UNC student publication, are throwing the biggest, most economically feasible bash that Chapel Hill has seen since last Dive Party [December 9th]. I'm not familiar with these acts at all but these videos have really gotten me excited for the concert. Opener Jason Kutchama is the lead singer of Red Collar, local band that put out an impressive album in 2009. The Dirty Little Heaters are "Pound For Pound The Heaviest Band In The Area" but produce some great tunes behind Reese McHenry's great voice. The Beast is a jazz/hip-hop influenced band who utilize a stand up bass, an awesome experimental group that have struck gold with their fusion of the two genres. Luego seems to be a band comprised of local accomplished solo artists who make some great soft alternative, blues-infused tunes.

Take a listen to the bands, come out to the show. It would mean a lot to our editor who has put all this together flawlessly. He's lassoed a great lineup, that is sure to leave those in attendance, in a musical frenzy.

If you're not convinced yet, the new MGMT album Congratulations will be playing in between sets. A first listen to it before it comes out next Tuesday, April 13th. A few copies of Congratulations will be raffled off as well.

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LUEGO - BIENVENIDOS/CARRY THE LOAD

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THE BEAST - FREEDOM

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THE DIRTY LITTLE HEATERS - DETROIT

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JASON KUTCHAMA - TONIGHT

First Published Music Review in the Daily Tar Heel

|:| Review of Proud Simon's new EP Anchors Aweigh  |:|

If Rascal Flatts took a cue from the indie world and stepped out of their cowboy boots, they might sound something like Brooklyn’s Proud Simon.

The supple vocals on Anchors Aweigh are orthodox Americana — no wailing, no rapping, just sinuous lyrics from the heartland that waver between decent and sub-par. The five-song EP seems to veer towards experimentation, only to end up consistently mediocre.

Generic drum rhythms beat alongside effortless guitar and barely noticeable keyboards, creating an unengaging sound. There are incompatible guest appearances by pedal steel and harmonica, a country element that calls into question exactly which direction the band was trying to go.

The final track “Time Capsule” arouses from the boring slumber with poignant rapping drums and a bulging bass line. The song carves out a clean, distinctive sound that shames the rest of the bland EP.

But for the most part Anchors Aweigh makes it seem as if Proud Simon took a Paint-by-Numbers course in soft rock. With vocals, guitar, and drums composed according to a preset template, this EP feels like re-heated leftovers. It’s an unoriginal effort that pales in comparison to livelier pop fare.

I am new to the Diversions desk and this is the first assignment I was given. The Diversions desk is the section of The Daily Tar Heel that covers music, movies, and arts while focusing more on the Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Durham region. The section is published every Thursday and is full of good articles and reviews every week. DTH Diversions also has a blog.