Clap Your Hands Say Yeah brought their self-titled debut album to life at The Independent in San Francisco this week—and gave the kind of performance that felt handmade in all the best ways. by DAVID RABKINContinue Reading

For a few hours on a Saturday night, everything was alright. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats brought their signature energy to San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, delivering a show fit for a stadium. The band, known for their mix of soul, rock, and blues, oozed comfort, skill, and musicality. Rateliffe commanded the stage...Continue Reading

On an overcast evening late in summer, music enthusiasts in Berkeley were treated to a spectacular show at the iconic Greek Theatre. Young the Giant joined forces with the German sensation Milky Chance and opener Rosa Linn. The result was a captivating performance that exhilarated the audience and proved once again the power of live...Continue Reading

As the sun illuminated downtown Napa, a warm glow came over the Oxbow River Stage — the first Golden States Music Festival was underway. Curated by Tycho and thrown by Another Planet Entertainment, the crowd trickled in with great anticipation. With the strong lineup, the stage was set for a day-long dance party.Continue Reading

Avey Tare (David Michael Portner of Animal Collective) has been releasing solo music for over a decade. His work mixes the digital and modern with the immediate and personal. Covid led to isolation for Dave just as it did for so many others. This meant collaboration was impossible or full of complex planning so it...Continue Reading

Seeing Lucero at The Fillmore was like going to see your friend’s band at a backyard house party with top shelf production. Good, old fashioned rock and roll, with minimal pretension and great sound and lighting.Continue Reading

Porcupine Tree played 2.5 hours of music in 2 sets at The Masonic, showcasing a big slice of their 20+ year catalog. This may be Porcupine Tree’s last album and their final tour.Continue Reading

Hanson at The Fillmore was still great after all these years. The first concert I ever went to was Hanson in 1998 at the Shoreline Amphitheater. My inner fangirl came out last night, 24 years after the first time I saw them. I was so elated. The show was an exhilarating mix of the nostalgic...Continue Reading

The sold-out Neal Francis show at The Independent was filled with driving bass and drums, extended jams, and blistering solos. The essence of 70s American bands is alive and well. At its core, great musicians playing great music that feels fresh and alive, that makes you want to dance. Alternating between a big sound and...Continue Reading

Way José sounds equally familiar and strange. An eclectic mix of the past, it melds motifs from 60s folk, R&B, funk, and shamanistic world music. Each song is different. One’s subdued, yet still intense and introspective, then another funkier and grooving. Way José is the solo recording project of the producer/multi-instrumentalist Daniel DeMento (also of...Continue Reading