Reporter, Wampire, Arohan and Linger & Quiet are coming together for a majorly dance-worthy ladies night at Branx. Some of Portland’s most radical indie-influential dance music will go hard at one of the best venues in town.
Reporter are more than on top of their game. The trio has risen to the ranks of national fame in the past couple of years with their signature dance-rock, party-ready tunes. The group fuses synths, live drums, drum samples, live guitars and bass into a sound that is sometimes tough to put a finger on. Its brand of music is best defined as beyond awesome.
With their 2010 release “Time Incredible,” Reporter will definitely hold their own for many years to come. Seeing them live is definitely an awe-inspiring workout, however, listening to them in a pair of headphones while you ride your single–speed bike evokes many of the same emotions. It’s proven that there is no reason a studio record cannot have the same vibes, juice and thrill that a live show provides. Recorded by the band themselves in their own studio, Reporter’s entire album delivers provocative jam after jam with tracks like “Geronimo’s Bones” shining so bright you could catch a sun tan merely listening to them. A beaming-yet-light drumbeat kicks off a somewhat-mellow vibe. A gently strummed guitar gets the body moving. Feminine, haunting vocals arrive just when the listener is about to burst. And then with little warning, the bass drum and a chilling lead kick in—you’re full-on rocking by now.
When you’re not busy rocking out to their heavy jams, you can get a taste of gravy-and-cheese-curd-laden fries at drummer Mike McKinnon’s extra spectacular food cart Potato Champion in the Cartopia cluster at Southeast 12th Avenue and Hawthorne. Mike and Alberta serve the fries up hot when they’re not busy touring the country.
Be sure to catch a live show so their smoke machine can blast you while you dance your heart out. Watch out for Reporter this summer, they will most assuredly deliver.
Wampire has been gaining momentum in Pacific Northwest area in the last year or so, playing tons of shows and even appearing in an episode of “Into the Woods TV” in January 2010. Their indie, somewhat dance-oriented sound is great for listeners of bands like Arcade Fire, The National and Beach House.
Arohan, known by many as Taylor Gehrts, continues to remain a key player in Portland’s electronic music scene. Recording music for over ten years, there’s almost always something coming out of his studio. His sound is driven by everything from vintage analog synths to current hi-tech methods. At times the sounds are almost truly experimental, but it’s easy to forget while swinging to the always-present groove of every track Gehrts lays down.
The recently released solo-debut “Going” from local all-cassette-tape label Sweating Tapes is definitely one to watch out for. Taylor
combines everything from gritty minimal techno sounds to very acid-drenched basses on a barrage of thoughtful and easily danceable tracks. Pick up the companion “Going (the Remixes)” to experience some wondrous reinterpretations of some of Arohan’s finest works.
Linger & Quiet are definitely Portland’s number one DJ duo. They play every record under the sun from groups and bands so cool your favorite blog hasn’t even written about them yet. Their monthly party “Nightclubbing” has hosted great acts like the local Miracles Club to dance music mega-giant Glass Candy. Check www.nightclubbingparty.com for reviews of previous shows and updates for their next party. If you’re in the mood for listening, tons and tons of great DJ mixes can be found on their podcast website at www.lingerandquiet.com.
Get your tight clothes ready, cause the show goes off tonight. Cover is clearly stated as being $7 for dudes and $3 for girls or dudes dressed in drag. 9 p.m., Branx, 21 and older only. ?