Ten genres + ten local bands = one great Christmas present

[2 Comment(s)]

By Kaiya Morrison

Major national stores might seem like the easiest way to buy Christmas presents, but nothing feels better than when you support local merchants. If you’re looking for a good gift for a friend or family member who is a music fan, then consider keeping it local by checking out the wide variety of local talent who are recording and distributing albums right here in town.

Below are ten local bands with albums currently for sale. Rather than doing this as a “best-of” list, each of the bands selected represent a different style of music. This list is just a starting point, however, so make sure to try and explore on your own, too.

Instrumental

Man Plus Building

Creating buzz as an instrumental band is no easy task. However, in less than a year, Man Plus Building has built a major name in local music with their debut album “Because My Name Is Lion,” recorded locally by Fred Weaver at Apocalypse the Apocalypse. Members Jesse Kees (guitar), Rory Ventress (guitar), Mitch Wells (bass), and Joshua Nee (drums), built a sort of living soundtrack, which can be enjoyed by those of all different kinds of musical tastes. The album can be purchased online at www.digstation.com, or you can contact the band directly on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/manplusbuilding.

Folk

Secret Annexe

With seven members, Secret Annexe is in no short supply of stage presence, and their recordings are no less impressive. With enough members to form a sports team, Secret Annexe has a much lighter spirit about them than the name denotes. The band’s latest album, “Seven Headed Monster,” has more pop elements than the debut album, which was released in 2005 and has a more pure folk aesthetic. However, the continued combination of guitars, keyboards, and the viola ground the band with a strong folk background. Essentially, “Seven Headed Monster” has more of an indie approach than their previous album, which shows the diversity of the band and willingness to evolve. Certainly, this is one album that will appeal to a mass audience, but stays away from watered-down mainstream rock. You can purchase a copy of “Seven Headed Monster at The Compact Disc store on Jefferson Hwy, online at www.cdbaby.com and www.itunes.com, or you can contact the band directly on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/secretannexe.

Celtic Punk

No Fuego

Bagpipes. Now there’s an instrument you won’t see too often around Baton Rouge. That is, of course, unless you’ve heard of No Fuego, which formed as a band four years ago and includes members Ty Moore (drums), Shawn Lee (lead vocals, guitar), Remy Barthe (guitar), Greg Allen (bass), and Marshall Pounds (bagpipes). Infusing the hard rifs found in punk with the celtic twinge of bagpipes, No Fuego has a niche all their own in the local music scene. The band’s debut full-length album, “Always Outnumbered,” was released in the Spring of 2007. Since then the band released a split in January 2008 with the Atlanta-based punk band, Bastard Suns. You can find copies of both albums online at www.cdbaby.com, or you can contact the band directly on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/nofuego.

Ska fusion

6 Pack Deep

From bagpipes to brass, if you like things fast, but not quite as punk rock, then you will enjoy 6 Pack Deep, a ska fusion band with an emphasis on simply having a good time and enjoying life. The band has changed members a few times through out its history, but is solidified now with members Lyle Robelot (vocals, trombone), Aaron Triche (trumpet), Geoff Grice (trombone), Allen Wheless (tenor sax), Dustin Smith (guitar), Jason Campisi (bass), and Jeff Fountain (drums). 6 Pack Deep’s new full-length album, “Wake Up!” was recorded at Cypress Mill Studio by Mike Broussard, was mixed by Ron St. Germain (311, Tool, Soundgarden, Muse), and was released in late 2007. The result is an album that is a must addition to a party mix. You can purchase “Wake Up!” online at www.cdbaby.com, or you can contact the band directly on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/6packdeep.

Melodic hard rock

Maven

I was starting to wonder if the debut album for Maven would ever come to fruition. The album, “Truth and Lies, Fact and Fiction,” was recorded locally by Rhett Mouton, and was delayed more times than I can even remember. Throughout that time the band underwent changes, which included two new member. The two constant and founding members, Joe Glass (vocals, guitar) and Justin “Tweezy” Snyder (bass), had to deal with a multitude of factors that lead to the delay of the release. Maven now includes Brandon Knutson (drums) and a second guitar player, Micah Yglesias, was added to make the band a four-piece for the first time, but neither members are featured on the album. “Truth and Lies, Fact and Fiction” will be a favorite for fans of 90’s rock. Maven is probably best described as having the hook of pop, but the heart of hard rock. You can purchase a copy of the album online at www.districtlines.com, or you can contact the band directly on MySpace at www.myspace.com/mavenband.

Indie pop rock

Baak Gwai

Pop isn’t a dirty word, and Baak Gwai isn’t always a local band. Ok, scratch that. They’re technically not a local band at all. However, they have added Baton Rouge-native Adam Planche (guitar), who still lives in the city, and are signed with the local label Decimal Records, so they’re local enough in my opinion. The other three members of the band, John Snowden (lead vocals, guitar), Adam Pate (bass), and Chris Zeiler (drums) live in Tuscaloosa, where the band was originally formed. Now planting strong roots in Baton Rouge, Baak Gwai’s music includes all the elements of a pop song, but has a raw intensity that is pure indie. While the music is self-deprecating and raunchy at time, it’s done in fun-loving way. Yeah, I know that doesn’t make much sense, but you’re just going to have to trust me on this one. Baak Gwai just released a new full-length album, “Finding a Stranger in the Alps,” which can be purchased online at www.emusic.com, or you can contact the band directly on MySpace at www.myspace.com/baakgwai.

Heavy Metal

Thou

Metal isn’t everyone’s cup-of-tea, and true metal fits with even less. However, if you know someone with a true love for metal and hard rock, then you want to introduce them to Thou immediately. The band’s new LP, “Peasant (Autopsy Kitchen),” was released this year and has been catching a good bit of attention. What sets Thou apart is that they are not “meathead” metal (you like that term? I just made it up). The lyrics, although difficult to understand at times, are thinking-man lyrics. The deep, thought provoking, high energy tunes are a good reminder of the days when metal had an actual story to tell. You can purchase a copy of “Peasant” at www.level-plane.com, or you can contact the band directly on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/thouband.

Industrial / Electronic

Torrent Vaccine

The Industrial and electronic scene in Baton Rouge seemed all but dead just a few years ago, but focus has been brought back with The Industry, a Friday night event that features electronic and industrial music held at The L Bar. Local favorite, Torrent Vaccine is just one man, Brad Vaccine, but his new album rivals in power any five-piece band. The fourteen-track album, “Tentative Response,” was released this past summer by Bit Riot Records. Also contributing to the album are Jeff Dodson and was mastered by Steven Seibold (Hate Department, Uniform Media). The dynamic album puts to rest any preconceived notions one might have about electronic music. You can purchase a copy of “Tentative Response” on www.cdbaby.com, or at www.bitriotrecords.com. You can also find Torrent Vaccine on MySpace at www.myspace.com/torrentvaccine.

Rap / Hip Hop

Foxx

If you’re a live music junkie, then you might fail to realize that Baton Rouge actually has a strong and thriving rap and hip hop scene. At the forefront is Trill Entertainment, a local label who’s claim to fame are artists such as Lil’ Boosie and Webbie. Also signed with the label is Foxx, born as Jonathan Reed. Foxx’s debut album, “Street Gossip,” was released in late 2007. However, it was the single “Wipe Me Down” that truly thrust Foxx into the national spotlight. The track was remixed by Lil’ Boosie and was featured on his “Survival of the Fittest album, which is also in stores. The track landed Foxx on the charts for the first time, but that’s not to undercut his debut album. Now thrust into the national spotlight, Foxx is sure to find an even bigger hit with his next album, which is soon to be released. You can purchase “Street Gossip” online at www.amazone.com or www.cduniverse.com, or you can contact him directly on MySpace at www.myspace.com/foxxamillion.

Blues

Chris Thomas King

Unless you’re a fan of the blues, you might not recognize his name unless referenced to his acting career. Known best for his role in “O Brother Where Art Thou?” and “Ray,” Chris Thomas King is one of the most accomplished Blues musicians to come from Baton Rouge. King has sold over 10 million records, won “Album of the Year” for both the Grammy and Country Music Awards, and formed his own label, 21st Century Blues Records. Set with his new album, “Live on Beale Street,” which was released this year, King proves that the blues only get better over time. More than likely you’ve figured out by now that the album can be purchased through traditional retail outlets, including online stores such as www.Amazon.com. You can learn more about Chris Thomas King by visiting his website at www.christhomasking.com.

Originally Published: Issue 713 - November 19, 2008

Share on Facebook

Back to the top