indie rock

Ra Ra Riot delivers a long-awaited show at The Westcott
By Ana Barbu
April 8, 2011 - 12:03am
Review: Hometown heroes and SU alums provide a top-level performance Thursday while reminiscing a bit about how it all started.

A full house of college-aged students and Syracuse locals played a game of patience. They waited to see Ra Ra Riot's performance for nearly three hours after The Westcott Theater doors opened last night, but the group's passionate and energetic delivery of a wholesome setlist, lasting a little over an hour, was well worth the wait.

SXSW '11: Music fest is big, loud and (sometimes) tiring
By Seth Sommerfeld
April 6, 2011 - 5:21pm
Otto-Tune music blogger Seth Sommerfield breaks down the annual Austin, Texas, music event's best sets, breakout bands and acts coming soon to CNY.

If one word could describe SXSW it would be “exhausting,” but in a very, very awesome way. 

For of four days, Austin, TX becomes the epicenter for the music world.  Live music pours out of every nook and cranny from noon to the late hours of the morning.  SXSW is an audio barrage that pummels even the most intense listeners into a tired mess so full of bliss that all one could want is to hibernate and dream of even more music.

SXSW '11 Day Two Recap
By Seth Sommerfeld
March 18, 2011 - 6:47am
SXSW keeps a' rollin' along in Austin and The NewsHouse was on the scene to seek out the best of day two.

Downtown Austin was even more abuzz as the second day of SXSW commenced.  Not only were more bands and fans rolling into town, but there were also two little events you may have heard of (St. Patrick’s Day and the opening of the NCAA Tournament) bringing more non-music folk out.  Needless to say, it appears that some of these individuals may have had an alcoholic beverage or two (or six or twelve).  But that’s just atmospheric ornamentation.  On to the more pressing matter of the actual tuneage of day two…

Concert Crowdsourced: Pete Yorn and Ben Kweller
By Nathan Mattise
March 7, 2011 - 9:16pm
Pete Yorn came back to his alma mater (along with Ben Kweller) to deliver an intimate performance at The Westcott. Here's a glimpse at what the experience was like through the notes of folks in the building.

First things first, the show seemed to go over well for all in attendance. Ben Kweller in particular moved his fans enough to take to Twitter.

Local Act to Watch: Sarongs
By Dan Creahan
February 12, 2011 - 4:45pm
Sarongs latest gig at The Lost Horizon proved there's no excuse to miss their next one.

If you haven’t listened to Sarongs yet, do it now. Click away from whatever other
diversion you’re currently enthralled with and check them out. Then make every effort to see
them play live as soon and as often as you can. February 26 at The Lost Horizon would be a good start.

Review: Matt Pond makes 52 friends at the Westcott
By Sarah A. McCarty
October 1, 2010 - 2:08pm
Veteran indie-rocker’s steady, string-filled songs suited the surprisingly small crowd on Thursday.

Despite making a name for himself as the creator of indie-pop band Matt Pond PA, Matt Pond’s 12-year, eight-record career didn’t draw many people to Thursday’s show. Perhaps it was the relentless rain that kept some away. But those who did attend were treated to an intimate set of some of Pond’s best songs.

Review: Broken Social Scene brings Ithaca to its feet
By Nathan Mattise
September 25, 2010 - 1:46pm
Canadian indie rock collective put on a singularly emotional, two-hour show.

Kevin Drew started the night off by letting the audience know the exact atmosphere he wanted to create.

“It’s a Friday night, let’s pretend we’re all at a basement party somewhere in Ohio.” He paused and took in the scene at the Ithaca State Theater, “At least it is a Friday night.”

Review: Stars come out over Rochester
By Deandra Modica
September 23, 2010 - 9:51am
The Canadian indie rock giants kicked off their fall tour with a powerful live show.

Stars frontman Torquil Campbell raised his plastic cup to the crowd with a smirk as he sauntered onto the stage at Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall Wednesday night. Someone needs to find out what was in that cup.

Ra Ra Riot comes home to 'Cuse
By Nathan Mattise
August 30, 2010 - 10:23am
Close relationship with Syracuse remains a constant in college rock heroes' unpredictable ascent.

Ra Ra Riot’s current producer Andrew Maury once told me the reason you have to see the band live is because its energy alone is a “captivating spectacle.”

The Flaming Lips leave a lasting impression
By Nathan Mattise
July 25, 2010 - 12:31pm
Review: The over-the-top rockers capped a strong night of performances at the CMAC with sights and sounds that won't be forgotten.

The Flaming Lips are known for creating a near-circus during their performances with basic touches like confetti cannons to the more unusual items like giant puppet hands that emit lazers.