It took a nine-month gestation period, but Cincinnati’s increasingly popular Indie Folk Pop duo Young Heirlooms
are finally set to give birth to their debut full-length. The twosome — featuring Kelly Fine and Christopher Robinson on vocals and guitars — will host a free album release party this Friday at MOTR Pub in Over-the-Rhine. The album goes on sale at 10 p.m. and the band will be available to sign copies of it as well as limited-edition posters and a lyric book designed by Fine. The duo will be joined by Benjamin Thomas, Kyle Elkins and Claire Whitcomb for its 11 p.m. performance.
The band cites contemporary Indie/Art Folk groups such as Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes as influences, and if you love those bands, you’ll definitely dig Young Heirlooms. But where those acts are often marked by their roaming, sometimes jarring arrangements, Young Heirlooms’ most magnetic elements are the songs, the melodies, the vocal arrangements and Robinson and Fine’s precise harmonies. The album is impressive in its organic, natural feel — the vocals are such a focal point and the musical backing is so energized and full, it’s easy to forget that the songs are performed exclusively on acoustic instruments.
While Grizzly Bear might be remembered in the future as an artsy band with an adventurous streak, when it comes to Young Heirlooms, it’ll be the timeless, spine-tingling songs that most will recall. (facebook.com/YoungHeirlooms)
Local Pop Rock Bands Team for Dual Release Party
Cincinnati Pop/Rock band BoyMeetsWorld
returns to the Madison Theater in Covington Friday to celebrate its debut EP, Do What’s Best For You . The band is co-headlining the show with fellow Cincy Pop Rock/Punk crew Radio Rescue , which is releasing its newest effort, the band’s sophomore EP, The Soundtrack to Second Place .
Radio Rescue’s Pop Rock has some of the power of Hardcore and Metal (particularly in the blazing drum work and some of the chunky guitar riffing) and occasional gang and/or screamed vocals. Adding another unique element is the prominent use of synthesizer, which gives the band’s sound a bonus texture. While that description might make Radio Rescue’s sound come off like a mismatched mess, it’s impressive how cohesive and focused the band’s upbeat and endearing sound is, with its just-right mix of power crunch and sweet hooks. (facebook.com/radiorescue)
BoyMeetsWorld was formed just last summer by three brothers: Craig (singer) and Ryan (drummer) Sulken, who are twins, plus older brother Brad Sulken (bass). Guitarists Pat Bryant and Drew Richter round out the band. In its first year as a group, BoyMeetsWorld took home the first-place prize at the Battle of the Bands hosted by Forest Park teen club, The Underground. The band has a knack for strong Pop hooks and an overall uplifting vibe. Songs like “Head Up High” and “Girl In Front” are best described as Power Pop, written with a maturity and craftiness of a band on their third or fourth album, not first EP. Bryant and Richter offer up some compelling guitar interplay, while the Sulken rhythm section is reminiscent of the high-flying telepathy of Fall Out Boy’s. Meanwhile, singer Craig’s high, earnest vocal approach works especially well in the context of the band’s youthful anthems. (boymeetsworldmusic.com)
Friday’s co-release show at the Madison also includes opening acts Aristo
, Canoes , Ready to Live and The Sweet Addiction . The event is open to all ages and doors open at 6 p.m. Cover is just $8. For advanced tickets, visit madisontheateronline.com .
Mainstay Living Up to Its Name
The Mainstay Rock Bar has indeed become a mainstay in the blossoming downtown entertainment district. It’s officially been four years since the venue (at 301 Fifth St.) opened, hosting regular shows by local acts, primarily of the “original artists” variety. This week, the club is celebrating its four-year anniversary with a string of free events, including several quality local Rock shows.
Wednesday night, the excellent Reggae group The Cliftones
perform a free show, while Black Signal takes over the stage Thursday night. On Friday, catch thrilling newcomers Lemon Sky and Founding Fathers , then go back Saturday for the triple bill of The Guild of Calamitous Intent , DAAP Girls and Halvsies .
All shows this week are free and start at 10 p.m. For more info on the club and upcoming events, visit mainstayrockbar.com.
CONTACT MIKE BREEN : [email protected] , @CityBeatMusic or on Facebook here .
