Jun 4, 2008
Interview: The Kooks

The Kooks represent something quite refreshing in these uncertain times. They make simple pop songs that could be enjoyed by the most jaded of indie snobs, along with the most conservative of soccer Mom's alike. As the bombardment of bands we are exposed to on a weekly basis seems to get larger and larger, The Kooks always manage to find a place on top of that heap, and why? Konk is much like debut smash hit record Inside In/Inside Out, a collection of straight ahead rockers and sing-a-long ballads that shine, one right after another. Like their fellow countrymen Arctic Monkeys and Pete Doherty, The Kooks have at times found themselves at the center of some media controversy. Exposure being good or bad, Luke Prichard and Company weather the storm making sure the back row is having as much fun as the front. HEAVE recently spoke with lead guitarist and most affable Hugh Harris from his Missouri hotel room on the 16th floor. More...

May 28, 2008
Smoking Popes

Chicago’s very own Smoking Popes have returned after a long hiatus, picking up right where they left off. HEAVE got a chance to talk to the guys before they kick off their tour in support of their new album, Stay Down. The fans have been waiting for this album for a very long time, and the Popes promise to deliver. More...

May 5, 2008
The Long Blondes

The Long Blondes dip their pigtails in some fine inkwells. Their first album, Someone To Drive You Home, blended the cool sophistication of The Pretenders with the guitar/drum call and response of The Au Pairs. Singles "Weekend Without Make-up" and "Giddy Stratospheres" were sure-fire examples that The Long Blondes were a band to be reckoned with. They make music you could easily get lost in, whether it is on the dance floor or alone in your room with a pair of headphones. Kate Jackson and her gang from Sheffield have returned, and they want more than your lunch money. Couples is a sinister concept album of sorts, as famous couples throughout history directly or indirectly inspired each song. While in the studio the band constructed a wall of "couples" photos to play off of. HEAVE recently spoke with drummer Screech and bassist Reenie Hollis. More...

Apr 14, 2008
Anathallo

HEAVE was lucky enough to be welcomed, microphone in tow, into the pre-show chill room of Anathallo. The hard-to-concisely-describe group has been bringing their beat driven, horn supported indie rock performance to stages large and small for years now, and fans wait eagerly for every show date. More...

Apr 7, 2008
Tilly and the Wall

Shirley Temple tried to make tap dancing cool but failed. Where Temple faltered, Tilly and the Wall succeeded. Tilly took tap dancing and turned it on its collective head by using it as percussion in their music. The result for this Omaha based Team Love signed group has put them into critics’ hearts and fans’ mix tapes. Currently on tour, Tilly and the Wall’s yet to be released new album will feature the tap dancing that we’ve grown to love and always drunkenly try to imitate. HEAVE recently had a chance to catch up with lead singer and bassist, Kianna Alarid. More...

Apr 1, 2008
The Raveonettes

It's never easy to stay consistent in this life - people, style and music change, sometimes for the better; but mostly for the worse. With Lust Lust Lust, The Raveonettes have not only remained consistent, but have gotten better. Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo have crafted the year's most seductive album. Awash in beautiful colors and jarring noises, Lust Lust Lust is a distorted transmission from the teenage heart. HEAVE recently spoke with Sune Rose Wagner about restless nights, hidden messages, and the wonder of Santo and Johnny. More...

Mar 25, 2008
Aubrey Debauchery

I'm snuggled up on the most comfortable couch I've ever encountered in my life - covered in a down blanket to ward me off from the northern California winter chill that silently, formidably and unsuccessfully is trying to creep in from the cold exterior of the house. I'm in Aubrey Debauchery and Marc Anderson's cozy backyard home in Chico, CA, and we're talking about their new band. By cozy backyard home I mean to say that no one would ever think of disturbing them by trying to walk past the main house on the street into the backyard where their house is valiantly protected by the owner's dogs that voraciously bark and growl and bare their teeth as you try to pass by peacefully. Apparently, even Marc, who's lived there a while now, gets treated absolutely no differently from the day he moved in - he gets attacked. I used sticks to ward the dogs off and keep them at bay, but I don't know his method. More...