Bottle Rock: Three Artists that Brought the Heat

The warm Napa sun caressed my shoulders as I made my to the first of Bottle Rock festival. In the middle of a sleepy residential neighborhood, a fantastic music festival that combined the best Napa has to offer in terms of wine and food combined with one of the best lineups was about to make history. Napa Valley was aroused during the five day festival that is sure to only increase in popularity, as it's first year proved to be an incredible experience for whoever attended. With an eclectic crowd that boasted everyone from the hippie chick to middle-aged couples, Bottle Rock had something for everyone- and for those magical five days, Napa Valley set its soul on fire. While there were some incredible performances given by the top-dogs, here are some of the up and coming artists that rocked it just as well.

Flagship: With a melding of beautiful and harmonious sound with an edge, Flagship is reminiscent of bands like Coldplay, Boxer Rebellion, and Kiven; their rough, yet vocally sweet combination of sounds gives them a unique feel that has both turbulence and epiphany-esq moments, where the sound simply dissolves and leaves you in a different state of mind. The stark contrast between the heaviness of the band and the almost melodically classical qualities of the vocals give Flagship a unique flavor that is represented in songs like "Backseat" and "Older". With introspective words that match their other-worldly kind of music, Flagship is both captivating and interesting to watch as their sound is the kind of music that swallows space; it re-defines the listening experience as the individual listening is treated to a platter full of unique harmonies and melodies that fully satiate the musical hunger that drives us to continually find that "band" or "song" that fulfills us. It may be those almost classical notes that ascend from the golden chords of Flagship's vocalist that take the listener to the next level; they are simply over saturated with talent and it will be no surprise that this little band from Charlotte, North Carolina will be pulling at the heartstrings of alternative rock fans, or for that matter anyone that enjoys good music. Flagship consists of Drake Margolnick, Grant Harding, Matthew Padgett, Michael Finster, and Preston Hayden.

Allah-Las: Birthed from the surfer-rock womb, known as California, or more specifically Los Angeles hails Allah-Las- with a quintessential beachy sound, Allah-Las has you craving summer, roadtrips, and being barefoot in the sand. Allah-Las could just be the child of  ifThe Doors and The Rolling Stones came together;  as their simple combination of layered voices pairs with a hypnotic blend of sun-kissed guitar riffs and a light percussion that is impossible not to dance or sway to. Unlike other indie surfer-rock projects, Allah-Las is churning out the "classic surfer rock" kind of sound that makes it feel like its straight out of the 60's or 70's; their musics mesmerizing qualities mimic the California landscape so perfectly that once you listen to Allah-Las, permanent images of beautiful beaches, tan women, and vintage cars imprint in your mind. There is a kind of sensuality about Allah-Las that warms your soul just like the comfort of a California sunset; Allah-Las' lyrics are all about finding love and running away; themes that ever-present in the California mindset; its the kind of music you want to travel with- its the kind of music that makes you feel young and alive. Songs like "Long Journey" and "Sacred Sands" feel like they almost require a vintage caravan and women clad in caftans and beads- Allah-Las has a nostalgic sound that seeps into your skin and releases thoughts of wanderlust and the want to be free of all your worries. Allah-Las consists of Matthew Correira, Miles Michaud, Pedrum Siadatian, and Spencer Dunham.

Vintage Trouble: Sultry, Mo-town blues and rock come together in a soulful manner as Vintage Trouble was one of the most exciting performances to watch at this year's Bottle Rock festival. With a feel-good sound and a voice that fills the air with a syrupy goodness, Vintage Trouble has all the comfort you seek in a good blues band. The band combines a variety of sounds that have a certain down to earth feel that is both real and hearty. Songs like "You Better Believe It" have a similar vibe to Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, as the singer provides a powerful, take no prisoners kind of sound that is as fun as it is catchy. With a late 70's vibe aesthetic mixed with a modern blues take, Vintage Trouble satisfies the need for some good 'ol blues and rock, while still it making it modern enough that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's the kind of music that brings people together, as Ty Taylor brings the heat through electric vocals and funky rhythms that have your hips jiving and hands clapping.  Bands like Vintage Trouble are bringing blues back with a new twist- something bands like the Black Keys have been doing, and its truly been transforming what people have been listening to. Blues is the heart and soul of most rock n'roll, and really most music; it is the primordial, visceral notes of the dirty riffs that get you somewhere deep in a song, and Vintage trouble delivers all of these qualities with a fiery kick.

Bottle Rock showcased many talented bands, and these three up and comers are definitely bands to look out for as their music offers something really unique and memorable. Be sure to look them up on Spotify and I-Tunes.... and come to Bottle Rock next year to discover some of your next favorite bands. It's nirvana for all you music lovers, and for those that don't really dig the big festivals, Bottle Rock provides the intimacy of individual concerts while still offering Napa's delicious food and wine with a crowd that's mellow and just loves good music; it's all about the music at BottleRock, no fluff included.

Flagship

Vintage Trouble

Allah-Las

Bottle Rock Festival

The White Buffalo at Soho: A magical experience

Raw, Untamed talent undulates through Soho as the White Buffalo bares his soul through rusted melodies that paint mental pictures of barren landscapes, warm whiskey, and old trucks driving through open roads. There is a vintage and natural quality about the White Buffalo that is alluring and rough that you immediately feel like you are intimate with the glorious, heart-wrenching melodies that swell something visceral and primal deep in your body. It's the kind of music that makes you feel grounded and like you've transcended to some kind of spiritual place simultaneously  The White Buffalo pulls at you through songs like "One Lone Night" that start with a growly, dirty sound that ascends into a sweet melody laced with a dark, folksy aura. "Sleepy Little Town" and "Stunt Driver" present The White Buffalo's artistic exploration- with each folk-tinged, blues influenced, and country twanged note that present itself in the most delicate manner, the listener is taken to a simpler place and time. With a voice that has qualities of the great Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and a rustic Iron and Wine, the White Buffalo is the lone-ranger product of a hearty combination of genres that he makes so personal, it feels like he is sharing his deepest fears, passions, and ambitions with you. Elements of rock n' roll and folk intertwine in a hypnotic fashion that has your body and soul gravitating to some higher place, as his honest lyrics and rich, dusty harmonies have the comfort of a well worn pair of cowboy boots or the awe after seeing a mountain view littered with stars. It is so rare to find an artist that is so uninhibited and free; its evident that his lyrics and music come from something deep within him; its the kind of music that stops you in your tracks, and the effect he had on the audience at Soho was something special to see- people were bewitched by his presence and his sound. A humble man that looks a bit like a lumber jack made people feel like they were on cloud nine. It was a performance that was both personal and open at the same time- there was a feeling of being alone and one with the music while a crowd surrounded you; a quality that only some of the best musicians have. The White Buffalo was playing not to your ears, but the hallowed rooms of your soul- his music makes you feel whole and the sound is so tangible and real that its as if he is conversing with your deepest heartaches and inner-most secrets with his sensitive, yet full sound that can only come from a real man. His album is a contrast between rousing tunes to deliciously minor melodies that haunt your mind and send chills down your spine.  The hazy, dimly lit Soho was ignited by a musical flame through the White Buffalo, as his innate musicality burned a magnificent flame song after song. White Buffalo's performance was not just a music experience- it was a spiritual one too.

I recommend his songs "Stunt Driver" , "One Lone Night" ,  "Sleepy Little Town" and "The Whistler" as well as the Dakota Sessions on YouTube.

The White Buffalo's music has also been featured on TV shows like "Sons of Anarchy" as well as the movie "Safe Haven"

Check out The White Buffalo's entire album, and I bet that he'll be your newest starred artist on Spotify, or your latest addition to your I-Tunes library.

The White Buffalo