Column for March 3, 2010

There is a little bit of the new and a little bit of the old this weekend in Pocatello’s local live music scene.

On Friday the 5th, I Am Ghost headlines a rock concert for all ages at The Icon, North Main Street in Pocatello. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., cost is $10. Modern Day Escape, The Becoming, We Are the Arsenal and S3X are also on the bill.

I Am Ghost is based from Long Beach, California, originally formed by singer Steve Juliano in 2004. The band is currently signed to Epitaph Records, which is owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz.

The dark lyrics in I Am Ghost’s demo single “We Are Always Searching” inspired their first full-length album, a hardcore / goth rock opera, “Lovers’ Requiem,” released in 2006. The band gained momentum and fans with a spot on Warped Tour in 2006 and 2007, followed by a successful tour in 2007 with Escape the Fate and others.

A few member changes later, 2008 saw I Am Ghost’s sophomore release, “Those We Leave Behind,” in October, followed by lengthy tours in the United States, Canada and Europe. Current members include Steven Juliano, bassist Ron Ficarro, Timoteo Rosales III and Chad Kulengosky on guitars and drummer Justin McCarthy.

I Am Ghost is currently on tour promoting their live recording, “Live in Orange County.” Find out more at www.iamghostmusic.com.

On Saturday the 6th, The Icon presents Automatic Loveletter, with Melody and Tyler, 500 Days, Atilast, All Bright and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., open to all ages; cost is $10.

Based from Tampa, Florida, Automatic Loveletter is an acoustic emo group, fronted by Juliet Simms on vocals and guitar and backed by guitarist Joe Nelson, Sean Noll on bass and Daniel Currier on drums.

When reviewing Automatic Loveletter’s performance on Warped Tour 2008, the LA Times wrote, "Paramore is the female-fronted draw of the day here … but Automatic Loveletter's Juliet Simms more than held her own …. Clad in an obligatory black hoodie and strumming an acoustic guitar, she wailed her way through a frenetic half-hour set split by a solo acoustic ballad. Get this band on a main stage and she’ll be receiving automatic love letters by the truckload." The band is listed on Van’s Warped Tour 2010.

Simms has guest performed on several singles released by other bands, LoveHateHero's "Theatre of Robots," Secondhand Serenade's "Fix You." All Time Low's "Remembering Sunday," and most recently Cartel's "Lose It". For more, visit http://automaticloveletter.com.

See The Icon’s current line-up of shows online at www.myspace.com/iconlive.

Also this weekend, the locally based funk and blues band Phat Bone is scheduled to play at Taps Bar on Garrett Way. There is no cover charge at Taps, music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21+.

Portneuf Valley Brewing has booked Almosta Band for Friday night, the 5th and Soul Full of Blues for Saturday night, the 6th. Music starts at 8:30 p.m., no cover and open to all ages.

See the brewery’s full schedule of entertainment online at www.portneufvalleybrewing.com.

On Tuesday of next week, March 9, Revolt Revolt is slated to play at the Flipside Lounge, Main Street in Pocatello. Music starts at 8:00 p.m., open to those 21+.

Revolt Revolt is a punk rock band from Boise, Idaho. They are playing in support of their debut CD, “Chordata,” released in November of 2009.

Formed in October of 2008, Revolt Revolt recorded their debut full-length album with Seattle producer Conrad Uno (Presidents of the USA) in July of 2009. Their music is reminiscent of the northwest grunge bands of the 90’s with current pop hooks and melodies.

Members are Revolt Revolt are Chris Bock, Ben Brunn and Jasin Serna. For more, visit www.revoltrevoltmusic.com.

Learn more about the Flipside Lounge online at www.myspace.com/fliplounge.

One last note: tickets are now on sale for James Otto, in concert at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center on the Idaho State University Campus. To purchase online, visit www.isu.edu/stephens/events.

James Otto is American country music artist who charted three minor singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts from his debut album, “Days of Our Lives.” His second album, “Sunset Man,” was released in 2008, produced by John Rich (Big & Rich) and Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts). The record spawned a number one hit, "Just Got Started Lovin' You."

Find out more about James Otto online at www.jamesotto.net.

Linda Alexander
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband