Column for March 11, 2009

On Saturday, March 14, Idaho State University’s KISU radio station is pleased to host a CD release party for the indie powerpop band Spondee. The concert in ISU’s Bengal Café - map - starts at 7 p.m. with opening bands Warbonnet, Pewter Dragons, Nyr Lif and A. W. Feldt. Cost is $2 for students and $3 for the public; the new album “Pop Your Socks Off” will be for sale for the first time, for a one-time reduced price, at the event.

Spondee takes styles from different daces and pieces them together to make their own music. There’s classic American folk and a few poppy dance tunes enough to please anyone. This is happy, feel-good music that’s fun to listen to. Keep an ear out for a few of their fans’ favorites, “Lovelorn Robot,” the title track “Pop Your Socks Off” and “Dancin' Shoes.”

Fronted by Cody and Clint on guitars and vocals, Spondee’s current line-up had Melissa on keyboards, Noah on bass, vocals by Lindsey and Seth and James on drums and percussion.

Spondee was based in Pocatello but has moved their base to Boise. “A lot of our favorite shows were in Pocatello because we got our start there, and people will get up and dance for us. That makes the whole concert experience more fun for everyone.”

While in Pocatello, Spondee opened for Secondhand Serenade at the homecoming concert at ISU, and they have played with Finn Riggins at the First National Bar numerous times.

“We were a part of the music scene in Pocatello for a while … You have to make it happen in Pocatello and anywhere else for that matter” Clint said. “No one else is going to put flyers up for you, nor call you begging you to play. You have to do it yourself and it takes time. Be smart about the places you play and the settings. There are a lot of opportunities to play, but not every venue is for you and your music. Make sure it fits you and where you want your band to go.”

"Pop Your Socks Off" has ten tracks, two of which were recorded with Lars Lindstrom, and the rest were recorded at the Coming In Second studio in Boise with Jeremy Jenson. Visit them online at Spondee MySpace or email spondee123@gmail.com.

On Friday the 13^th, solo acoustic guitarist, singer / songwriter David August returns to Portneuf Valley Brewing - map - on S. 1^st Avenue in Pocatello. Music starts at 8:30 p.m., no cover and is open to all ages.

August plays original folk and pop rock, often compared to the Goo Goo Dolls. Montana born and bred, August says, “It's a well known fact that the absolute best way to get your music out there is to perform, perform, perform. Relentless touring is definitely a main key in making a living at playing music. Though I'd like to be able to tour more, I try to get out and play as much as possible.”

August will have two CD’s available for sale at the show. "Waiting for Tuesday" released in 2005 and “Out of Place” released last fall. “Both records are pretty upbeat.” For more, visit David August MySpace.

On Saturday the 14^th, the brewery plays host to the Aaron Ball Band starting at 8:30. Listed as alternative, acoustic pop rock, Aaron Ball covers a mixture of radio-friendly songs. “Our influences are incredibly broad, and it is evident when we are on stage that we just love music, no matter what style it is.” They played at the famous South by Southwest Festival in Austin, TX and Fremont Street in Las Vegas, NV. The band has opened for Blessid Union of Souls and was listed as one of the top 100 unsigned bands in the country.

The Aaron Ball Band released their full-length album last month, called “Stepping Stones.” Recently they have played in Boise, and rumor has it a trip to Scotland and Europe may be on the horizon. “There are thousands of bands out there in a van making no money. We just want to be wise and make some smart choices about what to do next.” For more, visit Aaron Ball MySpace.

There is another all-ages concert this Sunday at the old Barrie’s Ski Shop in the Westwood Mall on Garrett way. Greyhouse Effect and Cruise Control are on the billing; music starts at 7 p.m. and is open to all ages.

And on Tuesday the 17^th Spittin’ Lynt plays a St. Patrick’s Day show at Hooligans on W. Center Street at 8 p.m.

L. Alexander

email: slowloosegravel@yahoo.com

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