Sirens Singing to Shipwreck

SOUTHERN DRAMA IN AUSTIN
Performing at Austin's own Beauty Bar last night, Southern Drama managed surpass all our expectations and capture a refreshing slice of retro-country rock with a subversive edge that proved both genuine and engaging. There exists a level of underlying difficulty when playing any version of country music - the danger of the tunes seeming kitsch or even worse, too poppy is ever-present. However, Southern Drama plowed through such criticisms with instrumental virtuosity, care of their brilliant violinist Naomi Cherie, and with the captivating howl of lead singer Clarissa Ysel. With a voice more reminiscent of a riot grrrl act than a gypsy-country band, Ysel brings a level of emotion to songs steeped in evocative imagery, pulling the listener into the band's complicated world. Worth mentioning is of course the care the band seems to take with their presentation, dressing up in psycho-carnival wares, instantly inviting and absurd all at once, proving to us here at Cannibal Cheerleader that Southern Drama is not only deserving of our close attention for their music but for their whole visual and performance formula. We'll definitely be keeping up with these ladies, check in for more details this week!
Southern Drama - "French Song"
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KAREN O PLAYS NATIVE KOREAN ROCK IN NYC
Here's a little show review by our friends over at the Music Slut in NYC who were lucky enough to be able to attend the debut of Karen O's side project Native Korean Rock Monday night.

"I was simply ecstatic when word spread last week that Karen O would be debuting her new side project, Native Korean Rock, at one of Brooklyn's most beloved & miniscule venues. For just about a half hour, she showcased a collection of love songs on par with the latter tracks from Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Show Your Bones (most notably 'Warrior' & 'Sweets'), backed by a quintet comprised of strings, drums & guitars. While we all know and love Karen for her gravelly howls and mighty stage persona, it's sometimes easy to forget that her demure side is just as impressive & captivating. The stage was adorned quite eloquently with a Korean flag, ample blue cellophane & a partial ship bow (which read 'Seoul'). Key elements of Karen's outfit included roses, fringes & a spectacularly detailed navy blue cap. All in all, an immensely beautiful & touching evening."

Here's the setlist and encore:

Setlist Ooo. Body. Visits. Beast. Rapt. Sunset Sun. Comes The Night. Day Go By.

Encore Indian Summer. Day Go By [Reprise]

Here's hoping we can hear more from KO and her little shipcrew before too long!

Karen O - "OOO"

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TV ON THE RADIO REVEAL LP3 DETAILS
That's right, hot on the heels on one of our favorite records of yesteryear, Return to Cookie Mountain, art-punkers TV on the Radio will be releasing their third LP Dear Science, on Sept 23rd according to Pitchfork. Further details such as a tracklist and cover will obviously be forthcoming so stay tuned for further details!

TV on the Radio - "Blues From Down Here"
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BLOC PARTY VS. SEX PISTOLS??
Looks like the battle between post-punk and punk '77 is on as Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon became involved in a heated confrontation with Bloc Party's Kele Okereke over the weekend at the Summercase Festival in Barcelona. You can read all of the details here but apparently things got nasty when Okereke asked the Rotten one if his other former band, Public Image Ltd., would ever get back together, prompting Lydon to apparently go on a racist tirade. Both parties were separated by their respective entourages but details are still blurry as to what was said or inferred by either party. Still, to say that Johnny Rotten isn't crazy is pretty much a guarantee that you'll be on the wrong side of the argument, at least, that's our two cents. Any more news and you'll be sure to hear about it from us!

Bloc Party - "The Marshalls Are Dead"

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