Street Art: Space Invader

Space Invaders is more than just a first generation arcade game, it’s also the moniker of one of the most innovative street artists working today. Invader, as he is also known, creates characters similar to the pixelated alien enemies from the well-known 80′s arcade game. The French artist, whose identity is a secret, cements his mosaic-like creations in unauthorized locations throughout the world. He literally hopes to take over the entire globe with his art. Much of Europe and parts of Africa, Australia, China, and the United States have already been invaded, so it’s only a matter of time before he reaches you. Now that’s the sort of world domination we can get on board with.

To learn more about Invader’s plan for world domination click here

posted by: Harold Johns III

Doing the Video Thing

Videothing.com is the sort of blog we love: quick, concise, funny, and completely devoid of bullshit. The video posts on Video Thing can range from filming live bands like Ponytail, New Times Viking, and The Vivian Girls to visiting art galleries and festivals like Art Basel in Miami. Beyond the original content, the simplicity of site’s design makes it a breeze to use and the quick edits are perfect for anyone that considers themselves a hyperactive media-saturated interweb fiend (just like the members of The Rathaus).

posted by: Harold Johns III

“Data Migration”

DotDotDot ArtSpace (1910 Haskell in Lawrence, KS) is hosting the opening reception for “Data Migration,” new mixed media works by Jeromy Morris, this Saturday, March 14th from 6-10pm.

For more information on Jeromy Morris visit his:
Website
MySpace
Store

posted by: Tricia Rock

Street Style: Lawrence, KS

Willie Jordan, 15
at the Wonder Fair opening for “Rust Still Dreams”

Diana Poscau, 19
at the Wonder Fair opening for “Rust Still Dreams”

posted by: Tricia Rock

Listen To: Ponytail “Ice Cream Spiritual”

You will either love or hate the music of Ponytail, there is no in between. And the deal breaker may be the work of Molly Siegel, the band’s lead vocalist. Like Yoko Ono and Yoshimi P-We of The Boredoms, Siegel is more apt to shriek, howl, moan, chant, and chirp than actually sing anything resembling coherent lyrics. But you must understand the beauty of Siegel, and Ponytail for that matter, does not rest on her technical ability but her frenetic energy, confidence, and strong belief in herself.

Siegel’s room to experiment on “Ice Cream Spiritual,” however, is only possible due to the impressive work by the remaining band members. Guitarists Dustin Wong and Ken Seeno are able to trade break neck riffs and intense fills while never completely abandoning their strong sense of melody, which makes great use of their unique guitar tones. And drummer Jeremy Hyman’s work should not be overlooked. His ability to shift from a solid back beat to chaotic no-wave drumming gives the band’s start-stop arrangements a sense of cohesion, similar to Greg Saunier’s work with Deerhoof. Collectively the Baltimore, MD quartet are always building, working toward some crescendo that dangles but is rarely supplied, leaving you wanting more.

“Celebrate the Body Electric” is a seven minute epic that illustrates how Ponytail combines these elements into songs that are more of a collage than a singular musical thought, but nonetheless powerful and incredibly exciting. Above all this is Ponytail’s secret weapon, the pure child-like excitement they feel for each others musical ideas. Love them or hate them, at the very least you have to respect Ponytail’s own belief in what they are creating.

Watch Ponytail get primal while playing “7 Souls” in a Queens laundromat

We*Are*Free (record label)

posted by: Harold Johns III