Album Review: Gravy Nation (self-titled)

Gravy Nation logo

Gravy Nation

Headed by frontman Christopher Hunt, along with guitarist Ryan Shickman and drummer Billy Thompson, Gravy Nation began in 2014 right here in Davis and has since grown in popularity due to a solid live act and their first LP, the self-titled Gravy Nation. The rock band is reminescent of pop-punk groups like Better Than Ezra and Green Day but with greater pop sensibility that brings to mind 90s Britpop and classic rock from the late 60s and early 70s. Tracks include "Disconnected Brain," a funky, multifaceted alternative tune that demonstrates Gravy Nation's range and talent, and "It's Too Late," a breezy pop tune that is relaxing despite the grunge vibe that permeates the entire LP. The band knows how to crank out a righteous and angry punk tune, as illustrated by "Boredom Blues," whose lyrics convey the inherent insecurity and restlessness that comes with boredom, and "Day Wrecker," which might be the strongest song on the album thanks to it's anthemic guitar work and infectious bass. All in all, Gravy Nation is a dynamite first LP that bolsters the local music scene and shows fantastic promise for the band. 

Davis Bands Compete for SAMMIES - Live at Armadillo - 3/5

Davis bands.jpg

Sammies Davis Bands

There are 7 bands from Davis nominated for the SAMMIES this Year -- MAU, MILLION DOLLAR GIVEAWAY, SPANGLER, BIG STICKY MESS, MISNER & SMITH, and WEST NILE RAMBLERS. Join us for three of these bands performing live at Armadillo Music. Aproximate times are 1:30PM for Million Dollar Giveaway. 2:30pm for MAU, and 3:15 PM for Spangler. All ages--come on down! 

Check out the bands and vote here https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=19807665

The POLYORCHIDS live on Listening Lyrics March 4, 2016 (4:00PM)

polyorchids (1).jpg

The Polyorchids vist KDRT

Have you ever seen an act where the essence of the band members not only influence the music but transcend it? Call it charisma or just call it humans that show and share their inner qualities...and meet The Polyorchids. NorCal band The Polyorchids play a fast and loose mix of indie punk and folk music. Justin, Tonym and Travis went to high school together in Winters, California, and have been collaborating musically for years, sometimes in bands and other times just as friends. The Polyorchids were born after a few of the members moved back to the Sacramento area after some years away. Their first shows as a band were on a 10-city tour of California in May of 2015, and they’ve been playing semi-regularly in Northern California ever since. Visit The Polyorchids on Facebook and Bandcamp.

Joe Craven on The Folk Brothers, March 2nd

Longtime local favorite, Joe joins Brother Peter to talk about the upcoming gig with his latest project, Joe Craven and The Sometimers, this Thursday evening, March 3, at The Davis Oddfellows Hall.   The gig is a CD-release party as well as a fundraiser for Joe's Rivertunes Roots Music Camp.  We'll spin tunes off the new album as well as talk about Joe's passion for bringing out the musical creativity in those young of age and hearts.   

Davisville, 2/29/16: Going vegan in Davis

Today’s guest is Lindsay Rubin, who founded the social group Vegans of Davis when she moved here after college about three years ago. We talk about the group, three main reasons people adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet, why many who do drift away from it, and why she believes it’s wrong to eat eggs even when they’re from a chicken you take good care of in your own backyard.

Album Review: Trail Three, by Jimmy LaFave

Jimmy LaFave has been recording music since the late 1970s, nearly four decades ago, and ever since, he has brought folk-country sounds reminiscent of legend Woody Guthrie to the music scene. Trail Three is no different in that regard, with Jimmy playing his guitar and singing with the passion of many artists that are decades younger than him--but also with the wisdom that comes with experience. Softer tracks like the reflective and peaceful "Secret Garden" and "I'm Thinking of You," a hopeful love song, reflect this wisdom, letting Jimmy craft stories around only his emotionally resonant voice and simple, acoustic melodies. The album contains a number of notable covers, including Eric Clapton's "Blues Power," a multitude of Bob Dylan tracks, including "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Rainy Day Women #12 & #35," and The Band's "The Weight," all of which LaFave plays with his own style, making each song his own. Trail Three is a solid addition to LaFave's catalogue and would be an excellent piece in any folk-country collection, thanks to it's low-key sound and LaFave's obvious talent.

Art + Sound on The Golden Road

Tune in for a special edition of The Golden Road on Friday, February 26, at 6:30 pm. Your host, Rod Moseanko, will explore the beautiful mind-expanding connection between art and sound with his guest Tom Sellas. A native Sacramentan and long-time multimedia artist, art educator, and proponent of the adventuresome use of COLOR, Tom will be in the KDRT studio for an in-depth conversation regarding the inspiration for his art and creativity "found in sound" during his life experiences and travels around the globe.

"Conrad's Corner" Debuts on KDRT! Exclusive Interview with David Belcher, Friday 12-1pm

David Belcher.jpeg

David Belcher

The award-winning "Conrad's Corner," a stimulating talk program focused on news and human interest stories impacting teens and young adults, has arrived at KDRT! Our first show features UC Davis 2015 Fall Commencement Speaker and Rhodes Scholar Finalist David Belcher in an exclusive interview discussing his countless collegiate accolades and role as the Bay Area Director of the non-profit organization "No Worries Now." NOW plans exciting social events for teens suffering from life-threatening illnesses, including complimentary proms at premiere venues nationwide.