Free Energy: new tour dates (with the Postelles)

catch them for the last time before they head back to studio to record their second lp!

January/February 2011 Tour Dates:

01/20/11 Chicago, IL @ Double Door * - BUY TICKETS

01/21/11 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue - 89.3 The Current Party - SOLD OUT

01/22/11 Fargo, ND Winter Carnival 2011/ Fargo Theater * - BUY TICKETS

01/25/11 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile * - BUY TICKETS

01/26/11 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge * - BUY TICKETS

01/27/11 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent * - BUY TICKETS

01/28/11 West Hollywood, CA @ The Roxy Theatre * - BUY TICKETS

01/29/11 La Jolla, CA @ The Loft / UC San Diego * - BUY TICKETS

01/30/11 Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress * - BUY TICKETS

02/01/11 Dallas, TX @ The Loft * - BUY TICKETS

02/02/11 Austin, TX @ Emo's * - BUY TICKETS

02/04/11 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon * - BUY TICKETS

02/05/11 Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder *

02/07/11 Orlando, FL @ The Social * - BUY TICKETS

02/08/11 Gainesville, FL @ Common Grounds * - BUY TICKETS

02/09/11 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl * - BUY TICKETS

02/10/11 Norfolk, VA @ Jewish Mother Backstage * - BUY TICKETS

02/18/11 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church * - BUY TICKETS

* w/ The Postelles

Free Energy to (co)headline Slims

it'saboutfreakingtime!

Friday 29 October 2010
tix are $15, buy em HERE

Free Energy - Cmon Let's Dance [mp3]

concert review: Free Energy/Titus Anronicus @ the Independent

San Francisco, CA
08 September 2010

The members of Free Energy, a band borne of another band, are no newcomers to the live music scene. They know where their strengths lie, and if their performance history says anything at all, it’s that they have focused all of their time perfecting the art of dance-infused guitar pop.

Last night, they had no reserve rendering their now canonical post-debut album set, comprised heavily of new songs, whilst their pre-Stuck on Nothing singles (like their self-titled song) shone brightly like a monarch’s crown filled with 70’s gems. The crowd danced alongside headliners Titus Andronicus; the band, having toured extensively with Philadelphia’s finest, have developed a protective older-sibling type relationship with Free Energy, who, ironically, aren’t the ones spewing the angsty punk lyrics.

As hi-fi and carefree as Free Energy were, New Jersey’s Titus Andronicus did not take note one bit; their morose music found its solace in rectified drum beats and celtic string arrangements.

Patrick Stickles is unquestionably one of indie rock’s finest lyricists, but chilling lines like “is there a girl at this college who hasn't been raped?” are hidden beneath the layers of screaming and interlacing guitar solos. Patrick, ever the people’s musician, revealed secrets of the band’s pseudo-cryptic set list composition as well as welcomed an eager fan on stage to provide tambourines for “Titus Andronicus”.

If I didn’t know better, I would assume he was assuaging his impending guilt regarding the horrible ultimatum of indie cred: the more fans and acclaim the band acquires, the less sincere their impassioned delivery seems. But Titus Andronicus are humble as fuck, so I know that isn’t the case. Not to mention that they’re too conscientious to ever flirt with mainstream radio.






Titus Andronicus - A Pot in Which to Piss [mp3]

Free Energy to play SJ's Blank Club in October

Saturday, Oct 30, 2010 (9:00 doors)
Blank Club, San Jose, CA
21 years and over

tickets are eight bucks, buy em HERE

Free Energy - Dark Trance (daytrotter) [mp3]

stream Free Energy playing on SPIN's rooftop tomorrow

Thursday 8/12/10 at 7:45PM EST.

stream it live HERE

Free Energy - C'mon Let's Dance [mp3]

NEW TOUR DATES: Free Energy + Titus Andronicus

if that isn't the best double bill I've seen since peanut butter met chocolate, I don't know what it

08/19: Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwells
08/21: Boston, MA @ Royale
08/22: Montreal, QB @ Il Motore
08/23: Ottowa, ON @ Mavericks
08/25: Ithaca, NY @ Castaways
08/28: Leeds, UK @ Leeds Festival
08/29: Reading, UK @ Reading Festival
09/05: San Diego, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
09/07: Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room *
09/08: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
09/10: Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret
09/11: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge/Music Fest Northwest
09/12: Seattle, WA @ The Tractor Tavern
09/13: Boise, ID @ Neurolux
09/14: Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
09/15: Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
09/16: Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room
09/17: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
09/18: Chicago, IL @ Metro
09/19: Newport, KY @ Southgate House
09/20: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
09/21: Durham, NC @ Duke Coffeehouse
09/22: Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theatre
09/23: Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
09/24: Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
09/25: New York, NY @ Webster Hall

* = Free Energy solo show

see you in San Francisco!

concert review: Free Energy @ GAMH

30 June 2010
Great American Music Hall, San Francisco

Last Wednesday night, Free Energy graced San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. The band, who have previously played shows at Rickshaw and Popscene, were thrilled to be where they were. And it showed. This was my second time seeing the band play live and I was pleasantly surprised that they outdid their Popscene set (which was superb). Lead singer Paul Sprangers was sprightly and enthused, bouncing along the stage as he happily delivered the lyrics, which often came across in a monotonous spoken word manner (yet never ever boring). The band relayed “Hope Child” as earnestly as a national anthem, drawing comfort from familiarity. Free Energy’s chemistry was clean and polished, but not pretentious. They performed their happy go lucky 70's pop-rock gems in a quirky yet precise manner. They included their new, Ramones-y song “C’mon Let’s Dance” but the true shining moment of the set was when they busted out “Something in Common”. The rich guitar tones on the b-side (which I consider their best song) quickly won over the audience, who swayed and jigged in merriment. Yes, merriment.

4.5/5

more photos:






Free Energy - Hope Child [mp3]

Free Energy on MYSPACE

Free Energy debut new song on Interface session

they play their new song, "c'mon let's dance" amongst other things. for more videos, click HERE

Free Energy - C'mon Let's Dance [mp3]
I thought they were covering a Ramones b-side when I first heard it

DATES (I'm going to the GAMH show tonight)
06/30: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall >
07/1: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall >
07/2: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex >
07/3: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex >
07/4: Tucscon, AZ @ Club Congress
07/6: Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s
07/7: Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
07/8: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
07/9: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
07/10: Birmingham, AL @ Workplay
07/12: Athens, GA @ 40 Watt >
07/13: Ashville, NC @ Orange Peel
07/14: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
07/16: Camden, NY @ XpoNential Music Fest/Wiggins Park-Camden Waterfront
07/17: Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival/ Union Park
07/23: New York, NY @ Seaport Music Festival/ Pier 17
08/07: Osaka, Japan @ Summer Sonic Music Festival/ Maishima Osaka Site
08/08: Tokyo, Japan @ Summer Sonic Music Festival/ Chiba Marin Stadium
08/14: Bangor, ME @ Kahbang Festival

> = w/ Nick Thune

new video: Free Energy - Bang Pop

Bang Pop




oh high school. how I don't miss you.

Free Energy give away another free song

you can download "Hope Child" at RCRDLBL.com or snag it below

Free Energy - Hope Child [mp3]

the band is currently on tour and will be stopping by SF's Great American Music Hall for two nights in June with Mates of State.

record review: Free Energy - Stuck on Nothing

A wonderful musical revolution is upon us. Free Energy are here to re-educate us about the essential snap crackle and bang pop of 70’s rock gems. What wonderful fervor dissipates from the combination of hard rock and power pop, relaying AC/DC via The Cars. Stuck on Nothing is so cheekily true to its title, as Free Energy push around the bounds of the rock n roll genre. They are the reincarnation of that band you find in your brother’s room after he goes off to chase some pipe dream or another, fueled by the rush of an ego nourished by batches upon batches of pleasantly snarky songs. Who in their right mind will deny the lucid and self assured chorus in “Free Energy” which defiantly declares “we are young and still alive”?

The production itself is some of the crispest work I’ve heard all year, courtesy of one James Murphy. This album is electrifying and refreshing, the exact musical equivalent of driving really fast with all of your windows down. Spring is here and the sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Take it out for a ride.

3.7/5


Free Energy - Bang Pop [mp3]

the Philly band's fantastic debut was released digitally a couple of months ago but dropped today in your local record store. get it nowww.

Free Energy announce new tour dates!

Headline Shows
4/22: Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick Café
4/23: Chicago, IL @ Beauty Bar
4/25: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
4/26: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon

Daytrotter Barnstormer III Tour Dates (w/Ra Ra Riot, Delta Spirit, and more)
4/27: West Liberty, IA @ Secrest 1883 Octogonal Barn
4/28: Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
4/29: Lake Geneva, WI @ Knotty Pines Farm
4/30: Monticiello, IL @ Kalyx Center
5/01: Maquoketa, IA @ Codfish Hollow Barn

More Headline Shows
5/8: Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club – (NEW)
5/14: Lewiston, ME @ Bates College

Tour with Jukebox The Ghost
5/26: Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East Downstairs + -
5/27: Hamden, CT @ Space + -
5/28: Philadelphia, PA @ The First Unitarian Church + -
5/29: New York, NY @ Bowery + -
5/30: Washington, DC @ Rock n Roll Hotel -
6/01: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 + -
6/02: Charlotte, NC @ Snug Harbor + -
6/3: Decatur, GA @ The Star Community Bar + - (NEW)
6/04: Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits + *
6/06: St. Paul, MN @ Grand Old Day Festival
6/08: Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree + *
6/09: Nashville, TN @ The Exit In + *
6/10: Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop + *
6/11: Rochester, NY @ The Club at Water Street Music Hall + *
6/12: Providence, RI @ Jerky’s + * (NEW)

+ w/ Jukebox The Ghost

- w/ Minature Tigers

* w/ Drink Up Buttercup
RECENTLY ANNOUNCED SHOWS

Tour with Mates Of State
6/15: Northampton, MA @ IronHorse
NXNE Shows (2 shows, 1 day):
6/17: Toronto, ON @ NXNE early show @ Yonge Dundas Square w/ Mudhoney, X, Brant Bjork, and Icarus Line (6pm)
6/17: Toronto, ON @ NXNE late show @ Horseshoe Tavern - KEXP Night w/ Warpaint and Elliott Brood (10pm)
6/18: Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
6/19: Cleveland, OH @ Grop Shop
6/21: Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century
6/22: Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
6/23: Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar
6/24: Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar
6/25: Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
6/26: Denver, CO @ Bluebird
6/28: Salt Lake City @ In the Venue
6/30: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
7/1: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
7/2: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
7/3: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
7/4: Tucscon, AZ @ Club Congress
7/6: Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s
7/7: Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
7/8: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
7/9: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
7/10: Birmingham, AL @ Workplay
7/12: Athens, GA @ 40 Watt
7/13: Ashville, NC @ Orange Peel
7/14: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar

Free Energy - Bang Pop [mp3]

BONUS:

watch them being featured on ABC below:

Free Energy wants YOU in their new music video

do you live in the band's hometown of Philadelphia? head on out to Urban Outfitters (on Walnut) on Tuesday, April 13th from 5-7pm for the chance to be in their new video, “Bang Pop.” the guys need about 100 people for the video, so why not try your luck?

Free Energy - Something In Common (Live on MPR) [mp3]

tour dates:
04/21: Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
04/22: Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick Café
04/23: Chicago, IL @ Beauty Bar
04/25: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
04/26: Madison, WI @ Annex
04/27: West Liberty, IA @ Secrest 1883 Octogonal Barn*
04/28: Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom*
04/29: Lake Geneva, WI @ Knotty Pines Farm*
04/30: Monticiello, IL @ Kalyx Center*
05/01: Maquoketa, IL @ Codfish Hollow Barn*
05/14: Lewiston, ME @ Bates College
05/26: Boston, MA @ The Middle East Downstairs +
05/27: Hamden, CT @ Space +
05/28: Philadelphia, PA @ The First Unitarian Church +
05/29: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom +
06/01: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 +
06/02: Charlotte, NC @ Snug Harbor +
06/04: Jacksonville, FL @ Jackrabbits +
06/05: Tampa, FL @ Crowbar #
06/06: St. Paul, MN @ The Grand Old Day Festival
06/06: Orlando FL @ Backbooth #
06/08: Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree +
06/09: Nashville, TN @ The Exit In +
06/10: Bloomington, IN @ The Bluebird +

* = Daytrotter Presents: Barnstormer III
+ = w/ Jukebox The Ghost
# = Jukebox The Ghost solo dates

Free Energy to play Letterman on Wednesday

the fantastic Philly band will grace your television this St Patty's. the band is also all over SXSW this year.

their debut album, Stuck on Nothing, was released digitally last Tuesday, and I will review it when it gets its physical release in May.

in the mean time, enjoy the following live version of one of the tracks from the album

Free Energy - Bad Stuff (Live From KEXP) [mp3]

visit them on MYSPACE

must watch videos: Free Energy Insound Session

head on over to Insound Studio's Website to watch three videos dripping with excellence. the band played "Free Energy", "Bang Pop" and "Dream City", all of which, I believe, will be found on the debut.
I am wearing my Stuck on Nothing shirt right now cause I wore it to work yesterday and then slept in it.

band of the week + concert review: Free Energy

Last night, Free Energy brought something to the Popscene’s stage that very few indie bands nowadays can brag about…deliciously decipherable guitars, high jumps, and 70’s swagger out the wazoo. Opening up for Dan Black (whom I shall sum up as the head scratching combination of Coldplay and rap wrapped up in self indulgence and stage makeup), the Philly band quickly gained the audience’s approval—much to my delight.

Free Energy, which, according to their lead singer Paul, was named after the song ‘cause it stuck well, are well ahead of the game—even if only musically. I have no doubt that people will soon catch on to this insanely catchy band, as James Murphey has already done by producing their forthcoming March 6th debut, Stuck on Nothing.

Their set was overflowing with high energy and guitar feel-goodery, the band’s chemistry was perfect. Knock you off your ass with a punch in the face perfection. Paul Sprangers (vox) and Scott Wells (guitar) used to play in the now-defunct Hockey Night, but they regrouped as the force that is Free Energy, recruiting a couple of friends to play drums (Nick Shuminsky) and guitar (Geoff Bucknum), with Scott’s younger brother Evan on bass.

I had a nice chat with Scott after the band’s set and he told me that he enjoyed playing the Popscene a lot more than their Rickshaw Stop show on the 24th, mainly because the Noisepop people were being all stressed out etc etc. I was surprised to hear that he has recently been binging on U2, especially War and Joshua Tree. He blames Brian Eno’s flawless production for his fixation on the latter album.

When I asked him what the band listened to while writing songs for Stuck on Nothing, he replied with the more logical answer of “Thin Lizzy”.
Thank goodness for small favours.

Set list:
Hope Child
Bang Pop
All I Know
Dream City
Something in Common
Stuck on Nothing
Free Energy






Free Energy - Something in Common [mp3, highly recommended!]

Free Energy - Dark Trance [mp3]

Free Energy announce DEBUT + TOUR!!

aren't they precious?

the album, Stuck On Nothing will be released via Astralwerks/DFA Records on March 6th. it feels like I've been waiting FOREVER for this release. I've been totally psyched for it just based on a few killer singles that the Philly band has released thus far.

Free Energy Tour Dates (* = with Foreign Born)

02/22: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
02/23: Los Angeles, CA @ Spaceland
02/24: San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Shop *
02/25: San Francisco, CA @ Popscene
02/26: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios *
02/28: Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey *
03/03: Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry *
03/04: Madison, WI @ The Frequency *
03/05: Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle *
03/06: Bloomington, IN @ Video Saloon *
03/08: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern *
03/09: Toronto, ON @ El Mocambo *
03/10: Buffalo, NY @ Big Orbit’s Soundlab *
03/11: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge *
03/12: Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory *
03/13: Philadelphia, PA @ Marathon Lounge *
03/14: Washington, DC @ DC9 *

I love the Popscene. it is basically indie dance club awesomeness. their Rickshaw show is part of this year's NOISEPOP.

Free Energy - Dream City (daytrotter) [mp3]

Free Energy - Something in Common (daytrotter) [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

huzzah!

Free Energy record a Daytrotter sesh

Sean Moeller, you are my hero. thank you for doing what you do. seriously, that is one killer article.

Free Energy - Something in Common (Daytrotter) [mp3]

head on over to read the article and download the songs

new song: Free Energy -Something in Common

Free Energy has debuted a new song on RCRD LBL and even though I've heard a live version of this track, I'm still quite stoked! I'm so ready for a full length release from this band

it's so surreal how some bands release many, many albums before they gain recognition, some bands break out after a great debut, and others, like Free Energy (and The Strokes) get booked and signed and go on full on tours with just a demo under their belts.

in any case, thank goodness for good music and a nice cup of tea.

Free Energy -Something in Common [mp3]
even though it's more synth driven, and has a lot more club-friendly beats, this song is much more subdued than their previous dance-y tracks.

visit Free Energy on MYSPACE

Free Energy to play Slims with The Rakes

I was actually browsing the Slims' website yesterday and came across the November 1st show...I checked their website and they hadn't posted it yet, I guess the venue updates on weekends but the band doesn't!

anyhow, I'll see you all there, The Rakes put on one hell of a show and I've been waiting for this band to tour ever since I heard them for the first time, so this concert is bound to be oodles of fun.

09/25: Philadelphia, PA @ Phi Lam
10/02: Haverford, PA @ Lunt Basement
10/07: Beijing, China @ Modern Sky Festival (w/The Futureheads & British Seapower)
10/21: New York, NY @ Santos Partyhouse - CMJ Oh My Rockness Showcase
10/22: New York, NY @ Pianos - CMJ Windish Agency Showcase
10/24: London, UK @ Cargo (DFA Night)
10/26: London, UK @ Barfly
10/27: London, UK @ Rough Trade Records (Hoxton) In-Store (Early Show)/Waterats (Late Show)
10/28: London, UK @ Windmill
10/31: Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy*
11/01: San Francisco, CA @ Slims*
11/03: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Urban Lounge*
11/04: Denver, CO @ The Bluebird*
11/06: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock*
11/07: Chicago, IL @ Double Door*
11/09: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club*
11/10: Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus*
11/11: Boston, MA @ Great Scott*
11/12: New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom*
11/19: Dallas, TX @ The Cavern
11/20: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
11/21: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
11/22: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/23: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/24: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/25: Washington, DC @ DC9, set TBA
11/27: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
* = with The Rakes

Free Energy - Something In Common (Live on MPR) [mp3]

visit them on MYSPACE