Whistle Peak, tomorrow on LEO Music ’Cast

Whistle Peak will be on LEO's Music ’Cast tomorrow evening, discussing the release of their new self-titled debut album. Hear it at leoweekly.com or at myspace.com/leoweekly

Dave Matthews/Willie Nelson: Aug. 1 @ Slugger Field

Photos by Stephen Cohen

Action Strasse

American Gas Jive
Action Strasse
(MFT)

While their name might suggest "German techno-pop band," this four-piece from Indianapolis actually performs an interesting blend of indie rock. Action Strasse formed when the three members’ original band, a hardcore act called Majhas, called it quits and decided to band together to write some upbeat indie rock tunes.
Their debut album, American Gas Jive, is comprised of fairly straightforward indie rock songs, inspired by the likes of emo, indie and alternative pioneers like Weezer and Wilco. The soothing, catchy rhythms of “Impatient Love” even bring to mind the sensibilities of the groundbreaking Jets To Brazil and The Promise Ring. The catchy chorus on “Calling Beijing” sounds oddly similar to something Weezer might have written in their Blue Album era, aside from the brash guitar solo and clever breakdown towards the end.

Other songs like “Childlike” bring something new to the table, with a unique arrangement and melodic, harmonious choruses. Most of the songs are under three minutes, the longest topping out at four. For the most part though, they’re short and sweet, no fluff. John Zeps’ vocals and lyrics are also pretty engaging. While American Gas Jive has its blunders (“People You Live With” sounds like a more boring version of a Ben Kweller song), it’s a wonder an album this decent was recorded and mixed and five days. —Aaron Frank

jimmy johns @ 4 a.m.

bad news for my waistline: the jimmy john's franchise @ highland and bardstown is open until 4 a.m. on friday nights. which means consumption of a vito sandwich (italian. name sux. sandwich doesn't) several times. in one week.

damn you jimmy john's and your freakishly fast subs. —Mat

American Mustache Institute's interview with Jim James

Read it here. —Mat

what is indie rock?

indie rock is not a style or a genre. bands who say they play "indie rock," aren't really doing it. indie rock is more like a status. you're an unsigned band, or you're signed to an independent label that makes you pay for everything yourself. but as far as a style goes, bands don't play "indie" rock. what does that sound like? does it sound like metal? then it's called metal. is it punk, is it instrumental? atmospheric? blues? blues-rock? bands play all these genres and more, but it's not right to call it "indie." —Mat

Kentucky Bluegrass Festival Full lineup

The 2008 Kentucky Bluegrass Music Festival, this Friday and Saturday at the Belvedere:

Friday, Aug. 1:
Kentucky Sassafras
5-7 p.m.
Blue River Bluegrass Band
7:15-8 p.m.
Relic
8:15–9:30 p.m.
Shadow Ridge
9:45- 11 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 2:
Murphy’s Echo
4–4:45 p.m.
The Cumberlands
5–5:45 p.m.
Corn Island Quartet
6–6:45 p.m.
Kentucky Wind
7–7:45 p.m.
Hickory & Friends
8–9 p.m.
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
9:15–11 p.m.