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Articles by Nic Castillon
Crisis of Faith
Mizmor is a one-man, Portland-based black metal project. Its dense, towering music first emerged through a personal crisis of faith. Multi-instrumentalist Liam Neighbors, who performs under the name A.L.N., is the artist behind Mizmor. He’s doing a rare live show at Old Nick’s Pub next week in support of his new album, Cairn, which has just come out. In 2012, Neighbors began recording his music as an outlet for heavy existential emotions.
Review: Flying Lotus channels destruction in 'Flamagra'
Experimental electronic producer Steven Ellison, better known by his stage name Flying Lotus (or his pitch-shifted alter-ego Captain Murphy) took a five year break between albums after the release of his acclaimed “You’re Dead!” in 2014. He has remained busy, however, scoring music for animes and directing his recent feature film “Kuso,” a surreal series of vignettes set in the apocalyptic aftermath of a huge Los Angeles earthquake.
Review: Mac DeMarco gives extended, thoughtful and chaotic performance at Eugene’s McDonald Theater
On Thursday, May 9, on the eve of his new album release, Mac DeMarco performed at the McDonald Theater in downtown Eugene. Aside from crafting a setlist of old hits and fan favorites, he also took the time to dive heavily into songs from his latest project, the bizarre and tightly-focused “Here Comes the Cowboy.” For almost a decade now, DeMarco has been goofing off in public.
Review: Vampire Weekend’s ‘Father of the Bride’ is a dense return
It’s been six years since the release of Vampire Weekend’s last album, the acclaimed “Modern Vampires of the City.” In this span of time, co-founding member Rostam Batmanglij left the group, frontman Ezra Koenig has fathered a child with actress Rashida Jones and the band has signed with a major label. With all that in mind, the expansive double album “Father of the Bride” feels like the beginning of a new chapter — an idea that’s only furthered by the album’s breezy, springtime aesthetic.
Springs break concerts (that aren’t sold out yet)
Need something to do over spring break? Here’s a selection of concerts in Eugene and Portland that are worth checking out. The Garcia Project — WOW Hall in Eugene Friday, Mar. 22 @ 8 p.m. All Ages For those that missed the fanfare of Dead & Co.’s performance at Autzen Stadium last summer, The Garcia Project might be a worthwhile consolation.
Review: Noname brings ‘Room 25’ raps to Portland’s Crystal Ballroom
Chicago-based rapper and poet Fatimah Warner — better known as Noname — headlined a sold-out show at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland on Wednesday night. Backed by a full live band, Warned acted as a party host, breezing through songs from both her 2016 “Telephone” mixtape and her 2018 studio debut, “Room 25.” The show began at 8 p.m. with an opening set from Elton, whose blend of hip-hop and neo-soul paired nicely with Noname’s musical aesthetic.
Emerald Recommends: Songs for Dead Week
Associate Podcast Editor Sararosa Davies, arts and culture reporter Nic Castillon, news reporter Donny Morrison and Podcast Editor Ryan Nguyen discuss their picks for their favorite songs for fall. Check out their picks in our Spotify playlist and listen to hear our top study song picks for dead week. This podcast and some of these songs contain explicit language. Associate Podcast Editor Sararosa Davies produced this episode of Emerald Recommends. Podcast Editor Ryan Nguyen edited.
Review: Atmosphere brings high energy, underground hip-hop to Mcdonald Theater
Minneapolis-based hip-hop duo Atmosphere brought its underground beats and rhymes to the Mcdonald Theater in Eugene on Tuesday night. During the sold-out show, which was part of the group’s “Mi Vida Local” tour, rapper Slug, along with DJ and producer Ant, performed a career-spanning setlist of deep cuts and fan favorites that stretched all the way back into the late ‘90s.
Friday Playlist: Songs to help you destress
It’s the end of week seven and midterms are (hopefully) over by now. Here’s a little something to help you take the edge off this weekend. “Sweet VA Breeze” — DRAM The scratchy record static on DRAM’s “Sweet VA Breeze” is an obvious stylistic choice; it triggers a comforting nostalgia. On this slower and soulful track, DRAM calls back to an older sound with electric piano chords and a jazzy lead organ underneath his own soothing voice.
Review: Rapper Duckwrth brings high-energy hip-hop to the EMU
On Friday, Feb. 15, Los Angeles-based rapper Duckwrth performed a free show in the Redwood Auditorium of the Erb Memorial Union. From a small stage, standing just above eye-level, he kept the crowd engaged with a mix of high-energy hip-hop, danceable beats and an expressive delivery. The show began with performances from two UO hip-hop dance groups: Duck Street Dance and Jam Squad. Rapper Dagan, along with Eugene-based producer Kid April, also provided an opening set.
Playlist: Songs for Valentine’s Day
Love — as both a feeling and a concept — has always been present in songwriting. For Valentine’s Day, here’s a handful of songs that celebrate, acknowledge and relish in that ubiquitous human experience. “Untitled Love Song” — Angels of Light In the early ‘80s, Michael Gira was crafting brutal noise rock as the frontman of his original musical project, Swans. His later work with the band, Angels of Light, is a far cry from those abrasive experimentations.
Preview: Surfing legend Shaun Tomson brings life experience to UO
On Feb. 7, professional surfing legend Shaun Tomson will visit the University of Oregon for a lecture, hosted by the Department of Product Design. Tomson won the International Professional Surfers World Championship in 1977. As part of the “Free Ride” generation, he helped revolutionize the sport with an unprecedented style and aggression. After achieving success, Tomson began to speak in formal settings, relaying lessons and personal philosophies he gathered from surfing.
Review: FIDLAR’s third LP, ‘Almost Free,’ is both messy and progressive
The southern California skate punk band FIDLAR continues to push its sound past the confines of the garage on its third full-length album, “Almost Free.” While the lyrical subject matter has only evolved slightly beyond drugs, partying and emotional breakdowns, the band does take a particular risk with intricate song structures and careful production throughout. At times, the music on this new record feels entirely divorced from the no-frills punk sound of the band’s self-titled debut.
Oregon Pinball Championship takes place in Eugene for the first time
On Saturday, Jan. 19, Blairally Vintage Arcade hosted the 6th annual Oregon State Pinball Championship. Twenty four Oregon players competed for a $3,000 prize and a spot at the upcoming North American championship in Las Vegas. This year’s state competition, hosted in Eugene for the first time ever, also marked a growing participation from pinball players outside of the Portland scene.
Wednesday Playlist: worthwhile Beatles covers
The Beatles gave the world some of the best and most progressive pop music ever made. Naturally, attempting to recreate the band’s music isn’t easy. Doing a bad cover of a Beatles song is basically blasphemy. Here are some artists, however, that made a commendable effort. Hopefully their work can provide you with some inspiration to make it through the rest of the week.
Notable albums to anticipate in 2019
By each January, the fervor of year-end lists has died down completely. But the entire cycle must reset. It’s impossible to predict all of what 2019 will have in store, but here are some albums people will likely want to say something about. Panda Bear — “Buoys” Experimental pop musician and co-founding Animal Collective member Noah Lennox — better known by his stage name, Panda Bear — is set to release his sixth solo album on Feb. 8.
Review: Earl Sweatshirt deals with difficult emotions on ‘Some Rap Songs’
Three years ago, Earl Sweatshirt dove deeper into the topics of misanthropy and mental health with his sophomore album “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside.” His latest full-length record, “Some Rap Songs,” feels like the logical progression in his depressive and antisocial binge. On this album, Sweatshirt pushes his music beyond alternative hip-hop — verging at times on experimental noise and outsider music — with contorted samples and rhymes that feel both disoriented and emotionally precise.
2018 Christmas albums innovate the genre
Christmas albums can be a number of different things. Sometimes they are fun novelties. Other times they are shameless cash grabs or a last-ditch effort to save a singer’s dwindling relevancy. Here are a few of this year’s holiday-themed records that are more worthy of your time.
How to spend time with your family over Thanksgiving break
Family is sacred. So when your aunts and uncles come storming through the front door, clearly it’s time to be thankful. An underlying current of obligation permeates through the drunken grandmothers, your uncle’s political ramblings and that odd hobby your cousin recently picked up. Whatever type of family you’re dealing with this holiday season, the Emerald is offering a few ways to cherish your time with them — or cope, depending on the situation.
Review: Anderson .Paak stuffs politics, thematic arcs and all-star cameos on ‘Oxnard’
“Oxnard,” Anderson .Paak’s third studio album, comes as a follow-up to his critically acclaimed breakthrough, 2016’s “Malibu.” On this new record, .Paak continues with an upbeat amalgamation of older funk, soul and hip-hop influences, alongside a slew of high-profile collaborators including Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre and Pusha T. As usual, .Paak exhibits an undeniable sense of confidence with his music. This time around, the validity of his self-assurance feels even harder to question.
Friday Playlist: Country music for the alternative crowd
Country music gets a bad rap these days — which is understandable. The genre’s contemporary chart toppers are often characterized by tired clichés, shameless pandering and horrible pop production. But of course, not all country music is bad; there’s a wealth of incredibly gifted songwriters within this important American musical tradition.
UO student gets competitive with karaoke
Last month, University of Oregon graduate student Rachel Schwartzman won first place at a statewide karaoke competition in Salem, Oregon. On Nov. 15, she will fly to Las Vegas to compete in the 2018 Karaoke World Tour Championships. “It sounds so funny when you say it out loud,” Schwartzman said. Before moving to Eugene a year ago, she had never considered competitive karaoke.
Albums to get you into the Halloween spirit
Have some time to kill between this year’s Halloween festivities? Try throwing on one of these spooky LPs to further immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. “Floodland,” the 1987 sophomore album from The Sisters of Mercy, is essential to any gothic dance party. A dark and moody guitar riff — matched with a driving, industrial drum beat — makes the album’s seven-minute opener, “Dominion/Mother Russia,” an obvious standout.
Review: Mild High Club brings hazy indie rock to the EMU Ballroom
The EMU ballroom opened its doors on Friday night to an alternative, jazzy concert by Laundry and Mile High Club. (Sarah Urban/Emerald) Mild High Club, the jangly solo project of LA-based musician Alexander Brettin, performed a free show at the EMU Ballroom on Friday night. Brettin, along with his touring bandmates, brought a set of hazy, jazz-inspired indie music to the ballroom’s relaxed atmosphere. The concert also featured an opening set from the local Eugene band Laundry.
Review: Kurt Vile takes his time on ‘Bottle It In’
On “Bassackwards,” a ten-minute single from “Bottle It In,” the twangy indie rocker Kurt Vile recalls spending time as a guest on a friend’s radio show. “There wasn’t no format because well, we like it like that,” he sings.
Review: Terry Bozzio displays a mastery of percussion at WOW Hall
Bozzio first made a name for himself in the 1970s as a member of Frank Zappa’s backing band, playing live and in studio for a number of classic Zappa records such as “Sheik Yerbouti” and “Zoot Allures.” (Owen Renn / Creative Commons) Some might see Terry Bozzio’s enormous drum kit and assume he is compensating for something.
Review: Joyce Manor ventures into power pop with ‘Million Dollars to Kill Me’
The California-based Joyce Manor — one of the more respectable acts to come out of this whole “emo revival” of the last decade — is back with another 20-minute album. On “Million Dollars to Kill Me,” the band keeps things short with its trademark, punk-inspired anthems while also veering into the realm of power pop. Some of these songs take a notable influence from a few of the more sentimental acts of the 1990s.
Former UO athlete Jordan Kent and Nintendo bring ‘Super Smash Bros.’ to Autzen
Before the Oregon-Stanford football game on Saturday, Duck fans received a sneak preview of the upcoming “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo partnered with the Wendy’s College Tailgate Tour in order to bring a demo version of the much-anticipated fighting game to Autzen Stadium. Jordan Kent, a University of Oregon alum and former wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks was also present at the event to promote “Ultimate” with the video game company.
Review: Aphex Twin plays up his strengths on the hyperactive ‘Collapse’ EP
A new music video for the Aphex Twin single “T69 Collapse” would have made its television debut on Adult Swim earlier this summer. The video’s erratic CGI visuals, however, ended up failing the Harding test, and the network subsequently pulled it from the programming in order to protect those with photosensitive epilepsy. In a similar vein, the music on Aphex Twin’s recently released “Collapse” EP is hyper stimulating. The pioneering electronic producer — also known as Richard D.
Friday Playlist: Songs to listen to while you’re alone in your room at night
Admit it, summers are boring. The season may be something to look forward to at the end of the school year, but when summer actually comes around, your friends are gone, it’s too hot outside and there’s hardly anything fun to do. For those patiently waiting on things to pick up again, here’s a handful of songs to listen to while you spend another night alone in your room. The German electronic group Kraftwerk was often way ahead of its time.
Review: Animal Collective takes a psychedelic scuba dive on ‘Tangerine Reef’
“Tangerine Reef,” the latest musical project from psychedelic pop group Animal Collective, is akin to a drugged-up ocean documentary. The audiovisual album combines ambient musical explorations with vibrant footage of coral and various other reef creatures. It is not only a meditative journey down to the ocean floor but a welcome return to the group’s earlier experimental work.
The evolution of Eugene’s anarchist movements
Rioters ran through the streets of downtown Eugene, blocking traffic and resisting arrest on June 18, 1999. The event had escalated from an international protest named “Carnival Against Capital” earlier that same day. People went to the nearest bank and started smashing windows according to John Zerzan, a prominent, Eugene-based anarchist thinker. Activist Rob los Ricos, who was present at the riot, ended up spending seven years in prison for hitting a cop in the shoulder with a rock.
Review: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic performs mostly original material for an intimate sold-out show at McDonald Theater
Weird Al performs with his band. "Weird Al" Yankovic sells out the 'Ill-Advised Vanity Tour' at the McDonald Theatre in Eugene, Ore. on May 24, 2018. (Sarah Northrop/Emerald) Pop music parody artist and goofball satirist “Weird Al” Yankovic performed a sold-out show Thursday night at the McDonald Theater in downtown Eugene.
Review: Parquet Courts expands its sound on ‘Wide Awake!’
“Wide Awake!” — the sixth album from the New York-based indie rock band Parquet Courts — is a frenzied mix of politically-conscious music, equally informed by both punk rock and funk. With help from pop producer Danger Mouse, the band has created its most varied studio effort yet, adding danceable beats and a broader production sound to its familiar art punk blueprint. But along with the refreshing musical tangents, the band also sacrifices some of its previous raw energy.
Review: Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner croons through space on ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’
On this latest Arctic Monkeys album, frontman Alex Turner has essentially transformed himself and his band into a space-age lounge act. Many of the songs here are based around a futuristic hotel on the moon. If that sounds like a bad thing, it’s not. “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” is a carefully thought out record as much as it is an amusing oddity.
Preview: Willamette Valley Music Festival brings together local talent with big name headliners
The annual Willamette Valley Music Festival will return to the heart of the University of Oregon campus this Saturday to celebrate Eugene’s music and art scene. The festival will feature a wide variety of music throughout the day with a lineup that includes a slew of local talent in addition to the festival’s two main headliners, STRFKR and Mr. Carmack. “This is a big part of building the University of Oregon tradition,” said Elissa Carlson, one of the festival’s student coordinators.
Friday Playlist: No Words, Please
The end of week five has arrived. At this point in the term, most students are either cramming for that next big test or taking a much-needed break after finishing all their midterms. This playlist of instrumental music will hopefully come in handy, either as distraction-free study music or simply as something to relax to while patiently waiting for grades. For the band’s fourth album, “Ocean Beach,” Red House Painters decided to take somewhat of a break from its typical slow and drawn-out sound.
Review: Grouper’s ‘Grid of Points’ leaves room for quiet contemplation
Liz Harris, known on stage as Grouper, maintains a relaxed atmosphere on her new album 'Grid of Points' (Brian Foote). “Grid of Points” is the eleventh album from the prolific Oregon-based recording artist Liz Harris, otherwise known as Grouper. Similar to previous Grouper releases, the record is slow, ambient and emotional, with a heavy emphasis placed on the overall atmosphere of the recordings. But it would be wrong to dismiss this album as boring background music.
Review: Joe Jack Talcum of The Dead Milkmen performs an intimate acoustic set at WOW Hall
Joe Jack Talcum — a founding member of the cult punk rock outfit the Dead Milkmen — performed an acoustic solo set at the WOW Hall on Monday. The venue was less than halfway full, with only about fifty people in the audience, but Talcum gave a more than worthwhile performance for the fans that were willing to show up on cold weekday night.
Review: Alvvays brings its layered indie pop to the Hi-Fi Music Hall
The Canadian indie pop band Alvvays generated a lot of buzz last year with the release of its sophomore record “Antisocialites.” During a concert at the Hi-Fi Music Hall in Eugene this Sunday, a crowd of mostly hip twenty-somethings were able to see the band perform nearly every song from the album live. The night also featured an opening set from the Brooklyn-based recording artist Frankie Rose. The show started around 9 p.m. as Frankie Rose took the stage of the half full venue.
Review: Car Seat Headrest and fellow Seattle band Naked Giants bring ‘Twin Fantasy’ favorites to WOW Hall
Lead singer of Car Seat Headrest Will Toledo opens their headlining set. Car Seat Headrest and Naked Giants perform at WOW Hall in Eugene, Ore. on Apr. 6, 2018. (Natalie Waitt-Gibson/Emerald) The Seattle-based indie rock band Car Seat Headrest made a stop in Eugene Friday night for a sold-out show at WOW Hall.
Review: David Byrne grapples with the 21st Century on “American Utopia”
David Byrne’s work as a frontman for the New York band Talking Heads lead to some of the most influential pop music of the late 20th century. With albums like 1980’s “Remain in Light” and the groundbreaking 1984 concert film “Stop Making Sense,” Byrne established himself as a forward-thinking musical mastermind.
Author Jonathan Franzen visits campus, talks fiction writing and bird watching as part of the Collins Distinguished Speakers’ Series
Jonathan Franzen, acclaimed author of novels such as “The Corrections” and “Freedom,” visited the University of Oregon Thursday night as part of the Collins Distinguished Speakers’ Series. After a brief introduction from UO professor David Li, Franzen read from one of his essays, gave some thoughts on novel writing and answered a few audience questions. The event began shortly after 8:00 p.m. The audience was mostly made up of older community members, as the event was free and open to the public.
Review: YOB brings its powerful doom metal for hometown show at WOW Hall
Yob toured in Eugene — the band's hometown — to promote their new album to be released in the summer (James Rexroad) Eugene-based doom metal outfit YOB performed at WOW Hall for a packed house of hometown fans Friday night. With a set lasting around an hour and fifteen minutes, YOB managed to perform eight brutal songs — many of which were new tracks from the band’s forthcoming album. The show also featured opening sets from fellow Eugene bands Paranoiac and Maestus.
Emerald Recommends: Anti-Valentine's Day Songs - Emerald Media
Valentine’s Day is a weird holiday. For those in happy and healthy relationships, it’s often enjoyable. For the many people who aren’t, the gushy festivities can feel a little unnecessary. Here’s a playlist for the different types of people who may feel left out this year — whatever the reason may be. “Too Much Love,” a track off of LCD Soundsystem’s self-titled debut, stands in solidarity with those put off by the numerous displays of affection that can be witnessed all throughout Valentine’s Day.
‘Semen stains the mountaintops’: Looking back on Neutral Milk Hotel’s ‘In the Aeroplane Over the Sea’ 20 years later - Emerald Media
There’s a lot that could be said about “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.” For some, Neutral Milk Hotel’s folky sophomore record is a work of genius. Since its release in 1998, the album has developed a strong cult following, evident by steady record sales and a large amount of appreciation found online. But for others, it’s less than pleasurable, just plain weird or even obnoxious. With its polarizing nature, the album has reached an iconic and almost mythic status. Feb.
Sasquatch! 2018 lineup announced: Bon Iver, Modest Mouse and The National to headline - Emerald Media
The crowd is alight with cell phones during Chance The Rapper's performance at the Sasquatch stage during the Sasquatch! 2017 Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington on Sunday night, May 28. (Emerson Malone/Emerald) The annual Sasquatch! music festival announced its 2018 lineup on Feb. 5.
Review: Queens of the Stone Age bring heavy, desert rock to Eugene’s Hult Center - Emerald Media
The noted hard-rockers, Queens of the Stone Age, made a stop at Eugene’s Hult Center Saturday night in support of the group’s most recent album “Villains.” The band’s performance, along with an opening set from the boogie rock band Eagles of Death Metal, made for one of the loudest nights possible at the downtown performing arts center.
Albums to look forward to in 2018 - Emerald Media
After each year-end list has been compiled, it’s time to think about the future. From Ty Segall to MGMT, here is a list of albums to look forward to in 2018. A new album from Ty Segall shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The California garage- rock artist has released a new solo album almost every year since his self-titled debut in 2008. In 2015, he still managed to drop a live album and an EP. His upcoming album, “Freedom’s Goblin,” is set to release on Jan. 26.
Review: Björk finds bliss in the otherworldly 'Utopia' - Emerald Media
“Utopia,” Björk’s latest album, can be seen as a companion to 2015’s “Vulnicura,” as it explores many similar subjects. “Vulnicura” functioned as a way for the Icelandic singer to process a breakup with her long-term partner, American artist Matthew Barney. Naturally, the album took on a somber tone; however, on “Utopia,” things are noticeably brighter, like a light at the end of a tunnel. “Arisen My Senses,” the album’s opening track, immediately communicates that change.
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