Thursday, June 5th, Alameda play at Mississippi Studios celebrating the release of their Live From the Banana Stand album! The band admits that they’ve been “holed up” prepping new material and recording, which means we’re about to witness a mass exodus of pure, pent-up creative energy… you’ll want to see this.

Banana Stand Media is an underground house venue/recording space/record label, known for their epically intimate live recorded and filmed shows, and their resulting live albums and video content. Alameda’s own front-person Stirling Myles referred to Banana Stand as simply “too good to be true,” referencing this upcoming release as “a document of a special moment.”

About Alameda: I would refer to them fondly as “dense folk.” Their list of influences is vast, ranging from “epic metal, noise and hardcore to jazz and pop,” all channeled into incredibly dynamic, orchestral folk tunes with sweeping strings and even a clarinet in the mix. They’ll share the stage at Mississippi Studios Thursday with fellow local folk acts Balto and Bevelers. In preparation for the show, Check out the video of Alameda playing "Little Lives" from their performance at Banana Stand. 

- Ted Jamison*

Alameda have just released a stunning new music video to accompany the track, “Little Lives” off of their upcoming 7” record, Frozen Architecture (to be released November 25th through Ash From Sweat Records). The video, created and animated by Sanda Anderlon, reflects the emotions of the music as small creatures move through magnificent landscapes; the juxtaposition of of their scope lining up with the song as it ranges from minimal moments to sweeping crescendos. Watch the video below and mark your calendars for Frozen Architecture's release show at the White Eagle Saloon on November 25th. - Benjamin Toledo

Alameda - Little Lives from Alameda on Vimeo.

Just when I was starting to think Portland music was winding down after an eventful summer, our friends at KZME put together an amazing Portland-infused lineup for the inaugural Stumptown Music Fest. This Saturday, Alhambra Theatre (formerly Mt. Tabor) will showcase 8 bands that have all had incredible past years and have made a sincere impact on the Portland scene. The mainly folky lineup starts 5PM and is slated to go on until 12:30, giving you a full night of amazing sets. Beginning acts will include the avant garde sounds of Billy Goat and Like a Villain. Sets by Portland’s vintage-pop heroes, the Lower 48 will be featured as well as PDX pop queen Sara Jackson Holman. The neo-folk sounds this city is known for will be diligently represented by the likes of Alameda and Bike Thief and the night will end back with the soulful rhythms laid down by Minden and the dance rock duo, Dresses. All of these bands had amazing accomplishments in 2013 and will mostly likely follow the trend in this next year. So come on out to support a night of Portland rock. - Colin Hudson

Alameda, the Portland-based five piece band with sophisticated instrumentation and smooth harmonious vocals has found a sound that is settled and sure. The tracks on Procession, the album released in 2012, contain a range of emotions and stories that grab you instantly. “Swollen Light,” the guitar driven heartbreaker, swells to a head and shows you exactly why this band is doing so well. Strings and clarinet keep things classy without getting bogged down in traditional frameworks. Their experimentation has payed off. This summer the band will be touring and surely met with open arms by current and new fans alike. Kicking off a summer of touring can't start at a better place than Holocene, and this Sunday they will do just that with the amazingly talented Mice Parade. Mice Parade has proven versatility and a relentless energy that takes advantage of an amazing percussion section and pop laced melodies with ease and lightheartedness. The combination of these bands is going to make for one heck of a night this Sunday, June 2nd.  Doors open at 7 and tickets are $10 online or at the door. - Joy Pearson