Releasing an album is no small feat: Often a record-release show is the final step of a long, complicated (re: stressful) and rewarding affair -- signaling not just the end of a time-intensive creative writing/recording/mixing process (typically spanning months if not years) but the beginning of an equally exhaustive album cycle that typically comes afterward.
It must be no small relief then when local bands link up to unveil their respective new efforts -- after all, it's easier to face the prospects and challenges of an ever-changing music world with friends. Strength in numbers, as they say.
Such is the case on Saturday, July 13, when the Irenic hosts a local-music blowout -- serving as the record-release show for not one but two on-the-rise San Diego bands, Splavender and Retra. The North Park church, one of San Diego's premier all-ages venues, also welcomes a litany of hometown indie-rock faves for the mini-fest such as Los Shadows, Ten Bulls (fka Sights and Sages), Boychick, Well Well Well, Former and Still Ill (a tribute to Morrissey and the Smiths).
Splavender have been long-time SoundDiego darlings, with an expansive sound that marries surf-rock, pop, funk, psychedelia and jazz; in other words, they're very much unlike anything you've ever heard. If their previous record is any indication, the new album should be stellar. In a similar vein, Retra (fronted by Rebecca "Becx" Pelayo) meld alternative-rock and funk for a unique style -- one that we're intrigued to hear come together on their new forthcoming EP.
Featuring an entire day (3:30-10 p.m.) of some of the best music our San Diego music scene has to offer, the July 13 show should prove to be a successful, well-attended event -- and a great way for two bands to unleash their latest work.
Retra, Splavender and friends headline the Irenic on Saturday, July 13. The show is all ages. Tickets are $10 and available here. Doors at 3:30 p.m.
Dustin Lothspeich is SoundDiego's senior associate editor, a San Diego Music Award-winning musician, and talent buyer at The Merrow. Follow his updates on Twitter or contact him directly.
