Hand Habits – Spinning Platters

Show Review: Cass McCombs with Hand Habits at Great American Music Hall, 4/9/26

Is it possible to wash yourself up if you don’t take interviews? As far as being “washed up” as a musician, Cass McCombs has remained so private and low-profile, with almost no social media presence, rarely giving interviews, and offering very little spoken onstage. As a lyricist, he has quietly masterminded literature-worthy cadences in his songs over the years. The lyrics are extremely personal, yet vague enough to keep distance between listener and artist; sometimes it’s a wry smile, sometimes it’s a shocking question, and sometimes it feels like a local radio station drifting in and out. Continue reading “Show Review: Cass McCombs with Hand Habits at Great American Music Hall, 4/9/26”

Show Review: Perfume Genius with Hand Habits at The Fillmore, 3.21.22

Photos by Tiffany Black-Darquea

For one night, as Perfume Genius (Michael Alden Hadreas) brought the second show of their tour to the bay, The Fillmore had a spectacular mirror ball swinging across its stage, all graceful arcs and delicate reflections.
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Noise Pop Phase 1 Line Up Announced / Tickets On Sale TODAY at 10am!!

I always think of Noise Pop 2020 as the “last” festival… They managed to finish up just *barely* before the pandemic began to take a grip on society and pretty much end fun as we know it. So, seeing them announce their return today left me feeling a little bit of… Dare I say hope? Ages 5-11 are now able to get vaccinated. California is still doing fantastic at keeping both infections and hospitalizations down. I’ve spoken to a few venue managers in the Bay, and people are surprised by how few infections seem to be happening in the live events community, at least locally. So maybe, just maybe, Noise Pop 2022 (running Feb 21-27) *might* end up being our first time to safely and collectively “let loose” in two whole years.

And there is SO MUCH HOPE in this line-up! The first thing that caught my eye was noticing Quasi is back! This would be drum master Janet Weiss’ first Bay Area performance since her near-fatal car accident in 2019, as well as her first visit since leaving Sleater-Kinney. There are also comeback sets by Spinning Platters’ favorites Papercuts, The Drums (performing Portamento), and The Microphones. We also have a performance by Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum’s quarantine protect Man On Man. Yes, I’m old, but I like new things, too. And I’m particularly stoked to see Hunny, King Princess, Hand Habits, and Ian Sweet all on the bill. AND THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST WAVE!!! I’m already exhausted trying to figure out what I’m going to go to. Schedule and tickets for individual shows can be found here. Don’t like making decisions in advance? There are still a few badges available at Phase 1 prices! $159 for “all you can eat” live music for a whole week? You can’t beat that!