There are many things lacking in Portland as a place, especially within the music scene. Despite the obvious deficiency in diversity, there are key figures and artists within the scene that continually contribute to changing that. Homies are considered some of these figures. Led by Omar Cervantes and Ralf Rodriguez, the hazy, fuzz laden Spanish dream-surf they produce is one to easily enjoy. Their newest music video provides just as much of that minimalistic pleasure.

Artistically shot, the video that accompanying their track "Time Goes By" is in all black and white, splicing in deep notes about the concept of time, and how it is essentially meaningless. Flames and a flower are an intro before displaying "nada es nuestro." Translating to "nothing is ours," it's a perfect delineation of what the video is trying to portray.

Nothing, including time, may be truly ours, but there are still positive things that can be done with the construct. This Saturday 10.19, Homies are playing La Fuerza: a Bori-Mex Benefit, a disaster relief fundraiser meant to benefit those who suffered during the hurricanes in Mexico and Puerto Rico being held at the Portland Mercado. Sets from Brown Calculus, Cilantro, Máscaras, LuvJonez and Coast2c will also be happening, with proceeds going to the community kitchen construction project by Patronato de Arte Contemporáneo, Oregon para Puerto Rico and Jóvenes x Puerto Rico. There's even a tampon drive for Portland Menstrual Society and Amy Nieto-Cruz's donation to Puerto Rico so bring new, unopened product.

Until then, enjoy Homies' new video below.

timegoesby from LoboNahual on Vimeo.

There's been quite the buzz flying around the Mt. Portland compilation, and that buzz could not be more warranted. An idea turned reality, solo musician Joel Magid saw how transmuted Portland and its music scene have become, and decided to capture it one track at a time. Featuring 13 of PDX's most beloved and brightest, like the Century, Talkative and what very well may be the last recording from Grandparents to name a few, the Mt. Portland compilation doesn't even come off as such thanks to its production. Each original, previously unreleased track was recorded at Buzz or Howl Studios by owner Stan Wright. Though the bands on the comp aren't bred of the same genre, Wright's analog recording technique melded each contributed track seamlessly, resulting in a collection that's more cohesive than just compiled. Both Wright and Magid fronted recording time, pressings and all other costs themselves, keeping the compilation not for profit and free for us to consume.

Stream the compilation below and check out the Mt. Portland release show tomorrow at Rontoms, for free. Performing will be Boone Howard and Michael Finn (the Domestics), Candace, Joel Magid himself and headlined by And And And. 

-Cervante Pope

How often do you hike to viewpoints and scream at the top of your lungs? There's a very particular rush of energy following that experience and few situations can mimic the vibes. Tonight's show at the Know will sway you that exact way. 

Despite the arguably volatile conditions that have developed around the Portland music community as of late – hyper increased development in inner urban areas displacing low-income artist types and forcing venues to close; increased noise curfew enforcement; obtusely racist police interference with hip hop shows – there is still one beautiful, unalienable force that is overflowing throughout our tired and artistic collective: FRIENDSHIP.

PALS FEST 2014, taking place August 9th through 15th, is the perfect celebration of the friendship that ties together Portland’s musical community, and back for the festival's third year, the lineup couldn’t include any better best-bud-bands. This year, the celebration offers seven crazy nights of music, each at a different venue across town and curated by different local tastemakers, and all free or $5 entry. However, if you’re like most day-job slaving humanoids and don’t have the stamina to take in seven nights of live music in a row, here is our abridged list of shows you probably don’t want to miss:

How is your summertime muscle pump-up coming along? Remember, there is no such thing as working out too much; one must simply channel the sun, become the pump, and feel the burn. At least that’s the motto for the hunks of Bleach Blonde Dudes, who will release their debut EP, Prismo Beach Tape, this Wednesday at Holocene.

While I can really only picture some odd elfish creatures ever actually working out to Bleach Blonde Dudes Prismo Beach Tape, the tunes really are dynamite. With a spooky take on experimental rock ‘n roll, the Dudes explore variations of electronic, surfy and psychedelic pop, that can at times feel completely extra terrestrial. Opening track “Zebra” elicits imagery of fictional creatures concocting a witches’ brew to feed an idolized zebra god. “Blue Spiders at the Hot Springs” continues in this haunting dream pop vein for two minutes and 45 seconds before exploding into a guitar heavy rock epic. Aptly titled “Spirit Party” offers another dose of ethereal synthesizer, smooth grooving guitar licks and bridge comprised of what appears to be voices from beyond the grave.

Lending a spot for Bleach Blonde Dudes as they get pumped-up at the release party for Prismo Beach Tape this Wednesday at Holocene, are instrumental psych shredders Mascaras, and electronic chill-wavers Fog Father. The show begins at 9. 

- Travis Leipzig