Son Volt
Headliners Saturday, April 15 Son Volts newest album, this years Notes of Blue, marks the bands eighth record in 22 years, a time span thats been spent writing sharp country-rock songs about forgotten pockets of America. Compared to 2013s Honky Tonk, Notes of Blue is rougher around the edges, running distortion-fueled guitar riffs next to lyrics that reflect the current political climate with songs about desperation and authoritarian figures, although its hard to say whether those themes are intentional or not frontman Jay Farrar has been writing songs like these since those fantastic Uncle Tupelo records from the early 90s.
Hot Prowlers
Magnolia Bar Saturday, April 15 What is set to be their last show for a few months, Hot Prowlers bring their explosive new-wave to Magnolia Bar before they take a break to write and record a new record. Their last record, 2016s Neon was a whirlwind of noise-pop, CBGBs experimental and 80s synth, all wrapped into well-structured and clever songs that are smart and catchy. It has the cutting-edge qualities of interesting fringe genres, and the heartbeat of a record that was written for an arena.
Slothrust
Zanzabar Wednesday, April 19 With punchy, grungy songs that cover a lot of range with melody, grace and power, Slothrust twists in blues and folk elements, establishing something thats familiar and refreshing. Seemingly as comfortable with quiet, introspective moments as they are taking off into waves of power, the Brooklyn-based trio has the agility to pivot ideas and tempos with a smooth ease that comes off as cool and effortless.
This article appears in April 12, 2017.
