Daddy Issues Sunday, Aug. 5 Zanzabar That 90s, punk-inspired, pop-leaning indie rock with stoic vocals and distortion-fueled guitars is alive and well, and Daddy Issues plays it as well as anyone. Their latest album, Deep Dream, was emotionally charged, chronicling trauma, broken relationships, wasted days and long nights, resulting in a highly personal, yet relatable, collision course between the past, present and future.
Marilyn Manson Sunday, Aug. 5 Louisville Palace From gothic rebellion anthems that freaked out one generation, while encouraging another to fly its freak flags, to later introspective songs, Manson has had one of the most interesting careers in music.
Against Me! Tuesday, Aug. 7 Mercury Ballroom Fueled by driving riffs and smart lyrics, Against Me! plays rock and roll with attitude and purpose a gleaming example of what the genre looks like at its best. With Against Me!, its all there the urgency, the confidence, the vulnerability, the anger and the sadness. Equal parts wild, frantic energy and digs at the core of human existence, Against Me! is one of the most-important working rock bands.
Nels Cline Thursday, Aug. 9 Headliners Music Hall The experimental guitar giant has been a member of Wilco since 2004, but you can find his work scattered all over the place, in several different styles, but always with the same drive and prowess. From rooted jazz to oddball pop to groundbreaking indie, Cline has forged a legendary career.
Belushi Speed Ball Saturday, Aug. 11 Kaiju Belushi Speed Ball plays wild and weird punk thats addicting and fun and best witnessed live. Sometimes theres nerf guns onstage, and sometimes theres silly string, but its always a good time. Mosquito, Exotic Ones and The Archaeas are also on the bill.
Wax Fang Saturday, Aug.18 Gravely Wax Fang, a venerable force in the Louisville music community, continues to shine last years Victory Laps was another powerful, wide-ranging and clever entry in their history. For as thick and versatile as the albums are, singer Scott Carney and company thrive live.
Wolf Parade Thursday, Aug. 23 Headliners Mixing post-punk curveballs, Bowie worship and that early 2000s dreamy sound, Wolf Parade creates driving rock that twists and turns in a myriad of directions.
PRJCTR Friday, Aug. 24 Against The Grain With a hazy, atmospheric sound that combines piercing guitars, electronic ambience and chilly vocal, PRJCR creates spacey music that sways and shifts often, but always in controlled and interesting way.
The Flaming Lips Sunday, Aug. 26 Iroquois Amphitheater As indie rocks experimental overlords, The Flaming Lips have created a bold, trippy discography.
Wild Child, The Suffers, Katie Toupin Wednesday, Aug. 29 Big Four Lawn – Waterfront Wednesday The August installment of WFPKs Waterfront Wednesday features the soulful, pop-leaning rock of Wild Child, the innovative R&B of The Suffers and the solo material of ex-Houndmouth singer/keyboardist Katie Toupin.
This article appears in August 1, 2018.
