Monday, June 15, 2009

Weekend music for 6.18.09-6.24.09

Check out this weekend's edition of Vita.mn for all the music and nightlife to-dos. Here's a preview of my contributions:


Lookbook, Nyteowl, FoodTeam + Solid Gold DJs FRIDAY 6/19 at Hexagon
A sort of showcase of the hottest up-and-coming local electronic acts in town, this show is all but guaranteed to be the night’s hot local music ticket. It was put together by DJ and producer Nyteowl (AKA Jeremiah Conlon) with a trio of his favorite acts: Lookbook, FoodTeam, and Solid Gold. Lookbook is one of the hottest up-and-coming bands, getting regular play on 89.3 The Current as of late, and FoodTeam is the solo act of Mystery Palace’s Ryan Olcott (who happens to have also produced Solid Gold’s debut LP Bodies of Water). Before they play the sold-out Rock the Garden on Saturday, uber-popular band Solid Gold will be doing a DJ set. Bonus: Nyteowl recently remixed Solid Gold and Lookbook songs, along with some international DJs for his label Nytetraxx, so expect a preview of the as-yet-unreleased tracks.
Preview Nyteowl's "Bootythumper" remix of Solid Gold's "Biblethumper" here

Deastro THURSDAY 6/18 at 7th Street Entry
Ever wondered what it would sound like to travel through space in the ‘80s? Randolph Chabot’s solo project
Deastro has your answer. The 22-year-old's solo project has been likened to glistening shoegaze, it’s more akin to his own description: “Space symphonies.” Layered with swirling synths, urgently youthful vocals, and soaring indie-pop melodies, the description by the Michigan native is apt. His one-man-band is sure to have nerd appeal: The lyrics center around mythical kingdoms, kings, and a mythical “moondagger.” Lazer Forever and Telepathos opens.

Krave: Rock Star FRIDAY 6/19 at Karma
Pride isn’t until next week, but you can start partying early at popular GLBT club night KRAVE. This month is headlined by Atlanta DJ David Knapp and the Twin Cities’ own DJ Shiek and DJ Red Richard, with gay icon Wanda Wisdom, dancers, models, giveaways, and more. Most importantly for any KRAVE night is the theme, this month’s being “ROCKSTAR.” So channel your inner Adam Lambert and put on your tightest jeans, leather jacket, ripped t-shirt, and of course, guyliner. (Costumes are encouraged but not required.) If you need a hand, stylists from Rocco Altobelli will be on hand to give free rock star makeovers.

Red Pens CD Release Show SATURDAY 6/20 at 7th Street Entry
It’s highly possible two-piece experimental nu-gazers
Red Pens could be one of the more promising psychedelic bands to have popped up in the Twin Cities as of late. The particular version of lo-fi no-wave found on the its debut album Reasons should resonate with fans of the uber-hyped Wavves, but the romantic melodies buried in tracks such as “Cave Something” should fill your My Bloody Valentine cravings. Sharp Teeth, The Vignettes, and Total Babe open.

On Saturday I'll be at the sold-out Rock the Garden, primarily to see Yeasayer and of course, Solid Gold. Look to Vita.mn on Monday for my review of the show.

Bachelorette SUNDAY 6/21 at 7th Street Entry
New Zealand has been making a name for itself as of late with the seemingly unstoppable flow of quirky pop-rock it’s unleashed on the world. Kiwi one-lady-band
Bachelorette (aka Annabel Alpers) seems to be New Zealand’s answer to Sweden’s Robyn, all synth-infused swirling pop and sass. On her debut album Isolation Loops, she takes on the world of technology and our reliance on it while incorporating that very technology into her songs’ recordings. The micro vs. macro theme brings the loop-heavy album close to the concept album category, but she inserts enough warmth and romanticism to make it an easy listen. Pikelet and Ultrachorus open.

Pansy Division with Dirty Diamonds SUNDAY 6/21 at Triple Rock
This rare, highly-anticipated show from punk rock icons Pansy Division is a can’t-miss for any punk rock fan. One of the founding bands of the Queercore genre, San Francisco’s Pansy Division just put out its first album in five years. Composed primarily of gay musicians and focusing on mostly gay-centric topics, the band defied gay stereotypes back in the early ‘90s with their brand of in-your-face, sexuality-rife punk rock. The Dirty Diamonds open.

The Germs, Krum Bums and Virgin Whores MONDAY 6/22 at Triple Rock
One of L.A.’s most influential punk bands of all time, The Germs are on their first world tour after being disbanded for over 20 years. The suicide of frontman Darby Crash caused the band to break up back in 1980, and founding guitarist Pat Smear went on to play in Nirvana and Foo Fighters in the ‘90s. After casting Shane West as Crash in the band’s biographical film What We Do Is Secret in 2005, the band reformed with West as frontman. Opening is Austin hardcore punk band The Krum Bums.

Mika Miko and Strange Boys TUESDAY 6/23 at 7th Street Entry
L.A. five-piece
Mika Miko doesn’t mess around with the classic pop-punk equation: Take three chords, add drums, bass, and girl-punk vocals; blend for two minutes and serve. It seems to have worked for them – they’re currently riding a wave of hype including stints at PAPER magazine’s Beautiful People Party in April and the Levi’s Fader showcase at SXSW. The band actually boasts a rather large discography, having been together since 2003, but Mika Miko’s best-known for its high-energy live show. Strange Boys and Gay Beast open.

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