In a week dominated by inhumane actions stemmed from our wannabe-dictator of a president, it’s pretty hard to come up with any kind of intro to this weekend’s choice selection of shows… but whether you’re just looking to switch your brain off or a reward for fighting a good cause, it’s important to take stock and accept something good when it comes around, and with that, here are the best concerts happening around the city this weekend.
5) Of Feather and Bone, Tomb Mold, Skullshitter, Organ Dealer at Saint Vitus Bar
If you metal can’t possibly be guttural enough for you, then Of Feather and Bone will do their best to test your senses. It’s not just the vocals we’re talking about either, the guitars and drums are some of the muddiest you can come across, but it all somehow manages to come together. See for yourself at, where else, Saint Vitus. Friday 7:30pm
4) Hand Habits, Dead Tooth, Lady Pills, ZZZwalk at Trans-Pecos
Maybe it’s the energy-sapping heat talking but the elegant and easy-listening swagger of Hand Habits’ yr heart is about the best coping mechanism I can come up with. Boston’s Lady Pills know how to chill too, with equal parts fuzz and jangle that you can’t help but bob your head to. Thursday 8pm
3) Gang Gang Dance, Deakin at Elsewhere
After seven years, Gang Gang Dance finally return with Kazuashita via 4AD, and if lead single Lotus is anything to go by, it’s like they never went away. Produced by Brian DeGraw (who released the excellent bEEdEEgEE during that seven year hiatus), Lotus is a Gang Gang Dance greatest hits in five minutes. The group play a record release show on Friday at Elsewhere, so maybe enjoy the venue’s rooftop bar ahead of the show. Friday 7pm
2) Amen Dunes, U.S. Girls, L’Rain at Brooklyn Steel
I’m mostly sticking with the it’s-too-hot-to-rock idea this week, Amen Dunes’ latest offering, Freedom, is at times a lush, almost Bowie-like delight, Beach House‘s Chris Coady produces and that influence comes through on many tracks, while there are also ample moments of sombre guitar-driven tracks that are well in the Amen Dunes existing wheelhouse. It’s a fine return after four years without a full-length LP and while some of the more intimate moments may be lost in a larger venue like Brooklyn Steel, the PA should fill the room nicely. Saturday 6:30pm
1) Aimee Mann, Superchunk, Jonathan Coulton at Prospect Park Bandshell
Free outdoor shows are the true mark of summer, and Prospect Park has an excellent lineup this year, including a fabulous double-header of Aimee Mann and Superchunk. The former’s most recent record, Mental Illness has a sense of her giving fans exactly what they expect – slow and sad songs that don’t get out of second gear. That’s not a criticism at all, few singer-songwriters do it so well and effortlessly (also, it’s too hot to rock). Superchunk are still touring off the back of their punchy, anthemic and politically charged What a Time To Be Alive, and having seen them twice recently, they’re as good as ever (and will rock regardless). Thursday 7:30pm
