We’re back after a brief west-coast break – yes the weather was lovely, yes the tacos were great. Tacos can only bring so much joy though and the serious business of attending concerts must go on.
5) Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Meatbodies, Acid Dad at Music Hall of Williamsburg
You might form a decent idea about what Psychedelic Porn Crumpets sound like just by the name. The Australian (Perth) quartet’s brand of psych is heavier on the BPM than most with plenty of riffs and a bit more treble in the mix, and they nail it. Their latest album, And Now For The Whatchamacallit, was released back in May and this might be their first ever visit to the US. If you needed more enticing, then you can also catch FreeWilliamsburg favourites Meatbodies for good measure! Friday 8pm
4) Ty Segall & Freedom Band, DMBQ at Bowery Ballroom and Brooklyn Steel
In somewhat unclear circumstances, Ty’s run of five shows at Warsaw (from the 1st-5th of October) were to Bowery Ballroom and Brooklyn Steel. Two of those have already happened by the time this column goes out, but that leaves a show at Bowery on Thursday where he’ll play Goodbye Bread in full, and you’ll get Emotional Mugger on Friday, things move to Brooklyn Steel after that and he’ll play Manipulator on Saturday. All shows will also feature Ty’s latest album, First Taste played in full as well. The main show link is for Saturday as I think Manipulator is the best bang for your buck in this run.
3) Bonny Doon, Anna St. Louis at The Broadway
Michigan alt-country act Bonny Doon hit up The Broadway on Thursday night still touring off the back of their excellent Longwave album from last year. If you like your country to have be equal parts melancholic but shiny then you should look no further, the record has a looseness that fits like a giant sweater in the middle of winter. Thursday 8pm
2) The Glenn Branca Ensemble at Saint Vitus Bar
Glenn Branca sadly passed away last year. As a tribute on what would have been his 71st birthday, the Glenn Brance Ensemble will play his posthumously released The Third Ascension. Having seen it performed in 2016, I can’t think of a better venue than Saint Vitus, bring earplugs, it will be intense. Sunday 7pm
1) Built to Spill, Prism Bitch, Love as Laughter at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Indie legends Built to Spill do like to do the “play a full album” thing, I saw them do Perfect From Now On in 2008 and now they’re playing what might be their best album, Keep It Like a Secret (though if you put a gun to my head I might pick You In Reverse as my favourite). This is the last of four nights so hopefully you’ve either already enjoyed one of the shows or your have a ticket for this one! I saw them at Webster Hall on Tuesday and it was glorious. Thursday 6:30pm