I can’t say there hasn’t been an air of complete normality this week, but what that really means is stuff like this, businesses treating staff like crap, a new music venue opening and anticipation of sandwiches. I’m going to keep this brief because I had an important exam today (it’s cool, I passed), but it’s the quality of the acts themselves that matter!
5) Beach House, Romantic States at Baby’s All Right
Tickets for this show went on sale at midday and sold out in 20 seconds, apparently. I saw Beach House in London 5 years ago and thought a little something was lost in the live setting, I think it was the single-pace of the show, which works better on record, but there’s no doubting that this is a pretty intimate show that should be a bit of a treat. Thursday 7pm
4) Steve Gunn, Spacin’ at Union Pool
Union Pool’s free Summer Thunder series is always a fun way to spend a few Saturday afternoons, and while many of the shows feature fairly punchy sets, there’s something more appealing about sitting outside in the sun with a beer and a torta from the El Diablo truck, watching folk music. Steve Gunn is one of the best around these days and whether or not he’s playing solo or has a band, the acoustic virtuoso is sure to woo anyone in attendance. Saturday 3pm
3) Special Guest TBA, Protomartyr, Deradoorian at Villain
This is a free show presented by Pitchfork that you have to RSVP for. The show features a “secret guest” and regardless of who that may be (don’t you think this kind of thing is always bs? Better to have people turn up who want to see the band than a potential clearout of people who couldn’t care less), Protomartyr are always worth seeing. Saturday 8pm
2) La Luz, EZTV, Scully at Bowery Ballroom
It’s usually a nice feeling to see a band work their way up the venues until they play somewhere like the Bowery Ballroom, and I suspect all three bands are thrilled to be playing there (though I have seen EZTV there already, supporting Mikal Cronin). Seattle’s La Luz have expanded their surf rock sound on their latest record, Weirdo Shrine, produced by Ty Seagall. Scully have been a staple at many of the DIY venues for the last couple of years and have actually just released a split 7″ single with La Luz, which you can listen to here. The two bands are well paired on record and on stage so get there early to see the whole show. Saturday 8pm
1) Royal Headache, Sheer Mag, The Gotobeds at Saint Vitus Bar
Australia’s Royal Headache have been getting rave reviews on their current tour and what better place to see the garage-rockers than Saint Vitus? The quartet have just released their second record, High, on the What’s Your Rupture label, it’s a record strewn with gritty soulful vocals which really elevates it above most current rock acts. Joining will be Philadelphia’s Sheer Mag, who should be a great match with their own brand of firey classic rock. The same pair play Palisades on Saturday night, substituting The Gotobeds with Flowers of Evil. Sunday 8pm
