14476

Deastro, Obits, White Lies, WAVVES, Ladyhawke, Efterklang, Primal Scream & more in This Week in Indie

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Micachu – Lips (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: The Chap – Proper Rock (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Choir of Unbelievers – Next Summer (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Youth Group – “Start Today Tomorrow” (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: The Fumes – “Automobile” (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Deastro – Parallelogram (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Deastro – Light Powered (MP3)

Micachu @ Cake Shop (more by Tim Griffin)
Micachu

Welcome to the SXSW Hangover edition of This Week in Indie. Those who went to Austin might not want to go see live music, but for everyone else it’s a boon. Most of these bands have been covered before so I’m just going to go night-by-night of the shows I’d recommend…

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Reports from last night’s Bell House show say Camera Obscura were in top form, so hopefully the same will hold true for tonight’s show at Mercury Lounge. It’s sold out, but I’ve generally had good luck getting tickets night-of-show, especially if you show up when doors open. If not, Pianos is right around the corner on Ludlow where you can catch Brit trio Micachu (who I saw last night at Death By Audio, they were great), peppy Australians The Grates, British Columbia’s horn-heavy Basstronaut, as well as New York’s own Leona Naess.

Friendly Fires @ The Annex (more by Kyle Dean Reinford)
Friendly Fires

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Thursday begins the two-night-stint at Bowery Ballroom for NME-sponsored tour of FriendlyFires/White Lies/The Soft Pack. Both shows are sold out but I wouldn’t be surprised if some tickets for both nights didn’t become available. I’ve seen The Soft Pack (who are the odd men out on this bill of Brits) many times, same with Friendly Fires. Both are great. White Lies, to me, sound like an melding of Interpol and the Bravery, which isn’t exactly a glowing recommendation, but I must admit I like the single “To Lose My Life.” Missed them at SXSW so I’m curious to check them out.

Also Thursday is Ladyhawke and Heartsrevolution at Studio B. Both played Bowery Last night…

“Let me tell you, that was one great set for Miss Pip Brown of New Zealand. Despite all the retro 80s synth sounds and imagery, she’s a rock chick at her core. You can pump your first or just dance to your heart’s content. It’s one of the finest debut performances I’ve seen from a foreign act.” [Music Snobbery]

While I love Bowery, for dance acts I much prefer Studio B (even when it’s 300-people too many packed) and tickets are only ten bucks.

Then there’s the Australian BBQ at the Bell House, featuring The Drones, The Grates, Youth Group, The Resignators, The Boat People, Red Riders, and “way more.” Plus, admission gets you free BBQ and one free drink. Tickets are a mere $12.

Deastro
Deastro

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Friday marks the opening of Bruar Falls, a new venue in Williamsburg from the folks who brought us Cake Shop. It’s located at 245 Grand St (Between Driggs and Roebling). Kicking things off are Denmark’s Choir of Believers (check out the MP3 above), and Detroits synth-rockers Deastro who I’ve seen before and are worth checking out. Of course checking out the new venue might be reason enough to go.

Obits @ Santos Party House (more by Jonny Leather)
Obits

While they’re locals, I gotta plug the Obits show at the Bell House. They put on a great show at the Sub Pop showcase during SXSW, their just-released debut album rocks, and they’re playing with The Browns, who I also recommend, plus Lycaon Pictus and Rope.

Sky Larkin @ Mercury Lounge (more by Tim Griffin)
Sky Larkin

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Deastro play again on Saturday at Cake Shop with UK band The Chap who I know nothing about apart from listening to the MP3 that’s at the top of this post. But they look like they might be fun.

TWII (This Week in Indie) faves Sky Larkin play this month’s Spicy Times party at Union Hall with locals Soft Black (not the Soft Pack) and Philly shoegazers Arc in Round. Last month’s Spicy Times got a little out of hand, let’s hope the same happens this time.

WAVVES – Todd P SXSW 2009
WAVVES
WAVVES

Fresh off their SXSW onslaught (including a truly wild, week-capping performance at Todd P’s party in Austin Saturday night, video below), WAVVES return to NYC for three shows. Saturday night at Market Hotel (3/28) and then at Cake Shop on Sunday (3/29). Monday (3/30) they play Mercury Lounge with Canada’s DD/MM/YYYY and NJ’s hazy Real Estate. All three shows are with Minneapolis’ Vampire Hands. I prefer WAVVES live, where the songs blast through a little more, than on record where I think they go just a bit too crazy with the distortion. I’m sure all three shows will be out of control.

Additionally: Glasgow’s legends Primal Scream plays Webster Hall. Friends who saw them as SXSW said they were in top form (and they’re touring behind their fine, Bjorn Yttling-produced Beautiful Future), so if you’ve never seen them it seems like now would be a good time. Tickets are still available. The ‘Scream also play Music Hall of Williamsburg on Sunday (3/29) and tickets are available for it as well. Both nights MGMT-cohorts Kuroma are the openers.

Also: Danish ensemble Efterklang play Mercury Lounge with Shilpa Ray, who played a great set at theofficial Brooklynvegan SXSW Showcase (tickets); and Glasvegas and Ida Maria at Music Hall of Williamsburg (sold out, but Webster Hall 3/30 still available).

WAVVES at Ms Bea’s (Todd P/Woodsist party) Austin 3.21.2009