STL Concert Announcements
13 Jan2010
I’ve been waiting for the wave of concert announcements for St. Louis and it looks like it has arrived. There’s a lot of good bands coming our way and probably just as many who are passing us by. As always check the STL Concert Calendar and Columbia Concert Calendar to plan your special evenings out on the town. Here are a few shows to pencil in:
2/9 – Polysics - Firebird
Describing Polysics is a difficult task, but I’ll give it a shot – Japanese Devo-worshiping new wave punk rockers. This band is full of raw energy and just like Devo they enjoy playing dress-up. They’re new full length Absolute Polysics was just released yesterday and while it fails to capture the insanity of their live show it displays their schizophrenic nature in every song.
2/26 – Balmorhea/Grace Basement - Firebird
Maybe describing Balmorhea as an acoustic Explosions In The Sky isn’t the best way to tag their sound, but it’ll do in a pinch. This Texas duo produces instrumental music focusing in the piano, guitar and strings. Balmorhea’s music makes a great soundtrack to any day and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before it hits the big screen. If you’re looking for the exact opposite of the Polysics show this is the ticket for you.
3/9 – Rodrigo Y Gabriela – The Pageant
I first discovered Rodrigo y Gabriela through their self-titled 2006 debut. I’m not really sure why I picked up the album at the time since I had no idea who they were, but I’m glad I did. Before becoming a Spanish-style acoustic duo, Rodrigo and Gabriela were part of Mexico City’s thrash-metal scene. While their 2006 album treated listeners to a cover of “Stairway To Heaven”, 2009’s 11:11 is full of originals. As amazing as their aggressive strumming sounds on their albums, their live shows showcase their unique talent as metal guitar gods trapped with nylon strings.
3/15 – We Were Promised Jetpacks – Old Rock House
Scotland is starting to churn out bands one after another. First we had Frightened Rabbit and Glasvegas, now we have We Were Promised Jetpacks. Besides having a great name this foursome delivers catchy hooks, inspired vocals, and crescendoing anthems.
- MP3: We Were Promised Jetpacks – “Quiet Little Voices”
- Buy: We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls
4/7 – Black Lips/Box Elders – Firebird
This is one show you’re not going to want to miss. Black Lips are known for their insane live shows, whether it be pissing in their own mouths or stripping right before they crowd surf into your arms. This past year they were kicked out of India and got in a bar fight with WAVVES. Despite the debauchery they found time to make the enjoyable 200 Million Thousand, which is full of catchy “flower punk” (the band’s self-described tag which means absolutely nothing).