Five local shows over the next two weeks
Jen Van Tieghem | Uptown News
Mother, Lures, and Buddy Banter at The Hideout
Monday, Aug. 4, 9 p.m.
$8 advanced/$10 at the door
Fans (and non fans) of the show “Gossip Girl” should recognize the singer of Mother; Penn Badgley is certainly not the first actor to try his hand at a music career, and he actually does it quite well. The band’s synth-heavy sound matches well with Badgley’s low-key vocal style. Singles released so far have a contemporary electro-pop backbone with groovy rhythms that should entice plenty of folks to this intimate performance.
John Meeks, The Midnight Pine, and True Stories at Black Cat Bar
Saturday, Aug. 9, 9 p.m.
$5
John Meeks is one of the most under appreciated vocalists in town, not to mention one of the nicest guys around. His self-deprecating witticism between songs surely endears him to listeners as much as his hypnotic voice. He describes his latest material as “nighttime Mexican desert surf exotica with a bit of sci-fi.” Give “Night Drive” a spin for an example of this. It’s perfect for quiet time at home, a road trip or, of course, Saturday night at a bar.
The Gods of Science, Sound Lupus, and The Natives at Tin Can Alehouse
Saturday, Aug. 9, 9 p.m.
$7
Unlike many local rock bands, The Gods of Science don’t play a ton of shows. The group seems to have found a balance of playing often enough that people don’t forget them, but not so often that people get bored. With that in mind, a Saturday show at Tin Can gives bonus reasons to make the effort for this one. TGOS has a fast-paced, hard-hitting style well suited for the weekend. Plus, the venue has killer food (‘til midnight) and a good beer selection.
We Are Friends, Landis, and The Green Thing at Soda Bar
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 8:30 p.m.
$5
Only a couple of tracks by We Are Friends have found their way online, but the band’s sound is definitely noteworthy. One single, “Talking Loud,” has a light, airy feeling with a catchy layering of dreamy vocals. The music – judging by what can be sampled — has a late ’90s emo vibe mixed with some contemporary electronic elements. With a cheap cover for this show and an EP on the way, seems like a good time to check these guys out.
The Helio Sequence and Liam Finn at Casbah
Friday, Aug. 15, 9 p.m.
$15
The Helio Sequence’s latest album, “Negotiations,” is a couple years old now, but still sounds as fresh and catchy as any of their contemporaries. Their synth pop style has just enough rock to keep indie fans happy. Lying along the lines of popular groups like Death Cab for Cutie and The Shins, it’s a wonder the band hasn’t garnered more attention. Opening the show is New Zealand dream pop rocker Liam Finn. The son of famed musician Neil Finn, Liam has made a name for himself heading several bands and releasing a trio of solo albums.
