Five local shows over the next two weeks
Jen Van Tieghem | Uptown News
Soft Lions EP Release with Painted Palms and Mike
Sempert at Soda Bar
9 p.m., Saturday, June 7
$10
Alt-rock power trio Soft Lions are following their debut “No Peace” with another solid four-song offering. The “Earth Energy” EP once again highlights singer Megan Liscomb’s commanding vocals as well as her chops on the guitar. She is backed by Lex Pratt’s ethereal vocal styling and Jon Bonser on drums. As their new tunes show a dreamy side to the band, it makes sense that they’re paired with headliners Painted Palms – a psychedelic pop outfit from San Francisco.
The Lovebirds, The Queen of Cups, and Kalashnikov My Wife at Tin Can Alehouse
9 p.m., Wednesday, June 11
$5
Many albums cover relationships ending and ensuing heartbreak. Not as many chronicle the breakup of the band’s own members who are continuing a musical partnership. The latest by pop-folk duo The Lovebirds, “Breakup Shmakeup”, tackles the emotions and grief of the couple’s own romantic ending along with nuances of hope and optimism. Their beautiful harmonies on songs such as “Boat Train” are just one reason to make it out for this show.
Dead Feather Moon,
Strange Vine, and Chess
Wars at Casbah
9 p.m., Friday, June 13
$10+
Dead Feather Moon’s music has evolved from their alt-country beginnings to explore psychedelic sounds and singer Justen Berge’s falsetto. The experimental new tunes still fit in with their rock ‘n’ roll catalog which makes for a vivacious live show. They’ll be joined for this one by two enthralling duos: blues-rockers Strange Vine from Fresno and local hard rockers Chess Wars. [Full disclosure: My boyfriend is the singer/guitarist for CW so I’m a tad biased about where you should find good luck on this Friday the 13th.]
The Burning of Rome and
The New Kinetics at
The Ché Café Collective
7 p.m., Saturday, June 14
$10
While The Ché Café Collective fights to stay open the music plays on (at least through the summer). The Burning of Rome cut their teeth at this venue and return to give fans of all ages a taste of their new space rock, pop-infused album, “The Year of the Ox”. For those that missed their crowd-surfing, light-swinging album release last month, now’s your chance to make up for it. Re-formed group The New Kinetics, whose garage rock antics get an extra kick from lead couple Brian Reilly and Birdy Bardot’s equally great vocals, will join TBOR.
High Rolling Loners CD Release with
Mudgrass and Abe West at Soda Bar
8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 17
$5
Rumor has it the High Rolling Loners’ debut album Match and Kerosene is a project they began with recordings several years ago. The length of their process is due, at least in part, to producer Mark Neill (The Black Keys, J. Roddy Walston and the Business) being in such high demand. The members of the Loners also play in other local bands (The Darrows, Old Tiger) adding to the complex timetable. The band is finally set to release their blues and country-inspired album and from the samples we’ve heard it’ll be worth the wait. Singers John Verruto and Ryan Bartell share duties delivering dark gritty vocals and lighter harmonies respectively. The release show is well matched with alt-country bands Mudgrass and Abe West. See you there!
Correction: It was incorrectly stated the Soft Lions show will take place at The Hideout. It’s really at Soda Bar. We apologize for the error.
