Decent Days and Nights
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 22, 2007 7:00PM
It figures, as the number of shows each week ramps up, the mercury in the thermometer drops down causing us to risk frostbite whilst waiting for the bus, or drop way too much dough on cabs. Here are a few things that makes either of the above options palatable.
Is Airiel actually from Chicago? You wouldn't know it from their sound, which leans walls of My Bloody Valentine guitars against melodies plucked from the late-80's wave of Manchester pop. Top it off with trippy visuals projected during their performances and you've got a group unafraid to bring theatricality back to the scene.
The Empty Bottle, Monday, 9:30 p.m., free, 21+
The Handcuffs craft tight power-pop and present it in an explosive live show bouyed by Chloe F. Orwell's soaring vocals and Brad Elvis' propulsive attack on his drum-kit. Team Band is also on the bill tossing out Art Brut influenced slabs of "you can DO it" rock and/or roll. It's a shame this gig is 21+, since this is just the sort of line-up that would get the kids dancing.
Beat Kitchen, Thursday, 9:00 p.m., $7, 21+
Panic! moved its once a month party to Darkroom a while back and the crew behind the concept, Pogo and Arturo, have slowly and steadily built up attendance. The sounds are plucked directly from the era just "Alternative" was co-opted as a brand, so the playlist tends to be heavy on bands previously high in the 120 Minutes rotation. Each party's playlist doesn't really surprise, it being the aural equivalent of comfort food everyone can dance to, but who the hell is looking for deep cuts when there's this much fun to be had?
Darkroom, Friday, 9:00 p.m., free, 21+
The "one-off" reunion of The Blacks seems to have turned into a more permanent occurrence, no? Gina and Danny's goth-country is actually an acquired taste, although to be truthful it seems that most folks have no problem lapping up what they dish out.
Subterranean, Saturday, 10:00 p.m., $10, 18+
The Zincs have a new disc coming out soon and initial listens to the material points toward it being another excellent offering. They'll be at Hideout to test out some new material and reward the crowd with staples from their rock 'n' gloom catalog. Jim Elkington's vocal veer down towards the Nick Cave reaches of human range, and his observations are imbued with the clarity of experience. We've never been let down by their live show.
Hideout, Saturday, 9:00 p.m., $10, 21+
And also, last but certainly not least, don't forget the very worthy benefit at The Empty Bottle this Saturday complete with a killer line-up and unbelievable raffle prizes.
Photo of The Handcuffs by Dan Locke