Totem was in the third slot of an eclectic bill at The Midway. The band’s set showed off its diverse song writing.
Totem @ Midway Cafe 1.12.2013
Robert Ferent @ Midway Cafe 1.12.2013
Robert Ferent teamed up with Totem’s Gary Alex to present some experimental electronic music to the Midway crowd.
Black Fortress Of Opium @ Midway Cafe 1.12.2013
Black Fortress Of Opium are mesmerizing. They pull you into their world with each new painted landscape and lingering melody.
The Susan Constant – Shapes (2013)
The Susan Constant
Shapes
2013
The Susan Constant were one of my favorite surprises of the 2012 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble. I knew nothing of the band going into the night, but their passionate set won me over instantly. Their new EP, Shapes, is equally fan-inducing. Somehow, the band has managed to capture the spark of their live performance on these six well-crafted indie rock gems. These are the kinds of songs that get packed clubs hopping or swaying in unison.* “Locked Up” and “One Good Reason” have hit single written all over them.** The rest of the release is just as solid. Songs like “Tennessee,” “Like A Ghost” and “Draw Us All” show off how a band can vary their songwriting while cultivating a well-defined sound. It all leads up to “Midwestern You,” a song that opens with a U2-esque intro before riding out on a wave of synth pads and almost horn-like guitar melodies. That’s a pretty nice way to close out Shapes.
Where to get it:
* The release show for Shapes is Saturday night at The Middle East Upstairs. I’m pretty sure this is going to happen.
** “Locked Up” even has a hit single video.
Bent Knee @ Church 1.10.2013
Before taking the stage for an abbreviated set, the folks in Bent Knee were implored to make their set the best four songs of their lives by an enthusiastic member of the crowd. I don’t think that person left disappointed.
Oh, it was also guitarist Ben Levin’s birthday.
Endation @ Church 1.10.2013
Endation’s set at Church got cut a bit short due to a scheduling mix-up. No matter. They packed enough wall-of-sound riffage into their set to keep the crowd buzzing all night.
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling @ Church 1.10.2013
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling are an exposed nerve. All of that breath and fuzz goes straight to your head.
Brian Carpenter And The Confessions @ Church 1.10.2013
The music of Brian Carpenter And The Confessions is weathered and full of life.
Roy Sludge Trio @ Radio 1.6.2013
Ever since our Christmas Eve Eve outing to Radio, Big Little One has been asking to go see Roy Sludge again. On Sunday we did just that. He even took some pictures, mostly of shoes. The photo of Roy’s shoes in the set is one of his. I wouldn’t object if going to listen to some Sun Records throwback sounds became a regular thing for us.
Cult 45 @ Radio 1.4.2013
How do you celebrate a new record? Do what Cult 45 did for On High. First, get Chelsea On Fire to reunite for the release show. Then get White Dynomite and Slim Lizzy* on the bill. At the end of the night you can take the stage and pummel the crowd with a fantastic set of heavy boogie. Just like Cult 45 did.
Guaranteed success.
* On the anniversary of Phil Lynott’s passing, no less.