The Aimless Never Miss, the Sleepover Disaster (at the Independent) – These two San Francisco labelmates (Devil in the Woods) deserved a little better than the modest crowd that found its way to the off-the-beaten path Independent, but neither disappointed. TAMN’s post-rock twist on shoegaze, with great loud/soft dynamics and arresting time signature changes, frames some pretty serious thematic content – all but lost in the band’s whimsical presentation on this night. Where’d those hats some from? The Sleepover Disaster [top photo] is recommended to anybody who still gets off on Ride and Swervedriver, with their pop melodies folded in fuzzy guitar tones and surging beats. Nicely done.
Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band (at the Radio Room) – Devine and his five bandmates are nothing like the goddamn name, that’s for sure. Once upon a time on Capitol Records, Devine makes sweetly melodic, very earnest music, the kind of stuff that can win him young fans and still earn plenty of cred from his critically favored singer-songwriter brethren. As a six-piece, Devine and mates were explosive under the tent in back of the Radio Room; the title track from the Brooklyn dude’s forthcoming album, “Brother’s Blood,” really found the mark.
Viva Voce (at the Radio Room) – I don’t have much new to say about the Portland husband-and-wife squad that I haven’t said in past platitudes, except they are the perfect antidote to fatigue after a long day of venue-hopping. Viva indeed.
Blacklist (at Volume) – It was well after midnight, and the long line that snaked in front of Emo’s to see Echo and the Bunnymen had somehow made its way into the club. Right next door, the New York quartet Blacklist blasted its way through the blue-lit fog. Classic Goth post-punk, done well. And me without a drop of eyeliner.
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