This is fine.
As the week full of shows drew to a close, I had one more highlight that awaited me; The Constantines. Admittedly, I was more interested in seeing openers I Was A King than the headliners, but this was mostly due to my recent love of the Norwegian band’s self-titled album, rather than animosity towards The Cons.
Unfortunately, the line at Emos was ungodly long, despite the fact that doors opened a full hour before the show, itself, began. For this reason, and this reason alone, we were unable to catch Cale Parks, as we still waiting in line for our turn to get in the show. Long lines should have been an indicator for the kind of night everyone was in for at Emos. Follow the jump for more.
Passion Pit seems to have been on the tongues of every person discussing music this year, and they return to Austin to show us what they have, in the live setting at Emos that is. Along with them they bring Harlem Shakes and Cale Parks, two bands who have been making waves across the country with delightful albums of their own. Be sure to catch this show, for if the band explodes, you likely won’t catch them in this sort of semi-intimate setting again.
Download: Harlem Shakes – Sunlight [MP3]
The Virgins are a band receiving some positive press recently as the music world becomes more and more fascinated with dance/pop/garage bands. Not too sure about what the band brings to the table as far as live sets go, but I do know that their single is catchy as hell. Touring support for this Emo’s show is pretty solid with Lissy Trullie and Anya Marina both on the bill. Tickets are on sale now for $12 and show starts at 9.
Download: The Virgins – Rich Girls [MP3]
Pilot Speed is a band that we’re running late on posting about, but now is a great time as they’ll be stopping through Austin on Tuesday. The Canadian act is currently touring in support of their brand new LP Wooden Bones (Windup Records) which has been receiving some quiet buzz around the blogging world. Check out this single “Put the Phone Down” and if you likes, head over to Emo’s on Tuesday to catch the Pilot Speed live show. Jeff Hanson is headlining that one.
Download: Pilot Speed – Put the Phone Down [MP3]
Hotlanta rockers Manchester Orchestra are coming through town on Tuesday and have two shows lined up for you Austin music lovers. First show is a Waterloo Records in-store which starts around 5pm and will of course have free keg beer if you get there early enough. Second show will be a full on proper set at Emo’s later in the evening at 8pm. This show features Audrye Sessions, Fun and Winston Audio playing in support. Tickets are on sale for $10.
Download: Manchester Orchestra – I’ve Got Friends [MP3]
For those of you into all the newest lo-fi hits of the last few years, there is really one man we need to look towards: Calvin Johnson. The man was the driving force behind the great Beat Happening and also the Halo Benders, which featured Built to Spill frontman Doug Martsch. Clearly, this man’s fingerprints have been all over the musical landscape, and he’s at it again this Saturday night at Emo’s, as he takes the stage with his new outfit Hive Dwellers; former Nation of Ulysses frontman Ian S. will also have his new outfit Chain and the Gang as the show headliners.
So hit up Emos this Saturday night for a definitive good time. Here are some tracks from the closet.
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Nico Vega are a band that often get compared to Yeah Yeah Yeahs for obvious reasons. They have a fiery female lead singer, a male guitar player, a male drummer and the sound is eerily similar. We dig it. You can catch this rock trio at Emo’s on Wednesday night along with relatively unknown band Red Leaves. Doors are at 8pm/music at 10. Tickets can be purchased online for $8.
Download: Nico Vega – Gravity [MP3]
After our Eulogies/Dears huge prize package just wrapped up, we’ve got another contest for all you ATH readers out there. This time one lucky fan will win a couple of guest list spots to the upcoming Thermals show at Mohawk on May 22nd. All you have to do is a leave a comment about what’s on your mind OR hit us up on Twitter and mention the contest in your @. We’ll run this one until Wednesday of next week (5/20). Don’t forget to leave a valid email address so we can get in touch with you. While you’re at it, read our review of the band’s new album or check out an interview we did with The Thermals during SXSW.
Alt-country/punk band Lucero are making a stop in Austin at Emo’s on Friday night. Lucky for all concert goers, longtime ATH favorite Black Joe Lewis will be providing your opening entertainment for the evening. Head out at 9pm for doors and 10pm for music. Tickets are available now for $12.
Download: Lucero – I Can Get Us Out of Here [MP3]
