Most Popular
-
American Girls
Crossing between American and Egyptian cultures, he Said girls made one deadly misstep: They fell in love
-
The Man Who Would Be King
Freddy Haynes seemed a shoo-in to lead the NAACP. Then Obama's ex-pastor came to town.
-
Bless Us, Oh Lard
Damn fajitas and health-conscious eaters. They're killing traditional Tex-Mex.
-
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Electronic monitoring may dramatically curb truancy. So why isn't DISD interested?
-
Sexy Town
Imagine a city with flowing creeks, walkable neighborhoods and greenery. No, not Seattle, dummy.
-
The Best Albums of 2008, So Far...
Just over three months into 2008 and we're already fussing over which albums will make our year-end best-of lists
-
Clubbed Over
Big changes are in store for Club Dada thanks to new ownership and a re-energized booking philosophy
-
Blood, Sweat & Tears
The Red Blood Club's doors are closing—and Dallas' hardcore scene is all but dying with it
-
Bringing Sachse Back
21-year-old Dondria Nicole's on the verge of a major-label push as we prepare for the Observer's 20th Music Awards issue
-
Good Radio?
Indie rock finds a new home in Dallas' cluttered corporate radio landscape
"Most Popular" tools sponsored by:
Blogs
Fri Jul 4, 4:04 PM
Thu Jul 3, 5:16 PM
Thu Jul 3, 4:04 PM
Thu Jul 3, 3:58 PM
Thu Jul 3, 2:30 PM
Thu Jul 3, 9:30 AM
Recent Articles
Recent Articles by Darryl Smyers
Fleet Foxes' successful sound depends on slowing things down
A.M. Ramblers (TXMF Records)
Thursday, June 26, at the Granada Theater
No Age's sound isn't quite punk—but that's still the simplest way to describe the band's attitude
Tuesday, June 24, at the Granada Theater
National Features >
Broward-Palm Beach New Times
For Florida's sole remaining sex surrogate, love is a many splintered thing.
By Michael J. Mooney
City Pages
It's not just giant companies cashing in on America's defense industry.
By Jeff Severns Guntzel
The Pitch
How a throwaway idea at the Barkley ad agency became the "Sonic Guys."
By Justin Kendall
Houston Press
A diner's guide to Texas's oldest Mexican restaurants.
By Robb Walsh
Birds of Avalon
Saturday, April 12, at Club Dada
Published on April 10, 2008
North Carolina's Birds of Avalon is on a roll. Bazaar Bazaar, the band's 2007 full-length debut, has garnered critical kudos while helping the band pick up fans across the country. Formed by Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler after both guitarists left The Cherry Valence, Birds of Avalon fuses elements of psychedelic and progressive rock and wraps it all up in taut three- to four-minute explosions of bracingly loud pop while singer Craig Tilley alternates between a dead-on impersonation of Cheap Trick's Robin Zander and a more original expression of post-modern angst.
Certainly not overly intellectual but not moronic either, the five guys that make up Birds of Avalon know their niche and are happy to pound it into oblivion. Tight, focused and featuring an absurdist, dry wit, songs such as "Bicentennial Baby" and "Taking Trains" are resounding odes to the inherent power of catchy hooks and shouted harmonies. An upcoming tour with the Raconteurs (which includes a stop at the House of Blues on Monday, May 5) should continue the band's career ascension. Thankfully, these Birds are worthy of whatever recognition comes their way.