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Whether it's glam metal, Midwestern punk, wholesome indie pop or arena rock from South Africa, we got a little bit of everything in the musical offerings this evening.
Motley Crue, Poison and The New York Dolls at Gexa Energy Pavilion
If all were fair in the world, The New York Dolls would be headlining this show instead of sweating their middle-age asses off opening up this triple-bill. By far the most interesting band of the evening, the Dolls continue to defy father time while making the same high quality, sleazy punk and soul they did way back in 1971. Indeed, 2006's One Day it Will Please Us to Remember Even This deserves to go up against anything the band recorded back in the day. Sure, at 61 and 60 respectively, singer David Johansen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain are the only original members of the band, but new Dolls Earl Slick and Kenny Aaronson are fitting in just fine. Even though both Motley Crue and Poison were certainly influenced by Johansen and crew (and both band's sales figures remain significantly higher), neither pop metal outfit will ever be as cool as the New York Dolls.
Givers, Family of the Year and Caddywhompus at The Loft
Hailing from Louisiana, Givers are an indie-pop five-piece that plays light-hearted music that's guaranteed to put the smile on even the grumpiest faces. This group of multi-instrumentalists is led by Taylor Guarisco (vocals, guitar) and Tiffany "Teddy" Lamson (vocals, percussion, and ukulele). The band's debut full-length, In Light, hits the streets tomorrow and features songs like "Up Up Up" and "Saw You First" that will surely thrill fans of Vampire Weekend. Also on tonight's fine bill is Los Angeles' Family of the Year, a cool quartet with a '60s and '70s retro style that should fit this evening's optimistic vibe perfectly.
The Arrivals, No Heroes and On After Dark at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton
Chicago's The Arrivals may have a generic moniker, but there's nothing ordinary about the band's lively version of post-punk. Last year's Marvels of Industry featured 14 angry songs that mixed the edge of prime Fugazi with the clever urgency of Constantines. Songs like "I'm Sorry for Saying I'm Sorry" and "Quiet American" are the kind of shout-along punk fare that always bodes well for both band and audience. Two Denton bands, No Heroes and On After Dark add some local heft to what should be a powerful night of music.
The Parlotones, The Daylights and Sky Over Sea at The Prophet Bar
We don't get to catch a lot of South African bands around these parts, but tonight we find Johannesburg's The Parlotones making a stop in Dallas. And, actually, these guys are way big in their home country, achieving multi-platinum status and playing the biggest arenas. It must be odd to come to the States and have to slum it in the nightclubs, but that's rock 'n' roll for you. Hopefully, The Parlotones' brand of anthemic, U2-ish rock will catch on here and we can get these guys into accommodations they're more used to. Former Dallas-based band The Daylights open.
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