Still a bit of post-SXSW spillover happening this evening as a Belgian act and a British act highlight a nice collection of area shows.
The Adicts, Leg Sweeper and The Nicholsons at the Granada Theater
Often
imitated but never improved upon, the Clockwork Orange, punk rock
shtick of The Adicts has endured quite well for nearly four decades now.
Hailing from England, The Adicts can certainly be viewed as one of the
transcending (but sadly unheralded) punk bands. Of course, back in the
day, a lot of punks (especially the American variety) didn't take too
kindly to any band with a frontman dressed like a clown, but Keith
Warren's "uniform" only adds to The Adicts' rabid charm. Adding some
local greatness this evening will be Leg Sweeper, a combustible duo that
doesn't need any fancy outfits getting in the way of their ragged roar.
Barcelona, Castle Lights and Novaak at the Loft
Not
to be confused with long-deceased New Wave band from Virginia called
Barcelona, this indie trio hails from Seattle, a much cooler locale. And
the music from this particular Barcelona is pretty cool, as well. Brian
Fennell's piano-based songs are often compared with those of Coldplay
and U2, and Fennell's songwriting ability indeed helps Barcelona maintain their
indie credibility amidst such high aspirations. Houston's Castle Lights
also excels at slightly atmospheric rock that would probably sound good
in an arena setting. Same goes for Denton's fast-rising Novaak, who open this bill. Tonight's a good opportunity to catch all of these bands in
an intimate setting before they outgrow such venues.
The Spring Standards, The Monco Poncho and Brian P. Hughes & The Jamboree at Club Dada
New York City musicians in the folk-pop trio The Spring Standards must like Texas. They've sure been in the region long enough at this point, having played 35 Conferette and then SXSW and, now, a one-off at Club Dada, which again is benefiting from the annual Austin spillover. Anyway, The Spring Standards' music is fairly pleasant stuff -- soothing, pop-indebted stuff with folk flourishes. Not sure how the surf-rock of The Monco Poncho matches with that, but either way, this should be a nice, varied bill of music.
Lords of Acid, Angelspit and Radical G at Trees
Hands
down, the ugliest trio of acts playing the area, this triple-bill
really is the thing your mother warned you about. Since 1988, the
Belgian industrial/techo outfit known as Lords of Acid have been soiling
just about any place that would book them. Overwrought and
migraine-inducing, the music of Maurice Engelen is so stuffed with
sadomasochistic imagery, it should well be banned in some parts. Adding
to tonight's display with be Australia's Angelspit and another Belgian
with off-color sensibilities, one Radical G. Take my advice, and wear
disposable clothing to this one. And maybe use those earplugs for your nose.
