Don’t judge us for this, but we’re kind of still recovering from New York’s Alright. Having engaged in more than our fair share of jostling and mayhem, we’re taking this week to mend our bruises and douse our wounds in extra-strength liquor. R&R calls for a brief break from sonic masochism so this week we’re feeling dancey stuff, psych, and dare we say even a little bit of pop. Thankfully lineups around town reflect this inclination, take advantage of it while you can.
Pile, Yazan, Vulture Shit, Captain Wizard
If you’re looking for an early week show to banish the pain of workaday week life and escape from Yawn City get your foot out the door tomorrow night and mosey on over to BB’s OK for a nice little record release show. Yazan (old school blues guitar and Southern rock vibes) is a guy who looks sort of like he sounds which is to say he’s a cross between a homeless Jesus and Frank Zappa. The guy is coming out with a new 10-inch record called Howlin’ which is pretty self-explanatory. Joining him is Vulture Shit aka David Yow swallowed a jazz flute and pooted out some fusion rock. Tuesday April 27th, 8 pm at Baby’s All Right: $8 in advance, $10 at the door
Empress Of ResidencyÂ
The off-beat electro dance-pop goddess also known as Empress Of is holing up at East Village’s hippest new venue, Elvis Guest House (seriously, have you seen the clientele?) through this week. She’ll be playing live sets of her music and presumably singing, which is cool in its own right, but she’ll also be joined by the likes of Dev Hynes doing their DJ set thing. We can’t think of a cooler place to be. April 28th through May 2nd, doors 8 pm show 10 pm at Elvis Guest House, 85 Avenue A: $5Â
Yonatan Gat ResidencyÂ
Psych guitar impresario Yonatan Gat played at Aviv not too long ago, but he’s back already and this time for longer term keeps. The Greenpoint DIY venue loves this incredibly talented guitar player so much they’ve installed him at the helm for the next month.
It’s hard to pick just one show so we’re going to suggest you try and hit all or most of them but if it can be only one, this week’s event would be a truly fine choice seeing as Tonstartsbandht is playing. This weirdo ever-shifiting eclectic, sometimes electric, noise-rock outfit– think ’60s garage psychedelia with a modern noisy update, guitars are just barely visible through a muted but colorful haze– is the project of two brothers who are incredibly prolific and just pure joy to listen to, really. April 30 through May 22nd 8 pm: $10 per show at Aviv, show 1: Thursday April 30
Six Organs of Admittance, Elisa AmbrogioÂ
Even if she’s hung up her filthy noise-punk slippers for the moment (which we’re hoping with all our hearts is only a temporary thing— long live Magik Markers!) we can forgive Elisa Ambrogio for venturing over into more soothing territory.
Despite the dramatic shift, it’s not as if her solo effort has been hard to swallow and Ambrogio hasn’t exactly turned her frown upside down. Rather, she’s emerged with a crisper, clearer and arguably more raw (in its personal revelations anyway) songwriting style. Sure, it’s poppier stuff— let’s call it as we see it– but Ambrogio remains an amazing live presence and you really shouldn’t miss the opportunity to soak her up in person. Thursday April 30, 8 pm at Baby’s All Right: $12Â
Icky Blossoms, Psychic Twin, My BodyÂ
Put on your humiliation pants because you’ll definitely be dancing at this show headlined by Icky Blossoms, masters of ’80s-inspired synthed-out disco rock from Omaha, of all wonderful places.
Too cynical for joy? Then maybe Psychic Twin is more your speed. We’ve come to expect a certain brand of cool dream-wave synth-pop from these guys. There’s the slightest hint of a cold edge, though it’s more like getting brain freeze from ice cream than a vacation to the frozen tundra that is cold wave. Friday May 1st 7pm at Cameo Gallery: $10Â