WEDNESDAY 7.2
Evanescence — “Whassat? You say ‘new rock’ isn’t selling like it once was, and that NuMetal is starting to rust? Quick — call a meeting!” “Boss, what if — and this is just an idea — what if we keep the same general formula, add a little dubious Christianity, and front the whole thing with a girl?” “Brilliant work, Johnson! Maybe even add a little fairy dust, a la Tori Amos…they’ll snap it up like lemonade on a hot day! Print 100,000!” “Thank you, sir.” Tremont Music Hall (Davis)
THURSDAY 7.3
Lifehouse — These cats are the latest notch in the column marked “up and coming modern rockers.” They do manage to please the palate with a manly vocalist and pleasant rhythmic tuneage. Of course there’s nothing groundbreaking or eclectic here, but that doesn’t seem to be the objective of the outfit as they ply along the well-traveled rock road. I’ll give ’em props for their apparent work ethic and, admittedly, there are more than a couple catchy tunes off their career output of two recordings. They’re headlining the annual Uncle Sam Jam, a party earmarked with proceeds to charitable causes. With U-Phonik, Two Step and New August. Dixie’s Tavern (Shukla)
SpaceStation Integration — The word jazz-fusion comes to mind. Of course that could mean anything from deadening New Age noodling to contemporary smooth jazz hell; or you just might get lucky and have something quasi-interesting on your hands. Spacestation Integration falls, more or less, in the last category by creating a folky-jazzy jam with a banjo as the lead instrument. The keyboards do sound spacey to keep the namesake in check and there’s enough warmth in the rhythm to shake off any specific labels. With Brown Liquor Pickers. Visulite Theatre (Shukla)
Ten Missing Days — Their semi-newish Cellar Door is a nice (and nicely recorded, by Rob Tavaglione) hybrid of styles, alternately suggesting Foo Fighters, Deftones, Sonic Youth and Helmet. Of course, there’s a little bloodcurdling “emoting” on here too, but you get the sense the fellas don’t mind chilling to a little Bjork or PJ Harvey after the gig’s over. Which is probably exactly why I like it — most local hardcore/emo acts, in their rush to bleed themselves, seem to forget the feminine side. TMD, to their credit, know the yin’s nothing without the yang. With Near the Never, The Residence and more. Tremont Music Hall (Davis)
FRIDAY 7.4
Fourth of July Party — Not to be outdone, The Room is throwing a three-day showcase to celebrate Independence Day (I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the fourth of July is a date, not a holiday). Featured are Leisure McCorkle, Hazel Virtue, Etheric, Jason Hausman and Jay Garrigan on Friday; The Talk, the Bleeding Hearts, Captain Easy, Pacific UV, Jason Scavone and First Night on Earth on Saturday; and Green Light, Delancey Street, Home Remedy, Soulstation and fullgrown on Sunday (check www.theroom.tv for a schedule). Incidentally, this will be The Talk’s last Charlotte show for a while, as the band is going to Nebraska to record a new record with Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes/Cursive, etc.). The record, to be titled Magic In Reverse, is slated for a Spring 2004 drop. In addition, the band’s debut release, No, You Shut Up, is scheduled to be re-released by MoRisen Records, and should hit stores on August 26, 2003. The Room (Davis)
Hard Times Family Picnic — Another good slate of bands here for those who can’t handle the pressure of being off work and cooking on the BBQ. This’n features Gonzalez, Babyshaker, The Labiators, Snagglepuss, Big Boote’, Semi-Pro, The Scrubbies, Bullship, No Ma’am, and Pearl. I have no clue as to the order of appearance, so get there early (5pm start) to catch your favorite purveyor of musical fireworks. Fat City (Davis)
Penguin Pig Pickin’ — Always a fun event, this year’s Penguin Pig Pickin’ will also feature what is the last show ever for one of the most popular local bands in recent memory, Lou Ford. Word has it that the Edwards brothers may well do some duo work together, but this might be your last chance to see some of your favorites played live (see our story on Lou Ford in this issue). Also on the bill (which begins at 4:30pm) are David Childers and his crack band, the Modern Don Juans, Dave Rhames and the Westchesters, and Gigi Dover. The Penguin (Davis)
SATURDAY 7.5
First Night On Earth — Darn I’m a sucker for well-crafted guitar manipulations. When you sometimes need the caress of mood music done with proper instrumentation and vocals just look for FNOE’s debut CD. In the end it’s all about flowing, Brit-influenced pop and, at certain moments, not much more is needed. Is it too much to ask for some freshly recorded new material? Part of the Fourth of July Party showcases. The Room (Shukla)
WEDNESDAY 7.9
Reno Divorce — This punk band from Denver, CO, takes unashamed cues from Mike Ness and Social Distortion. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that if you can deliver the car crash that is Mike Ness. For the most part these youngsters sustain the speed and ole Mike wouldn’t be disappointed jamming with them. With Charlotte’s own Drat. Fat City (Shukla)
This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2003.
