WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Monotonix A colleague from Chicago writes: "Dude, this Israeli trio kicked our asses last night. They played on the floor with the people, and after the show was over, we chanted 'Holy Shit' over and over and over. Monotonix basically blows everyone away. It's the highest energy, most interactive show I've ever experienced. I saw a sales person from Touch and Go get hit in the head by a garbage can. It was crazy!" This person doesn't typically employ hyperbole, so there's that, too. Monotonix's new one, the Body Language EP, doesn't really do their live show justice by all accounts, but it sure gets the fat Zeppelin riffing and swamp rawk idea across. With Dark Meat (or a 19-piece variation thereof) and Andy the Door Bum. Milestone (John Schacht)
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
Romantica Romantica's MySpace.com page – yeah, we know, one step behind Wikipedia on the reliability ladder – says "Wilco, Ryan Adams, Nick Drake, Damien Rice, Elvis Costello and The Replacements have all been used to describe their sound." Which brings up the whole "how come people who say they're reincarnated never claim to be peasants in a past life?" argument, but hey: Frontman Ben Kyle purveys a sweet enough, Eastern Europe-tinged take on country music to suggest he's got a couple well-worn Dream Academy records tucked away amidst those old weatherbeaten copies of Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey and The Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Check out their none-to-subtle America for a tasty introduction. With The Bittersweets, Airspace. The Evening Muse (Timothy C. Davis)
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
The Robin Roger's Band Life on the streets as a 15-year-old girl and a drug addiction gave Rogers plenty of inspiration to sing the blues. Although she kicked the habit long ago, she's made a living for the last 30 years with her speakeasy style heavy on blues and piano accompaniment. Performances this week: Under the Grape on April 18, Corner Café on April 19 and Fairview Grille on April 21. (Chey Scott)
Keith Urban He's expecting his first child with his wife, but probably won't be happy if you call him, "Mr. Nicole Kidman." The Aussie country singer has won two Grammys and has established a solid fanbase in America with plenty of hits under his belt. He released a Greatest Hits disc late last year. With Carrie Underwood. Charlotte Bobcats Arena (Jeff Hahne)
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Steve Earle His oft politically-charged lyrics sit side-by-side with sedate ballads and raucous country-rockers to songs about those darned human relations. Earle knows a thing or two about love lost and gained; the seven-times married alt-country rabble rouser's most recent recording, Washington Square Serenade, documents such matters along with his move from Nashville to New York City. His wife singer/songwriter Allison Moorer will also perform. McGlohon Theatre (Samir Shukla)
Voodoo Organist Scott Wexton, aka Voodoo Organist, could be that high school geek who grew up to be the long lost cousin of Jim Morrison and Screamin' Jay Hawkins. This once one-man goth, punk, blues and B-movie background music noise maker uses the organ as the center piece. The Voodoo Organist has now added cohorts to the band and the trio mixes percussion and assorted instruments, including the Theremin, to create a whirling keyboards-induced cocktail. With Lamb Handler and Broken Strings. Milestone (Shukla)
Sugar Glyder CD Release This Charlotte pop quartet's work ethic and musical camaraderie has only gotten better over the last couple of years. Sugar Glyder's progressive and moody pop-rock is filled with melodicism but is always bubbling with a subtle intensity underneath. They will release the recording We Cracked the Sky tonight. Also on the bill this evening: Vertigo, Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers. Tremont Music Hall (Shukla)
Jason Ringenberg The tall cool drink of water known as Jason Ringenberg, the rubber-legged manic who (sometimes) fronts (in)famous roots act Jason and the Scorchers, has been in a solo mood as of late. Frankly, the music is much the same, if quieter, than the band he made his name with (which is not surprising – compared to the Scorchers, anything is polished). Added points for playing a special storytellin' show for the youngun's before the older folk get their turn. Late show: S.O.Stereo, Nathan Asher & The Infantry, No Second Troy. The Evening Muse (Davis)
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
The Duke Spirit This London-based band opened here for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists a couple years ago and acquitted itself quite well. Their fiery live show proved they weren't just another NME-flavor of the week, or part of another British "throw it at the States and see what sticks" Invasion. Singer Leila Moss was especially impressive, a whirling dervish at the mic and a great harmonica player, while the band laid down giant slabs of Kevin Shields guitar noise and thunderous rhythms. Opening for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Visulite (Schacht)