The Clientele
Monday, April 30
Modest Mouse
United Palace Theatre
$37.50
Why be modest when you've stuck to your guns, evolved over more than a decade and come up with arguably the greatest record in your catalogue? Die-hards have spun on their heels and pushed their way through the Exit door with the release of the (always on point) Johnny Marr assisted, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. The ex-Smiths guitarist must be pleased as punch that the new and improved Modest Mouse line-up has resulted in the first US Billboard #1 for either band. Let the champagne flow.
Tuesday, May 1
Peter Bjorn and John
Webster Hall
$20
Swedish 3-piece, Peter Bjorn and John are well on their way to becoming one of the break-through acts of 2007. Their third album, Writer's Block, which was released earlier this year, combines 60's pop influences with a stripped back beatnik sensibility. Lovers of the monster single, Young Folk will not be disappointed by the burgeoning repertoire this act has created. Let's call them the other PB&J shall we? The full album review can be seen here. Bjork
Radio City Music Hall
$61.00
The ever-experimental electro-pop princess, Bjork returns for a very special NY performance on the eve of her highly anticipated, Timbaland-injected sixth studio album, Volta. Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons also contributes to two duets with the forever young at heart, Icelandic maiden. The always-innovative live performer, Bjork capitalizes on great stage production, lights and sound quality to make her digital soundscape an living, breathing reality. Interestingly, each consecutive solo album since Debut has sold less than it's predecessor. Could Volta be the record to break this pattern?
Thursday, May 3
The Dark Horse Project
Pianos
$8
The assured sound of The Dark Horse Project is one not easily forgotten. Ex-Lovelies singer, Liv Mueller - whose vocals are at times reminiscent of Kim Gordon's - appropriately surveys the sonic landscape whether it be in the form of alt-country ballads, Serenade and Haunted Face or riding waves of heavy rolling guitars as in Danger. The self-released, self-titled full-length album is out now.
Friday, May 4
Six Parts Seven
Union Hall
$8
Experimental-pop outfit, Six Parts Seven hail from Ohio and play reflective, acoustic offerings that are simultaneously uplifting and drenched in melancholic wonder. Putting a spell on a Friday night New York crowd may be a toughy for this chilled act....but they may just have a few surprises up their sleeves.
Saturday, May 5
Brightblack Morning Light
Mercury Lounge
$13
Along with Devendra Banhart and Sunburned Hand of the Man, Brightblack Morning Light complete the Freak Folk fraternity that has emerged over the last couple of years. There are similar organ/ guitar/ breathy vocal themes that run through most of their tracks which seem to move in a dreamy slow-motion. What Brightblack lack in diversity they make up for in contextual perseverance.
Sunday, May 6
The Clientele
Maxwell's
$12
UK four-piece, The Clientele who musically are similar to The Byrds, The House Of Love, Shack and Belle and Sebastian personify all that is great in UK indie-pop. They nod comfortably in the direction of their luminaries, yet they also bring a lyrical strength to what at times can be a fluffy genre and ultimately deliver something refreshing.