Summer isn’t summer without a good outdoor concert or two. While Michigan may not have Glastonbury or Coachella, it does promise a decent August concert line-up for local music-lovers. Here’s my top 5 picks for the month!
1. The National with The Antlers – 7 pm, August 3 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre
Okay, so I realize that this one takes place tonight, but I would most definitely drive down there and see if I can get tickets at the door. This Brooklyn-based alternative band puts a new spin on classic rock influenced by the likes of Bruce Springsteen. Formed in the 2000s, The National gained fame through creating high-quality albums and sharing their music with every corner of the globe. Their new album, High Violet is laced with rich vocals, elusive drum fills and artfully crafted guitar riffs. It’s subtle drama leaves us with some really great moments where the lead singer, Matt Bernginer successfully engages the audience through emotion. While the album does have a few cheerful tracks, audiences shouldn’t expect your run-of-the-mill peppy and upbeat concert. High Violet is gloomier and darker than The National’s earlier albums, but the band’s beautiful richly textured sounds will keep you hooked all night long.
If you’re debating, listen to: Conversation 16, Lemonworld, Bloodbuzz Ohio
A must see if you like: The Arcade Fire, Wilco, Broken Social Scene, Spoon
2. Chromeo with Holy Ghost and Telephoned – August 5th at the Majestic Theater
This Arab/Jewish electrofunk duo hailing from Montreal spins some seriously catchy tunes. Heavily synthized with a non-stop bassline, Chromeo’s music harkens back to the golden age of 60′s discofever. They’re prepping for their third album, Business Casual which isn’t due out till September 14, but last week they relaased the single, Don’t Turn the Lights On, which surely made the show’s setlist. You can listen to it here. With upbeat drums, epic synths, and cool vocals, the track definitely merits my summer driving playlist. For those who love to dance the night away, boogie on down for one big disco-fest with Chromeo!
A must see if you like: MSTRKRFT, Tiga, Cut Copy, Calvin Harris
If you’re debating listen to: Don’t Turn the Lights On, Fancy Footwork, Tenderoni
3. Interpol – August 11 at Clutch Cargo’s
I first discovered Interpol when I was 16 due to a happy accident when a friend left his copy of Antics in my car. I’ve been hooked ever since. These native New Yorkers formed Interpol in the heyday of late-90′s post-punk revival, and are veterans to the city’s indie music scene. Their new self-titled album doesn’t come out till September 7th, but they’ve already released 2 singles – Lights in May, and Barricade is rumored to drop today. Lights starts slow with echoe-y vocals but cresendos when the drums kick in and climaxes with a great polyphonic chorus. By the end, I’m left wanting for more, but I guess I’ll have to wait a few more weeks!
A must see if you like: The Strokes, Editors, The National
If you’re debating listen to: Lights, Obstacle 1, Slow Hands
4. The Black Keys - 7pm, August 14 at the Filmore
With roots in traditional blues and psychedelic rock, this two-man Ohio-based band have been steadily gaining fans since their start in 2002. A far cry from producing a traditional flawless studio sound, The Black Keys use their signature simple lo-fi technique to mix, record, and produce all their music. The result is a refreshing raw and pure sound, which is difficult to come by with today’s tendency to over-process. Their newest album, Brothers, is characterized by falsetto vocals and searing guitar tones with a soulful twinge. For those searching for the antithesis of electronic synth, this is your band.
A must see if you like: The White Stripes, Radio Moscow, the Raconteurs
If you’re debating listen to: Sinister Kid, Tighten up, Everlasting Light
5. Casiokids – August 26 at the Magic Stick
Don’t be fooled by this Norwegian band’s seemingly endless number of members – they only started playing together a year ago, and have already performed at some of the top festivals around the world. Casiokids first appeared on my radar when I heard them on one of the Urban Outfitters free playlists (which are amazing, and I encourage all to take advantage). If their infectious bass synths and silky foreign vocal harmonies don’t get you, then their shadow puppet show sure will. That’s right, they perform live with shadow puppets and a bunch of other multimedia goodness. So if you’re not crazy about their sound, you should at least go to see the show.
A must see if you like: Crystal Castles, FM Belfast
If you’re debating listen to: Finn Bikkjen!, Togens Hule, Grønt Lys I Alle Ledd
( all images from Last.fm )
For any lover of Bon Iver’s soothing vocals and melancholy lyrics, S.Carey’s new album, All We Grow, is like something from a dream. Sean Carey is the band’s drummer, and recently started a solo project on the side.
