Usually Chapel Hill sets the pace on the Triangle Live Music Calendar, but this week Raleigh takes the lead with a handful of shows worth attending. The Pour House, Hideaway BBQ and The Downtown Event Center are all hosting multiple shows that should give Raleigh residents a reason to pop in some ear plugs and dance the night away. The ticket prices are low but the volume is sure to be high.
Tuesday: The Cringe w/ Left Outlet at The Pour House
Although fairly unknown in this part of the country, The Cringe is one of those bands that seems to live off the fame of its individual members, rather than the band’s music (see most other Superbands assembled throughout history). Their lead singer is the husband of celebrity chef Rachael Ray, their guitarist often tours with the impeccable French duo Air, and the drummer can be seen each Saturday night on NBC playing in the SNL house band. With track records like this, you would expect a decent amount of musical integrity from these guys but their music is about as disappointing as The Clash’s 1985 album Cut The Crap. Luckily, this is a free show so there is nothing to lose by popping in, if for no other reason than to debunk the rumor that Rachael Ray is going to make an appearance at the show. Local band Left Outlet open the show with their atmospheric multi-media based drama rock.
Wednesday: The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band w/ Bombadil at Hideaway BBQ
The Big Damn Band from Indiana is headlining this show and they should put on a rocking blues show. Adrenaline is used often as a description for this band and considering they are touring with the infamous Irish American punk band Flogging Molly in the coming months, adrenaline they must have. The key to this show though is to not miss the opening band Bombadil from Chapel Hill/Durham. These guys may be young, but their musical taste is not. They fill the gap between Clash inspired Pete Doherty and the sea shanties of The Decemberists. Sharing a label (Ramseur Records) with The Avett Brothers and theeverybodyfields has catapulted these youngsters into the limelight and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Quirky, fun and original, they are filling a musical niche that seems to be gaining strength throughout the country with bands like Band Marino following suit. Entrance is only $7, so put down the brisket and pick up a kazoo.
Thursday: Paleface w/ Young Neil at The Pour House
As mentioned back in October, Paleface is back on the North Carolina music scene. He has recently moved to Concord, North Carolina (hometown of his friends The Avett Brothers) and will be playing various shows around the area with the above mentioned Bombadil. His rough voice mirrors that of Tom Waits and his songs echo the fact that he has spent time with both Beck and Daniel Johnston in his musical career. With a Neil Young cover band called Young Neil opening, this should be a fun evening that will make up for the emptiness that The Cringe may leave on stage two nights earlier.
Friday: Colossus w/ Thunderlip at The Downtown Event Center
This show could cause physical pain just by walking in the door, but that shouldn’t discourage attendance.
Saturday: Birds of Avalon at The Downtown Event Center
The Downtown Event Center keeps trying to book note worthy shows and the one mentioned above and this one show that it stills has the ability to pull heavy names like the good ‘ole Martin Street Music Hall days. Just back from a European tour, local psychedelic rockers and soon to be local legends Birds of Avalon will grace Raleigh with its presence once more with a show with The T’s, Glass Window and DJ Castro. Be prepared for a crowd and a face full of rock n roll. Ears may ring for days. Tickets are $3. Only $3 Seriously?
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