Russian Circles (Thursday, December 10th) @ The Grog Shop
A band called Russian Circles may conjure images that are dark and forboding - a DJ playing for goth kids in a cramped club, spinning industrial cadence from the Wax Trax! era, for example. For those unfamiliar with Russian Circles, the group couldn't be more distant from that notion, as three-piece from Chicago that plays music best described as post-metal instrumental rock. It is the kind of music that would be a fitting soundtrack to car crash as you watch it in real time, then slow down and speed up, replaying the collision. Experienced live, the sheer tenacity of Russian Circles' tidal waves of post-rock will smack you in the face with a sting that lingers, leaving you to wonder how these guys have not amassed a larger following. Having toured with the likes of Minus The Bear, Coheed and Cambria, fellow Chicago noiseniks, Pelican, and opening for Tool in the UK, Russian Circles are headed to The Grog Shop on December 10th to ignite our minds and hearts. Young Widows, who also share a love of math metal, make the perfect tour mate. www.russiancircles.net and www.grogshop.gs.
Los Straitjackets / El Vez (Wednesday, December 9th) @ The Beachland Ballroom
When the holiday season rolls around, there are the traditional things you find yourself doing - going to see The Nutcracker, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, and viewing the lighting of Cleveland's Public Square. This season, if you are open to breaking that mold, I strongly suggest you hit up the Viva Christmas Show! to see Los Straitjackets and El Vez perform. Hailing from Nashville, Los Straitjackets play guitar driven instrumentals while wearing wrestling masks on stage. El Vez is known as the "Mexican Elvis", his infamous shows filled with energy, humor and costume changes, as well as his backup singers/dancers, suitably dubbed The Elvettes. How can you possibly go wrong with the combination of Elvis, surf music, rockabilly, los luchadores and Christmas? www.straitjackets.com and www.beachlandballroom.com.
Bears (Wednesday, December 23rd) @ The Beachland Ballroom
In true Cleveland fashion, everything good (be it athletes, actors, artists or friends) must leave for so-called greener pastures. However, an inevitable and triumphant return always brings great reason to rejoice. One of Cleveland's finest indie pop bands, Bears, will be coming home for Christmas this year. For those who have not yet had the pleasure of consuming their delicious melodies dipped in honey and coated with twee-pop bliss, you have been missing out. . .that is, until now. To whip up a lip smacking recipe of Bears, you need a dash of chamber-pop à la Belle & Sebastian, dollop of Beach Boys harmonies, sprig of Elliott Smith's sunnier side, finished with a sprinkle of hand-claps and a touch of xylophone. This bill, which is chock full of other delectable local treats, will satisfy your sweet tooth and be the perfect holiday indulgence. The homecoming extravaganza takes place on the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern stages, with Unsparing Sea, Modern Electric, Sh*t Slicer, Mystery of Two, Terminal Lovers and All Dinosaurs taking over the house. So, come out and get an early Christmas gift at The Beachland! www.bearspop.com and www.beachlandballroom.com.
Author:
On December 2nd, 2009 @ 09:52:pm,
Russian Circles are pretty fantastic. I'd love to see them at a small venue like the Grog Shop.
On December 3rd, 2009 @ 02:58:am,
I saw them at the Grog once before, and it was epic. I know the December show will be equally impressive.
On December 3rd, 2009 @ 06:06:pm,
They are from Avondale where Kuma's (the greatest burger place on planet earth) is located which is reason enough for me. see you there.