Sleigh Bells at the Grog Shop, Tuesday, July 13th (w. Nerve City and Po Po)
Sleigh Bells lasso you in with the sonic assault of guitars overlaying the thump of funky bass and some of the sweetest vocals that have been let loose this summer. These Sleigh Bells feature Derek Miller, former guitarist from the renowned hardcore ensemble, Poison The Well, stirring the pot with the clever vocal stylings of Alexis Krauss. These two have been riding the waves of the hype machine they hopped on at the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival last fall. That wave has landed them on MIA's label (N.E.E.T.) who just released their debut album, Treats. They already rocked the Grog Shop once this spring, playing for a sold-out crowd as the supporting act for indie pop slayers, Yeasayer – no doubt they will be doing the same when they headline this time around. On that evening those gathered in the place will be swaying, moshing or just planning to get down to this fearsome twosome's slightly sweet and ultra salty jams.
Black Keys at Nautica Pavilion, Saturday, July 24 (w/ Jessica Lea Mayfield)
Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on experiencing these two artistically brilliant indie acts, both born and raised Ohio proud. It is going to be a real treat to hear the Black Keys cooking up some of their deep fried garage-driven, dipped-in blues jams on the banks of the mighty Cuyahoga river. As the boats go by, they will undoubtedly do so by chugging in tune to the rhythm of this Akron-based duo's rich, gritty, soul filled creations. This is the kind of music that cause your ears to thirst for more, with each listen you crave more pulsating grooves and Dan Auerbach's evocative howl. Taking some time out from their busy schedule, in between upcoming stops at Osheaga and Lollapalooza festivals, The Black Keys continue to be in full barn storming mode, touring in support of 2010's well-received Brothers. Kent native, Jessica Lea Mayfield will be opening with her dark and sultry indie folk tunes, which appear on her debut full-length With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, produced by none other than Dan Auerbach.
Blitzen Trapper at Beachland Ballroom, Thursday, July 29 (w/Pomegranates)
If Blitzen Trapper's music sounds familiar, it should come as no surprise. The band proudly embraces AM radio sounds of 60/70's Americana and sprinkles it with some very avant garde stylings. This is music made by dudes with beards from the Pacific Northwest, who tell tales from their region, the peaceful nature surrounding them, and the influence of the old west. On their fifth album, they continue to be six members strong, having endured and grown together as a band during the last 10 years. They bring the rock and the prog, and the occasional piano-driven, string-laden ballad. Blitzen Trapper excel at creating warm, fuzzy compositions like "Furr", but are equally adept at crafting haunting ballads like "Black River Killer". They'd love to open for their fellow godfather of the tall timbers, Neil Young, as they have already opened for the likes of Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, and Wilco.
Author:
