Lovin’ and Listenin’
Friday, April 21
Ninja Academy, The Mormons, Junior Private Detective, Junkface
Tonic Lounge. 9:30 pm. Cover, 21+.
Ninja Academy make what I can only describe as instrumental hardcore music. With all the slow down and then build up of your favorite hardcore emo band, without all the shiny vocals, the band is more rock with less filling. Local up and comers Junior Private
Detective will also rock you, though in a much more cerebral, monotone female vocals sort of way.
Sunday, April 23
Mates of State, Viva Voce, Mecca Normal, The Kingdom
Wonder Ballroom. 9 pm. $12, all ages.
So I finally heard The Kingdom and hot damn, they’re really, really good. With soaring string-laden arrangements, weird and whiny vocals and gorgeous harmonies, the band is surely going places. Now I really want to chomp down on a cigar and mutter "These kids are golden – they can’t miss!"
Blackalicious, Lifesavas, Fatlip w/Omni, Pigeon John
Roseland Theatre. 8:30 pm. $18, all ages.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you could please put your hands in the air and wave them ’round like you just don’t care, it would be much appreciated. For those of you who love conscious hip-hop and songs featuring Ben Harper, this show is going to be a dream. As for me, I’m just counting the days until Cam’ron’s Killa Season comes out.
Monday, April 24
Wilderness, Parts and Labor, We’re From Japan
Towne Lounge. 9:30 pm. $6 adv., $7 DOS, 21+.
Bands like Wilderness are the reason people hate Pitchforkmedia.com so much. Go read the review of their first album on the site and tell me it doesn’t have scary, quasi-religious overtones. I seem to remember God being mentioned at least once, which is just plain ridiculous when you’re talking about a band that sounds like a Public Image Ltd. tribute group.
