Lovin’ & Listenin’
Oct. 7
Fatal Flying Guilloteens, Starantula, Black Elk
Berbati’s Pan, 321 S.W. Ankeny St.
21+
This is one of those bluesy, gritty punk bands that wears matching outfits and has a big-deal theatric stage show. That’s all fine and good, but the only time I ever heard their music I thought it sucked. But how can you pass up the chance to see some pasty indie-rock guys from Texas roll around a stage in their underwear?
The Helio Sequence, Fruit Bats and Wet Confetti
Doug Fir, 830 E. Burnside St.
Doors 8 p.m. Show 9 p.m. 21+
Beaverton duo the Helio Sequence play their electric pop with fellow Sub Pop Records band Fruit Bats. And yes, more locals are joining the lineup. Pop and post-punk band Wet Confetti will spread some extra local cheer to the log loving fans.
Oct. 8
The Raphael House of Portland is beginning domestic violence awareness month with a free Pioneer Courthouse Square event to focus on youth and female empowerment. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. hear music from Junior Private Detectives, the High Violets, Anjali, Per Se, Point Juncture, WA and Tribe of the Outcasts. For more information go to www.raphaelhouse.com.
Oct. 9
Misfits, 800 Octane, Plan R
Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 S.E. 39th Ave.
21+
Just because no self-respecting person over the age of 18 likes the Misfits doesn’t mean that one of their concerts can’t be a kind of brainless diversion for everyone else. When I saw them, they had Marky Ramone drumming for them, which was pretty cool, and they played half a set’s worth of Ramones songs, which was even better. They probably won’t do that this time, but it’s not like you really have anything better to do anyway.
Dirty Three and Point Juncture, WA
Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.
All ages
Aussie band the Dirty Three play music that’s crafted from drums, guitar and violin. Elements of old country and instrumental rock shine through, sometimes gritty and raw, sometimes smooth and introspective. The trio keep on exploring new sounds and emotions, taking you along on their travels. Closer to home, Point Juncture, WA keeps on popping up at different Portland music venues. They’re at it again tonight, and keep your eye on them. This indie band plays music that sets them apart from every other indie band you’ve heard, drawing comparisons to early Pavement, Broken Social Scene and Pretty Girls Make Graves. They’re local, they’re unique and they’re worth listening to.
Oct. 10
British Sea Power and Blitzen Trapper
Doug Fir, 830 E. Burnside St.
Doors 8 p.m. Show 9 p.m. 21+
Rolling Stone wrote of British Sea Power, “Fuck this puerile drivel, we’re going to see British Sea Power, who are everything that Weezer are not – British Sea Power are mad as fuck on every level.” It’s a good enough reason to see them, this bands that been compared to the Talking Heads and the Psychedelic Furs. Portlander band Blitzen Trapper are playing with them, too. Listen to their combination of folk, country and bluegrass that shouldn’t scare you away. It works well, elegant lyrics and rich textures weaving a sound that leaves you wanting a little bit more.
Oct. 11
Green Milk from the Planet Orange, Grails, Scuffle and Dustcough, Danava
Berbati’s Pan, 321 S.W. Ankeny St.
21+
Green Milk from the Planet Orange is one of those Japanese psychedelic noise bands that plays 20-minute prog-jazz fusion songs on their album. In fact, three or so of those songs make up their albums. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course. People really seem to love these three noisemakers, since they can supplement their Krautrockier explorations with hard-hitting rock ‘n’ roll. So go! This band is sweet!
Oct. 12
Southerly, You and Modernstate
Town Lounge, 714 S.W. 20th PL
A one-man band? We like surprises, and Modernstates’ Sam Schauer finds home in a band of one. Using a looping device to create layers of lo-fi sound with gritty vocals, he creates a rich sound of insightful lyrics that play warmly and melodically. Joining him are Madison, Wis., native Krist Krueger, who again ventures to the Northwest where he recorded his album Best Dressed and Expressionless at Haywire Studios. The music is carefully crafted, and it’ll be an evening of music that won’t take too much out of your pocket.
Oct. 13
UK Subs, Sado-Nation, Statch and the Rapes, the Altarboys
Dante’s, 1 S.W. Third Ave.
9 p.m., $5
Go to this show to see Sado-Nation, some local old-timers with some great songs like “I’m Trouble.” Their biggest claim to fame is being on a Portland punk compilation called 10-29-79 curated by Greg Sage of the Wipers. And, lucky for you, they’re not even headlining so you don’t have to listen to the UK Subs any longer than you have to. It’s only $5. What’s the worst thing that could happen? It’s at a bar, too, so if the show really smells you can just get loaded and there’s no harm done.
Compiled by Nick Buono and Stephanie Ryan
