Big show at the White Rabbit Cabaret tomorrow night! Four bands, $7, your head buzzing with delicious indie-pop nuggets. Looking forward to seeing you! Doors at 8:00, Show at 9:00 Band details below:
Hidden Pictures
Tublr
Facebook
Quirk & Ruckus
Facebook
Broken Light
Facebook
Bandcamp
Sponsored By:
Upland Brewery
Very excited to announce a big power pop flavored show at the White Rabbit Cabaret on April 25. Details and links below:
Tix $7
Hidden Pictures
Tublr
Facebook
Quirk & Ruckus
Facebook
Broken Light
Facebook
Bandcamp
Sponsored By:
Upland Brewery
The negative wind chill outside was no match for the warmth of the White Rabbit Cabaret Thursday night. Good drinks and loud music make a lovely pair.
Local treasure Christian Taylor opened with a low-key mostly solo set that loosened the joint. Cincinnati’s Sun Country followed – the first of two shows in Indy within the week; the other at Melody Inn on 2/7. It was my first exposure to the band and I really liked what I heard. The six-piece trades in a kitchen sink style of melodic pop — three guitars, mandolin, fiddle, and even video game sounds — that somehow congeal into catchy brew. What the band has available to hear online has a more acoustic feel than the wall of noise they trotted out Thursday, but that isn’t a bad thing. I like when a band catches me off guard. Paper Thick Walls did the same in 2012. I’m not sure how all six guys are going to fit on the Mel stage next week but it should be a good time.
Local kings of the mountain the Bonesetters ended the night with their unbeatable blend of indie pop. Dan and the guys have been working in several new songs, which was a bonus. I’ve run out of superlatives — if you haven’t seen them, make an effort and help them blow up.
It’s February, so the concert calendar is heating up, Indy. Get out there.
I attended 79 concerts in 2012. That’s a lot of time in places like Radio Radio, White Rabbit Cabaret, Old National Centre, and Melody Inn. But there’s little I would trade the lost sleep or ringing ears for. Live music restores me. It grants me a unique euphoria that, as I get closer to 40, becomes too infrequent.
Can I keep up that pace in 2013? Probably not, especially as my business expands. (Indy Rock Live is still, simply, a hobby.) I do, however, plan to book 10-12 shows in the new year — the first is the legendary Ken Stringfellow at the Do317 Lounge on February 11 — and rely on more contributors. I like to think what this site provides is a window into all the great music that passes through Indianapolis. If I can encourage even just a handful of you to get up off the sofa a few more times, then I’ve been successful. For the thousands of readers that stop by each month, thank you. Keep on going to rock shows.
Below are my Top 8 of the year in alphabetical order with links to my original write-ups.
Band of Skulls w/ Boom Chick – The Vogue, August 6, 2012: Fuzzed out, sweaty rock didn’t come much more pure and muscular than this show. Band of Skulls were hot and Boom Chick — since renamed Crushed Out — were a whirlwind of rockabilly punk electricity.
Delta Spirit w/ Waters — Radio Radio, March 24, 2012: Delta Spirit was great, but Waters was revelatory. Formed from the ashes of Port O’Brien, Waters delivered the single-best opening set of the year. And their passion and fire channeled directly into Delta Spirit’s raucous set.
Drive-By Truckers — The Bluebird (Bloomington), October 21, 2012: I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen the Truckers live now. Though they’ve never let me down, this one was spectacular. An unbelievable set list, a packed club, and, what would turn out to be one of John Neff’s final shows, equaled perfection.
Elliot BROOD w/ Pack AD — White Rabbit Cabaret, March 8, 2012: The surprise of the year. A pair of Canadian bands with no track record in Indianapolis left it all on stage. The result? A hot, foot-stomping, hootenanny. Fantastic show that resulted in many new fans.
Kishi Bashi — Joyful Noise, May 23, 2012: The show of the year. Touring in support of full-length solo debut 151a, Kishi Bashi in the cozy confines of the Joyful Noise space in the Murphy Building was intimate, engrossing, and unforgettable. A perfect concert experience.
Nada Surf w/ Waters — Deluxe, June 23, 2012: One of my favorite bands. And with the addition of Doug Gillard on guitar, a live juggernaut. Waters, for the second time in 3 months, was incredible. But the moment of the evening came after the lights went up. As 20 or so people huddled around the merch table, band leader Matthew Caws came out with an acoustic guitar and played Blizzard of ’77 to the crowd. A moment I’ll never forget.
Okkervil River — Upland Brewing Company (Bloomington), August 31, 2012: A great band delivering on all fronts. Add the outdoor beer garden environment that didn’t hold back on intimacy and it equaled a terrific night in Bloomington.
Stars — Deluxe, October 4, 2012: The most party-like concert atmosphere of the year. The band performed with passion and the audience returned the love. That euphoria I mentioned earlier? Stars was a perfect example.
What were your favorite shows of the year?
Greetings indie bands far and wide. Would you consider what you do even remotely power pop? Do you push the guitar crunch, sweet melodies, and earworm hooks designed to make heads bob and feet tap? Caught yourself worshiping at the altars of Big Star, Cheap Trick, Jellyfish, The Posies, and Sloan? Have you found yourself traveling between St. Louis and Detroit, or between Chicago and Nashville, wishing you had another show on the calendar but not sure who to call?
To borrow a phrase from an idiosyncratic Indianapolis jeweler, you’ve got a friend in the power pop business.
Indy Rock Live wants to book you! Indianapolis has a vibrant live music scene, which we can help you tap into. Our goal is simple: We want to help spread your music to the wonderful citizens of the circle city.
Contact us today if you’re considering a tour in 2013. We love what you do and want to help however we can.
Regards,
Jeremy
Indy Rock Live has been on a self-imposed one week sabbatical, but that comes to an end with the back-to-back-to-back live gumbo taking place in Fountain Square starting Tuesday.
Tuesday: Said the Whale at White Rabbit Cabaret
The Canadian band put on a fantastic show at the Rabbit back in March. StW is a band that loves being on stage, and that joy of performing reaches its slender fingers into your brain and doesn’t let go. I highly recommend you check them out.
Wednesday: Supersuckers at Radio Radio
Supersuckers are gonna raise some hell. MOKB Presents a righteous rock show that will shake the foundation and cause some blessed ear-ringing. You’ve been warned, so prepare accordingly.
Thursday: Buffalo Killers w/ Hollis Brown at Radio Radio
In case you aren’t rocked hard enough on Wednesday, you can head on back to Radio Radio the following night for a second infusion. MOKB Presents wants to make sure you’re still jittery when you sit down for turkey next week. Very noble.
What’s your plan, Indy?
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, touring in support of “reunion” record Meat + Bone — their first since 2004 — were the headliners for the show Saturday at the White Rabbit Cabaret. But the band left a bad taste after complaining most of the night about sound issues. Yes, Spencer had some microphone problems, but most of the crowd wouldn’t have noticed if they just played through. The instruments sounded great, the band had swagger, and the atmosphere was perfect. After being around for more than 20 years, I expected more. Then again, those in attendance weren’t potential new fans — the Explosion brought out the stalwarts waiting for the band’s revival. The die-hards were likely satisfied, but I saw it as a missed opportunity.
So forget the headliner — let’s talk about Crushed Out. The duo formerly known as Boom Chick made their way through Indy back in August as openers for Band of Skulls, and in the process dropped a lot of jaws. Renamed Crushed Out, Frank Hoier and Moselle Spiller have locked in on a fast, fun, intoxicating brew of surf rock(abilly) Americana. Take the song Shake Can Well, the lyrics of which are the directions on a can of WD40. Sounds like a gimmick, but the track is a crazytown bananapants speed trip. Another standout was Firelight, which showcased how the duo could open up their sound to build a rumbling, bluesy, shot of rock.
Crushed Out’s debut is set for release on November 6. Plan now to pick it up. I guarantee you’ll be hitting repeat on songs like the 90-miles-an-hour Temper Tantrum and Black & Purple, with it’s 24K hook.
What did you think of the show?
It was Jascha‘s last night in town before he set sail on an extended boat ride to Mexico — or something like that — and the local favorite’s friends were out in full force. The party-like atmosphere didn’t lend itself to a focused set, but that wasn’t the point. Everyone was there to have a good time, to hear some tunes live they wouldn’t have the chance to anytime soon, and to wish him well. On those counts, it was a success.
What drew me, however, to the White Rabbit Cabaret Tuesday night was a chance to see Santah for the first time in about a year. The Illinois band has a new EP coming out in October, so this was the first listen of impressive new songs like I Love the Way You Seal a Deal and Indigo. Oldies like Merry Ann and Chips of Paint still groove hard and the catchy nugget, Teeth, which they played on one of their prior trips through, has even more bite. Santah seemed both looser and tighter than the last time — a good sign of a maturing band.
And of course the Bonesetters played, but there’s really little else I can say about the band. Great every time. Lunatic was another fantastic new one.
Nice turnout for the show. Fun night in Fountain Square.
After a nice little break in the schedule, the concert calendar kicks back into gear beginning this week. Below are the shows Indy Rock Live has on the radar:
Friday, July 6: Stop #1, the First Friday Food Truck Fest. Lots of food trucks, live music, good times. After the grub is downed, we’ll be heading over to the Do317 Lounge to catch KO, formerly of Slothpop, for FREE.
Saturday, July 7: We haven’t been to Earth House in a while, but Jukebox the Ghost is reason enough to change that. Savior Adore opens the MOKB Presents show.
Sunday, July 8: Indy Rock Live is making its semi-regular Sunday night stop at the Mel to catch a pair of Nashville artists. Paper Lantern and Nick Flora, along with some local talent, are going to bring some summer pop bliss.
Tuesday, July 10: We’re heading down to Deluxe for Americana courtesy of the Futurebirds and Henry Clay People.
Wednesday, July 11: Fiona Apple in the Old National Theatre. No additional info necessary.
Saturday, July 14: Back to Earth House for Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s. Will be a fun, sexy time.
Sunday, July 15: Another Sunday at the Mel. Black Taxi back for more. Nice.
Tuesday, July 17: Beach House at Vogue. More than worth the trip to the Rip.
Thursday, July 19: Hootenanny time. Old Crow Medicine Show at Old National Centre.
Saturday, July 21: Langhorne Slim is back, and he’s got a new album. Good show last year; this one promises to be even better. Another great MOKB Presents production.
July 27-29: Oh, how we wish we weren’t indisposed, cuz this is a three-night stretch we’d like to hit. Can’t make them all. But you should. Bear Hands, John Fulbright, Florence + the Machine w/ Walkmen. Info here.
Monday, July 30: Can’t stay down for long. Blitzen Trapper! This one at Deluxe.
Tuesday, July 31: Shakes is sold out, but we’re okay with that because we’re heading over to see Temper Trap at the Egyptian Room. So should you!
Busy month of shows in Indy. No excuses! Get moving. We’ll see you out there.
Rocky Votolato‘s music is intimate. By that, I mean it’s necessary to embrace a quiet, hushed vibe to fully embed yourself in his low-key but high-impact songs. The White Rabbit Cabaret was a great venue for the experience, and the crowd Friday night was rightfully respectful and attentive.
Votolato stood at the center of the stage with just his guitar and harmonica, letting his music do most of the talking. Votolato’s voice is so pure, and his delivery so earnest, it’s hard not to get absorbed. Touring in support of newest Kickstarter funded album, Television of Saints, the Texas born, Seattle based singer/songwriter began the set with Little Spring and Ghost Writer, the first two tracks off that release. But the next two songs, off 2006 release Makers, are what hooked the audience. Portland is Leaving and White Daisy Passing are both such warm, soulful, and evocative songs — the epitome of singer/songwriter excellence. Other highlights were Alabaster from Suicide Machine and a cover of MewithoutYou’s In a Sweater Poorly Knit. Votolato doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but what he does is so beautiful it makes you reconsider what constitutes good songwriting.
Joining Votolato for the show were Denmark’s CALLmeKAT and the Rhode Island duo Brown Bird. CALLmeKAT, aka Katrine Ottosen, opened the show with her ethereal and moody compositions. Her jazzy concoctions weren’t my cup of tea, but I have to give points for her Euro-flamenco cover of Britney Spears’ Toxic. Brown Bird’s kitchen sink, acoustic bluegrass Americana did, however, make me take notice. After the sleepy opener, Brown Bird’s organic, rousing music was the perfect energizer. The duo’s blended male/female vocals and unique amalgam of banjo, cello, guitar, etc were very engaging. Excellent set.
Were you at the White Rabbit last night? What did you think of the show?
