THE PONYS
(1:00 AM / MAGIC STICK)
Ten-year old postpunk that actually sounds good. Something something Jim Diamond first record yadda yadda. These folks have always drawn well in Detroit, given their Chicago roots. They’ve been through a few lineup changes, opened for and toured with some heavy hitters, but have been laying low in recent years. They don’t tour much, so missing out on this shit would most likely be the biggest regret of your life.
THE HIGH STRUNG
(12:30 AM / MAJESTIC CAFE)
Josh Malerman’s nasally voice is symbolic of a musical selection that NPR would love to pieces, which it does. For most hipsters, that should be enough. Their songs are short, to the point, and catchy. Lots of touring has left this three-piece sounding fairly polished, considering their genre. Enjoy the awkward punk-twang-rock that ensues.
SCREAMING FEMALES
(12:00 AM / MAGIC STICK)
Screaming yes. Obnoxious no. Three-piece “punk” band that actually sounds good. Not an easy task. That, and something about baby teeth. Oh, and they have sweet names, ilke Paternoster, Dougherty, and…um…King Mike. They’ve been in real music magazines, played sweet festivals, and are now signed to Don Giovanni Records after self-releasing their first two albums.
OUTRAGEOUS CHERRY
(11:30 PM / MAGIC STICK)
Detroit’s indie veterans, these folks have put out a bazillion albums on as many labels in their nearly 20 years playing music in Detroit. If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll recognize everyone (whether currently or formerly) in the band. Even if it’s not your thing, their finely-crafted pop-psychedelia is something everyone should catch at least once.
NOMAN
(11:15 PM / MAJESTIC CAFE)
Looking at these dudes, you know exactly the music you’re about to hear. That doesn’t mean it’s not phenomenal. Very involved in the community, and very supportive of the music scene, these metal-folk monsters put on a show, and bring their own support peeps with them. Join the crowd.
CHILD BITE
(11:00 PM / MAGIC STICK)
These deranged lunatics have been touring the shit out of the US lately (in support of this summer’s recent release), so they’ll be fresh and read to rock your fucking beard ablaze. Minus one saxophone as of late, they have skipped a beat. They boast one of Detroit’s premier awkward-punk sounds, so you’ll definitely be entertained.
FAWN
(10:30 PM / MAGIC STICK)
Is the Hip Parade getting the best of you? FAWN is here to take you to a place where music and heart matter. All three members (Alicia Gbur, Christian Doble and Matt Rickle) of this new Detroit trio have been around the music scene long enough (current/former members of Thunderbirds are Now!, Child Bite, The Nice Device, Von Bondies, Javelins and/or Kiddo) to spare the bullshit and deliver the kind of punches only the emotionally surefooted can muster. Doble and Gbur’s songwriting reveals the kind of pain and longing that usually calls for a grueling therapy session. But FAWN rises above the heartache with powerful-yet-sweet harmonies and a knack for nostalgic melody. Fire your therapist. Let FAWN help you heal.
BARS OF GOLD
(10:15 PM / MAJESTIC CAFE)
An amalgamation of what used to be instrumental maniacs Wildcatting (now featuring singing action!), these jokers don’t mess around. Lots of riffs, lots of guitars, lots of sound, BUT NOW WITH SINGING!!
ZOOS OF BERLIN
(10:00 PM / MAGIC STICK)
Poppy quartet reminiscent of a dance-y Brian Eno. Upbeat, fun, with a very put-together sound. These guys put out great videos, excellent albums, and tend to play out a lot. Not as boring as it sounds, for realzies..
THE HANDGRENADES
(9:30 PM / MAGIC STICK)
Boasting a polished sound, with no shortage of catchy hooks, it’s not surprising that The HandGrenades cite The British Invasion as a primary influence. Additionally, prominent two and three-part harmonies are reminiscent of early Motown and undoubtedly contribute to the band’s rockin’ retro feel. The HandGrenades’ high-energy live shows are a definite must-see—as a staple of their engaging performance, they distribute instruments to the audience and invite them on stage.
DARLING IMPERIAL
(9:15 PM / MAJESTIC CAFE)
They’ve been playing the shit out of this town lately, which is good. They were a well-kept secret for the past couple of years. The cute, crazy-looking redhead with the soulful voice compliments the rest of the band (folk-pop-indie rock-whatever) perfectly. They sound infinitely better live than recorded, which begs the question: why miss it?
THE KICKSTAND BAND
(9:00 PM / MAGIC STICK)
A relatively young band by anyone’s standards, they have a fun yet unpolished sound that (thank god) fits what appears to be their collab-rock lifestyles. Sometimes unfinished is good.
CITIZEN SMILE
(8:30 PM / MAGIC STICK)
To say throwback would be rude and inaccurate, but there’s something fond and entertaining about the ’90s sound these kids are able to reimagine. Semisonic + Fastball (pre-washed up status) feels just about right. Very enjoyable and an absolute riot to watch, having fun is underrated.
