Alvvays at One Eyed Jacks
On Saturday night the Canadian dream pop ensemble Alvvays dropped into One Eyed Jacks for what turned out to be an overwhelmingly excellent performance. It was a muggy night in the Quarter and the rain poured down on the crowd waiting to get into the club—all of which led to a close, steamy environment within Jacks. I was curious to see what kind of crowd would show and to our credit, New Orleans was there. It was not the most crowded I’ve seen Jacks but well on its way to a sellout crowd. The band hit the stage a little late and the fans were ready. From the first notes of “Saved by a Waif” Molly Rankin and company sounded spectacular. As good as Antisocialities is as an album, these tracks are really stunning live. There is something about excellently performed power pop that hits you like a wall. You can’t help but be moved physically and emotionally by it. This performance had all of the appropriate elements. The crowd was great, the sound in Jacks was outstanding and Alvvays were perfectly in sync with themselves and the room. For the most part the setlist stuck to the new record with some choice favorites from their debut saved for the end. This is a group with momentum on their side. The new songs are great and they sound wonderful live. There is a joyful art to pop guitar noise and it was on display Saturday night. Look for these folks to continue their current streak and pick up Antisocialites if you haven’t already.
Perfume Genius and The XX
Tonight the Bold Music Series at Champions Square is bringing The xx with special guest Perfume Genius as the opening act. The xx have continued their excellent run of albums with the January release of I See You. I caught this show at Roo over the summer and was blown away by it. Make sure to get there early for Perfume Genius’ opening set. Mike Hadreas released one of my favorite records of 2014 and his recent release No Shape will almost certainly be in my top ten this year. Hadreas has reached a moment of personal and professional joy that is infectious. These are two outstanding acts on one bill and the weather should be perfect. Get on out to this show. Check out the video for “Slip Away” below.
BBQ and Blues Fest
Just a quick note that I was able to make it out to the BBQ and Blues festival for the first time in years on Saturday and I was pleased to see how much that festival has grown. It’s truly one of the great fall festivals. Cheers.
To Do This Week
Tonight Perfume Genius opens for The xx at Champions Square and Lil Yachty drops into the Joy. Tomorrow Atlas Genius is down at the Parish while The Crystal Method plays at Tips. Saturday A Flock of Seagulls roll into Generations Hall and Gogol Bordello takes over the Joy. Monday Brian Haas is at the Hi-Ho. Tuesday check out Guantanamo Baywatch at Siberia.
To Listen This Week
- Check out the great new single from St. Vincent via Youtube
- The War on Drugs cover Tom Petty’s “Time to Move on” via Youtube
- Hamilton Leithauser teams up with Angel Olsen via CoS
