September will be an excellent month for indie rock in New Orleans. Ty Segall will open the month at One Eyed Jacks on the 6th. Segall is touring on his 2013 record, Sleeper. This album is a bit of a departure; usually known for the intensity of his music, this album takes a step back to meditate on the development his sound. The show itself will be a wild blend of new and old, rock and reminiscences. On the 20th, the reunited The Afghan Wigs will bring their characteristic garage sound to the Civic. Expect the Wigs to preview some of the songs from their upcoming April release, which marks their first new record in 16 years.
On the lighter side, Real Estate will take over One Eyed Jacks on the 22nd. In March the band released, Atlas, easily their best effort thus far. If they stick to their Bonnaroo setlist, you can expect a heavy dose of the new record with a smattering of old favorites. The guitar on this record is remarkably bright and clean and it matches perfectly with the vocal harmonies, think early Belle & Sebastian. In a similar vein, The Airborne Toxic Event will come to the Civic on the 27th. They especially shine in the blend of human and digital sounds to a swelling crescendo.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little folkier, The Head and the Heart are coming to the Civic on Oct. 1. After their remarkable eponymous first record in 2010, the band went on an extensive two-year tour opening for some of the heavies of the independent rock scene. They returned to the studio ready to develop their newly expanded vision and released the excellent, Let’s be Still, in 2013. This show will be an opportunity to watch a young band straddle the space between the sound that got them started and the development of that vision as it interacts with a larger community of music.
I would be remiss not to mention that Alex McMurray is bringing The Tin Men to do their usual fall residency at d.b.a. Look for The Tin Men to do the 7 p.m. show each Wednesday during September. Plan to stay all night as Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters usually hold down the 10 p.m. show.
If you’d like to listen to two songs from each of the artists mentioned for free, visit bit.ly/intune9-14.
To contact Mike Griffith about music news, upcoming performances and recordings, email Mike@MyNewOrleans.com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.
*Dates are subject to change.
Foxygen, too
Foxygen has recently announced a new album and tour, destined to hit One Eyed Jacks on Sept. 29. Their latest record, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, was one of my favorite releases of 2012, and is a must-listen for anyone who traces their love of music back to the sounds of the Rolling Stones or the Kinks. Lead singer, Sam France, is known for his exuberant live performances and on-stage antics. This will be a show not to miss. One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., 569-8361, OneEyedJacks.net.
