This week is going to be a great one for shows in the Triangle, but it could involve some tough decisions on certain nights. Check out some of the best shows listed below and many more listed in the Rock Report.
Tuesday, January 15th- Spider Bags and Gross Ghost at The Pinhook, 9pm
These bands are two of the best acts in the area both live and on the record. Gross Ghost released their Grip Tapes’ debut “Brer Rabbit” in March of last year and showing that in their several years of existence they have already crafted a sound of their own. This diverse album features hints of lo-fi garage rock, 90’s era indie rock, as well as some influences 60’s pop-rock. Last year they were seen playing all over the Triangle, but most notably at WKNC’s 9th Double Barrel Benefit and the 3rd annual Hopscotch Music Festival where their music lit-up the audience. They are followed up by Spider Bags. Spider Bags are beginning to become a household name in the North Carolina. They are known for their incredibly energetic live shows that will leave your ears ringing for days. Their latest effort has been receiving a lot of national attention including an 8.1 review on Pitchfork as well as sitting number 1 atop PopMatters’ Top Overlooked Albums of 2012. This is a show that you don’t want to miss.
Thursday, January 17th- Birds and Arrows with Katherine Whalen at Tir Na nOg, 10pm
Katherine Whalen of Squirrel Nut Zippers fame is back at it again. Her solo work is often labeled under the title of “folk music,” but her new sound encompasses so much more. Her new album titled “Madly Love” has something there for everyone. Birds and Arrows are an incredible act that were seen at last year’s Double Barrel Benefit. The trio’s folky sound led by a cello appeals to every audience with their well-perfected live show. The trio has well stood the test of time in an area that has seen many folk acts come and go. It is amazing to see three people translate such intricate music perfectly to the stage. This is a show is a folk-lovers’ paradise and a great introduction to anyone else.
Friday, January 18th- Bleeding Rainbow and Jenny Besetzt at Duke Coffeehouse , 9pm
If you have yet to go to a show at Duke Coffeehouse, there is no better time. The atmosphere there always makes for the most energetic and intimate shows. Greensboro natives Jenny Besetzt open up the night. Jenny Besetzt are a brand new band who have exploded onto the local music scene. They turned many heads when they performed at last year’s Hopscotch Music Festival as well many different shows all around the Triangle. Their debut LP “Only” dropped this past October. Their sound is a fusion of dream-pop and shoegaze with a punch which they describe as “dream-punk.” The night ends with indie-pop quartet Bleeding Rainbow out of Philly. This band has only released a handful of 7 inches, but with their debut album due out at the end of this month their are bound to break big. With several different tracks being reviewed by Pitchfork and the like, they have created quite a buzz for themselves. This is bound to be an amazing show that you do not want to miss.
Friday, January 18th- Annuals with The Lollipops and Eros and the Eschaton at Local 506, 9pm
This night starts up with the great Greensboro husband-wife duo Eros and the Eshaton. Their sound falls somewhere between shoegaze and dream-pop. This new act has been turning heads opening for many different acts over the past year. They are followed up by The Lollipops. This lo-fi indie pop bedroom project of Iggy Cosky has expanded into a full band project and exploded onto the scene in the past year with their numerous recordings. Their live shows have proven themselves time and time again to be just as fun as their songs. The night ends with the always entertaining Annuals. Annuals’ name speak for themselves. This 6-piece indie pop group out of Raleigh have been a household name in the Triangle since the release of their critically acclaimed debut in 2006. They have been known for their energetic live shows. If you have not seen them yet, there is no better chance then with this great supporting cast.