Cover of "Fragments of A Dying Star" by Dispirited Spirits
At twenty years old, a Portuguese musician has created soundscapes like no other. Indigo Dias, also known as Dispirited Spirits, is the man behind a project that sounds too good to be made by one man. Starting in 2021, Dias has released two albums, capitalizing on space’s wide-open magnificence. Dias finds ways to squeeze indie rock, midwest emo, jazz, progressive rock, and modern electronica into space rock. These styles seamlessly blend into each other to make a tight and colorful package.
His two albums bring separate appeals, each with unique qualities. “Fragments of a Dying Star,” focuses on combining electronics and rock, managing to mesh them and make a jaw-dropping experience. “The Redshift Blues” feels a lot more like a magnum opus. With grand, multi-instrumental, bombastic sequences that take much time to develop, “The Redshift Blues” pays off in its stylistic complexion.
WKNC and Neptunes are bringing back Locals Only! On August 8th, a stellar lineup of local artists are coming to Neptunes to perform for the Raleigh area. July’s Locals Only show was electric, and I expect this show to be just as good.
Max Lane
If you went to the last Locals Only show and found yourself wanting slower, more introspective artist, then you’re in luck. Max Lane is a country artist from Hillsborough, North Carolina who I found myself enjoying quite a bit while going through his discography.
His songs are not limited to any particular niche of country music, though he takes a lot of inspiration from soul and gospel, as well as older country legends like Alan Jackson. He can belt out powerful lyrics about his newfound sobriety right after bringing a tear to your eye about lost community.
Personally, I’m very excited to hear songs like “Ghost Towns” live, as I hope you are too.
Nicole Tester
Nicole Tester, meanwhile, brings a softer, more folk-inspired sound to the show, reminiscent of artists like Big Thief or Phoebe Bridgers. Her songwriting explores love, loss, the exploration of self, and so much more that adds plenty of intrigue to her music.
I expect her performance to be a nice comedown from the other acts at this show, including the last acts to be discussed: Anterra & Peter Stone.
Anterra & Peter Stone
These two artists are coming to Neptunes as part of a larger duo album release tour. Anterra brings to their act a more ethereal, dreampop sound whose storytelling relies more on imagery than narration
Peter Stone, meanwhile, bridges the gap sonically between Anterra’s dreampop and Max Lane’s country influences. He keeps a more upbeat energy to his guitar playing that should help rile the crowd back up by the end of the show.
Closing Thoughts
For those of you looking for country, folk, and singer-songwriter songs from your local artists, this will be the show to attend. This Locals Only concert is on for Thursday, August 8th, and I once again hope to see you there!
