Since I’ve been taking a holiday break from live reviews, I figure I should roll through some of the stuff that I’ve dug this year. This is not intended to be all-encompassing. Hell, right off the top of my head, I can think of great artists – Tambersauro, Sharks and Sailors, PLF, Young Mammals, Hearts of Animals, Buxton, Giant Princess, etc. etc. etc. – that I didn’t mention below. But the way I figured I’d approach this was like one of those games where you just say the first thing that pops into your head but with a time-limit of ... Read More »

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT IS ONThe Scooter Diaries Saturday, December 27Benefit for Airon Paul Dugas, featuring Paris Falls, Dannzig, Guitars, Teenage Kicks, Friendship, Wild Moccasins, & more @ Walter’s on Washington(8PM $10 Door -Free Keg and Free Ice Cream!!!!!!!!)Local folkster Airon Paul Dugas hit some pretty unexpected hard times when his scooter met a car head on. While he survived, he’s a bit worse for wear from the experience. Honestly, we’d much rather be writing about Airon Paul Dugas performing a show (I was really looking forward to that Paris Falls collaboration for example) this weekend than all this but at ... Read More »

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT IS ON Dang! You guys HAVE been good boys and girls!Normally, I pick one show or two to spotlight but this week is so utterly crazy that it is literally impossible to do. In fact I’m even posting this one day early to give you a head-start since Santa brought you kids so many good shows to choose from on this Christmas week. So take notes, plan carefully, and Merry Christmas. Friday, December 19th Battle Rifle, Chocolate Crucifix, Assholes, and DJ Bill Fool@ Leon’s Lounge(Free! bands start at 10PM)Leave it to Anna Garza and Miss Rosa to ... Read More »

It wasn’t until I got to Walter’s on Saturday that I realized I’d forgotten to charge my camera’s batteries and to bring my handy dandy notebook so this will be a somewhat brief review and without the usual number of snapshots. Still, it was a nice night of music. Opening was Hearts of Animals who I haven’t seen perform live since the release of her new Cave Lights CD so it was wonderful to hear new songs like the heart melting Sister Stories performed alongside the older songs. Sleeping in The Aviary’s set was driving and solid with singer Elliott ... Read More »

This Week’s Spotlight Is On Metal at the River Oaks TheatreFriday, December 12thInsidious Decrepancy, Funeral Rites@ River Oaks Theatre (FREE – Midnight)I know what you are saying. You’re amused by this show because it’s a funny gimmick. Well, let me just get this out there and reply to that assertion with a “Duh! Of course!” C’mon it’s metal at the River Oaks!!! Jeez!!! I mean you do the math then toss in FREE and the very satanic midnight hour and it’s no contest! OK but seriously dig one man killing machine Insidious Decrepancy or the 15 years of crushing brutality ... Read More »

Madison, Wisconsin’s Sleeping in the Aviary first album “Oh, This Thing?” was a refreshing blast of poppy up-beat low-fi indie rock so it was quite a surprise to hear their new album “Expensive Vomit in A Cheap Motel” taking such a decidedly more folky and weighty approach. That’s not to say that there aren’t rousing moments like “Things Look Good” which swaggers in the room like a joyous drunken Dylan or the driving kiss-off of “Write off” that rolls like your best summer road trip but, along with those, lay sad sweet little songs like “Calm me Down” or grittier ... Read More »

Have you voted and done your civic duty? Well, I have and I suggest you do too. This year’s Sammies over at The Skyline Network is actually a pretty damn good slice of this year’s best Indie Bands, Indie Labels, Venues etc from Houston. No matter the category there is something you’ll like. So head on over and make your voice heard. (Link) Read More »

By Omar Afra Woozy Helmet Get Down Get Down is an apt title for this album. Ha-ha. Not funny. OK. Anyways, Woozy Helmet is one of the most crunktastic things in the state of Texas and this album exemplifies that paradigm in every way possibly. The songs on this album range from broken glass massaged into your testicles to being spoon fed vanilla custard. You could call this album a ‘recording’ but it is really more a snapshot of their kick-you-in-the nuts-tight live show. What respect means to Jose captures the serrated edges of Woozy Helmet while maintain the melody ... Read More »

You’d think I would have mentioned this in my Friday preview but for some reason I was mistakenly under the impression that this was next week. D’OH! No worries consider this your heads up for Music, Beer, and Bonfire at the ever wonderful Artstorm located inside Caroline Collective. Here are all the details for the show. (Thanks Saray for the heads up on my oversight and listenlisten for extra details. ) Here are the details: Tuesday, December 9thArtStorm, 4828 Caroline St. (inside Caroline Collective)$5 cover includes beer and bonfire. Starts at 7pm. 7:30 Wild Moccasins8:15 listenlisten9:00 Peter & the Wolf(Austin)10:00 ... Read More »

Yeah, it’s gonna be a good night when the first thing you encounter on your way to the White Swan is a van parked in the street with the overwhelming smell of pot and sound of Van Halen emanating from inside. I guess that means it’s either 1978 or some Gulf Coast Hardcore kid feels that Women and Children First is the only way to get stoked for hours of the city’s best hardcore/Grind/Metal bands.. Have you seen junior’s grades? gneaw! gneaw! gneaw! gneaw! gneaw! gneaw! gneaw! Yes folks, The White Swan was hosting the second night of Noisefest. Here’s ... Read More »