Those Darlins (Tonight, Local 506) — Tennessee-based all-girl country-rock troupe Those Darlins have successfully jazzed up a clichéd sound. Adding an element of garage-rock guitar and catchy, early-rock vocal hooks to country song structures, these ladies have “crossover appeal” written all over their music, and they know it.
While a young band (first single “Wild One” accurately portrays Those Darlins’ attitude, yet gives off a sound too overtly country), their reputation as a feisty, high-energy touring act already precedes them.
Opening is another female-led throwback group. Chapel Hill’s Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies have always toed the line between overly cute novelty act and seriously fun, 70’s rock. “Grass Is Glowing” transports the listener to a bubbly, happy land accented by glistening bells and sweet, simple melodies.
“Grass Is Glowing” stands out, though, by exploring an underlying melody (with a flute, no less) and building the song back up through a crunchy, strong, but delightfully delicate jam.
The more dynamism VV incorporates into its set, the better off it will be. And if the New Year’s Eve show was any indication, they’re headed in the right direction.
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Minor Stars CD Release Party (Saturday, Local 506) — From these self-described psychedelic indie rockers, listeners know to expect anything from straight-up trippy jamming capable of making listeners actually feel the color purple to a mere layering of well-adjusted guitars.
Chapel Hill’s Minor Stars certainly won’t lull any listeners into a groovy trance. Jolting guitar riffs on “The Death of the Sun” are heavy and modern, but the guitar takes wah-wah effects reminiscent of the psychedelic sound (the real one) and makes it work.
Vocally, Minor Stars drone in a contemplative, low-key fashion. Always risky territory, but the rhythm section stays strong, and the guitars are able to fill the sound out, making the vocals distinctive more than anything else.
The genre that truly stands out in describing Minor Stars is actually grunge. The guitar fuzz has older influences, but is most reminiscent of Soundgarden and company, which would certainly account for the much-welcomed power of every track. Reevaluating vocals with this in mind, Minor Stars makes full sense. The guitar progressions keep the band from falling into wretched post-grunge territory, but lights-out rock and disaffected vocals keep the grunge alive.
Opener deVries captures the quintessential My Bloody Valentine feel of 20 years ago. Taking echo-tastic guitars and having them accent everything from the main riff to a low-tuned floor tom (not to mention dreamy, effect-laden vocals), deVries bridges the gap between modern indie rock songwriting and the classic psychedelic days, most notably on standout track “Furskin Rug.”
As a Saturday night show with a five-dollar cover and a free Minor Stars CD upon admission, this up-and-coming local band deserves your full attention.
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Ari Picker solo/Daniel Hart and Friends (Sunday, Nightlight) — Ari Picker has the rare ability to be heard above 10 other musicians, from drums to strings to saxophones. The Lost In The Trees frontman writes emotionally charged folk songs for an orchestra of musicians, yet still manages to stay in the forefront of what is going on.
Listeners will never have to strain to hear his personal lyrics, nor will his sentimental voice ever be masked by anything but his guitar (which will have more time to shine, too). Expect both Trees favorites and songs that just might not work in an 11-piece orchestra.
Also on this bill is Physics of Meaning frontman and accomplished multi-instrumentalist Daniel Hart. A member of St. Vincent and talented songwriter in his own right, a chance to see a more freeform project from Hart in such an intimate setting is a major attraction.
