Hey, Memphis! How was getting fat last week? If you didn’t OD on gravy and stuffing, you’ve got a great weekend to look forward to. We’ve got you riding on musical lightbeams, jamming out with some Middle Tennessee blues rock, and getting your pop fix on. Hope you saved some room for dessert—it’s time for some weekend shots.
Friday (11/30) has a few contrasting events to offer. Over at The Hi-Tone Cafe, the River City Tanlines are playing a show in celebration of all those who donated money to the Kickstarter fund that got them through their European tour. If you’re unfamiliar with their work, The Memphis three-piece is the rock ‘n’ roll outlet for Alicja Trout— One of Memphis’ most well-known unknowns. They released the full-length Coast-to-Coast earlier this year. Come out to hear what modern Memphis rock sounds like.
At Newby’s Memphis, mathy rock Lightbeam Rider will set up bar-side. Other than having brilliant art direction, Lightbeam Rider has a sound that’s somewhere between the articulated guitar work of redneck manifesto and late 2000s’ post rock. October saw the release of Mississippi, a full length that bounces around rock styles and techniques with a concentrated effort in memorable choruses.
If your thing is more singer/songwriters, then Otherlands Coffeebar has your back. Kris Acklen will have his piano and pop tunes in tow and is provided support by Carter Beckworth, a light-hearted pop singer who’s well-versed in jazz chords and Jack Johnson-y vibes. Both artists released albums late last year. Come out if you’re into sugary sweet pop music.
Saturday (12/1) changes things up a bit. Newby’s Memphis hosts the bluegrass, rock, and blues act Copper into Steel from Murfreesboro/Nashville. The fourtet just signed to Match Records and are due for an album in the coming year. This will be a great opportunity to check out their new sounds before they’re released.
Speaking of changing things up, the fraternity wet dream that is Trubz N Matlock are coming to New Daisy Theatre. Their creative and iconic lyricism is all about drinking, smoking weed, being young, and being “white boy fresh” (which I think they say something like 32 times in any given track). The two Kentuckians are three mixtapes deep. Come out to feel like you go to any college in the South.
