Whether you’re growing out your facial hair (or forced to watch someone who is…) for No-Shave November or not, there’s something you shouldn’t miss out on this month, and it’s the shows coming to the 9:30 Club.
You know the deal, TVD readers—each concert we preview here will have a pair of tickets to win! So quick checking those beards out in the mirror (or on Facebook, ladies) and get ready for another awesome line up of live music.
Manchester Orchestra, Mon 11/14
Manchester Orchestra is a five piece, indie rock band based out of Atlanta, Georgia and will hit the District as the headliner on the PacTour sponsored by PacSun. The band has released three LPs since their debut in 2005. Their second album, Mean Everything to Nothing, caught the attention of music critics and earned five-stars from former Alternative Press editor, Tim Karan, who described it as “a masterpiece of intricacy and honesty.” Driven by the emotional experiences, this passionate group released a more conceptual LP titled Simple Math this past May. “It’s the reaction to my marital, physical, and mental failures. But for the first time, I’m not blaming anyone but myself,” lead singer Andy Hull explained. Those looking to diverge from the traditional indie rock path will certainly want to catch the deeply emotive music experience of Manchester Orchestra.
Tinariwen & Architecture in Helsinki, Tues 11/15
Washingtonians are in for a cultural music experience from the ensemble of Tuareg musicians known as Tinariwen. With a history spanning several decades and one more compelling than a History Channel documentary, this band melds traditional Middle Eastern rhythms with African beats, all while taking influence from a variety of genres. Their rhythmic incantation of beats continue to tell their story on their latest release, Tassili. The melodic message is certainly intended for all to comprehend, whether you speak their native language of Tamashek or not.
Joining Tinariwen on their musical journey will be Australian indie-pop rockers, Architecture in Helsinki. Their care-free synth-pop sound spans the decades in their latest release, Moment Bends—a collection of “Italia ’82, California ’79 and Melbourne 2011” as described in the band’s official press release. While Architecture in Helsinki’s poppy electro harmonies certainly contrast with their co-headliners, we can only assume this tour will bring one unique night of music to the 9:30 stage.
Peter Murphy & She Wants Revenge, Wed. 11/16
Peter Murphy is best known as the lead vocalist for the ‘80s post-punk goth rock band, Bauhaus. After disbanding several years later, Murphy embarked on his solo career, releasing his first full length, Should the World Fail to Fall Apart in 1986. This British vocalist has eight albums to his name, having most recently released Ninth. “The first thing you notice about the album is the visceral power of the recording, which producer David Baron has configured as both fittingly modern and timelessly post-rock,” says Jeff Miers of the Buffalo News. While we may not expect to see Murphy hanging like a bat from the rafters of the club (a stunt that apparently happened during the Bauhaus reunion tour) concert-goers can expect a night of darkness and gothic British indie rock.
Co-headlining the evening will be two DJs, Justin Warfield and Adam Bravin, better known as She Wants Revenge. This Joy Division-inspired post-punk duo released their third full length in May, titled Valleyheart. PopMatters.com best describes this musical pairing as “two intelligent producers who dedicated themselves to creating a laboratory-precise replica of a specific stylistic mode.” Their ability to imitate their ‘80s synth predecessors while maintaining a reflection of their own identity is quite remarkable. While some may fear studio production may not translate to a live show, this is not the case for She Wants Revenge.
Alright, that’s the rundown for Part I of our November previews. Remember, you have an opportunity to score free tickets to each of these shows. So while you check the status of your friends’ facial hair during this whole Mo-vember, don’t forget to check TVD as well for your chance to win!
