Hey, Memphis! Are you staying warm in the cold weather? Just in case that coat isn’t thick enough, this weekend has you set up with plenty of live music to heat up those bones. We’ve got you hitting up an album release or two, getting down with Deering, and feeding that greedy kidney. Make sure you’re wearing enough layers—it’s time for weekend shots!
Friday (1/18) starts with one hell of a punch. The subtle sounds of lowkey rockers Idyl will be heard at The Cove. Idyl is riding the wave of their newest album Elements of the Field, released this past December sporting seven tracks of dense and woody indie rock. They’re on tour with a singer-songwriter with the voice of a siren, Aisha Burns. Memphis’ own Sultana supports.
At The Hi-Tone Cafe, local eccentric rock man Clay Otis is set to release his new album The Overachiever. Otis touches on jangly pop, blues, and throwback rock all through a slightly off-kilter and tongue-in-cheek filter. Time and Richard James are also billed, as well as a special performance by Marcella Simien. (Be sure to give her love—it’s her birthday!)
Over on Cooper at Otherlands, blues man from decades past Rob Jungklas will be playing a set. Jungklas’s original foray into music was during the ’80s and was put on hold in 1989. His resurrection over the past 10 years has been paved with blues and good intentions, which shows with the three album he’s released since his return to live music. This weekend he’ll be aided by Blair Combest and Jacob Zachary.
If you want a little bit more upswing to your evening, be sure to check out Star & Micey at Swanky’s Taco Shop. The trio is still working off their EP I Can’t Wait released last year and is sure to bring as much enthusiasm to the stage as ever. Be sure to catch them here as they’re due for a tour soon, taking them out of Memphis’ live catalog for a few weeks.
Saturday (1/19) begins with another album release. One Less Reason is set to drop their album A Blueprint for Writhing at The New Daisy. Not only equipped with a long list of new rock ‘n’ roll songs, the band also has a big heart. All money raised by the digital sale of their single “Uneasy” goes to help fund relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy, so be sure to purchase it if you dig the track. Kymatica, 6 by Silver, and So We Persist are also billed.
At Otherlands, a long night of skilled singer-songwriters will provide you plenty of acoustic-y love. Young Talent Greedy Kidney headlines the evening, showing off soft, sweet songs with a modern realism. Michaela Caitlin is also performing bringing with her a delicate sense of cynicism. Kris Acklen also supports.
To close out a long list of live music, country rock duo Deering & Down are billed at The Green Beetle. 2012 saw the release of their third album Out There Somewhere to positive local and national critical attention. Come out to dance around to some hearty bluesy music you and your parents can agree on.
