Here are the shows you won’t want to miss going on in Portland this week.
Fight Amp (above)/Wizard Rifle @ Tube (18 NW 3rd) Monday May 2nd This fine double billing matches up Wizard Rifle, one of Portland’s best up-and-coming young acts that meshes the bombast of prog rock with the blistering squall of technical metal, with Fight Amp, a band from New Jersey that hearkens back to the halcyon days of Amphetamine Reptile Records with their muscular punk-infused sludge.
Battles @ Doug Fir Lounge (830 E Burnside) Wednesday May 4th When it was announced that Tyondai Braxton was leaving Battles to pursue his solo career, many folks were worried that it would mark the end of the band as a whole or at least put a wrench into their creative heart. But from the sound of the band’s second full-length Gloss Drop (out on Warp Records in June), they are still as wily and punchy and vibrant as ever. And their live show is an unbeatable combination of sweat and volume.
Zola Jesus/Pete Swanson @ Holocene (1001 SE Morrison) Thursday May 5th Not only is this show a must-see as it brings Zola Jesus, one of the most original voices in the indie world, back to Portland for what should be another stunning performance, but it also marks one of Pete Swanson’s last live appearances in the Rose City for some time. This month, he leaves for a Master’s program at Columbia. He will be missed.
Willamette Week’s Best New Band Showcase @ Mississippi Studios (3939 N Mississippi) Friday May 6th This week, the music lovers in Portland will have much cause for joy, debate, and consternation as Willamette Week releases their annual Best New Band edition. Full disclosure: as a writer for WW, I was able to vote in the poll and wrote a profile on one of the top 10 bands for the paper. BUT, I only know who ONE of the winning bands are…but regardless, this is going to be a great night of great music featuring, yes, some of the best Portland musicians playing right now. Top it all off with the fact that it is FREE.
