Converge @ Nile Theater| 10/30/12By Mike Bogumill When trying to describe to people unfamiliar with Converge what kind of event I went to last night, I was hesitant to use a phrase like “metal show” or “hardcore show”. While metal and hardcore certainly influence all the bands that performed, none…
Matthew Dear @ Rhythm RoomPart of the reason you see musicians live is to experience their craft firsthand. Like a zoo or the ocean, secondhand exposure just doesn’t cut it — you need to see it for yourself. I went into Matthew Dear’s show not knowing what to expect: he…
Tiger Army @ Marquee Theatre | 10/28/12Tiger Army frontman Nick 13 promised something special when we spoke to him last week ahead of last night’s Halloween celebration, Octoberflame V. That could have meant a number of things in hindsight: outrageous outfits, an elaborate stage set up, pyrotechnics, and any number…
Yeah, yeah, yeah…we get it. Mondays suck (we’ve read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest — our top five must-see shows this week…
Korn @ Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum | 10/27/12 The Arizona State Fair got its yearly dose of metal when Korn paid a visit to the valley last night at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The nu metal pioneers treated fans of all ages to a career-spanning set consisting of hits, covers,…
Band of Horses and Howlin Rain @ Marquee Theatre|10/26/12By Mike Cryer Please indulge a quick note about the Marquee before we talk music. All is right in the universe if Ricky Dimmick is tending bar there. If you haven’t met Rick, she’s the one who makes you feel grateful you’re…
Benny Benassi and Congorock @ Marquee Theatre|10/25/12Last night was a late night — things didn’t kick off until 11 p.m., with Italian-born Congorock starting things off, and progressive house master Benny Benassi not taking the stage until well after midnight. Maybe it was the late hour, but despite a solid…
Tucson’s horror film and surf music-loving psychobilly outfit Mission Creeps don’t shy away from the macabre– which is why the group joined the Southern Arizona Ghost and Paranormal Society to spend the night at The Oliver House, where there have been 28 known deaths, making it one of the most…
Jane’s Addiction @ Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum|10/25/12I have a confession to make. I’ve never taken Jane’s Addiction all that seriously. I think it’s largely due to guitarist and modern-rock caricature Dave Navarro. His dedication to choosing mascara over shirts remains laughable. But you’d have a hard time convincing the crowd that…
We know there’s tons of Halloween parties happening this weekend, with a little something for everyone going down. If you’re spending the whole weekend at home noshing on Halloween candy and watching zombie movies, you’re doing it wrong. But for fans seeking punk thrills, the Yucca Tap Room is the…
There’s plenty to be worried about these days. Just off the top of our heads, there’s the very real possibility of a Mitt Romney presidency, the horrors of the ever-lagging economy, and all that folderol about whether or not the world’s ending in a couple of months. Frankly, your brains…
Arc In Round @ Yucca Tap Room|10/22/12 I’m a bloody sucker for shoegaze. Even if it sounds relatively crappy to a “veteran” shoegaze groups like Slowdive or My Bloody Valentine, I have trouble saying no. Luckily, getting turned on to Arc in Round turned out to be far above average…
Melvins Lite @ Crescent BallroomMelvins Lite, the latest incarnation of the 30-year-old sludge/punk/metal band The Melvins, took the stage at The Crescent Ballroom last night, chalking up stop number 48 on their record-breaking 51-day tour of the country. They’re hitting every state…and Washington D.C. See also: New Times Talks to…
Psychobilly mavens Tiger Army have managed to amass a legion of loyal followers over the course of 17 years. A massive discography on the other hand, is something the Southern California trio is yet to possess. Ever since their 1999 self-titled debut, the group has added only three more titles…
Yeah, yeah, yeah…we get it. Mondays suck (we’ve read Garfield). But it means the start of a new week, which means a bunch of killer shows in and around Phoenix. And here are a few of the coolest — our top five must-see shows this week…
Dan Deacon @ Crescent Ballroom|10/18/12Dan Deacon’s live shows are not only deafening, they’re legendary. I’ve heard of his infamous methods of crowd participation, playing on the floor, surrounded by his fans, even using coercion to get everyone to play along. Basically, he’ll unsympathetically point you out if you don’t have…
One man band basement recordings continue to grow in popularity. Due to its minimalist approach, songwriting is key. Perfume Genius, the moniker of Mike Hadreas records songs about homophobia, pedophilia, and suicide that are strangely warm and therapeutic. We caught up with Hadreas to discuss having a video pulled from…
Curious about what’s going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions where to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun? Don’t fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend…
Bassnectar @ Marquee Theatre|10/17/12Love for bass was in full supply for Wednesday night’s Bassnectar show at Marquee Theatre — not to mention the three semi trucks to supply the light set up as well the sound systems made for bass. Bassnectar (real name: Lorin Ashton) has made his mark as…
Sarah Ghasedi spent her summer interning at KWSS’ TMI morning program, learning the ins-and-outs of local music. This past weekend, she headed to the Apache Lake Music Festival, where over 50 Arizona bands showed of their stuff. Here are her findings. By Sarah Ghasedi The stretch of washboard road leading…
Madonna @ US Airways Center| 10/16/12With a long history of being a proven provocateur, it makes sense that Madonna has managed to piss a lot of people off since kicking off her MDNA tour. There was that nip slip in Istanbul, and a reference to our current president as a…
Leon Russell is the definition of the term “session man.” He’s played with Bob Dylan, Elton John, Ray Charles, Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, The Beach Boys, George Harrison, and more. He’s a “musician’s musician,” admired by the guys you admire, and his solo albums have found him exploring the sounds…
