Concert Preview: February '08

This month features a bunch of newbies – bands making their debut or those who’ve gone through a transition or reinvention. You will inevitably fall in love with all of them.

So, here’s a short list of my recommendations for February...

Stukenberg
TONIGHT Friday, February 1 at The Annex

Stukenberg, a five-piece conglomeration from southeastern Wisconsin, has honed in on a sound and style somewhat comparable to David Bowie, Nada Surf and Pete Yorn, but one that has evolved into their own. The local band’s sound begs instant connection and a beauty found in both simplicity and in ornate design – think Death Cab for Cutie as a reference point – while their slow-charging beats and mid-tempo pop waves reflect a certain Beatles fascination. They’ve been playing for the last few years, but have recently rounded out their band’s lineup with the addition of Steve on drums, Thea on cello and Matt on bass. After recently signing with Machine Records Inc., Stukenberg will be releasing their debut album Mountain of Pieces on April 1.

Click here to have a listen.

$5 General Admission

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Limbeck with John Ralston
Friday, February 22 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Limbeck
Limbeck may not have stunned the world with their debut, but they are no longer the guttersnipes of their youth and now they deserve every speck of attention doled out, even if it’s just in recognition of their awe-inspiring metamorphosis. The transition from high school pop-punk to airy country/rock was a slow one that began with the reshuffling of the band’s lineup. “We sucked for a long time. Now we’re decent,” admits guitarist Patrick Carrie in an interview I encourage you to read. Capitalizing on good-natured simplicity with their own take on classic rock – they blend styles from laid back Wilco to the Beach Boys to roots rock of the Stones and Tom Petty. It’s time you become smitten.

John Ralston
Soft-toned singer-songwriter John Ralston has mastered the role of a full-frontal indie icon. The Florida native’s sound is a hodgepodge of multiple vocal and instrumental overdubs, vintage synthesizers and slow-churning beats. The manner of unexpected instrumentation colors his songs with rich texture and atmospheric anthems that are imbued with brooding discontent. It’s only natural that you’ll hear something new with each repeated listen.

What makes Ralston so unique is his ability to mix modern and retro rock influences, incorporating elements of very current electronic music and subdued folk. His layered vocals produce a Beach Boys-esque vibe while his expressive, yet relatively hushed voice brings to mind the memory of the great Elliott Smith. There is nothing musically or lyrically to suggest that Ralston could somehow fill the tremendous void felt in the center of the chest of those who loved Smith like I did, but his music is of the quality and maturity to garner respect and appreciation from those same people.

These are the perfect bill-mates. Fall in love here and here.

$10 General Admission

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Sia
Wednesday, February 27 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Many would describe Sia’s music as something that falls too easily into a generic sort of melancholy, an all-too-familiar feeling that these sad, soothing songs are meant to instill. What saves Sia from this overbearing mood – at least in her live performances – is a penchant for goofiness and her complete lack of shame. She’s a burst of fun and energy as she jumps around stage, breaking into non-choreographed, impromptu dances during lulls in songs and sometimes she even gives her stuffed blue mic monkey a chance to sing. She is downright girlish and giddy, but has a voice that’s warm and strong and seductive. With brilliant songwriting, her compelling voice evokes an honest sense of vulnerability and yearning as it soars and dips and contracts to an emotive whisper.

Hear her trademark quiver here.

$20 General Admission

There are many more shows coming to Milwaukee in the next couple of months. Some honorable mentions that didn’t fit on my list are: The English Beat with RX Bandits and Daniel Johnston. For other concert information, take a look at the Rave, the Pabst, Riverside and Turner Hall, or any of the venues listed to the left under “Rock Out.”

Comments

[mjonthemove]

Hey Karen, Thanks for the shout out. Everyone come see us, Stukenberg, tonight! The show's only $5, not $12. The extra $7 in your pocket is my personal economic stimulus package for all the people... who will be attending the show. peace.

[Karen]

Oops! My bad.

The $12 was just filler until I found out the actual ticket price - I forgot to change it though. That's what I get for rushing a post. Sorry.

To clarify, it's a $5 show (I changed it above) and you all should go.

Sorry for the goof!!!

[Eric]

Ha ha ha I was reading the profile for SIA on myspace. She sounds like she would be an interesting performer...

"my name is sia furler. i am a unicorn fart. i was born out of the butthole of a unicorn called steve. someday i'll die. between now and then i'm going to keep my shit together and sing my fucking heart out. i love dogs. they're my people. one day i'll write a real biography."

[Amanda]

Hey Karen,

I really appreciate you linking the bands you list to their myspace page. I mean, we all could easily look them up if we wanted to, but you make your concert preivews even more resourceful that way. Since you've been writing these posts, I've found out about several bands I never heard of. Just like last month, this month is made up of artists I've never heard before. So thanks.