Weekend Concerts

Two great shows coming to town this weekend:

Check out Bright Eyes, The Faint, and openers Airborn Audio on Saturday night at Stubb's. We were there for the start of Bright Eyes' Digital Ash in a Digital Urn tour at Coachella last month, which featured a pretty nifty multimedia setup synchronized to the synthesized beats. Our friend was mildly dismayed by Conor Oberst's attempt to assemble a massive ensemble - from the far end of the field we counted ten, maybe twelve onstage - but perhaps away from the California desert they'll fare better. We're more excited about seeing The Faint again - last time they worked up the crowd into a rapid frenzy with that floor-thumping, roof-shaking electro-synth rock. Sure, the guitars are distorted almost beyond recognition and we have no idea what they're singing, but we're enthralled by the tremendous energy they project. And, god, those boys sure can dance.

Then on Sunday night, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists bring their politically-charged angry indie rock to Emo's, supported by The Oranges Band and The Fall Collection. 2004's Shake the Streets got us fired up, partly because the acute timing of its lyrics with the elections and all, but more because of the near-slapdash guitar playing and Leo's aggressive vocals. In their sound we hear echoes of The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, and - we'll probably get in trouble for this - contemporaries Hot Hot Heat.

Bright Eyes and The Faint with Airborn Audio
Saturday, June 3
Doors at 7
Stubb's BBQ
Show is SOLD OUT, but check Craigslist.

Ted Leo + Pharmacists with The Oranges Band and The Fall Collection
Sunday, June 4
Emo's
Doors at 9, Show at 10
Tickets available online