You've got to love it when, long after the lineup is set and the schedules are printed, the opening act takes a quantum leap in the quality of their music, and, for all intents and purposes, stacks a show with TWO truly engaging acts rather than your customary one. And that's exactly what's happened here, as New Zealand natives The Ruby Suns' new album, Sea Lion, is so badass that getting to the Mohawk early enough to see them open up is imperative. And, in a nod to their previously determined spot as a Friday night headliner, Throw Me the Statue is a delightfully tight and catchy band belying their Seattle roots. So, hell, The Ruby Suns AND Throw Me the Statue? Even if you haven't caught word of these bands yet, they're both damn good, and for such a quality lineup this show is about as inexpensive as they come.

But who is the opener to the opener? That would be Golden Bear, who are slowly but surely establishing themselves as a consistently enjoyable and talented Austin act. Combining their rock-pop with The Ruby Suns' folksy-artsy-somethingy sound from the southern hemisphere and Throw Me the Statue's northwestern no-it's-not-raining-it's-actually-quite-nice-out hookiness seems a perfect and diverse mix. And when you've got parts of the world that vastly different represented, and by good bands nonetheless, it's bound to make for an intriguing show.

Throw Me the Statue [MySpace]
The Ruby Suns [MySpace] [Official]
Golden Bear [MySpace] [Official]