Show Preview & Giveaway: Shearwater, Wye Oak, & Hospital Ships at the Mohawk

Shearwater sure has built themselves a little sea swell of fanhood and critical approval these past few months, and it's no surprise. Since frontman Jonathan Meiburg—the man with the super-big voice—made the executive decision that his days in established local faves Okkervil River had to end, the added focus on Shearwater has allowed the band to release a widely-praised LP, Rook, not to mention tour the country like bandits. By making music that is not even remotely afraid of the dramatic, Meiburg, along with Kimberly Burke, Kevin Schneider, Jordan Gieger and the Austin ever-present personality Thor Harris, has drawn fawning comparisons to eighties pillars of profundity Talk Talk, and have made sure that they are a band to be reckoned with, not only on album but with their big-sound live shows.

Warming up the stage for Shearwater will be a pair of underrated but enjoyable traveling acts, Wye Oak and Hospital Ships. Wye Oak, a Baltimore band named after Maryland's state tree, is Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack creating the noise of far more than two people. Particularly important to the construction of their sound is that Stack somehow manages to hold down the entire rhythm section himself, playing the drums with his feet and right hand, and the bass line with his left. Their debut LP, If Children, has been received well, and their electrified folk leanings are a fine way to really get the evening rolling.

Kansas-based Hospital Ships, a side project of Minus Story member Jordan Geiger, is super new to the scene, and their approach—a clattering and fun mix of grimy rock and sunny art music—is still developing. That said, their potential is undeniable, and the early returns on their upcoming LP Oh, Ramona, which includes the delightful "Bitter Radio Single," are promising. Altogether, it looks to be an excellent night of music, from beginning to end.

We have a very special giveaway lined up for this show. Matador Records has been kind enough to offer two contest winners passes to the show as well as a print of the show's poster (designed by Farley Bookout, featured here), and a collection of Shearwater vinyl releases, signed by the band. Winners will receive vinyl copies of Palo Santo, Rooks and the special "Rooks" 7". Follow the jump for a chance to win this very special prize!