Music Preview: Blitzen Trapper Will Destroy Mohawk On Thanksgiving Eve

In the sensory overload of SXSW, bands can find it awfully tough to make a lasting impression. But in March, when the inevitable "who have you liked so far?" questions happened at parties and in beer lines, Blitzen Trapper were often the band that had everyone talking. The Portland-based sextet traffic in brilliantly revamped classic rock sounds that might shame Kings Of Leon into permanent hiding. You'll hear shades of Dylan, Neil Young, Big Star, and even Pavement in Blitzen Trapper's music. The charm here is that the group is shambolic and rough-hewn at times, but have the tunes to back up the noise.

Blitzen Trapper return to The Mohawk on Wednesday for a Thanksgiving Eve blowout in support of their Sub Pop debut Furr. The album is concise, pretty, and full of hooks, and has been lauded by a litany of rock critics. Unlike so many records in the iTunes era, it's simply not patchy, but instead cohesive and memorable. The Americana and power-pop genres meld effortlessly with classic FM radio sounds to form something modern yet familiar. Sure, we're being abstract, but this is an album of the year contender, so pick up a copy or turn up tonight to hear why we're so excited. The band are certainly messier and noisier in person than on record, so it's worth giving the music a spin on your headphones before hearing the live set.

Opening the show are L.A. band The Parson Red Heads, whose album Owl & Timber has drawn a lot of sunny 60's and 70's rock comparisons: fans of The Byrds, Brian Wilson, and Fleetwood Mac will find some kindred spirits onstage. After listening to their tracks, we're just waiting for them to become best friends with Dr. Dog. References aside, the band should be a solid warm-up for Blitzen Trapper. We recommend turning up early, grabbing a pint, and being thankful for great bands from the West Coast playing for low cover charges.