Preview: Last Gasp, The Mercers at Emo's

There's always something special about a band releasing it's first EP. Finally, tangible proof of countless hours practicing and remixing. And the EP release show? That's just icing on the cake. Tonight is sure to be a sweet one for The Last Gasp, an Austin sextet glittering with strokes of violin and acoustic guitar. The group formed in 2006 and is probably more than anxious about presenting their 5-song EP for fans at Emo's. The recording is solid, but still leaves something to the imagination. Pithy lyrics weave around triumphant melodies that vary from prog-rock to country to indie pop. The sound is delicate, yet fleeting, which gives us the feeling that this five-guy-one-girl outfit will continue to evolve and please us with their poppy purity. Perhaps we'll find that one last gasping breath during the live performance.

Joining will be their partners in crime with a pretty different sound, The Mercers. These two groups have played several gigs together before, striking a nice contrast for a well-balanced lineup. The Mercers definitely ham up the rock level with powerful jams and alleviating lyrics—hinting at a Cranberries-esque melancholy whim. The familiarity of this clan is endearing, making it hard not to dance to these pop induced ditties. However, they do get into some edgier bits with the track, "Unamericana," a sorrowful anthem about a girl who works in a t*tty bar. And any band who cites their influences as "cheap beer, big dreams and sad, sarcastic pop bursts" makes them a-okay in our book.

A guy named Paul Banks will also play, toting grandiose vocal chords and colorful accompaniment. Each of these groups seem to be just as promising as the next, so be sure to get a glance of the original music pouring out at our ol' standby, Emo's.

The Last Gasp (EP Release) w/ The Mercers and Paul Banks
Friday, January 10
Emos (603 Red River St)
$5, 10pm
[info]

The Last Gasp
The Mercers
Paul Banks