Preview: Wye Oak at the Mohawk

It's about that time of day when the potbellied devil arrives on one's shoulder amidst a puff of smoke and, tapping the end of his trident on your earlobe, whispers, "I don't care if it's a weeknight. Let's catch a show and show up at work tomorrow smelling like PBR." If you're like us, the angelic foil arrives on the adjacent shoulder, putting out a Triple 5 on her sandal, chiming in her two cents, "sure why the fuck not?" As you're powerless to deny them this dalliance, we're here to make sure that all three of you end up catching a show worth it's salt. How about Wye Oak at the Mohawk? Lots of room to stretch out, a great lineup, and you can down PBRs without draining your pocketbook.

A primer: in the pantheon of girl/guy indie-duos, WO is one of the few worth their salt. None of the wanton luxoriousness of Mates of State and no hint of the barely concealed idiocy of Matt & Kim. The Oaksters are "4 Real" carved into an arm, full of compelling ideas that leak out of the wounds. Jenn Wasner's vocals remind one of David Bazan's world-weary drawl, while partner Andy Stack keeps everything together with understated percussion and keyboard, a one man band in his own right with a bit of help from his friend. From Slowdive to Yo La Tengo, you'll pinpoint their influences easily, but you'll be proud of the new territory they've taken them to. Tour-mates The Pomegranates are more than a pretty myspace page. Modest Mouse's compatriots in spirit in the war against conventional lead singers, the Poms are heavy on unpredictable dynamics that fool the ear into liking every well-arranged second. Remember The Posies? Openers Salesman sound a bit like them.

[Wye Oak Myspace][Official]
[The Pomegrantes Myspace][Official]
[Salesman Myspace]