Show Preview: Clues Rock Out at The Independent [Music]

Judging by the quality of this first release, it’s more than likely that Clues will evolve quickly from pedigreed side-project status into a band requiring no introduction by way of their back story (like Penner’s former bandmate Nick Thorburn’s Islands).

Penner’s fans will be happy to note that his guitar still suffers bouts of jangling attention deficit. Jangling, but never jarring, there is something affectionately maudlin about the whole affair, reminding us of Owen Pallett’s chivalrous Final Fantasy. Many slower Clues songs sound like video game soundtracks writ large, with an affable wink at grandiosity. They come complete with commanding titles—such as "Approach the Throne" and "Remember Severed Head"—to match.

But compared to Arcade Fire’s thunderous aspirations, Clues seems happily intent on a tempest-in-teapot sound that is refreshing in an era chock full of bands bent on sounding bigger than they really are by at least two members. It’s clear that the eccentric charm of the Montreal rock scene and its gifted musicians are going to just keep giving.

Clues will be playing as part of the inaugural concert series of Austin’s new multimedia venue, the Independent. It promises an eclectic schedule of events ranging from film to spoken word and performance art, to be streamed live on the internet in new HD-quality technology. And all the while, the Independent will remain a shooting space for film and video professionals. Tonight’s show should be a reminder of why we tough out the summer heat in Austin- to be right at the crossroads of emerging bands like Clues and fabulous intimate venues.