Preview and Giveaway: Monahans and Sad Accordions

It's nice to see great local acts move on up the food chain with vigor and virtue. When two pierce the threshold at once, it's even better. Monahans and Sad Accordions are two such acts. A few weeks ago they played together at the Independent for the 101X Homegrown Live series with The Harlequins (another truly amazing local act) and tonight they're playing at Stubb's as part of the Austin 360 Concert Series. Both bands are finally getting the media attention they deserve, meaning they've probably been busting their ass alongside a steady following of fans for years.

Monahans (note: not "The Monahans") changed their name in 2006 to serve as a transformation from their earlier country-inclined group, Milton Mapes. The original name was derived frontman Greg Vanderpool's grandfather, and while charming, we think Monahans, named for an area of white sandy hills in West Texas, suits them better. Triumphant vocals cascade around steadfast beats, conjuring imagery of those desolate sandy hills.

Sad Accordions are a melodramatic pop outfit from Houston. After relocating to Austin, the band got a little more serious. They added a few new members and recorded the cleverly titled A Bad Year for The Sharons. The album expresses the bands love for the multitudes of sounds in music, with the use of brass instruments, violins, cello, clarinet, and various other effects.

Opening tonight is Jude/Ross, a bona fide minimalist with soothing pop elements.

Guess what? We're giving away some tickets to this show! Enter below for a chance to win.

This contest is now closed - congrats to our winner!

Monahans: [official] [myspace]
Sad Accordions: [myspace]
Jude/Ross [myspace]