Bright Light Social Hour, Golden Bear, Red Leaves @ The Independent

When it's time for some booty shakin', look no further than Bright Light Social Hour. The local indie group combines raw, jazzy vocals with poppy musicality enough to make any crowd dance. Tonight, they become another member of the 101X Homegrown Live concert series which has brought us many organic specialties as of late. BLSH is no exception.

If the video for they're latest single, "Back and Forth" is any indication of live performances, there's sure to be screaming girls and fist-pumping-while-jumping action. The video shows band members with nothing but a backdrop of three walls, which alternate colors throughout the scene. Outfits also alternate throughout the music video, ranging from hip indie ensembles (poofy ski vests and printed scarves) to undies to just plain nekkid. They get a little kooky with Of Montreal-style outfits and antics later on in the vid. Bassist Jack O'Brien and guitarist Curtis Roush alternate lead vocals throughout the song, but both have the same pure funk bursting with intensity. None of that strained, whiny emo stuff that makes you want to leave the room quickly. Although "Back and Forth" is a sure fire hit, "Roses" has some epic guitar riffs and stunning sequencing. Bright Light Social Hour are funky, colorful and accessible to the general public. Also, they claim "guaranteed or your virginity back" as the tagline on their MySpace page. If only every live act was just as assuring.

Golden Bear, self-described as "Galactic-Forest Rock" will also make an appearance at the Independent. A reputation of unpredictable and over the top live performances proceeds them for good reason. Bombastic beats pave the way for pulsating, cheerful melodies doubled with perfected orchestration.

Red Leaves bring a little punk and to the indie filled lineup. Hopefully the darker, dissonant tunes will be a nice counter to the sugar-glazed indie pop tunes to follow.

Red Leaves [myspace] [official]
Golden Bear [myspace] [official]
The Bright Light Social Hour [myspace] [official]