Doom-Wop at Mohawk with Mister Heavenly [Show Preview]

Sub Pop

Mister Heavenly + Waters + Fat Tony
Tuesday, August 30
Mohawk (912 Red River Street)
$13, Doors @ 6:30, Show @ 7:30
[info] | [tickets]

Even though Mister Heavenly has been playing shows around the US since late last year, their first full length record Out of Love was just released earlier this month. Indie rock leaders Nick Thorburn (Islands/The Unicorns), Ryan Kattner (Man Man), and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse) came together as their respective former bands toured together starting in 2007, but didn't officially form the group until 2010. The trio stopped by Austin back in December and then again for SXSW with Michael Cera standing in on bass temporarily.

With their own classification as "doom-wop", the band creates lilting grooves with fitting flourishes, jumping easily from a reggae style to steady rock. The most interesting parts of your favorite early '60s music - catchy hooks spinning in a breezy lightness - with an updated sludgier edge captures the sound of many of Mister Heavenly's songs. The debut release keeps the listener engaged as it traverses through explorations of classic oldie sounds, from Beach Boys-like guitar riffs and drum rolls to vocal based harmonies backed by snaps. Essentially it is a fascinating mindmeld of an entirely new sound, drawn from the members' original unique bands. Check out "Pineapple Girl" on Soundcloud for a small sampling.

Mister Heavenly takes the outer stage at The Mohawk tonight, but before they bring the house down, the audience will be treated to the beats of Fat Tony. Anthony Obi, a Nigerian-American rapper from Houston, has opened for Mister Heavenly at several other Texas dates and is rising through the southern underground hip-hop scene with his interesting lyrics and smooth flow. Also opening is Waters, the new project from former Port O'Brien frontman Van Pierszalowski. The new album by this band, Out In The Light, comes out on the 20th of September.

Mister Heavenly: [website]
Fat Tony: [official]
Waters: [tbd records]