Hear Here: January 25 - January 31

Finally, Hear Here has returned!  In case you're not familiar with our old series, Hear Here is a weekly feature that highlights all of our favorite upcoming shows around North Carolina with a strong focus in the Triangle.  This week is absolutely packed with phenomenal shows, from indie legends to rising stars, the tobacco state sees one of the strongest day-to-day schedules we've seen in a while.  From the frenetic garage masterpieces put out by the prolific Ty Segal to the transcendental folk tunes of the reclusive Jeff Mangum, there's a bit of something for everyone within this batch of shows.

Show of the Week: Jeff Mangum w/ Tall Firs @ Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, NC

 

Friday, January 25
Gray Young w/ Wesley Wolfe & Bronzed Chorus
"Bonfire" Album Release Show at Kings Barcade in Raleigh
$6 for 21+, $8 for under

• Gray Young's crowd funded album is finally seeing the light of day, and the album couldn't be more aptly titled for the folks that brave this winter ice storm to go celebrate the release of Gray Young's strongest effort to date.  Characterized by shimmering instrumentation and knack for powerful transitions, Gray Young's live performances are compelling and inviting.  Bonfire displays a higher level of technical proficiency for the band, and the risks that they take within this new release pay off twice over.  Joined by fellow post-rockers Bronzed Chorus and the local DIY master Wesley Wolfe, this show will have a fantastic flow with the day dream-inducing locals book ending the powerful and personal pop sounds of Wesley Wolfe.

Acoustic Syndicate w/ Overmountain Men

at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro

$15

• A powerful lineup filled with folk favorites from the North Carolina music scene.  Acoustic Syndicate is a trio of seasoned veterans who combine traditional folk and bluegrass elements with gorgeous harmonies to produce a soulful and passionate sound that has echoed throughout the scene for two decades.  Playing everywhere from Bonnaroo to Merlefest, Acoustic Syndicate has been blazing trails for North Carolina folk artists for quite some time now, and the same can be said for members of Overmountain Men.  Featuring David Childers of Modern Don Juan and Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers, this Carolina supergroup sheds any pretensions of their former successes and provides a pragmatic take on the current Americana/Folk Rock trend.  The band just released their latest full length, The Next Best Thing on Tuesday, so expect a raucous showing from these two fantastic acts.

Saturday, January 26

Calexico w/ Bahamas & The Kingsbury Manx

at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro

$20

• A lineup filled with two national powerhouses and a resurging local act, The Cat's Cradle provides for a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night.  The alt. country group has been highly lauded for years now, and it's no wonder why with their seventh studio album being just as powerful and well rounded as their previous efforts.  Releasing split singles with acts like Iron & Wine and Beirut, these Arizona based rockers have displayed a versatility seldom seen within their scene.  Their tracks can vary from a rolling, rambling rock anthem with soaring horns to soft-spoken ballads that beckon for your attention with their restraint and lyrical prowess.  However, the spotlight isn't solely on Calexico, as Bahamas boast equally invigorating songwriting with a minimalist approach that pays off greatly thanks to a breathtaking croon and infectious toe-tapping, head-bobbing rhythms.  Local act Kingsbury Manx will be opening, an band who's excitement permeates from the stage, making them an absolute joy to watch.  Their next studio album will be dropping in March, so expect to hear some new tunes!

Sunday, January 27

Onuinu w/ Tiger Waves & Heyrocco

at Local 506 in Chapel Hill

$8

• Onuinu is a fantastically fun pop act that seamlessly blends elements of hip-hop, house, and electronica into a concise yet sleek sound.  There's countless areas of Onuinu's music to lose yourself in, whether it be the driving, pulsing rhythms behind these beats, the ethereal electronic soundscape, or the entrancing vocals, Onuinu will compel you to hone in on these aspects and immerse yourself in his dense soundscape.  Expect much of the same from Tiger Waves and Heyrocco, while these two bands are far less experimental than Onuinu, they still contain an endearing and jangling quality in their music that invokes the desire to rhythmically flail your ligaments like there's no tomorrow.  This is a night filled with brilliant pop acts from head to toe, plus it provides a wonderful escape to the frigid nights we've been having lately.

Monday, January 28

The Music Tapes: The Traveling Imaginary

at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill (also at Duke Coffeehouse in Durham on 1/29)

$12

• Last year Julian Koster released his third album under The Music Tapes moniker, but he's been altering the perception of your average indie band for decades now.  Featured in Neutral Milk Hotel and The Olivia Tremor Control, this Elephant 6 member has been providing unique spins on the contemporary folk world, but his latest show blows all expectations out of the water.  Koster will be performing under a circus tent for his latest tour, creating a luscious environment for the listener to become immersed in and allowing his stripped down tunes and resonant hollers to become an event of their own.  Plus, how can you go wrong with shows inside of a circus tent?!

Wednesday, January 30

Jeff Mangum w/ Tall Firs

at Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington (also at Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte on 1/31)

$28.50/$38.50

• This sold out show has been a dream of mine since the first time I heard the powerful opening lines of "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea", but never did I think it'd be in the gorgeous venue of the Brooklyn Arts Center.  It's the perfect combination of visual and aural stimulation, a surefire singalong of some of the defining songs of many folks teenage years within the confines of a gorgeous cathedral.  I've heard nothing but incredible things about Mangum's recent run of shows, and while this may not be his last tour it's still going to be an incredibly moving and inspiring experience.  These songs were the soundtrack to many an angsty teens lives and continued to resonate with deeper meaning and impact as these listeners grew older.  Jeff Mangum is a timeless songwriter and getting the chance to see him is a once in a lifetime experience that I will forever cherish.

Ty Segall w/ Ex Cult and Gross Ghost

at Kings Barcade in Raleigh

$12 advance/$14 day of

• Ty Segall has been an absolute powerhouse throughout the past year.  Releasing three albums in 2012, this garage-psych genius has been churning out crass yet powerful rock anthems like nobodies business.  Brandishing fuzzed out guitar lines and terribly catchy melodies, Ty Segall compels even the squarest of individuals to become that jean jacket wearing teenage punk that we all secretly envied, if only for a moment.  Segall's output has been nothing short of awe inspiring, it's rare that someone can be so productive that they release three albums, let alone three absolutely killer albums.  Segall will be bringing his distorted masterpieces to Kings next Tuesday with fellow garage rockers Ex Cult and local favorites Gross Ghost.  It's a night to remember at Kings, without a doubt this is one of the strongest lineups we'll be seeing for a while at Kings.  If you're not making your way out east for Jeff Mangum this should be a must see!