Catching up: Cool shows and new music

I feel like I write this post every few months or so, but this time I have good reason to be out of touch. I recently started a new job in public relations, and I love it, but as I'm settling in I've had a lot less time to think about blogging. I expect that will change as I get more comfortable in my job, especially since March is shaping up to be a stellar month to see live music in the Triangle.

And this week starts with one of the biggest shows of the month: COC's homecoming show with Valient Thorr, Torche and A Storm of Light, Saturday at Lincoln Theatre. COC is riding high with this week's release of their stellar new, self-titled album -- the first in six years, and the first in a very long time with just core members Woody, Reed and Mike Dean.  But other than COC, I'm probably most excited about A Storm of Light, whom I haven't seen but have heard good things about. Hear Reed talk about the record, and the band's history, on Metaholic.co.

Next weekend I'll be at Pinhook on Friday, March 9 for the Scott Kelly (Neurosis)/Eugene Robinson (Oxbow) show. A local group called WOWOLFOL, with members of Hog, Lurch, Future Kings of Nowhere, MAKE, and Hammer No More the Fingers, will play their first show as well. The next night, Richmond doomsters Windhand will be at Slim's.


On Wednesday, March 14, I'll be running back and forth between Pour House for stoner band Karma to Burn and Slim's for New Hampshire blackened doom band Vattnet Viskar. Wolf has some good info on that band plus a video here. EDIT: Just got the word that Karma to Burn are not playing but that Truckfighters (from Sweden) will be worth the show.

The following weekend is the big Racing the Cure megashow to benefit Oliver Gant, son of New Raleigh co-founder Jedidiah Gant (Friday, March 23). I'm really debating whether or not I want to deal with the insane crowd at Kings for The Avett Brothers. I admit it would be fun to see them in a club (something I never did), but I also get really freaked out being in overly crowded clubs, and that night Kings is going to be insane.

The next night, one of my favorite N.C. alt-country bands, The Debonzo Brothers, will have their CD-release at Slim's.


Unfortunately, the Debonzo Brothers show on March 24 clashes with another great show in Carrboro: Caltrop's CD-release show with Black Skies, Pipe and Dave Heumann of Arbouretum. You really can't go wrong with either show.

Finally, the month winds down on Monday, March 26, with Alcest, Deafheaven, MAKE and Grohg at Kings.



Finally, I'll leave you with a little new music.

First is a new song from Viva La Venus, whose new album, "Bleeding on the Edge of Happiness," is out now.

Viva La Venus - "Hesitate"


And Horseback is streaming a new song over at Brooklyn Vegan.
Horseback - "On the Eclipse" (Streaming via Brooklyn Vegan)