Ah, September. The month when people begin talking about the start of the NFL season and the 9/11 anniversary – both things I could care less to talk about (unless we’re talking about how boring professional sports are or conspiracy theories). Luckily for you and I, Houston has some killer shows coming up that include a legendary band, a new sensation in the world of indie-rock, and some new bands with old faces many hardcore fans will remember. That’s only 3 shows where there are many more that this city has to offer. All in all, Houston has been consistently bringing great music back this year and the scene here has seen a rejuvenation in kick-ass local acts. Keep it up.
Swans/XiuXiu on Saturday, September 15 at Fitzgerald’s
Post-punk legends Swans are hard at work on a new album, the follow-up to 2010’s My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky. If the 10-minute edit of the song “The Apostate” that’s been circulating the internet is any indication of what the album will be like, I think we’re all in for a treat. Keep your hands off the stage or be prepared for them to be stomped on, a regular tradition at Swans shows. Frontman Michael Gira has also been known to request that the A/C be turned off before they take the stage to create the vibe of a Native American sweat lodge. Whatever happens, just remember – no headbanging – frontman Michael Gira is staunchly against it.
Beach House – September 19 @ House of Blues
Releasing two critically acclaimed albums in 2 years isn’t an easy task, but Baltimore, MD duo Beach House has done just that. This year’s release from the band, Bloom, is nothing short of amazing, and for me personally, one of my favorite albums this year. From the opening track “Myth” to the closer “Irene”, the band takes you on a psychedelic journey. The band has garnered much deserved attention for their spacey, dream-rock sound that makes it hard to believe that the band is only comprised of two people. This is a show you won’t want to miss and I’m excited to see what they do next.
OFF!/Negative Approach – September 20 @ Warehouse Live
In 1976, Keith Morris started probably the most well known hardcore band of all time – Black Flag. After that, he started the Circle Jerks, also known as one of the most important bands in that genre. I wasn’t even born yet when the guys in these bands started out. I learned about them much later after hearing and falling in love with American Nightmare in 2000, but I became a fan instantly. Now, after almost 40 years in the hardcore-punk scene, Keith Morris is still raging with his new band, OFF! Having released two full-length albums clocking in at just under 33 minutes combined, the band blasts through songs with an attitude like that of Morris’ preceding bands. Even better, hardcore legends Negative Approach are opening the show, one of the few tours they’ve been on since reuniting in 2006 and playing mostly festivals. Even though it isn’t the original lineup, it will still be a treat for any hardcore fan to see them perform the songs that were a part of the beginning of a movement.
William Guess 