New York’s Diet Cig hit the Hi-Tone Monday, along with a slew of other like-minded indie bands. “I can’t play instruments very well,” sings front-woman/guitar player Alex Luciano on the song “Sleep Talk,” but judging by the band’s rapid success stemming from their 2015 EP of the same name, it would appear that those lyrics, while funny, are false. Diet Cig represent the ever-present scene of hybrid pop-punk bands, flirting with elements of indie, garage, and grunge-pop hooks. Luciano’s honest and heartfelt lyrics are what’s driving the hype train behind Diet Cig, and their second EP, Over Easy (Father/Daughter Records), quickly sold out last spring. Affectionately called “slop pop” (what will the kids think of next?), Diet Cig are a must-see for fans of female-fronted indie rock.
Dennis Martinez
Diet Cig
Also on Monday’s bill is Wildhoney, a band we’ve recommended checking out before. Wildhoney will be returning from South by Southwest, much like many of the bands that will play Memphis directly after that festival concludes this Sunday night. Your Face Sideways, the band’s latest album for Topshelf Records, was released in October 2015. Mixing the best parts of bands like the Shop Assistants and the Cocteau Twins, their song “Laura” is highly recommended, as is everything else on Your Face Sideways. The six-track mini-album sees the band going in a slightly poppier direction — think a more modern-day Dolly Mixture. Slingshot Dakota are starting their latest tour in Memphis, and they’re a good fit on this indie-centric mini-fest. Formed in 2004 by Carly Comando and Tom Patterson, the duo has been compared to Mates of State, and Matt and Kim. Slingshot Dakota is also on Topshelf Records. Expert Alterations open.
