Cleveland Avenue becomes the center for underground music in Memphis this week, as both the Hi-Tone and the Buccaneer are trading off shows Tuesday, November 5th through Saturday, November 9th. Here’s a guide (complete with videos!) to the diverse shows both venues are offering this week.
Tuesday, November 5th – Hi-Tone – Small Black, Dream Team, Grid. 8pm doors, $10.00 advance, $12.00 at the door, 18+.
Brooklyn’s Small Black play what is best described as chill wave, but don’t let that scare you off. Underneath the repetitive synth beats are carefully crafted songs, and though the band hails from Brooklyn, their latest video (above) was partially shot in Memphis. Opening the show are locals Dream Team (members of Tiger High) and the new band Grid.
Wednesday, November 6th – Buccaneer – Hunters, Paradice, Loser Vision. 9pm doors, $5.00, 21+.
Hunters have been on the road for most of 2013, touring with big name acts like Jeff The Brotherhood and Hunx and His Punx. With that much time to hone their sound, it’s no wonder Hunters are being heralded by music writers as one of the best live bands to see in 2013. Opening the show are locals Paradice (formerly Warm Girls) and the new band Loser Vision.
Thursday, November 7th – Hi-Tone – Nobunny, Moving Finger, Buldgerz. 8pm doors, $10.00, 18+.
The hardest working rabbit in garage rock returns to Memphis on Thursday, in support of his new album Secret Songs released on Goner Records earlier this month. Known for raucous energy, rampant nudity and killer power pop riffs, NoBunny’s live show is one that must be seen to be believed. Opening the show are locals Moving Finger (read more about them here) and the new hardcore band Buldgerz (featuring members of Hosoi Bros and No Comply).
Friday, November 8th – Buccaneer – Toxie, Trampoline Team, Toxie. 9pm doors, $5.00, 21+.
Local new wave group Toxie had a productive summer touring by themselves as well as opening for the chill wave group Toro y Moi on a string of East Coast shows. The group seems to be due for another single, as the “New Gate” single that was released on Goner earlier this year gained a lot of attention. Also playing the show is Trampoline Team (a new punk group from New Orleans) and 60’s Rock and Roll Revivalists The Sheiks.
Saturday, November 9th – Hi-Tone – Nights Like These, Crowlord, Holy Gallows. 9pm doors, $7.00 18+
After almost a four year hiatus, Memphis’ metal kings Nights Like These have decided to reform. The story of Nights Like These is an interesting one. The band went from the suburban underground label Smith Seven to one of the largest Metal labels in the world (Victory Records) seemingly overnight, only to fade back into obscurity after a behemoth of a second album. If the Nights Like These reunion show at Minglewood Hall this past summer serves as any indication, this group certainly remembers how to shred. Opening the show are local metal groups Crowlord (featuring members of the Unbeheld) and Holy Gallows.