Pulling Double Duty

The long weekend is almost here. A few acts are doing the I-95 shuffle starting on Thursday.


From Montreal, Islands are back with a new album Arm's Way. They seem to now be more obsessed with rebirth than death. Their songs are more accesible, full of hooks and melodies, but retain their previous incarnations (Unicorns) eccentricities. Magic, their tourmates, are from Toronto and best described as "Weirdo campy lo-fi 70s era rock". Also on the bill for the area show, a comedy troupe from New York, Street Carnage.

Islands - Creeper

5/22: DC @ Black Cat
5/23: Philly @ First Unitarian Church

Playing the exact opposite venues is the extremely influential Vic Chesnutt. Artists from R.E.M. to Madonna drop his name as a favorite. His new album was recorded with his supporting act, Silver Mt Zion, featuring former members of God Speed You Black Emperor, and Fugazi's Guy Picciotto.



5/22: Philly @ First Unitarian Church
5/23: DC @ Black Cat

Not quite doing a back to back, but close enough is the synth-pop-New Wave-Psychedelic total sonic experience of Black Moth Super Rainbow. You may feel like you are on an acid trip without even taking a tab. Along for the ride is the equally eccentric Subtle, a hip-hop act with a full band, a la The Roots.

Black Moth Super Rainbow - I Am The Alphabet

5/22: Philly @ Johnny Brendas
5/24: DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel