Photo by Alex Meyers
Monday, April 30: Augustana at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($18)
Forget the Red Sox, regionally distinct baked beans and clam chowder, or the hotbed of conflict during The Revolutionary War. If you ask me, Augustana is what put Boston on the map. Of course, I’m lying. But the 2005 hit named after the Massachusetts capitol was at least enough to vault the, ironically, California-based band to national prominence. The years that followed saw the band release two more albums, shuffle through members and be dropped from its major label perch at Epic. Still, Augustana continues, just waiting for that right combination of melody and geography to take the band back to the promise land. Greylag opens. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Tuesday, May 1: The Melvins at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($17.50)
Seattle legends The Melvins have spent nearly 30 years together on stage. Perhaps more amazing than the band’s longevity or its innovative and continually augmenting genre-bending sound is the catalog of acts to whom The Melvins influenced. The (ongoing) list includes Nirvana, Tool, Soundgarden, Mastadon, and countless others. Yet the veteran rock band isn’t about to rest on its reputation alone. The Melvins – including two of the three original members – still tour avidly and even plan to release a new full-length this summer. Unsane opens. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Wednesday, May 2: Old 97’s at Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($22.50)
Moving from one longstanding respected act to another, the Old 97’s – with its near 20 years on the scene – totes its satchel of influential alt country songs to town. The Rhett Miller-fronted group of true Texans also shows no signs of slowing, as the 97’s remain fully intact and less than a year removed from releasing its latest full-length. Country fans and indie rock kids can both take something from Old 97’s. Sam Roberts Band opens. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Sleepy Sun and Moss Folk at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Thursday, May 3: John The Savage at Cactus Club, 9 p.m.
Milwaukee’s own John The Savage is a strangely functional (and, at times, enrapturing) mix of tight instrumentation, sneaking build-ups, incomprehensible howls and hoots, all resulting in one of our city’s most unique and finest bands. If you’ve still never seen them in action, make it Thursday. John The Savage are Animal Lover, Hot Coffin, and Like Like The The The Death. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: Geoff Tate and Tom Vollman at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($25) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
And: He Is We, Deas Vail, South Jordan, and Windsor Drive at The Rave, 7:30 p.m. ($14) – (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Friday, May 4: Field Report at Club Garibaldi, 8 p.m.
Once known as Conrad Plymouth, the recent name change to Field Report has seemingly allowed the Milwaukee folk rockers more opportunities and increased attention. In the band’s short time with the new moniker, it’s played SXSW, briefly toured with Megafaun, and received a little attention from the likes of renowned indie music blog, Pitchfork, which posted a song from Field Report’s forthcoming debut full-length last week. (2501 S. Superior St., ClubGaribaldis.com)
Also: The Pills, Romero, Shallows at Frank’s Power Plant, 9:30 p.m. – (2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., FranksPowerPlant.Angelfire.com)
And: Altos, Northless, and Burning Sons at Cactus Club, 10 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Saturday, May 5: Canopies, Andrew, Union Pulse and Halfletters at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: Thriftones and Golden Hour at Riverwest Public House, 9 p.m. – (815 E. Locust St., RiverwestPublicHouse.WordPress.com)
Sunday, May 6: D.R.I., 40oz Fist, N.S.O.A., and Everything Dies at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($17.50)
I’ll fess up… I don’t know anything about any of these bands. Or are they DJs? No. They’re probably bands. I’m going to stick with bands. If, unlike me, you’re aware of these particular musical artists and you’re fond of whatever it is they do, this is your lucky week. They’re in Milwaukee on Sunday! (Editor’s note: They are most definitely bands. D.R.I. is described as having a “hardcore-punk thrash sound.” Whatever that means.)
Also: Wishbone Ash at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($25) – (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
