This month, we welcome a slate of live music here in Harrisburg that will bring together otherwise disparate elements: punk and R&B; Americana and world music; muscle and delicacy.
In many ways, these are my favorite types of artists. They aren’t constrained by genre but instead pick and choose from various elements to create something new and fresh yet still recognizable. So, don’t let the heat of summer keep you from getting out at night. Go and hear some excellent live music instead.
KINO KIMINO & AMY KLEIN w/WEIRD YEAR, 7/2, 7PM, MAKESPACE: Kino Kimino is the latest project from Kim Talon, a Brooklyn musician originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kino Kimino is reminiscent of Sleater-Kinney, with Talon’s melodies threading the needle between sweet and angst-y. They are touring in support of their new album, “Bait is for Sissies.” They are joined by Amy Klein, who recently left the New Jersey punk band Titus Andronicus to focus on her own music. Local folk band Weird Year will provide additional local support. This show should offer an excellent play between hushed songwriting and angular, muscular indie-rock.
DAVID WAX MUSEUM, 7/8, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $10/$15: David Wax Museum is, frankly, a pretty great love story. The band began as a collaboration and blossomed into a romance between its two principal members. In fact, they are now married with a kid. Their chemistry is reflected in their lovely, effortless and tight folk arrangements. They are on the road in support of their latest release, “Guesthouse,” which has them experimenting with new textures. Their approach to songwriting is akin to Paul Simon as their songs are, at first listen, instantly recognizable as folk. However, each arrangement also bears a depth rooted in world music and a keen sense of musical theory. And those who are worried about a folk-induced sleepiness should know that David Wax Museum isn’t afraid of a healthy dose of rhythm.
CHUCK MOSLEY w/YAM YAM & SAINT BRENDAN AND THE NAVIGATORS, 7/14, 8PM, FEDLIVE, $10/$15: Chuck Mosley began garnering attention as the lead singer of Faith No More. Although he left the band in 1988 and was replaced by Mike Patton, he has continued to make a name for himself as a singular voice in rock ‘n’ roll. In 1990, he also served briefly as the lead singer of Bad Brains. His music is aggressive but funky, taking that less-traveled path between punk and R&B. He will be traveling through Harrisburg as part of his “Reintroduce Yourself World Tour.” He will be supported by local favorites Yam Yam and Saint Brendan and the Navigators. Just know that, when it comes to Chuck Mosley, you should expect the unexpected.
Mentionables: Andrew Pauls, 7/1, Little Amps Downtown; DRIFTWOOD, 7/7, Abbey Bar; Graham Nash, 7/20, Whitaker Center; Matt Otis and the Sound, 7/21, H*MAC Stage on Herr; The Bo Deadlys, 7/29, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Bacon Brothers, 7/30, Whitaker Center
