Lower Dens. Photo courtesy of Shawn Brackbill.
A new year, a fresh start. Well, here in Harrisburg, we’re starting the year off with a bang.
Deep in the cold of winter, some hot up-and-coming bands and artists will be making their way through the capital. Rich with heartfelt songwriting, retro stylings and dreamy nostalgia, each artist brings a unique take on the pop music craft. So lace up your winter boots, get out your mittens, and make it out for the month’s slate of superb music.
LOWER DENS, 1/20, 9PM, THE MILLWORKS, FREE, 21+: This Baltimore indie-pop band, headed by acclaimed artist Jana Hunter, has earned accolades from many of music’s top critics, including the coveted “Best New Music” label from Pitchfork. Their latest album, “Escape from Evil,” has propelled them even further into the spotlight, making their stop here in Harrisburg all the more special. Described as “queer retrofuturism” by the folks at Pitchfork, Lower Dens harkens back to traditional pop song structures even as they push artistic boundaries and employ innovative and experimental textures. Whether you are already familiar with their work or looking to discover a new, off-kilter favorite, this band is of such quality that they demand to be checked out.
WEEKENDER w/SUBURBAN LIVING, 1/23, 11PM, H*MAC, $5, 21+: Philadelphia’s Weekender is a dreamy chillwave band akin to Washed Out and Toro y Moi. Shimmering melodies and fuzzed out guitars ooze pop nostalgia, all while sounding fresh and current. They’ll be touring in support of their second EP, “Floaty, Feeling Blue.” This new record features lush analog synthesizers, reinforcing the band’s warm, warped aesthetic. Weekender will be joined by Suburban Living, also from Philadelphia. Equally poppy with a similarly retro aesthetic, the band conjures up New Order dancy-ness, a perfect complement to Weekender’s trippy psychedelia.
TYLER MICHAEL LAW w/JESSE BARKI, 1/29, 6:30PM, LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION: Tyler Michael Law is a folk singer of the traditional American pedigree. Hailing from Shippensburg, he approaches songwriting firmly rooted in the blues and protest music tradition. He will be joined by Annville’s Jesse Barki. More stripped down than Tyler, Jesse’s somber acoustic music drips with emotion. Both artists are storytellers, making the intimate setting of this show fitting. I strongly recommend you brave the January chill to warm up with a latte and take in the sounds of two men who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Mentionables: John Kadlecik Band, 1/2, Abbey Bar; Stephen Lee & Evy Zee, 1/8, Little Amps Downtown; Andromeda, 1/9, H*MAC; Rivers, 1/9, The Millworks; Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, 1/22, Whitaker Center
