By Samir Mathur
Contributing writer
Staff page
Sorry this is a day late - I had a long day at work yesterday and couldn't get this out in time. But here's what's happening on stages in town this week.
Tuesday – Nov 2
La Roux at Hard Rock Live
This is a rescheduled date from July, and I actually wrote about it at the time. Here's what I said back then:
If you have ears and live within a thousand feet of a radio, you've probably heard 'Bulletproof' by La Roux recently. The band - Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid - is going to be in town on Sunday, August 1st, having been moved from the Social to the much, much bigger Hard Rock Live. Their combination of very '80s synthesizers and jackets, with up-to-date electronic beats and loops has made them a smash in their native UK, where 'Bulletproof' topped the singles chart in June of last year. There's always a risk that this kind of sound can come off as too cold - too computerized, too detached - but La Roux avoid this potential pitfall by making you want to dance your socks off. The band's self-titled album brings to mind early 80s Brit icons like Erasure, Heaven 17 and The Human League, and share those bands' lyrical inspiration, but La Roux bring a harder edge. Expect to see hands in the air, retro hairstyles (both onstage and off), and plenty of killer choruses. Don't miss.
Wednesday - November 3
States at the Social
States feature two members of the now-departed band Copeland, coupled with a female singer, Mindy White. They are a very new band: their first ever show was only a week ago. I like this song, 'Time to Begin', that they've just put out. Don't know much else about them, but it's exciting a band so early in its career. Remember the name!
Thursday – Nov 4
Shearwater / Damien Jurado at the Social
Shearwater's record 'The Golden Archipelago' came out earlier this year on Matador, and they just played that label's 21st birthday party in Vegas. The album is that rare thing: a collection of songs that is designed to be heard in order, all at one time. The live show ought to follow that same format. The guy's powerful vocals, plus the band's almighty racket behind him, adds up to an intense experience, which the Social's intimate setting seems perfectly designed for. Opening is another indie rock veteran, Damien Jurado, whose latest album 'Saint Bartlett' has been keeping me company on my commute lately. It's folky, low-key, and again, rich in instruments and textures. This will be a great show to grab a beer, lean on the railing just above the main floor, and just soak in.
Saturday - Nov 6
Robyn at Firestone Live
Robyn has grown hugely in popularity over the last couple of years thanks to a handful of really knock-em-dead singles. It's great that she's coming to Orlando, and I expect a young, well-dressed crowd to sing along with every song from her 'Body Talk' series of albums. Maybe she'll bust out 'Show Me Love' for us 90s kids. She has a truly outstanding catalogue of songs, and ought to deliver a memorable show. And, as you can see below, she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. How cool is that?
Contributing writer
Staff page
Sorry this is a day late - I had a long day at work yesterday and couldn't get this out in time. But here's what's happening on stages in town this week.
Tuesday – Nov 2
La Roux at Hard Rock Live
This is a rescheduled date from July, and I actually wrote about it at the time. Here's what I said back then:
If you have ears and live within a thousand feet of a radio, you've probably heard 'Bulletproof' by La Roux recently. The band - Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid - is going to be in town on Sunday, August 1st, having been moved from the Social to the much, much bigger Hard Rock Live. Their combination of very '80s synthesizers and jackets, with up-to-date electronic beats and loops has made them a smash in their native UK, where 'Bulletproof' topped the singles chart in June of last year. There's always a risk that this kind of sound can come off as too cold - too computerized, too detached - but La Roux avoid this potential pitfall by making you want to dance your socks off. The band's self-titled album brings to mind early 80s Brit icons like Erasure, Heaven 17 and The Human League, and share those bands' lyrical inspiration, but La Roux bring a harder edge. Expect to see hands in the air, retro hairstyles (both onstage and off), and plenty of killer choruses. Don't miss.
Wednesday - November 3
States at the Social
States feature two members of the now-departed band Copeland, coupled with a female singer, Mindy White. They are a very new band: their first ever show was only a week ago. I like this song, 'Time to Begin', that they've just put out. Don't know much else about them, but it's exciting a band so early in its career. Remember the name!
Thursday – Nov 4
Shearwater / Damien Jurado at the Social
Shearwater's record 'The Golden Archipelago' came out earlier this year on Matador, and they just played that label's 21st birthday party in Vegas. The album is that rare thing: a collection of songs that is designed to be heard in order, all at one time. The live show ought to follow that same format. The guy's powerful vocals, plus the band's almighty racket behind him, adds up to an intense experience, which the Social's intimate setting seems perfectly designed for. Opening is another indie rock veteran, Damien Jurado, whose latest album 'Saint Bartlett' has been keeping me company on my commute lately. It's folky, low-key, and again, rich in instruments and textures. This will be a great show to grab a beer, lean on the railing just above the main floor, and just soak in.
Saturday - Nov 6
Robyn at Firestone Live
Robyn has grown hugely in popularity over the last couple of years thanks to a handful of really knock-em-dead singles. It's great that she's coming to Orlando, and I expect a young, well-dressed crowd to sing along with every song from her 'Body Talk' series of albums. Maybe she'll bust out 'Show Me Love' for us 90s kids. She has a truly outstanding catalogue of songs, and ought to deliver a memorable show. And, as you can see below, she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. How cool is that?