Mercury Lounge

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Please note: All events are 21+ unless otherwise noted.

Fri 6/27

$15

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http://thewarlocks.com
In many respects, the style-tombs this LA band plunders exist in the undergroundâ€™s collective subconscious. Rhythm guitar and organ combine like nothing but mid-period Velvets; gentler lead flourishes are pure extensions of the Angelino Byrds/Love/Rain Parade tradition; the pulseâ€™s slow-moving inevitability and the shimmering, staggering wall of heavy drug imagery are classic Spaceman 3. These building blocks have been utilised by entire generations of sullen youths. But the way the Warlocks assemble them makes it all sound new, loud and ripe. The bandâ€™s considerable size (theyâ€™re an octet) gives them a natural sonic width that skinnier combos lack. And their twin drums can conjure up either the 68 Dead or the 78 Cramps (two truly Platonic ideals). But for all this name-checking, the Warlocksâ€™ raunch is unique, thuggy and essential. - Byron Coley, MOJO

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http://www.listofblack.com/
In late 2004, the future members of Blacklist were disenchanted. Living in the supposed capital of bohemian pleasure, they watched in disgust as independent music became an orgy of similarity, lawmakers banned smoking in bars, and the Republican National Convention came triumphantly to midtown. Fashion set the rules for the art world and philosophy had become little more than a cynical slacker's hobby. It was in this atmosphere that Blacklist was born.

Inspired by groups such as The Comsat Angels, The Manic Street Preachers, Suede, The Sound, and For Against, Blacklist is simultaneously celebratory and melancholy, replacing the hysterical protest song of the 20th century with anthems for a new generation weaned on amusement and starved for confrontation. In today's world of faith-based violence, global disjunctures, and volatile identity politics, they create the soundtrack to an explosive resistance. The snide refusal of nihilism makes a loud and heavy romantic sound.