The tiny Map Room is playing host to two bands this week that just
seem like they would be way too loud for the venue. Then again, the Map Room
has never shied away from acts that, in terms of personality, popularity, or
decibels, seem too large for its claustrophobic confines. Old fogy that I am,
I’d heartily recommend picking up a set of industrial-strength ear plugs
before heading down to the corner of Madison and Main for a pair of fantastic
shows. On Monday, October 15th, Oneida rolls in from Brooklyn to
deliver a straight shot of ecstatic guitar squall mixed with gurgling keys and
plenty of static. Drummer Kid Millions gets all over the cymbals like Keith
Moon’s less stable grandson. Oneida shifts easily from meathead cocaine
anthems to heady psychedelic tirades on the way things are. The Chris
Parker Trio, a significantly less loud jazz combo, will be playing
upstairs before Oneida goes on. Weird.
Agnostic Front, the most metal of all self-righteous ’80s
hardcore bands, will bring their laundry list of unrest to the Map Room on
Tuesday, October 16th. A.F. owned CBGB’s during the Reagan years, so if
getting mad at the system and thrashing your cares away “old school”
is your kind of thing, this show comes highly recommended. — Chris
Davis
The Hi-Tone Café this weekend showcases a couple of the
local acts that were highlighted on this year’s fine Makeshift Records
compilation. Fronted by label founder Brad Postlethwaite, Snowglobe is
the DIY label’s flagship act and maybe the best young band in town. With
gently psychedelic songwriting and a diverse instrumental palette, Snowglobe,
who’ll be at the Hi-Tone on Saturday, October 13th, bring something a little
different to the local club scene. But first, on Friday, October 12th, you
might want to head down to the club to check out Mouse Rocket, a
“side” project from Alicja Trout of the Lost Sounds. Mouse Rocket
offers a more accessible take on the garage-y new wave that the Lost Sounds
practice, and the “band”‘s performance at the Makeshift compilation
release parties earlier this year drew the strongest word of mouth of any of
the participants. — Chris Herrington
