Wax Idols [Slumberland Records] + Cold Showers + Dream Boys + Drab Majesty

WAX IDOLS straddle the line between ripping tough/tender post-punk/goth-pop, and irresistibly anthemic indie rock hooks. So it comes as no surprise that the band has recently signed to Slumberland Records, with a full-length LP set to drop just days before this show. (And produced by Mark Burgess of The Chameleons, no less!) Led by the enigmatically agitated Heather Fedewa (aka Hether Fortune, ex-Hunx & His Punx, Bare Wires, and also currently a member of CastleFace Records’ Blasted Canyons).

Confidence isn't always born of experience, as seen by the forceful debut by Los Angeles band Cold Showers. Combining influences of late 1970s post-punk with a sonic exploration closer to something from Neu!, it is the carefully constructed spatiality of the music that gives the somewhat minimal lyrics their weight; distant and atmospheric, it lends the hazy vocals a detached, ghostly cast. Moments of aggression and transcendence transform the songs from mere sound to rich sonic narratives: within the rise of the language lies a vision under restraint, a pent up joy that is like nothing else. The resulting sound is unexpectedly tough, vital, and contemporary.

DREAM BOYS are equal parts Paisley Underground, Postcard Records and Flying Nun (with a jangle of rural psychedelia). A band so new they don't even have any tracks up online yet...so hold tight. Will post when ready.

Ariel Pink meets Fad Gadget meets Ziggy Stardust meets Genesis P-Orridge making lo-fi darkwave dreampop post-psychedelia occult-style shoegaze on cassettes (in his bedroom). This is DRAB MAJESTY. Behold, thee Majesty, and not drab at all.