A week on the scene
Shows of note
The Bloomington, Indiana, quartet Murder by Death may have taken its name from a Neil Simon screenplay, but this group’s aspirations are decidedly more highbrow. As demonstrated on its third album, in bocca al lupo, the band weds a literary American Gothic aesthetic preoccupied with sin, guilt, and redemption to a sound frequently compared to Tom Waits and underground roots music. MBD is scheduled to play at the Sanctuary (1818 N. Main) on Tuesday, June 13. Call 732-0313 for more details.
Connoisseurs of electronic music should welcome a rare chance to see Counterstrike, a respected South African drum ’n’ bass duo. Justin Scholtemeyer (aka Animal Chin) and Eaton Crous (aka 500 Mills) each have long histories in the South African turntablist community and have compiled a discography of nearly 30 full-length releases since joining forces less than a decade ago. They’ll come to the Limelight (2718 N. St. Mary’s) on Wednesday, June 7. Tickets are $10 at the door and $7 in advance at 180 Grams, a record store located at 2120 San Pedro.
Finally, Emo’s in Austin is hosting a can’t-miss show for anyone attracted to droning, ambient guitar textures or pure sonic adventurism. The New Year, an elusively entrancing Dallas band formed in 1999 by Bedhead’s sibling team of Matt and Bubba Kadane, will accompany the Steve Albini-led trio Shellac into the Capital City as part of Shellac’s first-ever Lone Star tour. The Touch and Go labelmates share the bill at Emo’s (603 Red River) on Friday, June 9. Call (512) 477-3667 for more info.
- Gilbert Garcia
