Welcome to “Seven in Seven,” where each Friday we take a look at shows coming to the region over the next week. Whether your musical tastes are rock and roll, jazz, heavy metal, singer-songwriter or indie, there’ll always be something to check out in the coming days.
Here are seven of the best for the week beginning May 14:
Tall Heights – May 14 at Johnny Brenda’s
Progressive folk-rock duo Tall Heights have been kicking around the Northeast and their hometown of Boston since forming in 2009. Having released a string of EPs, last year saw their major label LP in Neptune, which has them pushing their sonic boundaries even further than before, letting it evolve more in the studio setting. Singer/guitarist Tim Harrington and singer/cellist Paul Wright have now locked onto a sound, which has been garnering favorable comparisons to the likes of Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver.
Say Anything w/ Bayside – May 14 at The Electric Factory
Say Anything has been making odd, unclassifiable indie rock music since they were in their mid-teens, playing strangely literate and loud rock, characterized by they say would be if Larry David fronted a Fugazi cover band with the members of Queen. The Los Angeles act rose to prominence with their second album, …Is a Real Boy, and began establishing a career that has thrived ever since. Along for the ride is longtime New York City punk rockers Bayside, who, last summer, released their seventh album, Vacancy.
The Jesus and Mary Chain – May 15 at Union Transfer
Legendary Scottish alternative rockers the Jesus and Mary Chain reunited just over a decade ago, but this past March finally got around to releasing their long-awaited comeback album, Damage and Joy. It’s their first in 19 years, and fans haven’t been disappointed. Best known for hits like “Darklands,” “Head On” and “Just Like Honey,” the group led by brothers Jim and William Reid deliver the goods on new tracks like “Amputation” and “Always Sad,” both of which have been released as singles from the new record.
Midnight Oil – May 16 at The Keswick Theatre
Best remembered for their activism and mid-80s smash hit “Beds Are Burning,” Australian outfit Midnight Oil are mainly considered a one-hit-wonder on these shores, but retained a devoted following in their homeland and in many European countries. They called it a day in 2002 so that frontman Peter Garrett could better focus on his political aspirations – he took on a number of positions in office – but this year have embarked on a reunion world tour dubbed ‘The Great Circle 2017.’ Music fans who only know them for a song or two would be well-pleased to see just how good they are live.
Pegboard Nerds – May 18 at The Foundry
Electronic music duo Pegboard Nerds, comprised of the veteran producers Michael Parsberg and Alex Odden, first landed on the scene two years ago with an infectious energy that has captivated the new college generation. Since joining forces in 2004, the Danish-Norwegian pair have accumulated hundreds of millions of plays online and developed a loyal following among their fanbase dubbed “Nerd Nation.” Their cartoon alter egos and trademark pixelated hearts are the symbols of the rising act, transforming them from ordinary DJ’s into an instantly recognizable brand. A fan-obsessed favorite in the gaming community, the Nerds have also played at the biggest of conventions, from Twitchcon to Blizzcon.
Skating Polly – May 20 at Kung Fu Necktie
Skating Polly, a stepsister duo from Oklahoma made up of Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse, formed in 2009 after a jam session at the girls’ Halloween party. The group began with both teaching themselves multiple instruments so they could switch back and forth, with one providing drums and backup vocals to songs primarily written by the other. While still in middle school, Skating Polly recorded an album in their living room and called it Taking Over the World. Now they’re on their fourth work, last year’s The Big Fit, and have been joined by Kelli’s brother Kurtis, rounding out the family dynamic.
WMMR BBQ – May 20 at BB&T Pavilion
This year’s WMMR BBQ across the river in Camden is hands down one of their best in a long time. Headlined by area favorites Live from York, Pa., who have reunited with singer Ed Kowalczyk for the first time in seven years, the bill also features alt-rockers Bush, Godsmack and Rival Sons. The Struts, who have been in the region so often they might as well start looking for an apartment, the Pretty Reckless and Zakk Sabbath will be providing support.
