Clusterf*ck: Shows in Baltimore this Weekend

poster by Nolen Strals

Another weekend in Baltimore, and another overly healthy portion of shows to attend. My apologies for the sparse content this week, as I've been obsessing over getting the Friends Records website ready. Looks like we're launching it Monday, so look out for some fresh sights/sounds to come then. But for now, this weekend rules...

Tonight the Golden West features Gunslingers and Liturgy. In a weekend chock full of really loud things, this one will help get you nicely prepared for what's to come. Gunslingers refer to themselves as "massacre-rock" and are from France, while Liturgy are fairly inventive dark metal from New York. Also awesome and from New York, A Place to Bury Strangers are in town tonight opening up for The Big Pink at Rams Head.

Friday night, Ruintown hosts the DNA Test Fest pre-party with Pfisters, Twin Stumps, The Chickens, Mother Sun Flower, and more. This one's $5 or free with purchase to Test Fest the following night at Sonar. Also Friday, the Fiery Furnaces are at the Ottobar.

Events and happenings for Saturday and Sunday after the jump.





DNA Test Fest III is Saturday, going down in two rooms at Sonar. There are alot of bands playing, and many of which don't come through these parts too often. The hype for this show has been across the boards on a regional and national level, and many kudos to Fan Death for making it happen. Highlights include, and are not limited to, Lamps (above) Pissed Jeans, Twin Stumps, Sightings, Psychedelic Horseshit (above), Neon Blud, and yeah... lot's more.

Over at Floristree Saturday, Josh Dibb is back in town and is now referred to as Deakin again (as opposed to Deacon when he played at the Ottobar on New Years). He'll be joined by The Present, Ecstatic Sunshine, Vows, and Salamander Wool. And lastly, for the more conventional songwriting type, Caleb Stine is at the Golden West with Among Wolves and Noble Lake.



And this weekend's grand finale, a rager of a release party at the Hexagon Sunday night with Double Dagger, Sick Weapons (above), Hollywood, and Dope Body. Bring cash for this one, because you'll surely want to grab Masks, Birthday Gift, and Some Stunts. I spoke with Ellie of Sick Weapons a few weeks ago, and it'll be good to see them after their run around the states.

And, sleep.

Clusterf*ck: Shows in Baltimore This Weekend

Once you are done shoveling snow from your awning or roof so it doesn't collapse, I've got some activities for you to take part in this weekend. And if you're car is stuck on a street that's still not plowed like mine - then those boots are made for walking.

Tonight you've got a couple options, one of which is a big 'ol party at Sonar that I mentioned earlier this week. This will be the Baltimore debut of Mobroder, a new Spank Rock project that features the help of Blu Jemz and DJ Hoff. This "disco supergroup" more than likely won't suck at all, and should offer a good look at what to expect from the release they've been working on.

If disco-infused hip hop ain't your thing, head to the Zodiac for what promises to be a spectacularly weird musical happening. Forms of Ed Schrader and Lexie Mountain will be performing, Ed playing with his new band and Lexie playing with Sam Garner. The out-of-towners are Miracle Condition, who are ex-members of U.S. Maple.



Saturday night boasts some choices as well, one of which will find you at the Talking Head room for a last minute Taxlo throw-down. Cullen and Simon are bringing in Nite Jewel, and also will be doing some spinning of records themselves. Nite Jewel is kind of like what might happen if Grouper starting playing some lounge tunes. Hazy vocals with a 80s dance feel, this project garnered considerable buzz last year.

The Hexagon has a hefty bill of doom and ambient metal Saturday night if you're in the mood to have your ears blasted. Nadja headline, a Toronto/Germany based project from the likes of Aidan Baker. Local doom outfit Oak and Brooklyn black metal band Liturgy lead support, while Major Powers make a rare appearance.

Clusterf*ck: Shows in Baltimore this Weekend

This weekend is the first clusterf*ck of 2010, and likely to be the first of many here in Baltimore. While there are a hefty amount of musical things to choose from, schedules don't get really cluttered until Saturday night.

Saturday night also plays host to a football game, as the Ravens battle a team that stole football from Baltimore just a month after I was born. Man, was I one pissed off little dude.

Find out what else is up in the city that reads this weekend after the click.

The highlight of Friday night is in Hampden, where the Golden West is offering "Freak Rock on the Cheap". For just three dollars you get three great rock bands, including Vincent Black Shadow, Hollywood, and Pilgrim. Not a bad way to spend three bucks on a Friday, and all three bands should be sure to get your ears nice and blasted.

Another option Friday night is at the Ottobar. Psych rock is bountiful with Bad Liquor Pond, The Flying Eyes, Whoarfrost, and Deaf Scene all sharing the bill. This one starts at 9 PM and is all ages.

Height with Friends is at the Hexagon Saturday night, and as if his supporting cast wasn't already strong enough the bill also includes Moss of Aura, Food for Animals, Mickey Free, and American Folklore. Look for some super exciting things to come from Height with Friends in 2010, as I'll have some info on this for you in the coming months.

Also Saturday, you can catch Dope Body and Sick Weapons at the Penthouse Gallery. Both acts are quickly becoming among some of our favorite live bands in Baltimore, and this show should prove to be a good time. If you need your eardrums damaged at an even higher level on Saturday, hit up the Zodiac to catch the dark metal Brooklyn band Liturgy.

Sunday night also has a good one at the Penthouse Gallery, as Jason Urick and Ecstatic Sunshine help you wind down after a fun weekend. This is their tour send-off show, before they head up to NYC and onward to tour Europe together.

More Double Dagger Shows/Cover Art

Cover art for Double Dagger's More was revealed today, and is looking to be pretty much on par to any high expectations. Lofty hopes are probably the case considering Nolen and Bruce both teach design at MICA, and are resposibile for Post Typography.

The album is still due out May 5th via Thrill Jockey, but dude's have a busy week planned of wildly unrestrained post-hardcore fun. I admit, I still don't know how to effectively classify their utter awesomeness. Which is obviously a redeeming quality of the trio.

Based on the new songs they've been playing live, More is looking to be pretty ridiculous. And considering they are mini-touring with Future Islands this weekend, I'd say attending one or all of the following would be wise:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Towson, MD / Celebrated Summer Records
w/ Masshysteri (from Sweden, ex-The Vicious), Deep Sleep
All ages! 8:00 PM. (limited capacity)

THURSDAY, MARCH 19
Brooklyn, NY / Market Hotel
w/ Future Islands, Teeth Mountain, Liturgy

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Philadelphia, PA
Danger Danger Gallery
w/ Future Islands, +1 local TBA

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Baltimore, MD / Zodiac
w/ Future Islands, Child Bite
21+ only. 9:30 PM. $3