VietNam’s Michael Gerner.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

VietNam is Brooklyn homie Michael Gerner and his guitarist pal Nathanael “Lefty” Maynard. According to this DNAInfo.com article, Gerner went to LA after his 2007 debut made a splash. He recently returned to NYC where he’s working on a new album. You’ll get a chance to hear how it sounds tonight when VietNam headlines at Slowdown Jr. Here’s sort of what you’re in for:

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/81712580″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Opening for VietNam is Black Pus, aka Brian Chippendale, the drummer of Lightning Bolt. According to Thrill Jockey (the band’s label), “Chippendale employs percussion, a triggered oscillator (which creates the massive bass tones), and distorted vocals to create a maelstrom of noise with a healthy dose of pop thrown in for good measure. You can check out ‘1000 Years’ below, which Consequence of Sound called ‘A tooth-rattling mass of tom thumping and synth squealing… a wild-eyed bruiser.’ Chippendale recreates these tracks live all by himself, looping the oscillator and vocals while pounding away at his drum kit with reckless abandon.”

First band up is Lincoln freakshow Plack Blague. $12. 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night is a bit more crowded show-wise.

Top of bill: Dumb Beach (the band formerly known as Peace of Shit) headlines at fabulous O’Leaver’s Saturday night. Also on the fight card are Dim Light and Lincolnites Laughing Falcon. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, over at The Barley Street Tavern, Under Water Dream Machine plays with Colorado Springs act Dear Rabbit and our very own John Klemmensen and the Party. $5, 9 p.m.

Also Saturday night Filter Kings headlines the Liquid Courage Anniversary show at The Waiting Room. The show is free and starts at 6 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2013 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.