by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

It’s the weekend, folks. Here’s what we got.

NOTE: THIS SHOW HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL NOV. 8! Post Animal is a Chicago neo-psych band maybe best known as the band that the kid from Netflix show Stranger Things was in. Joe Keery plays older guy Steve Harrington who works in the mall food court, who befriends the four little kids on their quest to untangle the Upside Down. He’s pretty good on the show, which I like. Anyway… He ain’t in Post Animal no more, or at least isn’t touring with them since the success of Stranger Things.

The band’s 2018 album, When I Think of You in a Castle, was their first release on Polyvinyl, who stayed with them on their 2020 follow-up, Forward Motion Godyssey. They fancy themselves a prog-rock act, but they’re more of a vibe act in the vein of Tame Impala, and are at their best when they’re avoiding classic rock riffs and leaning into the beats. Still, no question these guys probably listened to their share of Pink Floyd albums.

Post Animal headlines tonight at The Slowdown. Touring with them is Portland art-rock dance-beat duo Reptaliens, and Omaha’s own Garst. $20, 8 p.m.

Also tonight, Doom Lagoon plays at Brokedown Palace, 88th and Maple St., with Texas act Riley! and our very own keyboard-drum-prog-monsters Pagan Athletes. $5, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday night has Digital Leather at The Brothers Lounge as part of the “Open Casket Series.” DL is coming off an appearance at this year’s Goner Fest. Joining them is Nowhere, a new act that features members of Retox, No Thanks and Natural States. Opening the show at 9:30 is red hot Latin punk band Las Cruxes. This one’s loaded and is only $7.

Let me take a second to clarify something I posted a few days ago. I said if that the Oct. 29 Brothers show with Serial, Those Far Out Arrows and Pagan Athletes was going to sell out for reasons I can’t explain. A number of you misinterpreted that to say that there will be secret, unannounced band playing that night. That’s not the case, at least to my understanding. The show will sell out for sentimental reasons that many (most) of you know already. So, no secret show. Carry on.

Also Saturday night, singer/songwriter Mitch Gettman plays at The Berkley, a new lounge/live music room at 1901 Leavenworth (just down from Shucks). 8 p.m. and no cover.

Finally, The Dharma Rose plays at The Sydney in Benson Saturday night with Mere Shadows. We’re talking some heavy shit. $5, 9 p.m.

That’s all I got. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend!

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

This morning Matt Whipkey dropped a surprise with the release of his new full-length, Hard. Actually, it’s not that much of a surprise as I interviewed Matt last weekend for a column that will support his Nov. 12 album release show at Jewell. That’s when the vinyl will be available. The digital version is out now on all the usual services and for purchase from Bandcamp.

Those who know Matt know that this is a personal album of sorts. It’s being released by a consortium out of Minneapolis called Unusual. Recorded and mixed by Matt, Scott Gaeta and Ian Aeillo, it’s arguably the best sounding album in Whipkey’s rather large catalog of releases, and I’m told the vinyl sounds even better (lacquers cut by the legendary Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Services). Check out the tracks below and get your tickets to the Nov. 12 show. And watch for the November issue of The Reader for more info about the making of Hard.

More new music news…

Shurr Jr. is a new project out of Sioux Falls, SD, with some strong Omaha connections. The trio consists of brothers Frankie, Sam and Nick Maxwell, the offspring of legendary Fifth of May musician Frank Maxwell. They dropped their first single, “Dysania” b/w “Uncool” Oct. 1 on Max Trax Records. Recorded and mixed by Nate Van Fleet of See Through Dresses fame. Check out the tracks below. Word has it the trio has a full EP recorded and ready to drop as well. Now all we need is to get them to Omaha to do a show.

Last week Omaha indie band Uh-Oh announced it’s releasing a new album, Good Morning, Dec. 3. It’s a product of the pandemic (what isn’t these days?) The first single, “Still Life,” isn’t due until Oct. 22. See their story below.

The Oct. 29 rock show at The Brothers Lounge is going to be a very special affair. I can’t tell you more, though if you know, you know. And if you know, then you know it’s in your best interest to purchase your tickets to this show, which is guaranteed to sell out. Headlining is Omaha ’90s legendary supergroup Serial. Joining them are Those Far Out Arrows and Pagan Athletes. Needless to say, this is a big deal. The only place to get tickets is at The Brothers, so stop in and have a drink and get you a pair before they’re gone.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Farnam Fest is back this Saturday. The Blackstone District block party takes place in the parking lot behind Scriptown Brewery and on 40th Street at Farnam, which will be blocked off for the occasion. The festival will have the usual food trucks and vendors but also features a number of live performances, including sets by Those Far Our Arrows, Specter Poetics (Jack McLaughlin’s latest project) and DJ Tyrone Storm a.k.a. Roger Lewis. The full schedule is below:

4 p.m. — Left Handed Country
5 p.m. — Anthony Worden & The Illiterati
6 p.m. — Specter Poetics
7 p.m. — Those Far Out Arrows
8 p.m. — DJ Tyrone Storm
9 p.m. — Satchel Grande

Farnam Fest actually starts at noon with a dog shows and there’s stuff the rest of the afternoon. After 5 p.m., entry is $5.

Also going on Saturday night in the Blackstone District (but not affiliated with Farnam Fest) is a rock show at The Brothers Lounge headlined by Relax, It’s Science. Also on the bill is Violenteer, the new project by Randy Cotton (Members of the Press, Ravine, Ritual Device). Aircraft Grade, a new heavy instrumental duo, opens at 9:30 p.m. $7.

That’s all I got. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

A highlight of Indigo De Souza’s latest album, Any Shape You Take (2021, Saddle Creek) is the remarkable band who backs her, whose members are something of a mystery as they weren’t credited (online anyway). I don’t know if the folks that played with De Souza Saturday night at Slowdown were the ones on the album or not, but they sure were good.

Especially lead guitarist Dexter Webb, who played with a style reminiscent of Lindsey Buckingham, all quick-fills and amazing fingered adagios. I shot a photo of his guitar and texted it to the one of the city’s resident guitar experts and asked what kind of guitar it was. Mr. Whipkey’s response: “Vintage 12-string Ovation Breadwinner electric, maybe. That’s a rare-ass guitar if so.”

Webb, who must stand over six foot, towered over the rest of the band as he leaned into the fills and gaps (there were no solos, per se), a fluid, tonal counter-balance to De Souza’s more freeform vocals that were unashamedly honest and personal – which is a sloppy way of saying she was more concerned with emoting that staying on pitch.

The only other name I caught was drummer Avery Sullivan – I missed the bass player’s name, but he, too, was a virtuoso, his fingers flying across the frets, as De Souza crushed through a 75-minute set of songs from her last two albums in front of a decent-sized (150?) crowd of fans that filled the bowl in front of the stage.

“You guys are so chill, you’re spooking me,” De Souza said halfway through the set. “It’s like playing in someone’s living room. Talk amongst yourselves.” This isn’t the first time I’ve heard Omaha crowds described this way, but you’ll have to go through the archives and find that review. I’m not sure what De Souza is used to, but she said the night before at Minneapolis’ First Avenue was “crazy.” I guess she’s never heard of “Nebraska Nice.”

Opening act, Chicago’s The Slaps, played a tight set of indie rock that showcased their chops on songs whose style leaned close to early Vampire Weekend, though maybe not so clingy. If there’s a quibble to the night, it was that The Slaps precise mix was a ton better than De Souza’s, whose mix sounded crowded, dense, bordering on blown-out, but maybe that’s what she was going for.

A note about The Slowdown: This was my first show there since the pandemic. There are a few changes that may/may not have been in place before. The low tables have been replaced with high-tops, the booths replaced with low-tops — is a big improvement. The door guys were thorough with the vax requirement checking (show card and ID to match, which is the only way to go), and it only took a moment. Easy peasy. This should be a requirement at all clubs until we get past the Covid.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Well, well, well, a full slate of shows this weekend. It’s been awhile.

If you haven’t noticed, today is Oct. 1 and it’s Friday which means it’s Benson First Friday (#BFF). The galleries will be popping all along Maple Street tonight, so get out and bring your checkbook (and your mask).

As part of BFF, The Sydney is hosting it’s BFF show, headlined by one of best indie acts in Omaha, — Lodgings. The group consists of Bryce Hotz, Steve Micek (yes, that Steve Micek), Mike Laughlin, Eric Ernst and Megan Siebe. It’s sort of a super-group. Their last album, 2019’s Water Works, has helped get us through the pandemic. Now see it performed on stage. Joining them is Problems a.k.a. Darren Keen (The Show Is the Rainbow) and Vision Video from Athens. $10, 10 p.m.

Tomorrow night (Saturday), red hot indie act Indigo De Souza (Saddle Creek Records) headlines at The Slowdown. This show originally was slated for the small room but has now been shifted to the main room, likely due to ticket sales. You read what I had to say about her new album in The Reader (here). Opening is Chicago trio The Slaps. 8 p.m., $18. No vax, no entry, so bring your card.

Meanwhile, uptown at Reverb Lounge in Benson Saturday night, local alt-country twangers Clarence Tilton headlines with Owen Justice. $10, 9 p.m.

Finally Sunday night back down at Slowdown Jr. Boulder blues/psych rock band The Velveteers headlines. Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys worked on the next full length, Nightmare Daydream, which drops next Friday on Easy Eye Sounds. Opening is our very own Magu. $12, 8 p.m.

And that’s all I got. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section.

By the way, it’s Bandcamp Friday, so when you check out the music above, make a purchase. Today Bandcamp is waiving their fees and passing the cash along to the bands.

Have a great weekend!

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

The calendar is looking mighty light this weekend.

Lincoln Calling is in full swing (started yesterday, actually). To some degree, organizers have swayed away from indie in the line-up, though there are a few notables, including Las Cruxes, Jim Schroeder/Mesa Buoy, Plack Blague, Universe Contest, Dirt House, Marcey Yates & Xoboi and Conny Franko.

LC events were originally going to be held at venues, now due to COVID, the entire event is being held outside at Tower Square, Duffy’s Back Lot and Night Market. Single-day tickets for tonight and tomorrow night are $25; all access is $45. Go to LincolnCalling.com for the schedule.

Tomorrow night (Saturday), Mike Saklar’s band, The Sun-Less Trio, headlines at Brothers Lounge. Joining them are The Dharma Rose and Sazcha. $7, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday night Kansas City psych-rock band Thighmaster (High Dive Records) headlines at The Sydney in Benson. Joining them are Ah (members of And How) and Captain Howdy (members of Garst). No price listed for this one but it’s probably $10. Starts at 9 p.m.

One last note, The Berkley, a new cocktail lounge/music venue at 1901 Leavenworth (just down from Shucks), celebrates its Grand Opening tonight at 8 p.m. I wrote about this place a few years ago, before the pandemic. It’s good to see that it’s finally opening. Kaylyn Sahs and Alexis DeBoer are preforming, and there’s no cover. More info here.

That’s all I got. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Ever want to see One Percent Production’s Jim Johnson and Marc Leibowitz in a hardhat? 

On Tuesday, the folks creating the new indoor performance space and amphitheater in La Vista, The Astro, announced that groundbreaking will take place Sept. 29. Why did I think they already began construction on this project?

From the press release: “Looking to fill the gap of a medium-sized venue in Omaha’s metro’s music scene, City+Ventures along with live music and entertainment businesses One Percent Productions and Mammoth, Inc have joined forces on a new music venue:  The Astro Theater.  The official groundbreaking for the venue is set for Wednesday, September 29 at 11:00 AM with La Vista Mayor Douglas Kindig, city council members, city staff, project partners, and developers all on hand.”

Will everyone be holding a shovel? You can bet on it. 

The Astro Theater is designed as the focal point of the mixed-use La Vista City Centre development. The 2,500-person, 52,000-square-foot indoor theater connects to an outdoor grass amphitheater, hosting 5,000 attendees and overlooking a 34-acre public park. The indoor venue and adjacent amphitheater are located in La Vista City Centre, 8302 City Centre Drive, La Vista, Nebraska. Construction is set to begin the week of groundbreaking with plans for The Astro Theater to debut in January 2023.

“We’ve created a venue that provides the flexibility we know artists want in a new lifestyle development that brings the ultimate customer experience for their fans,” said 1%’s Jim Johnson.

The press release goes on to say One Percent Productions and Mammoth, Inc. will manage bookings for the facility.

Imagine the acts we’re going to be getting coming through Omaha now with this project, The Admiral (Sokol Auditorium) project and the new Omaha Performing Arts downtown-based Steelhouse live music venue…   

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Maria Taylor this morning dropped a new video for single “It’s Coming For You,” directed by Alan Tanner. The song is released on Taylor’s Flower Moon Records, which also released a new Azure Ray album, Remedy, this past June. Check it out. 

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Couple things worth mentioning today…

First is that Bad Bad Hats show at Reverb tonight. I think more people will be there for And How than the headliner, who is painfully at risk of being Omaha’d. My advice if you go is to stick around. 8 p.m., $15.

Secondly, Jeff Runnings of For Against recently did an interesting interview with Post-Punk.com. Conducted in support of FA’s vinyl reissue of 2002’s Coalesced by Cercle Social Records (limited to 600), Jeff talks about the making of the record, working with Mike Mogis, Saddle Creek Records (and the scene surrounding it in 2002), and talks about some of his most recent musical likes (and dislikes). He also mentions more upcoming For Against projects, including a possible expanded version of Eschelons that could include some early unreleased tracks.

Check it out.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

This is the first Ten Questions interview since before the pandemic! Green shoots? Maybe.

Minnesota band Bad Bad Hats are no strangers to Omaha, having opened for The Mynabirds at Slowdown back in 2015 (alongside the lost-but-not-forgotten High Up). They’re back in support of their new album, Walkman, which dropped last Friday on Don Giovanni Records.

The power-pop trio has a soft spot for jangly, cool ‘90s indie rock. In fact, my first run through the album I was reminded of Exile-era Liz Phair, though front woman Kerry Alexander’s lyrics of love gone wrong (and right) aren’t nearly as dark and acerbic as Liz’s bedroom diaries. Playing alongside bandmates bass player Chris Hoge and drummer Connor Davison, Bad Bad Hats headlines at Reverb Lounge Sept. 22.

We caught up with Kerry and gave her the Ten Questions treatment. Here’s what she had to say:

1. What is your favorite album?

Kerry Alexander: Wow, tough question from the start! How to choose, how to choose. Obviously different albums have been my #1 at different points in my life. But one I always come back to is Fortress Round My Heart by Ida Maria. 

2. What is your least favorite song?

I, in general, don’t believe in “guilty pleasures” in music, or that certain genres aren’t good, etc. I feel like if music is making you feel an emotion then it’s working as intended. That said, I don’t love “Boogie Shoes.” 

3. What do you enjoy most about being in a band?

There are many things to love, but I like that it’s allowed me to travel so much. I love experiencing new places, trying new food, seeing friends who live far away. I also love the synergy of playing music with other people. When you’ve practiced and you’re on your game and you anticipate each other’s moves. It’s a very special bond. 

4. What do you hate about being in a band?

Rock venue bathrooms. 

5. What is your favorite substance (legal or illegal)?

My lack of illegal substance use is well-documented (see our song “Nothing Gets Me High”). So I guess I’ll say, I like emotional substance. Deep conversations. Sincere feelings. Haha! That’s pretty corny, but I’m sticking with it.

6. In what city or town do you love to perform?

This question is always so hard to answer because we love playing in so many different cities and venues. We love Chicago, we love Madison, we love Portland, we love Charlotte, we obviously always love the hometown gig. And I know this is an Omaha publication, so not to pander, but we do have so many great Omaha show memories. It’s always a good crowd, Reverb Lounge is an amazing venue, and it doesn’t hurt that we can get some Coneflower ice cream before we leave town…!

7. What city or town did you have your worst gig (and why)?

Well we try to block those shows from our memory, but we’ve probably played the worst shows in the Twin Cities. Because that’s where we got our start! And we needed some time to get good at our instruments and our flow and our stage presence. And we’re grateful that folks stuck with us while we figured it out. Being a musician is a constant learning experience for me. But that’s what I like about it!

8. Are you able to support yourself through your music? If so, how long did it take to get there; if not, how do you pay your bills?

We are professional musicians, yes. And that feels good to say! Because it took us about 6 to 7 years of being a band before we could say that. Chris, our bass player, accidentally became a full-time musician when his part-time job told him he couldn’t come back after a tour. Haha! So sometimes you just have to make it work. 

9. What one profession other than music would you like to attempt; what one profession would you absolutely hate to do?

I would love to work in music supervision. That sounds fun! Maybe? I don’t actually know what that job entails. But I like the idea of it. Is there anything better than a perfectly soundtracked movie or TV moment? I would be in trouble in any job where I have to drive a giant vehicle. Keep me away from that.

10. What are the stories you’ve heard about Omaha, Nebraska?

I don’t know if anyone’s told me a story about Omaha. I went there the first time with no preconceived notions. I only know my own Omaha story. Which is: Show up to the venue. Load in and soundcheck. Go get some delicious ramen. Grab a beer at the beautiful Reverb Lounge bar. Play a great show. Talk to a bunch of friendly people at the merch table. Go to sleep. Wake up the next day and have Archetype coffee and Coneflower for breakfast. And what a wonderful story it is!

Bad Bad Hats play with And How on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Tickets are $15, showtime is 8 p.m. For more information, go to onepercentproductions.com.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

I’m forever wondering if punk — or post-punk — or let’s face it, rock — will soon die of old age.

Most people my age already have thrown dirt over the grave, saying punk lived and died in the ‘70s, post-punk lived and died in the ‘80s, and alternative took over in the ‘90s, followed by indie, which most oldsters don’t consider rock music.

Of course none of it is true. Every time I start to get jaded listening to, say, Sirius XM and the endless list of “vibe” music on my Spotify new music list, something catches my ear and my hope is renewed. The same thing goes for live music. Friday night at Brothers Lounge I caught a set by a couple bands on the Black Site label out of KC, Red Kate and our very own No Thanks, and was, again, given hope for the future.

Red Kate wasn’t doing anything new. The post-punk four piece played straight-ahead post-rock with yell vocals, solid rhythms and the prerequisite catchy riffs. Fast and hard, they were tight out of the gate. If you love this style of music, you would have loved this set.

This is the third or fourth time I’ve seen No Thanks live, and I’ve notice a common denominator to their sets — they always start off tenuous, as if frontman Brendan Leahy is unsure he really wants to go through with whatever he’s about to do, or simply isn’t in the proper headspace. Let me clarify — the rest of the band does sounds ready to go from the outset. Guitarist Mike Huber is one of the best things to come out of Omaha in years, and the rhythm section of Cam Stout and Gabe Cohen are first rate.

Musically, I was reminded of old school golden age Omaha post-punk band Ritual Device. To be clear, Leahy doesn’t in any way resemble a ‘90s-era circus-geek-loving Tim Moss. And while Moss had a guttural Nick Cage vocal swagger, Leahy has a high, kind of Jerry Lewis-style speaking voice. But when he gets warmed up, he can be equally sinister and disturbing as Moss.

But, just like those other times, it took Leahy three or four songs before he began to lose whatever inhibitions he may have had and started to let it all hang out. About four or five songs in, the shirt came off and he turned into a totally different dude — posing, crawling, preening, performing — he could give Future Islands’ Sam Herring a run for his money.

Halfway into the set I noticed the entire front of the stage was surrounded by young women dancing — or dare I say, moshing. I’m not sure exactly what it was they were doing except having a good time. It was the youngest crowd I’ve seen at a Brothers show — both young dudes and women — and it gave me hope that there is a new generation out there who still gets into this style of grinding, static, feedback-driven post-punk.

Another great night at Brothers Lounge. The club has been putting on a lot of shows lately and have more on the way. Catch them if you can.

A quick note about their vax card policy — the guy at the door was not playing around. You better have had both a vax card (or a photo of your vax card) and a second photo ID or you weren’t getting in. The process was quick and easy, and there’s no reason all the venues aren’t laying down similar policies.

If you don’t want to get vaxed, stay home and save us all a lot of grief.

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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 © 2021 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.