100 Shows of 2010 - #67: Those Darlins/The Strange Boys/Gentleman Jesse & His Men @ Black Cat, 9/15/10

I'm nearing the last leg of this 100 gig odyssey, and as you know I've been lucky enough to witness quite a few totally radical shows. A few have even been downright stellar. Number sixty seven was rather special, even compared with the other special ones, my little lambs. Not only was I once more in the presence of my esteemed partner in blogging, but also in the presence of not one, not even two, but three killer bands. Oh yes. I said three. Atlanta types Gentleman Jesse & His Men, Texans The Strange Boys, and the totally girlcrush-worthy Nashvillians Those Darlins (and their token dudes, of course, who are also crush-worthy). This show was so splendiforous, so dang rockin', that not even the totally weird, awkward vibe in the crowd (and it was decidedly weird) could ruin the amount of severely fierce rock that those ladies and gents put out. It took me days to recover, frankly. I was rocked out.

MINI RECAP: Gentleman Jesse & His Men = Yabba! The Strange Boys = Dabba! Those Darlins = Do! Overall Score: A

I missed, sadly, virtually all of the set belonging to Gentleman Jesse & His Men. However, the scant few songs I saw served as a hint of the sheer balls-out, sexy rock that these young men can put forth. I'd liken them to Rick Springfield (think "Jesse's Girl" but actually cool), with a big, catchy sound and plenty of cheekiness. Further investigation is definitely needed, but I was well impressed with what I witnessed.

The Strange Boys followed, and it was during their set that the weirdness in the club began in earnest. There was a little bit of a disconnect between the crowd and the bands, though with The Strange Boys it extended to the staff, too, as they were ignored after requesting more lights so they could see the crowd's purty faces. Lighting aside, my (impatient) wait to see the band was rewarded with a delicious dose of retro-fitted rock and roll purity. The shambolic edge was present in spades, but so too was the polish that sets The Strange Boys apart from plenty of other soundalikes. I'm still counting my lucky stars to have heard my beloved "Night Might" and "Poem Party", along with "Nights In Paris", "Be Brave", and a heaping helping of other goodies. Their remarkable nonchalance about playing wowed me, as I've said before it's like they don't even try, and yet they are so very, very good at what they do. It's effortless, but with a little sneer. They shimmied and shook and rocked and rolled and by the time they were done, I loved them more than ever.

And then, to top it all off, came Those Darlins. These little ladies have beguiled the both of us here at LET, and having never seen them live before I was beyond excited. And these hot mamas most certainly did not disappoint. Oh no. I mean, any band that literally has the lights turned on to get them off the stage is impossible not to love, right? These gals were intent on causing a ruckus, and they did their due diligence. The set was soaked in sex and booze and rabble-rousing, and lordy me it was sensational. Their rocky twang was in fine form, pitting their trio of come-hither vocals with down and dirty rock, filthy hints of the blues, and a bit of Nashville for good measure. "Wild One" was the highlight of a thoroughly bitchin' set for me, being as it is one of my favorite songs these days. And hell, just cuz they're sweet don't mean they're always nice, you know. Even if they did bring Nikki's mom up onstage for a little tambourine playing. These girls are definitely whisky rock-a-rollers, to quoth my dear Skynyrd, and they rock harder than most bands around. Can't say enough good things about 'em.

I'll keep it brief. Go see these bands. End of story. Oh, and you're welcome.

mp3: Who's That Knockin At My Window (Daytrotter) (Those Darlins from Those Darlins)

Live Review: Those Darlins, Strange Boys, Gentleman Jesse; Black Cat; 9-15-10

If you don't want your ass rocked off on a Wednesday night, don't go see Those Darlins on their latest tour with the Strange Boys and Gentleman Jesse & His Men. While the overall small crowd might have fooled you at first sight, you know it's been a full night of entertainment when the sound guy turns on the lights and tells the band that it's time to call it a night.

Unfortunately, i missed the first bit of openers Gentleman Jesse & His Men, but let me tell you, what i heard was good stuff. While all three bands of the evening had an early rock vibe going on, GS&HM attach a nice, sped up, punk edge to their live sound, which kept the crowd rocking for their short set. Think early Elvis Costello. All in all, a great band to start the night, full of piss, vinegar and a winning stage presence. i'll be interested to catch these cats the next time they hit the scene.

Second bill Strange Boys, while equally talented, didn't seem to make quite the audience connection of the other two acts of the evening. This resulted in overly long pauses between songs filled with silence, requests from the band to turn on the house lights (to better see the crowd), and, quite frankly, an overall uneasiness. Sure, the music was great, adding their own touch of fuzz and Americana to that aforementioned '50s rock vibe, but it certainly didn't seem like the band was enjoying itself much on stage, which was a shame.

The crowd, obviously, was there to see Those Darlins, as the frenzied rush to the front of the stage at the start of their set attested. i'm not sure if i've ever seen that few people in the club that close to the stage, but there you have it. The ladies ran through predominantly new songs from their upcoming ("in the next few months") LP and just released 7". As i mentioned reviewing that 7", the new sound is more ominous, spooky, sultry and dirty all at the same time. Sounds like the ladies have gone a bit swamp for this one. The band interacted effortlessly with the crowd, each member jumping into the crowd and playing frantically for extended periods, and the audience ate it up. Well, except for one ass hat that kept shouting, "You suck!," but i got the feeling that was some inside joke with the band. If it wasn't, well, that guy was a maroon. Apparently, it was family night, as Nikki Darlin brought her mom on-stage for a few numbers at the end, playing tambourine and seemingly having a blast. Those Darlins came back for two liquor fueled encores, and undoubtedly would have stayed longer had the bar staff not wanted to go home.

Those Darlins, they're some wild ones, indeed.

mp3: Put Your Hands Together (Gentleman Jesse & His Men from Introducing Gentleman Jesse)

mp3: A Glass to You (Those Darlins from Daytrotter Sessions, 3-19-09)

mp3: Redlight Love (Those Darlins from HearYa Sessions, 1-11-09)

mp3: Wild One (Those Darlins from Those Darlins)

Free Music Fri...turday: The Late, Abbreviated Version

Don't tell your parents, but i'm late.

Yesterday afternoon, i received two tracks that merited an instant Free Music Friday, even though i had already done the Tobacco/Junk Culture/Dreamend review. But i fell asleep early, so the instant part went out the window. Still, i don't want to be the last site of what's sure to be many posting these, so here we are.

You'll see both Meg and i together again at Those Darlins next week (9/15) at the Black Cat, and it appears that the girls found out and released a 7" in honor of the occasion. At least, that's the story i'm sticking to. Regardless, it's an intense track, showing a side of the ladies not apparent on their debut. More menacing and sexier, with a bit less twang and a lot more tits (that's the female equivalent of balls, right?). If this is the new direction of the band, i likey. i likey a lot. What's more, you can listen to both sides of the 7" here. B-side, "Funstix Party," has the same sinister edge, but, as the name clearly states, this is a party track, plain and simple. Better still, there's apparently a new full-length with a TBD release date of early next year. Which is nice.

mp3: Night Jogger (Those Darlins from Night Jogger 7")

LET respects facial hair. Which isn't even a tenth of the reason why we dig Megafaun, but it's still in the DNA of the relationship somewhere. So we probably would have posted this gem from their mini-ablum, Heretofore, even if it hadn't been a rollicking, good time, breezily singing about their home state. Fortunately for all of us, it is. The boys, too, have a full-length in the works, apparently heading into the studio this fall, which also is nice.



mp3: Carolina Days (Megafaun from Heretofore)

The Untitled Interview #32 – SXSW Edition: Starring Nikki Darlin (Those Darlins)

I’m finding it hard to believe that it’s almost time once again for the annual industry hootenanny known as SXSW. To celebrate the impending week of absolute havoc, Austin-style, we’ve thrown down the interview gauntlet to see what some of our favorite bands are going to be getting up to whilst gettin down in the wilds of Texas.

My dear partner Chris is totally and completely enamored with our next guests, the lovely, super spunky ladies of Those Darlins. I’ve gotta say, I’m beginning to find them rather irresistible myself. I love the idea of a band of wild women making fresh and frisky music clearly influenced by some of the greatest ladies (and gents) of country’s illustrious past. They’re cute, they’re more than a little badass, and I get the feeling they’ll have all of Austin cow-towing to their whims as soon as they set foot in Texas. Plus, as a Virginia girl myself, I’ve got a little extra love for Miss Nikki. Here’s hoping she doesn’t forget her comfortable shoes, as they’ve got quite a busy little schedule planned out.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Nikki Darlin: We will be traveling in our illegally tinted Chevy Astro van and hopefuly we will be arriving in it.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
ND: Sunscreen, extra sunglasses, sex toys, comfortable shoes.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
ND: 5 so far:

Wed the 17th:
3:50pm - Terrorbird Party @ RED 7 (outdoor stage - 611 East 7th Street)
with: Neon Indian, Real Estate, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Choir of Young Believers, Frankie Rose & the Outs, Beach Fossils, Inlets, A Sunny Day In Glasgow, Toro Y Moi, Matias Aguayo, Oh No Ono, The Fresh and Onlys, Stricken City, Ernest Gonzalez, The Splinters
1AM – BMI Showcase to benefit Girls Rock Camp @ Submerged (333 E 2nd St)

THURS the 18th:
3:50 - LITTLE RADIO PARTY @ RED EYED FLY
11PM: Billboard Official Showcase at Billboard.com Bungalo (Habana Backyard - 708 E 6th St)

FRIDAY the 19th:
5pm: DEER TICK PRESENTS PARTY @ Threadgills South 301 West Riverside Drive

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
ND: I haven't figured out all the bands schedules yet so I'm not sure who I will get to see. I am looking forward to meeting up with a lot of bands we have toured with in the last year. I guess I will just figure it out when I get there. I know Jessi is interested in seeing The Strange Boys and The Beets.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
ND: I can't wait to jump out of our van into warm weather (hopefully), go gorge on BBQ and booze, then try to find all my band buddies and have a reunion.

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
ND: I used to play a music festival every year after I picked up the guitar in my hometown Rappahannock County, VA. I think I started when I was 11. I think there is video footage of me playing a bunch of Beatles songs to a lot of supportive locals. I'm sure I was awful.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
ND: It depends on the kind of festival. I guess running around eating, drinking, meeting new people, seeing your favorite bands all playing in walking distance from each other and getting into trouble with them later.

mp3: Wild One (Those Darlins from Those Darlins)

Live Reviews: Those Darlins at the Black Cat, 1-31-10

Unfortunately, i missed the first few songs in Those Darlins' set last night on the backstage at DC's Black Cat. Before you question my non-punctuality, let me inform those of you not on their mailing list. Fans were encouraged to dress as their "favorite woodland creature" in return for a free T-shirt and "lots and lots of love." Well, the Missus clearly wouldn't go for the latter, but who doesn't love free tees? Nobody. Not even your grandfather.

With this knowledge now out there, i can inform you that it was a wardrobe malfunction that made me tardy. When i mentioned to Ma Terrible about the costume, she took it upon herself to dig out the costume i wore in my high school play back at good, ol' MRHS. AND she stitched up some holes that were older than some of LET's readers. Since the damn thing fit, i felt obligated to wear it. i think we can all agree from that dashing photo, i would be a prize piece of ass at any furry convention.

Surprisingly, i noticed very few eyebrows raised at the club, though clearly i was the only that received said email. That probably had something to do with the fact that the three little ladies tore up the stage the entire time i was there. Or maybe grey fuzzy pants are in this year. Regardless, a couple of new tracks were laid, as well as fan faves such as "The Whole Damn Thing" and "DUI or Die."

The women clearly have improved upon their craft since i saw them open for Dan Auerbach last year. Not that they were bad then, they were just damn good last night. Their axe work was admirable, with a jam at the end that would have made any guitar slinger jealous. The girls were so good, in fact, there was an honest-t0-Monkey-King dance circle going on in the back of the room. Outside of uninspired DJ sets played for the political youngsters in the area, that's almost unheard of 'round these parts. And yet there it was, making the room more of a hootenanny than a staid and boring concert. Had i been drinking piss cheap beer out of a warm pony, i would have thought i was at an actual college kegger (assuming i had gone to college with a truly kick ass cow punk band). Their ability to create and maintain intimacy in a room full of semi-drunk 20-somethings on a Sunday night is nearly as admirable as their finger work on the frets. While they admitted to having quite a few out-of-town friends in the audience, that kind of close knit chemistry is something that must be nurtured and perfected. i am happy to report they've mastered both sides of that equation.

Following the show, while i was waiting for ye olde free tee, i did overhear one of the Darlins telling a fan that the band is going in to record a new album come August, with a hopeful release of sometime next year. Assuming they continue their upward trajectory between now and then, i have little doubt their sophomore release is going to be scorching barn burner.

mp3: A Glass to You (Those Darlins from Daytrotter Sessions)

mp3: The Whole Damn Thing (Those Darlins from HearYa Sessions)

mp3: Drivin' Nails in My Coffin (Those Darlins from Wild One single)

Album Review--Those Darlins

Ahh, Those Darlins. Is there a more appropriately named band anywhere? Murfreesboro, Tennessee's finest, bassist Kelley Darlin, guitarist Jessi Darlin, and baritone ukulele player Nikki Darlin (all share vocal duties) could well be the saviors of true, honest-to-Hank Williams Country & Western, as they demonstrate capably on their LP debut, aptly named Those Darlins.

This is not the tofu version of crap that's been peddled to listeners of so-called "country" by big labels for far too long. Those Darlins are playing the chicken fried steak version, complete with a heaping helping of gravy and biscuits for sopping. These ladies would make predecessors like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn feel proud.

Hold on a minute, you're thinking. Isn't this an indie music blog? What the hell is this? Well, Those Darlins have taken an almost seemingly forgotten sound and updated it, giving it just enough rock and rockabilly sensibilities to impress anyone with an ear for strong tunes. This is not bumpkin or hayseed music; this is good music, plain and simple.

Sure, they cover a lot of country's most infamous topics, like drinking too much, problems with no good men and small towns, but that covers damn near most indie music, too, so get over it. I don't believe there are any mentions of any ex-lovers stealing a beloved hound dog; decide for yourself if that's a good or bad thing. There are, however, songs about eating chickens and being a snaggle toothed mama, and that can't be a bad thing. Plus, they opened for Dan Auerbach of Black Keys fame on his recent solo tour. If that doesn't give a band its bona fides, I don't know what does.

The only "complaint" for me here is the fact that a number of these tracks already were out there on their Wild One EP and/or at a variety of live sessions available on the web. Thankfully, the additions to the LP are among some of their finest work. The harmonizing grows tighter, the guitar work stronger--if you're only going to come out with about half of a new album, you better make sure the new stuff kicks ass. Those Darlins did.

mp3: Snaggle Tooth Mama