Let’s just say the crowd was intimate for Friday’s show at Rudyard’s. That’s kind of a shame because as far as the music was concerned each band on stage came and delivered the goods. First up was Dead Mineral which is likely Houston’s must underrated instrumental band. One minute they can groove like the most menacing Jesus Lizard track and the next be as spacey as the best shoegaze band. When they are at their best the dual guitar attack is a wonderful juxtaposition of melodies and rhythms that play off each other in a way that makes you forget ... Read More »

—Ramon LP4 01/10/2010 A general rule of putting together a line-up is never put your strongest artist first.  Friday night’s show at Rudyard’s had to toss that rule aside out of necessity.   We’d come to see Omotai but as we arrived shortly after 10:30 PM we heard some gut-grinding metal emanating from the stairs to the second floor.  I raced upstairs and asked soundman Joe Omelchuck who was playing. “Omotai!” he shouted back. “Omotai?  What?  They were supposed to play last!” “The touring bands had some van trouble between Dallas and here.  We’re not even sure they will make it ... Read More »

There most certainly is. On Friday, Houston will see whiny, emo, AP darlings, Hawthorne Heights at Warehouse. Make sure you get your tickets to that one early or those kids’ parents will first. A better choice however would probably be kickass multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Wesley at Dean’s Credit Clothing. Walter’s on Washington will also have a smorgasbord of local bands including B L A C K I E, Fat Tony, and Ghost Town Electric. On Saturday the dashing Young Mammals will be kicking off their tour with Eastern Sea and Buxton. But if you feeling like partying as if it were ... Read More »

I hope you guys had as much fun as I had this Saturday. I sure had a blast listening to great music, running into just about everyone I know, and it’s nice to see Westheimer with some hustle and bustle on its sidewalks. Some highlights? OK! The Wild Moccasins played a great show outside Mango’s on a rickety stage that seemed to be on the verge of collapse from all the hopping and general Moccasins shenanigans. The added amusement for me was watching as my very serious and artistically minded six-year-old tried in futility to find a spot on stage ... Read More »