The summer is here, and the sun is bringing the gift of opportunity. When not inhibited by the 6 p.m. blanket of darkness, it is time to embrace the six-month-long yearning for warmth (or at least daylight). It is easy to let the humidity cloud your judgment and allow these blissful months to pass you by, leaving you stuck because of your lack of proactive planning. Maybe summer seemed better before you realized you have nothing to do, or maybe you just don’t know where to start. Regardless of the reason, I am here to help you move past these feelings of stagnant boredom and expose the true beauty of the Triangle’s music scene. This article holds promise of nights of groove, entertainment, and a reason to stay up past nine. Hopefully, it can remind you just why you spent your whole year looking forward to these continued summer months of extended daylight and warm temperatures.
After many hours of looking and listening to the wonderful bands blessing the Triangle this summer with their presence, I have made a list of shows that I think are worth your time and money. This is not to say there are not plenty of other artists that will put on a fantastic performance; these are simply the ones that caught my eye and ear. For the purposes of your unique preferences, I will list my honest understanding of their sound and what the show will likely look like. Even if you are not sure if it would be for you, I highly suggest going – because in the worst-case scenario, you leave and are back where you started, but with a good story.
Doors: 7 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
Birdleaf is a psychedelic rock band from Savannah, Georgia. I had never heard of this band until I was searching for summer concerts, and it’s safe to say I have become a proper fan since. With only 122 monthly listeners on Spotify, I believe going to this show could be equated to investing in Bitcoin in 2010. They are fantastically fast-paced, beautifully psychedelic, and amazingly unique. Weaving mastery of melody with an experimental range of instruments, they create a truly unique musical roller coaster, sure to get the crowd moving. If you are a fan of The Specials or The Beatles, this would likely be a show for you. With their emphasis on individuality within every concert, it is hard to define exactly what the performance will entail. Based on their recorded performance, it is likely to be loud and sporadic, with a prevalent jam-band feel. If you have an affinity for investing in underground bands, I highly suggest checking out Birdleaf on July 10.
Feeble Little Horse (July 12 Motorco)
Doors: 7 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
Feeble Little Horse is all that is to be expected from an American indie rock band. They have a light, jumpy sound that mainly consists of vocals, drums, guitar (both acoustic and electric), and digital elements. They blend traditional indie melodies with computer music, carrying the crowd through an auditory adventure, jumping from an easy listening to a thundering, headbang-worthy chorus. They say their music reflects their dynamic as a band: “Anything that makes us laugh or puts a smile on our faces, we usually end up keeping in the songs” (Jake Kelly on First Avenue). This performance would be perfect for all ages and all types of concertgoers. You can dance, stand, sway, or linger by the bar and people-watch. Unless you are bothered by the occasional mechanized, high-pitched electronic sounds, this show would be a great choice for lovers of indie-rock or someone looking for a way to spend a Sunday night.
First Day Back ( July 17 Cat’s Cradle)
Doors: 7 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
First Day Back is an emo band from Santa Cruz. Their show at The Cradle is part of their first-ever headlining tour. Last June, they released their first and only album, Forward, which they recorded in their living room. There is often a bit of an aversion to attending an artist’s first tour, but in this case, I believe this should be a driving factor in its appeal. This show will encapsulate their distinctive sound, which so clearly reflects all that is unique about the current revival of the emo scene. They have such a clear understanding of their sound that has yet to be influenced by industry pressures. Their songs are undeniably enhanced by the use of both violin and harmonica, blending classic elements with angst. The show will have an enveloping, hard-to-escape, emotional sound punctuated by a slow mosh. It is likely to attract a younger crowd and will be perfect for people interested in the emo scene or looking to expand their musical tastes without having to go to a hardcore show.
Watchhouse (July 17 Haw River Ballroom)
Doors: 7 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
On July 17, Watchhouse, the Chapel Hill-based folk duo, will be bringing their breathtaking sound back home for a show at the Haw River Ballroom. This show will be one worthy of both tears and laughter. With Andrew Marlin’s uniquely fantastic command of lyricism, their music is both deeply reflective and inspiring. The duo began playing shows around the triangle, slowly evolving and mastering their style into what it is today. Since their time in the triangle, they have gained a national fan base with over a million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Though they play and make music all over the world, they have not lost their classic North Carolina sound. Their music is a clear representation of the beauty and history that exists within our home state and its continuing evolution through younger generations. Watchhouse is the music I play when the sun comes out, and the trees fill with green. They are timeless and yet so deeply an encapsulation of now. At the show, excitement will likely make people dance, but their strings will make them sway. This show would be ideal for those interested in the history of the local music scene.
Kurt Vile (July 20 Haw River Ballroom)
Doors: 7 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
Kurt Vile is in no way what you expect, but perfect in all the ways he is odd. The Pennsylvania-based indie rock artist doesn’t write funny songs but uses humor to create a world that feels tangible and uniquely human. His familiarity with his musical practices is apparent, but he does not shy away from experimentation. With songs featuring collaborations with major artists such as Kim Gordon and John Prine, his unique discography is sure to be added to the growing list of indie classics. His recently released album, Philadelphia’s been good to me, is sure to be a staple element of this tour, but the set list will also include some of his older, more popular tunes. His music is funky, captivating, and a reflection of deep, true musical talent. The energy in his crowds varies greatly by location, but going to his show without dancing would be a shame. His concert will be perfect for those who appreciate lyricism and those interested in musicology. His beautiful show will be encapsulated within an equally beautiful venue on July 20 at Haw River Ballroom.
Feature image of the band First Day Back via CatsCradle.com
Three Sides of The Triangle is a column by Maisie Moylan celebrating music, people and places. Maisie is a Hillsborough native with a passion for exploring and appreciating the North Carolina music scene. Finding her roots in local radio, she has expanded her love to Colorado College, where she studies anthropology and journalism. She is currently working as the Broadcast Operations Assistant at 97.9 The Hill WCHL.
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