Welcome to Suitable Alternative for 2016.
Over the next 12 months I'll do my best to share my enthusiasm and passion for all things related to local music, from the varied sonic splendour emanating right here in sunny Dunedin, to the wealth of high-calibre national and international touring acts set to grace the city with their presence this year.
So pull up the sheets against the passing of time, and make sure to head out to Chick's Hotel, which is set to close its doors in a couple of months, to blow off that back-to-work steam.
RETURN OF A LEGEND
Lou Barlow, founding member of Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, Sentridoh and the Folk Implosion, is heading to New Zealand for four very special solo shows this month, stopping at Chick's Hotel for an intimate performance on Thursday.
Barlow is one of American indie rock's pivotal figures and most influential songwriting voices.
He is a progenitor of stripped down lo-fi home recordings.
In the early '90s Barlow showed that anyone with a guitar and access to a four-track could become a minor rock star, creating intimate and immediately expressive song portraits and noise collages in a variety of musical guises.
As a prolific composer, Barlow also helped open early indie's emotional scope, writing tender, poignant, occasionally hilarious (in a dark, contradictory kind of way) and always emotionally honest songs, leaving him tagged perhaps a little unfairly as something of a wallower, but carving a niche of embattled resignation that would influence early emo and #sadboys and #sadgirls for decades to come.
In the show, Barlow will weave acoustic guitar, baritone ukulele, vintage synth and loops together, presenting material from across 30 years, ranging from his early work to tracks from his acclaimed new solo record, Brace The Wave, released in late 2015.
Barlow is making a return to Dunedin after an incredible visit with Sebadoh last March.
DRAWING INSPIRATION
Former Dunedin indie poppers Two Cartoons will on Friday play their first show in the city in two years as part of a nationwide tour.
The band, formed around the duo of Isaac McFarlane and Brad Craig, has spent the past two years "getting sucked into England'' trying to establish themselves in the London music scene, and recording songs for their forthcoming debut album Happiness is Trouble, due on February 1.
In the band's newer material, the early influences of happy surf and sunshine bands such as Best Coast and the Drums has turned into a LCD Soundsystem meets Vampire Weekend clash of alternative dance pop, and new single Einstein (On the Dole), feels like a Parquet Courts track, all angular guitar riff and sardonic lyrics.
Welcome back, boys.
I can't wait for the album.
See it, hear it
• Lou Barlow (US)
Thursday, January 21, at Chick's Hotel, Port Chalmers. Doors 8.30pm. Presales available from undertheradar.co.nz
The Chick's Hotel Magic Bus leaves Countdown Central at 8.30pm, University of Otago library at 8.35pm, returning to town after the show.
• Two Cartoons
Happiness Is Trouble album release show with support from Males.
Friday, January 22, Chick's Hotel, Port Chalmers. Doors 8.30pm.
The Chick's Hotel Magic Bus leaves Countdown Central at 8.30pm, University of Otago library at 8.35pm, returning to town after the show.
