Artvoice: Buffalo's #1 Newsweekly
Home Blogs Web Features Calendar Listings Artvoice TV Real Estate Classifieds Contact
Previous story: Stars (Tuesday, April 1)
Next story: Lazlo Holyfield (March 28 at Nietzsche's)

Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes (Thursday, April 3)

BLITZEN TRAPPER, FLEET FOXES

Portland, Oregon’s Blitzen Trapper self-released two recordings before the critically acclaimed Wild Mountain Nation, which won praise from Pitchfork Media, Rolling Stone and ultimately Sub Pop, who re-released the album last summer. The sextet roams over country, folk, indie and elecrtro terrain, giving their music a spontaneous and unpredictable feel. At some points they hint at classic Pavement and Flaming Lips, while at other times invoking the cosmic cowboy country sound of the Grateful Dead. Although it is sometimes easy to spot their influences, they truly don’t sound like any other band. Touring with Blitzen Trapper is Seattle’s Fleet Foxes. Also recently signed to Sub Pop, Fleet Foxes has been a band to watch in 2008 as well. Although lumped in with groups such as Band Of Horses and My Morning Jacket, the band is much more folk influenced. Close to baroque chamber music, Fleet Foxes produces harmonies so celestial it can’t be ignored. The band is actually closer in spirit to Fairport Convention or Crosby, Stills and Nash than any of their contemporaries. Their recent EP, Sun Giant, received rave reviews, and a full length is on the way within the next few months. Opening is Roger Bryan, who is currently recording his second solo record.

—eric boucher

8pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E Mohawk St. (855-3931/mohawkplace.com). $8