p class=maintext>Last week I was treated to three nights of music, with two here and one in Columbus. Lots of great performances in that bunch: Woody Whatever continuing to exhibit amazing songwriting along with a stage presence that improves every show; Dragline Bros. sounding as tight and powerful as ever; Columbus' The Husher displaying stunning virtuosity and generally rocking harder than most; Shotgun for Royalty overcoming technical difficulties in Columbus to put on a fabulous show.
One disappointment was Untamed Pony, who dealt with some equipment failure and presented less energy than I'm used to seeing from them. No doubt they will be back on top of their game at their next show, Saturday at The Union.
Now for this week's guaranteed picks: Wailin' Elroys, The Black Labs, Dragline Bros.; 10 p.m. Friday; Casa Cantina, 4 W. State St. - This is a birthday celebration for the Elroys' Bram Riddlebarger and The Black Labs' Matt Harvey, who also happens to be the go-to guy for booking at Casa.
The Wailin' Elroys skillfully keep alive the ghost of hillbilly juke-joint music, giving you plenty of twang for your buck. The group has toured Europe in support of its albums Route 33 and Cheap Motel
out on Germany's Rhythm Bomb Records. But they make their home right here in Athens, despite their increasingly rare public appearances within the city limits.
The Black Labs are the newest product of the Athens rock primordial soup that finds musicians playing in seemingly dozens of bands with one another. They feature members of Geraldine, Dropdead Sons, the Makebelieves and the Snails performing hipster blues.
Kicked off by what is sure to be another fine set from Bram's former band, the Dragline Bros. (fronted by his brother Seth), this promises to be a rootsy, rollicking night.
The Arch Villains, Ease the Medic, Melty Melty, Rat Brains; 10 p.m. Friday; The Union, 18 W. Union St. - Few bands in Athens are more foreboding than the Arch Villains and their two-bass attack. Still, the terrifying trio seems to have broad appeal, performing not only with fellow metal bands such as Skeletonwitch, but also with acts such as Melty Melty. The duo, also members of Columbus indie mainstays Kopaz, will be making the debut performance of its tasty art pop.
Melty Melty's friends from Columbus' We Want Action label, Ease the Medic, is also on the bill. Their music is a nostalgia trip straight from the 90s. It reminds me of post-hardcore/emo shows I would occasionally check out in high school, and I mean that in the best way possible. A lot of folks would be into this music, so it's worth your while to give it a spin.
Also gracing The Union stage (and this column) once again is Rat Brains, a band that's making a name for itself by playing out nearly every week. Come see what the fuss is all about.
Southeast Engine, Captain of Industry, Joe Anderl and the Universal Walkers; 9 p.m. Saturday; The Front Room, Baker University Center - The three acts with albums out on Dayton's BettaWreckonize Media, including label head Anderl, will show off their diverse skill set at The Front Room on Saturday.
Headlining is the glorious Southeast Engine, known for putting on a fine show at The Front Room. Last April they played one of their best ever here, which they just might reprise Saturday, invigorated by an influx of new material. If they're smart, though, they'll never stop playing Where Are You Now?
Dayton's Captain of Industry is the best-known band at this showcase, having toured the country with New York's The Slackers. Their newest album, The Great Divide released on fellow Dayton label Do Tell Records, is more of the same from them, which means propulsive rhythms, sleek harmonies, off-kilter chord changes and plenty of pop sensibility.
Anderl and his band likely will begin the night, returning to the site of their wonderful performance early this quarter. A new record, Love and Media is on its way in spring, and the group has been performing songs from it during recent trips to Athens. Get there early to listen if you can manage it.
-Chris DeVille is a Post contributing editor. Send him an e-mail at cd252802@ohiou.edu.
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