Lincoln’s the Whiskey Drinker’s Union releases its self-titled EP this Saturday at Zoo Bar (RSVP here). The six-track recording is the first proper release for the band — comprising guitarist/vocalist Patrick O’Donnell, drummer Alex Houchin, keyboardist David Baumann and bassist Mike Ferris — since it began performing under its current moniker in 2013.
Whiskey Drinker’s Union EP is a snapshot representation of the band’s uniting of roots, folk and classic rock influences. Frontman Patrick O’Donnell laments lost time in the folksy swaying jaunt “Coming Home,” and deplores his penchant for the easy path in “Low Fruit.” O’Donnell’s tales find a home in the electric-guitar driven country sound, ornamented by dancing keys and rolling drums. O’Donnell shows his lead guitar chops on the closing rock number “Wandering.”
In advance of the Saturday release show, hear the premiere of “Low Fruit” below.
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Footwork tracks can be spastic listening experiences, sewn together from myriad cut up samples. Likewise, the newest video from producer and Nebraska ex-pat Darren Keen mirrors that concept with a disorienting mashup of X-Files episodes.
“I Don’t Believe You Heard Me,” a single from Keen’s latest LP He’s Not Real, features an eerie mix of ascending jet noise and jumpy keys, which lay a bed for the track’s title repeated throughout. It’s made all the more edgy when combined with clips from the suspenseful television series.
See the video for “I Don’t Believe You Heard Me” below, debuted via Thump. He’s Not Real is out now on Ohio label Orange Milk Records. Darren Keen plays two shows in Nebraska next week, first at The Bourbon Sept. 10 (RSVP here) and then at O’:Leav
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HN contributor Teylor Bruno hit Sweatshop Gallery to see Montreal’s Homeshake with touring partner and fellow Canadians Sheer Agony. Omaha acts Lineman’s Rodeo and Little Ripple joined them on the billing. See Bruno’s photos below:
Little Ripple
Lineman’s Rodeo
Sheer Agony
Homeshake
— photos by Teylor Bruno
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Frequent HN contributor James Dean stopped by Duffy’s Tavern last night for a Dad’s Beer Night concert, featuring Omaha singer/songwriter Andrea Von Kampen, Lincoln folk trio Clay, Lincoln singer/songwriter Jacoby and jazz outfit Mesonjixx. See Dean’s photos below:
Andrea Von Kampen
Clay
Jacoby
Mesonjixx
— photos by James Dean
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Tonight, indie pop punk act Cayetana plays Slowdown with Omaha’s Bed Rest and Mint Wad Willy. Cayetana, the Philadelphia trio of Kelly Olsen, Allegra Anka and Augusta Koch, are currently on a nationwide tour, stopping in Omaha after playing Riot Fest Denver last weekend. It released debut LP Nervous Like Me in Sept. 2014 on Tiny Engines Records.
Omaha rock quartet Bed Rest saw a release of their own less than a week ago. Feel Better EP dropped Aug 27 independently, recorded with Bryce Hotz at Omaha’s Archetype recordings. Listen below. RSVP to the 8 p.m. front room show here.
Also tonight, O’Leaver’s hosts Michigan touring act Trancers with Graham Ulicny’s Thick Paint and Omaha’s Retirement. Trancers released the “Blink Out” single Aug. 5 on Quaddead Records. Retirement is the garage rock project of Simon Joyner, David Nance and Mike Marasco. RSVP to the 9 p.m. show here.
As always, head to our statewide calendar at hearnebraska.org/events for a fuller listing of shows. If you do not see your show or one you plan to attend, email us at news@hearnebraska.org, or add it yourself. And keep those song submissions, story ideas and news tips coming.