Ugly Purple Sweater - Velvet Lounge - 2013-03-16
Aaah I'm getting slower with updating this. My intention is to write *something* about every single show I go to (and also to go to lots of shows, because music is one of the best things in life).
Three bands played Saturday Night at the Velvet Lounge. First up were The NRIs. I'd heard of them several times before, and actually am acquainted with their keyboard player. Their set was solid, sort of poppy rock music. A lot of their tunes would fit in really well with late-90's alternative radio, before the invention of Nu-Metal, when Cake and Counting Crows and Barenaked Ladies were all in their prime... Which isn't music I am typically into. A lot of their songwriting wasn't terribly adventurous, though when they did go out on a limb a bit it was pretty good and I definitely have to say this band is tight and has their shit together.
The second band was The Fire Tapes. They were the least poppy of the night's three acts. Their music was a bit more ethereal (as much as you can be with distorted guitars) and shoegazy, I think I heard hints of Blonde Redhead and My Bloody Valentine in there. It was a weird fit for the mood of the night, but I definitely liked it.
Finally, Ugly Purple Sweater. I've seen them a couple times before. Their songwriting is smart, poppy without being saccharine, and just generally well put-together. There's not too much to say about them other than, if you haven't checked them out yet, you ought to.
