Concert picks
By Julie Garisto
Published January 4, 2008
Palantine vs. Lukali: Farewell to Scott Show
With the Beauvilles and Super Secret Best Friends
FRIDAY 9 p.m. New World Brewery, 1313 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City. $6. (813) 248-4969.
It's a bittersweet night for Palantine and Lukali bassist Scott Becker. He's relocating to Portland, Ore., for a job transfer, and his mellow and sweet-smiley demeanor will be missed by many Tampa-St. Pete music scenesters. Vinnie Cosentino, Brian Johnson and Becker have played in Lukali since 1994, and they formed the Taxi Driver-inspired Palantine two years ago. Both acts rock with hummable melodies and catchy beats, but distinguish themselves through Lukali's more frequent and fluid chord changes and Palantine's fuzzy and forceful quasi-garage attack. The guys switch off instruments and play tunes from both band's catalogs for the first, and most likely, last time. Openers the Beauvilles also have been around since the mid-'90s, going from a lounge-y pop act to an assertively modern rock band with its own variations going on.
Earth Bombs Mars
FRIDAY 9 p.m. Kelly's Pub, 206 Morgan St., Tampa. Free. (813) 228-0870.
They're not out to destroy the universe, just rock your world a little. The psychedelic folk rock outfit led by longtime Tampa Bay musician Rich Whiteley has received good word of mouth for its laid-back shows.
The Draft
With Young Livers, TimVersion and New Bruises
SATURDAY 9 p.m. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City. $9. 18 and older admitted. (813) 241-8600.
The vapors of a legendary '90s Gainesville band continue to infiltrate the psyche of both older and younger punk DIY listeners. Hot Water Music's Jason Black, George Rebelo and Chris Wollard (everyone but frontman Chuck Ragan, who has his own solo thing) join guitarist Todd Rockhill (Black Cougar Shock Unit and Discount) to form the Draft and continue their predecessor's unique brand of catharsis and singalong-ability - but with a new, more accessible flair. We predict that Young Livers, another No Idea band from Gainesville, will be named Old Toothless Drunks in the year 2050. For now, the aggressive and catchy punk band comes at you with a dual-guitar attack and healthy sense of humor. Two of Tampa's best and longest-standing punk bands lend support, making for a super-tight and energetic show.
Moses Mayfield
SUNDAY 8 p.m. Orpheum, 1902 Republica de Cuba Ave., Ybor City. $5, Ybor City (813) 248-9500.
Birmingham, Ala., quintet Moses Mayfield is a fairly new and young major label act, influenced by Peter Gabriel, Pearl Jam and U2. If you're looking for an un-trendy, pleasant, middle-of-the-road band with sincere vocals, then this is your Saturday night show. The line-up includes a new guitarist, Dave Taylor.
Limey's Singer-Songwriter Showcase
Featuring Dean Johanesen, Acho Brother and Chucky Luv
TUESDAY 10 p.m. Limey's Pub, 1492 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Free. (941) 744-5133.
An early workweek treat brought to you by Dean Johanesen of Bradenton's Human Condition. Three male singer-songwriters perform continuous sets, sitting in with one another and playing off the crowd. Each one pens personal ballads conveyed with poetry and a raw edge. Added touches include the bilingual Latin spice of Acho Brother, a.k.a. Hector Mayoral.
Editors
With Louis XIV and Hot Hot Heat
WEDNESDAY 7 p.m. Jannus Landing, 16 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. $17. (727) 896-1244.
Gear up for '80s-inspired pop that'll have folks shimmying in the courtyard. Birmingham, England's Editors support their contradictorily titled An End Has a Start with subtly dynamic and accessible keyboard-guitar dance rock. The band's singer, Tom Smith, recalls Echo and the Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch. (Funny enough, back in the day, McCulloch was accused of ripping off Jim Morrison. Hmm.) Louis IV sounds and looks British but isn't. The San Diego dudes perform raunchy, frenetic pop with the snotty swagger of rockers who tear up hotel rooms and wear sunglasses indoors. Vancouver's Hot Hot Heat returns with its danceable hodgepodge of rock and new wave.
Dresden Dolls
With win win Winter
THURSDAY 8 p.m. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. $20. (813) 274-8982.
Tampa's most lavish and historic landmark is a perfect setting for the Boston duo Dresden Dolls, who perform piano-driven cabaret pop decorated by dark theatrics and Gothic overtones. It might remind you of smoky German cavern bars circa World War II or, better yet, Tori Amos directed by Tim Burton. Clearwater's triple-dubya boys open for their second national headliner. The less-than-a-year-old quintet offers a wide breadth of talent beyond its collective 20-something age and idiosyncratic charms untraceable to any particular setting or fashion trend.
Also Playing
Buffalo Strange Fri. 8 p.m. Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. $7. (813) 971-0666.
Poetry 'N Lotion Sat. 9 p.m. With Have Gun, Will Travel. Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E Davis Blvd., Tampa. $5. (813) 251-2748.
Soular System Sat. 8 p.m. Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa. $7.
Poco Sat. 8 p.m. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. $32 VIP, $29 advance, $32 day of show. (727) 587-6793.
Marx Revolution Sun. With Matt Turner, The Cheapshots, Mr. Davis, and Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. 6 p.m. Transitions Art Gallery at the Skatepark of Tampa. $5. (813) 382-3477.
Dark Romantics Thurs. with the Winter Sounds and Pseudo Heroes. 9 p.m. New World Brewery, 1313 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City. $6. (813) 248-4969.