Local Small Concert Review Thread?

[Frau_Blucher]

Would it be interesting at all to post about small local shows and small local bands that you may have seen? You never know when one of these guys might go large or if you're in town and might wanna check 'em out (or avoid!).

I was in Cambridge, MA last night at the Middle East Club (upstairs). They had an unextraordinary 4-band lineup headlined by The Hookups. OMG, avoid these guys at all costs. It was just horrible noise IMHO. I got an immediate sinking feeling when 5 young kids, almost all with too-young emerging pot-induced beer guts jumped on stage with 3 lead guitars, yelled for the mixer to turn up the echo all the way, and started singing into a bullhorn. Putrid.

But the band before them, a folk/rock duet called Chris & Aurore, were surprisingly fascinating. Chris had a perfect young Dylan aura and voice to him and some really soulful songwriting and expert acoustic guitar playing. Aurore supported on a second acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals. She was charming as all hell. If you're into this sort of Mazzy Star meets Bob Dylan sorta thing, I'd say check 'em out.

Chris & Aurore Site:
http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=26082