You’re back?
Does that mean you actually had a good opening night of Sled, perhaps enjoying some of the acts we recommended?
We did good?
You care?
No. Of course you don’t
It’s just algorithms, whatever the hell those are.
We get that.
And we’re fine with that.
Hits, baby! It’s all about the hits!
Anyhoo, night No. 2 is getting going and there is so much goodness to see, we’re just going to ignore your indifference and make a few suggestions anyway.
Here are 5 to see on a Thursday night.
Vagina Witchcraft (8 p.m. at Palomino, main floor)
What’s in a name? Well, a band by any other would still be a kickass, bombastic, ear bludgeoning experience. This Winnipeg doom crew, led by frontperson Kayla Fernandes, go for the throat with a sledgehammer of intensity. The Sled guide boasts that VW are “one of the heaviest acts at this year’s festival.” Hard to argue. Find out for yourself, if you like it heavy and loud.
Clea Anais (8:30 p.m. at Dickens)
A longtime collaborator with local acts Raleigh, Reuben and the Dark and Astral Swans, the artist has finally taken their step into the spotlight with this year’s solo debut Circle Zero, which is a lovely, dreamy and beautifully realized piece of vulnerable and confessional pop. If you missed them last night at the Dandy Taproom, make sure you catch the multi-talented performer in the somewhat less intimate setting of Dickens, where she’ll undoubtedly cover the room in warmth and wonder.
Built to Spill (10 p.m. at The Palace Theatre)
No brainer.
Sunglaciers (10:30 at Royal Canadian Legion Mo. 1, main floor)
This cool, cold-wave Calgary combo are fast making a name for themselves internationally, thanks to the recent release of the Chad VanGaalen-produced latest Subterranea. Distant and aloof, jittery and jagged, but also coyly seductive and melodically welcoming, the electro-rock four-piece find the groove and ride it out to its satisfying conclusion. Comparable to Preoccupations in both delivery and acclaim, see them now while they still call this city home.
Uranium Club (1 a.m. at Palomino, downstairs)
Riding a late ’70s post-punk vibe with a Pavement or Parquet Courts sensibility, this Minneapolis act are art-rock without the pretence. Smart, weird and rather wonderful — with a little bit of danceability thrown in for good measure — you’ll find yourself alternately bemused and amused, but utterly enchanted.
