Instead of drowning your post-spring-break sorrows in an over-priced $10 beer, take that cash and buy a ticket to see Titus Andronicus play at the SPACE Gallery Tuesday night.
The New Jersey band is headlining a show that will most definitely rule. Opening is Brenda, Portland’s celebrated indie-rock threesome, who were hand-picked last year for Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival, in addition to Dinowalrus, a psychedelic synth-punk band from Brooklyn.
Equal parts Black Flag and “Born To Run” era Bruce Springsteen, the band take their name from a virtually unknown and excessively violent Shakespearean tragedy. Since forming in 2005, the band have released two full-lengths: 2008’s “The Airing of Grievances” and the critically acclaimed 2010 album “The Monitor,” which was included in many year end lists including Rolling Stone and NPR.
Although largely associated with the indie-rock genre, both full-length releases contain traces of punk rock, lo-fi and shoegaze. Frontman Patrick Stickles’ wobbly-yet-passionate vocals are backed with anthematic guitar riffs and bombastic percussion. Booze, nihilism and hate are common lyrical themes.
Perhaps their philosophy is best summed up by the band’s Myspace biography: “Titus Andronicus like to scream and carry on at excessive volume. Titus Andronicus like songs which are fast more than songs which are slow. Titus Andronicus think slow songs are okay sometimes.”
Tuesday night’s show is sure to incite some rowdiness, as the band tends to transfer their nihilistic attitude to audience members during their chaotic live shows. If spontaneously dancing and losing all inhibitions won’t be an issue, doors open at 8 p.m. It’s an 18+ show, so leave the kids at home. Tickets are still available online or at the door the night of the show.
Here’s a bit of a taste of what to expect Tuesday night. Titus Andronicus “A More Perfect Union” from their 2010 critically acclaimed album “The Monitor:”