Tapes ‘n Tapes, with Howler and The Static Jacks / Brillobox / 09.19.2011 / 9:30 / $16

Words by Brendan

Yeah, what Jim said. It’s fall tour madness time and the great shows keep on coming. Indie-rockers Tapes ‘n Tapes are hitting the Brillobox a week from tonight and I sure am excited. The first concert I ever saw here in Pittsburgh was Tapes ‘n Tapes with Br’er Fox at Club Cafe. It was good times for sure, but I think my musical knowledge was still burgeoning and I didn’t quite appreciate it at the time, and I left early to catch a bus. I’m not doing that this time, though; I won’t miss a second of their quirky and tuneful indie rock goodies. And hey, lucky for you, my friend, we have TWO FREE TICKETS to give away! That’s right, we have tickets ‘n tickets to see Tapes ‘n Tapes. Oh yeah. I went there.

Tapes ‘n Tapes / Freak Out
Tapes ‘n Tapes / Cowbell
Howler / I Told You Once
The Static Jacks / Relief

If you Google around about Tapes ‘n Tapes, you’ll inevitably read something about their boom in popularity after self-releasing their debut, The Loon, thanks to internet hype. And you’ll probably read something about their major label follow-up being a disappointment, and maybe you’ll even read something about this year’s self-release, Outside, being some kind of lackluster return to form. But seriously, fuck that shit. In many ways, Tapes ‘n Tapes are a kind of poster child for the manner in which the fickle interwebz can somehow boost/limit a band’s popularity/sales/critical appeal. There’s no good reason for that. The Loon is a fantastic album, Walk It Off is a good album, and Outside is a great album. There’s no need to place them in some kind of hype-heavy context. Sorry, I’ve been reading too much Pitchfork today. Let’s be more positive and talk about why these albums are good.

Without knowing anything about their history, you might hear Outside in the way it should be heard: as an upbeat and offbeat indie rock record. You’ll hear elements of The Pixies (especially in the guitar melodies and occasional freakouts) and The Shins (especially in their inherent ear for unexpected hooks) and Pavement (especially in the vocals & lyrics). You’ll be caught up in the breezy island feel of “One In The World” only to realize it’s a plaintive yearning for love. You’ll dance along to the freaky “Freak Out”. You’ll mellow out during “Hidee Ho” and slowly build to an instrumental peak of guitar feedback. And you’ll tap your toes to the insistent percussion on closer “Mighty Loud” and reach the end and want to start it all again. Is it just me? I don’t think so. I won’t spend much verbiage on The Loon because it’s been written about so much out there, but just tell me you put on “Just Drums” and aren’t instantly hooked. It’s one of the better opening cuts I’ve ever heard. For real.

Tapes ‘n Tapes are touring with fellow Minneapolis natives Howler, who sound like they have a similar quirky, indie-rock vibe and should make for perfect touring partners for T ‘n T. Also playing are The Static Jacks, bringing some punky rock vibes along to round out the evening. This is going to be a rockin’ Monday night, that’s for sure, folks. So, yeah yeah yeah, you know, all of the usual stuff: leave a note on our Facebook wall, @ us on Twitter (with the hashtag #tapespgh), or send me an email to enter the contest! Just say “I’m Loony for Tapes ‘n Tapes!” or “Tapes ‘n Tapes are the one in my world!” or the like. It really doesn’t matter. We’ll pick a winner (at random) on Friday morning and let you know who the lucky guy/gal is!

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Buy tickets for this show: Online / Call 412.621.4900 / Brillobox website

Tapes ‘n Tapes on the web: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Insound
Howler on the web: Website / Facebook / Twitter
The Static Jacks on the web: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Insound

Filed under: Live Music, Ticket Giveaway