Critic's Choice

Philadelphia's Bardo Pond, Wednesday, November 17, at the 15th St. Tavern, creates a big noise, wall-of-sound schizophrenia that you can withstand without nurturing a bottle of Thorazine. Unlike most of its peers in the genre, the self-taught ensemble does not get lost in its improvisations. On Set and Setting, its latest release, the undulating polyrhythms of drummer Joe Culver and bassist Clint Takeda set an ebb-and-flow foundation for the cross-current guitars of brothers John and Michael Gibbons. Coupled with Isobel Sollenberger's hauntingly seductive lyrics, Set and Setting brings to mind Sonic Youth's classic Sister and many of Glenn Branca's inventions. The band's offerings are often anxious and pounding; other times they linger as a residue of sounds. Ultimately, Bardo Pond creates an exhausting cacophony that, if you are willing to embrace it, can be exhilarating in thought and expression. -- Mike Engstrom

 
My Voice Nation Help
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Sun
    19
  • Mon
    20
  • Tue
    21
  • Wed
    22
  • Thu
    23
  • Fri
    24
  • Sat
    25
Denver Event Tickets
©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Denver / Boulder

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city