FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
Dax Riggs at the Larimer Lounge
It took almost three years for Dax Riggs to release a proper followup to 2007's We Sing of Only Blood or Love. Last year's Say Goodnight to the World is an entirely louder and more menacing affair than Love -- if that's possible -- echoing Roy Orbison, the Stooges, Julian Cope and Deep Purple at various turns. In between records, Riggs planted himself firmly in Austin and began touring almost incessantly with bands like Queens of the Stone Age. His previous shows in Denver have earned him more and more fans, and his past work with projects such as Acid Bath and Deadboy & the Elephantmen has attracted diverse crowds and nurtured newfound devotees, as evidenced by this two-night stand at the Larimer, which culminates tonight.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at The Fillmore
Pink Floyd laser light shows have long been the butt of many a joke, but if you haven't experienced it at least once, you can't really call yourself a fan. This Friday, one of the biggest of its kind is at the Fillmore, ready and waiting for your altered mind. Doors are at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $35 and the show is all ages.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
Cymbals Eat Guitars at the hi-dive
Cymbals Eat Guitars came by their name honestly, as often times the epic intensity of their music literally sounds like the cymbals are eating their guitars. Filled in with melodic harmonies and complimentary soft/loud variety, you can't not pay attention to the pictures their tracks paint. Hooray for Earth, who shares this bill, keeps the atmosphere alive with their intricate, technology-infused rock, and are a perfect match to open for the headliner. Immerse yourself in the magic at the hi-dive at 8:00 p.m. for $10, $12 day of show. Admission is 21+.
Howard Jones at the Summit Music Hall
Within a year of getting his start in the early '80s, Howard Jones performed on Top of the Pops and subsequently garnered a record deal that resulted in the 1984 release of his debut album, Human's Lib. While he wasn't quite an overnight sensation, his career took off quickly, and his first album made him a pop star with a single in the John Cusack vehicle Better Off Dead. Then, with the success of 1985's Dream Into Action and the hit song "Things Can Only Get Better," he became something of an '80s music icon. His mixture of melodic soulfulness, buoyant yet atmospheric synth work and warmly charismatic stage presence set Jones apart from many of his contemporaries. Catch him playing his first two albums in their entirety at the Summit as he proves that he's still got it. Tickets for the show are $28, $35 day of show. Doors are at 7:00 p.m. and the show is all ages.
Anyone trying to guess Boris's influences would have a hard time doing so just from listening to one song off of one album. And it's not just because of the sheer diversity of the band's songwriting, but rather the ways in which the trio puts together sounds in what seems to be a spirit of true experimentation. Whether forging crushing, doomy guitar chords with an expansively blissful sound -- like Jesu doing an early Verve cover, as on 2005's Pink -- or eerie space-doom-crust as heard on Vein, or whatever flavor Boris favors at the moment, the music is never boring, even when the band puts out eyebrow-raising material like the EP it did with Ian Astbury of the Cult. Similar to classic iconoclastic Japanese psych bands such as Les Rallizes Denudés, Boris follows a unique and unwavering vision of sonic catharsis. The show is at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $15, $17 day of show.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
Roger Daltry at 1STBANK Center
A classic rock legend, with a voice bigger than life, performing a classic album -- one of the most lauded rock operas of all time about that deaf dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball -- and other Who classics with Simon Townshend (Pete's brother) on guitar. Need we say more? The show is at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $40.50-$126.00.
Hawthorne Heights at the hi-dive
It's a bit stunning to see a band like Hawthorne Heights who once chalked up the fastest-selling debut on Victory Records go from playing large venues to playing places the size of the hi-dive. Needless to say, this should prove to be a very intimate show and the price is definitely right. Tickets are $10, $12 day of show. Doors are at 5:30 and the show is 16+
