Akron/Family, Big D & The Kids Table, Ox, Subtle

AKRON/FAMILY
No one makes a squeaking chair sound quite as sweet as the men of Akron/Family. A year after Young God Records demigod Michael Gira (Swans, Angels of Light) discovered this foursome, he released their first self-titled album in March 2005. By constructing a dense musical atmosphere, the listener is immediately enveloped in Akron’s epic-sounding work. Their eclectic albums seamlessly weave traditional folk, bluegrass, gospel and ambient soundscapes to create a magnificently spastic opus. And the Brooklyn quartet exploits every instrument given to them. While their voices are their most prominent sound, Akron/Family incorporates synthesized whirls, syncopated handclaps, primitive grunts, frozen broccoli, cell phones, plastic wrap, jingling keys and other unconventional objects alongside more “standard” instrumentation. With dissonant four-part harmonies and mesmerizing melodies, Akron/Family creates a universe in which chaos and calmness easily coexist. (Appearing at Empty Bottle on March 9 & 10) –text: Amy Kaufman–photo: Deborah Samantha

BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE
Upbeat songs about drinking beer and partying. Loud horns. And guys from the Boston area. What do these things all have in common? They are the all-encompassing aspects of ska music and Big D and the Kids Table. Ska isn’t cool anymore you say? Well, Big D and the Kids Table are looking to change your outlook on that and bring ska back to the level it achieved when bands such as The Toasters ruled the rude boy world. Big D and the Kids Table are salted veterans of the music business, as they have been around for over 10 years and claim to play an average of 200 shows a year while still keeping everything DIY in the process. The band’s new album Strictly Rude will be released March 20 on their new label SideOneDummy Records, and singer David McWane promises one thing about the record: “It’s awesome.” (Appearing with Anti-Flag, Alexisonfire and Set Your Goals at Metro on March 16) –text: Hal Conick–photo: Joelle Andres

OX
Self-described as “Halloween crossed with Christmas Eve spent in a bus station diner”, Vancouver’s Ox may be more American than any of us — though in a decidedly Neil Young kind of way. While some of us lost touch with that crackle within the crunch of whatever alt-country music was meant to be, Ox was busy producing songs strung for scored leather seats found baking away in abandoned cars out in the death-ray Western sun. Cast through the warming glow of overdriven vintage tremolo, Ox touches upon those nerves and characters within ourselves that dare to pursue the untold basics of good vibrations. Any band that covers both Cheap Trick and Pink Floyd will get my attention for at least a minute, but these guys will keep you out past curfew. Not to worry if the tequila is soaking through your fake moustache. As long as your sunscreen is still working, country will be country and soul will be soul. And we’ll leave it at that. (Appearing with Majors Junction at Subterranean on March 11) –text: Kevin Klein

SUBTLE
Lex Records recording artists Subtle (starring Doseone & Jel of Anticon) have already encountered and overcome many an obstacle in their young career. Most recently, after the release of their latest effort, for hero : for fool, much of the band’s profits along with vital recording equipment and laptop were stolen while on tour. Vocalist/mastermind Dose bounced back with an impromptu portrait-for-donation project that turned out to be a rewarding experience and brought some much-needed funding back to the group. Further rewarding for Subtle is their current inclusion on the latest TV on the Radio tour dates. Both bands have taken their electronic roots to the next level with dazzling, high energy performances and it seems only right that they would join forces in rock club domination. Subtle, in particular, will be sure to bring their psyched-out, mini-rave antics to the masses once again — with painted skulls, plastic forks and future-bling to boot. (Appearing with TV on the Radio at Metro on March 12 & 13) –text: Mike Scales–photo: Terri Loewenthal