What To See This Week
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
The American Analog Set The Austin-based quintet isn’t breaking up. They recently told fans there were no plans to dismantle the group but that the band members were busy pursuing other interests, so this is their last tour. While hoping this isn’t the beginning of a nasty celebrity divorce, smart money is buying a ticket to at least one of AmAnSet’s shows this weekend. In September the band released its fifth album and its first for the Arts and Crafts label, “Set Free.” Though there is little new territory explored, the record does highlight the band’s strengths and reveals its considerable charms on subsequent listenings. AmAnSet’s songs are the gentlest of highs, filled with sweet and shimmering melodies, and singer Andrew Kenny delivers his inward-peering lyrics in an arresting whisper. Friday at Southpaw (125 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-230-0236), Saturday and Sunday at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston Street, 212-260-4700).
– Kevin Lam
Amandine As Montreal solidifies its status as host to the new indie rock scene, an even colder place, Scandanavia, continues churning out new pop bands and mind-blowing underground outfits as well. On the heels of Dungen comes Amandine, with a twee debut, “This Is Where Our Hearts Collide” (Fat Cat), released today. Amandine replaces irony with melancholy while it prepares to ride the Swedish craze wave. Friday at Northsix (66 N. 6th Street, Brooklyn, 718-599-5103).
Earth Earth emerged on the Seattle scene during the early and mid-1990s and recorded for Sub Pop, but it wasn’t a grunge band. Though no one knew how to classify its sludgy, slow-motion drone metal back then, it didn’t take long for imitators to crop up. Earth has changed since then, but today it’s hard to overestimate the band’s influence on grunge and what followed. They returned from a long absence this year with “Hex” (Southern Lord), an impressively haunting postrock album. Saturday at Knitting Factory (74 Leonard Street, 212-219-3132).
Also, Willie Nelson and Ryan Adams on Thursday at the Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway, 212-496-7070); Animal Collective (w/ Excepter) on Sunday at Webster Hall (125 E. 11th Street, 212-353-1600); Echo & the Bunnymen on Sunday at Irving Plaza (17 Irving Place, 212-777-6800); Patti Smith & U2 on Monday at Madison Square Garden (4 Penn Plaza, 212-244-7045).
– Kolby Yarnell