June 30th: Geographer, Jared Mees, and Photons at Hemlock Tavern

This was quite the show.

Ethereally addictive with a spiritual pop positivity that cannot be ignored, Geographer offers music working at it’s best: well crafted, commanding without commandeering your ear canals with superfluous noise, and just plain smooth. Their music makes me want to have a one-woman dance party in my room. 

As for Jared Mees, I’m copping-out and letting NPR explain the man.

July 1st: Red Cortez, These United States, and EFFT at Hemlock Tavern

Show starts around 9 pm and will empty your pockets of $7; sorry kiddies, this one’s 21 and older, please.

Sultry in an off-kilter, devil-may-care way, with a spontaneous energy driven by intelligence, Red Cortez (previously known as The Weather Underground) is possibly the best band I’ve heard in months; in fact, I haven’t been this excited by a band since I heard The White Stripes for the first time. Yeah…that’s right. This is what most post punk garage bands aspire to be but never quite attain, which makes this is a MUST SEE SHOW! I will not take any excuses for your absence if you live in or remotely near the Bay Area. 

Also on tap for the night is the ever delightful These United States: