Wherever you are this weekend, check your calendars to catch the diversified endtime ballads of Crippled Black Phoenix, the beautiful electro-grooves of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and the pummeling mid-tempo riffs of Pelican and Tombs.Thursday, April 2
Crippled Black Phoenix @ Beat Kitchen (Chicago)
Counting Portishead‘s Geoff Barrow among its many past and present contributors, the United Kingdom’s Crippled Black Phoenix creates what have been dubbed “endtime ballads.”
The sound is one of dark folk with dirty guitars, ominous effects, diversified vocals, and countless guest electro/acoustic contributions, leaning on the multi-instrumental prowess of Justin Greaves (former drummer of Electric Wizard). Imagine Mono, the Black Heart Procession, Rachel’s, Godspeed! You Black Emperor, and a tiny touch of Isis being swirled together.
Saturday, April 4
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ House of Blues Back Porch Stage (Chicago)
Combining elements of jazz, groove, rock, classical, and electronic music, Tulsa’s Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey presents a style of nü-jazz often associated with groups like Norway’s Jaga Jazzist. Yet the group’s sound remains highly unique, and now JFJO tours in support of Winterwood, its great new album that can be downloaded for free and that marked the final recording with long-time member Reed Mathis.
Sunday, April 5
Pelican, Tombs @ The Empty Bottle (Chicago)
A month and a half removed from the release of Winter Hours, its brutal new album, Tombs finishes a tour with some dates through the Midwest. The Brooklyn trio continues touring with Pelican, dirge metallists who hail from Chicago. Expect a lot of pummeling mid-tempo riffs and half-time breakdowns.