A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
[pictured] Tampa’s own purveyors and pioneers of death metal have been blasting and shredding since 1985, and enjoyed some minor commercial success (along with two other seminal Florida hardcore acts, Morbid Angel and Deicide) until their break-up in 1997. Obituary re-formed mostly intact in 2003 and has released three albums since then; their eighth and most recent, Darkest Day, hit shelves in June. 8 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $15.
Clock Hands Strangle w/Palantine/Alexander & the Grapes The vocals of lead singer Todd Portnowitz have been likened to those of Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock, though the Southern-fried psyche folk, prog rock and dissonant pop jazz of Clock Hands Strangle makes such pleasant harmony that it more than makes up for any lack of novelty. Guitar, bass and trombone notes twist and tumble over and around each other with slow ease, or are propelled by a fast-driving stomp. The Melbourne, Fla. fivesome dropped their second full-length, Distaccati, in June, had already released another three-song EP, Thou Crusty Batch of Nature, by August, and laid down four live tracks for a “Daytrotter Session” that appeared on the Daytrotter indie music site in November. This is a band on the rise; check them out while they’re still playing small venues. 9 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $7.
The 9 Music Series & Competition: The Finals w/Mogul Street Reserve/The Trio/Male Order Brides Preliminary rounds in October, November and December determined the bands that perform in this final face-off: prog rockers Mogul Street Reserve, funk rock three-piece The Trio, and bluesy garage rock foursome Male Order Brides. A panel of music-savvy locals (yours truly included) pick the winning band based on various criteria (material, performance, presentation, etc.). Morrissound awards $2,500 in total studio time to the top ranking winners – 10 hours for first place, five hours for second. A fan of one of these bands? Go out and support your favorite. 8 p.m., Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa, $5.
This article appears in Jan 6-12, 2010.