Ever since Milwaukee rock outfit I'm Not a Pilot released its debut CD back in June, the band has become more active than ever on the local club scene.
The band -- which includes Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra cellist Peter Thomas -- performs Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Y-Not III with Milwaukee's Jeanna Salzer Band and Identity Crises Inc. Showtime is 10 p.m. and the cover is $5.
I'm Not a Pilot was launched as a creative outlet for songwriter Mark Glatzel, who added his brother Matt -- late of Stukenberg -- on bass and Matt's former band-mate Steve Vorass on drums. Not long after, Thomas was invited to sit in and that's when everything clicked, Matt Glatzel told me back when the EP came out.
"The energy of the four (of us) together in one room was electric," he recalls. "The invitation to sit in turned into a invitation to join the band."
The resulting sound is full, almost orchestral. Add in vocals that recall Freddie Mercury and Tom Chaplin and it's no surprise that I'm Not a Pilot's sound often earns comparisons to Queen and Keane.
The show is a release party for Salzer's latest disc, "Breaking Point." One track, "Take it All," has been garnering some local airplay.
Identity Crises Inc. is another Windy City outfit with a Wisconsin pedigree -- keyboardist Jay Barbeaux is a Badger. His band-mates come from warmer climes like Bolivia, Florida and Puerto Rico (and Chicago, but that's not especially warmer). These diverse roots give the band a globetrotting, world music sound. --Bobby Tanzilo
It's been a looooong time coming, but anything this good is worth the wait. The Decibully boys have officially set a date to release their amazing new album "World Travels Fast." Hang tight; it's not until Friday, Dec. 18 at the Bay View BrewHaus. But, there's a reason that we're talking about it this week: The Cactus Club hosts a Decibully listening party Wednesday, Dec. 2 with free downloads of the album available (with a tip jar, of course). And don't forget to look up or you might miss the band's videos playing throughout the night. The date also stands as an exciting launch for Listening Party, the new label created by two band-members. -- Julie Lawrence
The first time I saw Def Harmonic play, it was as an opener for RJD2 at what was then Onopa Brewing Company back in 2005. Since, I've seen their name connected to fashion shows, DJ events, and holiday parties all over town. But this weekend, its Dec. 5 show is dedicated solely to the music, in collaboration with Eyedea And Abilities and Themselves at the Cactus Club.
It's rare to find local hip-hop artists so melodic in their style, and even harder to find a female MC who can deliver lyrics with the strength and subtlety of Def Harmonic's Lunaversol9. Eyedea and Abilities, hailing from Minneapolis on the much coveted Rhymesayers Label, released its third album, "By the Throat," this year. See the band Saturday night starting at 10 p.m.--Maureen Post
And let's not forget:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals takes a break from recording its third record -- due for spring release -- to hit the road before the holidays arrive. The tour includes a stop at Turner Hall tonight (Monday, Nov. 30). Also on the bill is singer and songwriter Brett Dennen, who recently hit the studio with Forro In The Dark to record Brazilian-tinged versions of songs from his 2007 disc, "Hope for the Hopeless." He was also recently in the studio with none other than Thom Yorke.
The King Khan & BBQ Show -- one of the hard-workin' bands treading the boards of the underground R&B circuit -- rolls into Milwaukee for a dance fest frenzy at The Mad Planet on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Thursday, Dec. 3 finds Weezer back in town for a star-studded gig at The Rave with Jack's Mannequin and Motion City Soundtrack. Don't forget to bring your Weezer Snuggie (yes, there is a Weezer Snuggie).
Few bands in Milwaukee wielded the power-pop sledgehammer during the early 1990s as the Blow Pops, who are reuniting for a show Friday night at Shank Hall. Jeff Murphy of the Shoes and Ward open the 8 p.m. show. Cover charge is $10. Look for an interview with Blow Pop frontman Michael Jarvis later this week.
