Every fall, Oxford’s music venues assemble their schedules for the semester and create the ultimate game of BINGO. Each new show announcement fills a spot on the calendar with either a hit or a miss. This semester, among some definite misses, a few glimmering gems make paying for local tickets worthwhile.
Hoops – Sept. 12 – Proud Larry’s
Hoops comes to Proud Larry’s early this semester to deliver a performance one could only hope is as colorful and energetic as its music. As a signee of Fat Possum Records, Oxford is not unfamiliar territory to Hoops, and its latest release under the label displays a retro, synth-heavy style that has potential to translate into a really fun show. Bring on the neon, folks, because you are in for an indie, ’80s dance-a-palooza. So. Much. Reverb.
The Weeks – Sept. 15 – The Lyric Oxford
Although an appearance by this Mississippi-native rock band has become something of a standard each semester, it’s a show that continues to deliver. It’s almost an overwhelming stereotypical caricature of what a rock show is expected to be: big amps, long hair and flailing dance movements mimicking a seizure, but that’s what makes it so awesome. There are very few acts in the nation that deliver the real energy of a true, raw, Southern rock performance, and it’s something that The Weeks is clearly not ready to compromise.
Russ Liquid Test- Oct. 11- Proud Larry’s
Based solely on the music released by this group, the level of artistry they will bring to Oxford will be impressive, to say the least. The group out of New Orleans has successfully melded its funk roots with the new sound offered by electronic production. Deeply conceptual and intricately modeled, Russ Liquid Test’s recorded work definitely indicates an impressive live performance.
COiN – Oct. 18 – The Lyric Oxford
Things are about to get so indie up in here! The Lyric always makes sure to please the hipsters of Oxford each semester, and this year, COiN will fill the void in your indie soul. This is a very talented, up-and-coming group out of Nashville, and I cannot stress enough just how hipster this group is. Button those top buttons, folks – it’s time to drink kombucha and bob your heads pretentiously.
