Deerhunter opened their fall tour at Cat’s Cradle Saturday night. The tour promotes their new album Halcyon Digest, released just two weeks ago on September 28th.

The welcome from the eclectic Cradle crowd was almost as warm as the distorted melodies to come. The group methodically made their way through the set, while frontman Bradford Cox kept the mood relaxed by joking with the crowd between songs. (He jokingly claimed one of his guitars was hand made by his friend’s dad. If it’s true – thank you, Bradford Cox’s friend’s dad!)

Deerhunter’s music has been described as “ambient punk” which is a pretty spot on description. It’s not as sleepy as ambient, nor is it as jarring as punk. It sits confidently in the middle.

All in all the show gave me a much-welcomed sense of both excitement and relaxation. To me, Deerhunter is the musical equivalent to “Icy Hot” – Distorted noise to dull the pain, warm melodies to relax it away.

On Thursday night Suckers rolled into town with Menomena to play at the Cat’s Cradle.  Photographer Elisabeth Vitale was there!

Gayngs played at The Cat’s Cradle on Wednesday night to a totally stoked crowd, rounding out their tour to promote their debut album Relayted.  Check out the photo gallery below!

Oh, and Fend was lucky enough to catch Justin Vernon at the piano later that night at a bar down the street…

Photos by Elisabeth Vitale

Pinhook, on West Main Street, hosted a benefit for the worthy label this past Saturday.  Here’s what the night looked like.

Midtown Dickens rockin’ out with their bluegrassy delightfulness.

Mount Moriah. Definitely worth checkin out.

John Darnielle from The Mountain Goats played solo.  I think Darnielle summed it up when he said, “On any given night being in Durham, North Carolina is the best thing in the world.”

Summertime is well on it’s way in North Carolina with the heat refusing to let up, but this didn’t stop the masses from coming out to enjoy some of their favorite local bands this past Thursday night on the rooftop of the Rosemary street parking garage in Chapel Hill.  Beers from the Carolina Brewery were passed around, sandals were tossed to the side, and the crowds were soaking in the music.

Ryan Gustafson and his crew started the night off.  The open air was filled with brilliantly moody melodies rooted deeply yet possessing a sort of grace that softened the somewhat secretively hidden yet dark lyrics. Ryan’s band is part of the Drughorse Collective, a group of local musicians whose members mingle and mix including Max Indian, Light Pines, The Love Language, among others.  The collaborations all possess their own strengths but  I want to say thank you to the fact that we get to hear Ryan’s incredible vocals as he pulls on the heartstrings of all in ear’s length.  Ryan explained that he started this project because “this was me learning to write music”, and it’s obvious he’s on to something.

Ryan Gustafson will be playing a show in August (check his myspace for details) and is also a part of the Hopscotch Music Festival in September.

At this point in the evening the sun had set, the breeze had set in, which only meant conditions were perfect for the headliner, The Old Ceremony and the fans were psyched to get them on stage and it’s clear why.  Each member seems to be made for each other, with each part being distinct and feeling almost freeform yet completely controlled and together. It’s apparent that these guys have been playing together awhile.  Their music gathers from a wide range of styles and sounds, from post modern pop to hard blues rock and the guys can more than jive with all of it.  Django, the lead vocalist/guitarist, has a voice of true power.  Whether ballad or  a heavy up-tempo, his voice is solid and never seems forced. Honestly, after listening to songs like “Reservations” and “Get to Love” you will have surely developed a new music crush.

The Old Ceremony has a new album coming out titled Tender Age and will be having their release party at the Cat’s Cradle September 17th.  Check them out and I’ll see you there!

Check out ” Ad Rads” newest single “I Heart California.”

Check her out on Monday, May 9th!!!

The Plyamorous Affair release their first diddy off their self-titled sophmore album.   White Hot Magic, falls right in line with the rest of their tracks minimal lyrics, and a badass beat on repeat.  Some how they still remain catchy and fun, perfect for background party tunes.

THE POLYAMOROUS AFFAIR – WHITE HOT MAGIC from Charlie Rose on Vimeo.