Milwaukee’s concert scene has a lot going on, so we look at the shows coming up to find the ones you’ll look back on and be glad you went. Then we add them to our weekly Milwaukee Concert Picks.
You may have heard Vacancy Chain’s “Just Once” on 88Nine; the Milwaukee x Chicago band released the song as part of their latest full-length album, Count The Stars, and its jangle-rock sound fits right in the pocket of ’90s-sounding artists like R.E.M., James and Camper Van Beethoven.
With the addition of ’60s-style backing harmonies, Vacancy Chain lays claim to one of the more interesting rock ‘n’ roll sounds on the scene, leaning strongly on melody while wrapping it fully in fuzz. Band leader Ashley Altadonna cut their teeth in Milwaukee bands like The Glacial Speed and New Blind Nationals. She knows how to properly scuzz things up with a little guitar, charm with confessional lyrics and wrap it all up with a powerful voice.
Expect to dance from start to finish when Vacancy Chain plays with Shannon Candy, Full Nude and Fuzzbox DJs at Cactus Club this Saturday, Jan. 6.
More shows worth a go
- Jan. 4: Ulna w/Apollo Vermouth, Haunter @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Jan. 5: Superglue w/The Nile Club, North Warren, Human Ant Farm @ X-Ray Arcade, 6 p.m.
- Jan. 6: Albert Lee @ Anodyne on Bruce, 7 p.m.
- Jan. 7: Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken@ The Pabst Theater, 7 p.m.
- Jan. 7: Deadelijk: An Afternoon of Grateful Dead Improv Jams @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 4 p.m.
