Rarely is there a time when a handful of some of Cincinnati’s finest musician’s are hosting releases parties all on the same weekend.
First, there’s 500 Miles to Memphis. Led by a Cash/Ramone-like Ryan Malott, the country-punk outfit recently released the highly-anticipated/long-awaited We’ve Built Up to NOTHING, which sees the addition of a backing orchestra to their sound this time around. They’re taking over the entire Southgate House this Friday, with a big list of bands like the Kentucky Struts, duppy a jamba, Shotgun Lover, Underground Saints, De Los Muertos, Six Nights Alone, The Mudpies and Paul K. I’ve heard that over a hundred tickets have already been sold, but there should be plenty left at the door. A hundred tickets may not sound like much, but keep in mind that most people buy their tickets at the door. Get there early, as I’m expecting a couple hundred more to show up. Doors open at 8 pm and the music begins at 9 pm.
That very same night, at Covington’s Mad Hatter, the young seven-piece rap-rock band, Small Time Crooks, are releasing their second full-length album, along with metal/hardcore six-piece, I Am the Messenger, who are releasing their second EP, Humans. They’re bringing along their friends Pilot Around the Stars, Let It Happen, All Out Best and Conditional Comprimise. Again, here’s another show that should be packed wall to wall. Doors open at 7 pm and it’s only $5 to get in.
Lastly, there’s Pop Empire. They’re a duo that I’m still trying to figure out, because the songs from their debut EP, Rainy Child, jump back and forth from garage blues, to indie rock to electro-synth pop. The band consists of newcomer Henrie Wilson and longtime local musician and producer, Cameron Cochran. Cam’s done everything from the solo acoustic singer/songwriter thing (Diary, A Days is one of my all-time favorite local releases), to working in and with The Lion’s Rampant, to leading The Sheds on a short-but-sweet ride with Chris Haubner. After hearing these new songs, it should be quite interesting to see how they translate in the live setting.
And as if the show couldn’t get anymore interesting, it certainly does indeed. Not only will the Southgate House’s Art Gallery feature the work of local artists, who were inspired by the songs of Pop Empire, but both The Seedy Seeds and The Lion’s Rampant will be performing. Did I mention this show is taking place in the parlour? Yeah, that’s right. Get there early, not just to check out the artwork upstairs, but you’re going to want to grab a good spot up close, as I’m sure this room will fill up fast. The art show starts at 8:30 pm, and the music is scheduled to begin around 9:30 pm. $5 for 21 and up, $8 for 18-20.
Make sure to keep The Lion’s Rampant on your mind too. They’ll be releasing their highly-anticipated/long-awaited debut full-length, It’s Fun To Do Bad Things, on Saturday, March 13 at the Mockbee with The Guitars, DJ Gerald and DJ Iceburg.