IndianGiver — Plafond EP
Various artists — Never Give Up: Celebrating 10 Years of The Postal Service
Big Worm — Bench All-Stars
Code 22 — Going Soft: The Acoustic Album!
Eureeka — Polysynthetic Fields
I’m a little embarrassed to say this was my first Defining Times show
(especially after quoting the prolific (and super-friendly) Chase Kerby in my
advance of the Buffalo Lounge’s SXSW activity. I’m not embarrassed however, to
declare that they’ve quickly shot up to the top of my shortlist of favorite new
local bands, right alongside Horse Thief.

Kerby and company (I recognized Zach Zeller of The Non and a handful of other
bands, as well as drummer Alberto Roubert) handle The Pixies loud-soft-loud
formula expertly, commanding a trio of muscular guitars with a sort of nimble
dexterity exhibited by professional circus performers.
There’s a ton of skill
between the three guitar players — especially Zeller, the dude’s solo makes
listeners look up at the sky like they’re expecting a swift armageddon — that
serves as foundation for Kerby’s charisma, showmanship (bonus points for
breaking out the violin bow on the guitar, dude!), and contrasting lighter
vocals. It’s a winning combination. Looking forward to their first full-length, as well as the freebie EP Kerby hooked me up with.