10 Must-See Fall Concerts

This fall is looking pretty promising for shows in Milwaukee. There’s some awesome stand-up, interesting novelties and even a few freebies here and there. With so much going on and so much to keep track of, TCD has put together a list of the 10 must-see concerts happening in our city this fall.

Field Report CD Release: September 1 at Linneman’s

Field Report’s Christopher Porterfield will be performing an intimate solo set at Linneman’s on Sept. 1, in celebration of the release of their debut full length, which has already racked up some pretty impressive press from Rolling Stone and Uncut. Also appearing will be Old Earth and Aero Flynn, and admission includes a copy of the album. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

 

Swans and Xiu Xiu: September 22 at Shank Hall

My Bloody Valentine’s 2008 reunion show in Chicago takes the cake as the loudest show I’ve ever seen, but if there’s going to be a contender, Swans’ upcoming show at Shank Hall (nice work, Peter) has got to be up there. The uncompromisingly innovative post punk group were active from the early 80s into the late 90s, and as of 2010 have reformed, continuing to bludgeon audiences with their volume and power. Also appearing are comrades in confrontation Xiu Xiu. More info available at Shank Hall’s website.

 

Mission of Burma and Wereworm : September 26 at Shank Hall

Mission of Burma’s Vs. and Signals, Calls and Marches are both highly regarded as post punk classics. Since their reformation in 2002, the band has added Electrical Audio engineer/Shellac bassist Bob Weston to the lineup, and have since released four more albums. The band will take the stage at Shank Hall on Sept 26, with Milwaukee’s Wereworm making a rare live appearance.

 

Dirty Projectors and Unknown Mortal Orchestra: September 30 at the Pabst Theater

Dirty Projectors’ Bitte Orca was easily one of the best albums of 2009, serving as that perfect soundtrack to the summer. Now, the band returns with Swing Lo Magellan, further exploring (or de-constructing) the influences found in their previous work. Originally scheduled for earlier this summer, the Brooklyn based six-piece will be appearing at Turner Hall Ballroom on Sept. 30, with Unknown Mortal Orchestra opening. Further information can be found online at the Pabst Theater website.

 

Latest Flame Records Ten Year Anniversary Shows : October 5 and 6 at the Cactus Club

For the last ten years, Latest Flame Records has been the home of everyone from Milwaukee’s IfIHadaHifi to Chicago’s Troubled Hubble and Portland’s System and Station. Commemorating the label’s ten year anniversary, Cactus Club will be hosting two nights of shows on Oct. 5 and 6, featuring older alumni like the Gunshy as well as more recent acts like Animal Lover. Further information can be found at the Cactus Club website.

 

Beach House : October 10 at The Pabst Theater

With 2012’s Bloom garnering some very positive press, Beach House will take the album on the road this fall, making a stop in Milwaukee at the lovely Pabst Theater. The album finds the duo moving further into the territory explored on their previous release, 2010’s Teen Dream, incorporating more drums and additional instrumentation into the mix. For more info, visit the Pabst Theater’s website.

The xx : October 21 at the Pabst Theater

London trio the xx make their Milwaukee debut this October, bringing their dark and synth-y brand of indie rock to the Pabst Theater. Their debut album was one of the most talked about releases of 2009, and its followup Coexist is one of the most anticipated of this year. All ticket sales come with a free download of the new album, and this one is likely to sell out, so act fast! More info can be found here.

 

David Bazan plays Control : November 7 at the Cactus Club

Pedro the Lion’s brand of musically patient and lyrically intense indie rock captured audiences from the late 90s into the early 2000s, and their 2002 concept album Control is widely considered to be the band’s crowning achievement. While Bazan has continued to visit many of the albums tracks in his live sets, he will be performing the album in its entirety for the first time ever, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the album’s release. Details can be found at the Cactus Club’s website.

 

King Tuff and Gap Dream : November 9 at the Cactus Club

If you were one of the lucky 100 or so people to catch King Tuff’s at capacity show at Quarters earlier this summer then you need no convincing. The show was a loud and sweaty good time, and I am confident that Tuffy and Co. will bring it just as hard at the Cactus Club on Nov. 9. More info can be found at the Cactus Club’s website.

 

Nada Surf : Dec 7 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Indie pop trio Nada Surf makes their return to Milwaukee in support of their most recent release “The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy”, appearing at Turner Hall Ballroom on Dec. 7. Previously known for their mid 90s Buzz Bin hit “Popular”, Nada Surf have continued to release solid records over the last two decades. Tickets and further info available here.

Follow Sahan Jayasuriya on Twitter at @sahanicyouth