©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Life & Arts

Japanese guitarists, glam rockers and dirty DJs

by CHRISTIAN OCHOA and RUTHIE RODRIGUEZ
The Daily Cougar 

It's finally here: sweet vacation. 

And with much more time on your hands and fewer responsibilities to attend to, it's time to celebrate. Though the standard house parties and basking in the sun are Spring Break mainstays, consider taking in some live music on your week off. 

Deerhoof at Numbers on Saturday

Deerhoof will make reeking like smoke and sweat after the show worth it.

The female-fronted San Francisco-based experimental rock trio is known for its unconventional song structures, lyrics and rhythms. Songs range from highly energetic pieces to more subtle yet equally interesting offerings. 

Deerhoof's sound oscillates from indie and noise rock to creative improvisation. The band includes John Dietrich on guitar, Satomi Matsuzaki's child-like lead vocals and bass guitar work, and Greg Saunier on drums. Tickets are $12 at the door. For more information, visit www.numbersnightclub.com.

Tetuzi Akiyama at the Live Oak Friends Meeting House on Sunday

Tokyo-based guitarist, violist and instrument maker Tetuzi Akiyama is known for his notable use of silence in his performances.

Even though Akiyama's guitar pieces are highly experimental and feature improvisation and noise, his playing still retains a folk and blues-tinged sound. With elements of country, blues and traditional Japanese music, his solo acoustic performances are delicate yet expressive. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.namelesssound.org. 

OK Go with Snow Patrol and Silversun Pickups at Verizon Wireless Theatre on Sunday 

OK Go has gained fame with its creative (and low-budget) music videos. And with its sophomore release, Oh No, still on the airways, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Sure, some listeners have argued the band is a one-trick pony -- but hey, if it works for them and it's entertaining, the band can continue on dancing on treadmills. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit www.verizonwirelesstheater.com.

MSTRKRFT and John Digweed at Warehouse Live on Thursday

While some dance music is bland and caves in on its own monotonous beats, MSTRKRFT ("master craft") stands out with its sexy take on dance music. Stemming from the rock band Death from Above 1979, MSTRKRFT continues with the double-entendres with its debut, The Looks. Its first single, "Easy Love," is a perfect example of the band's lascivious bent -- the music video for the single features for four classily dressed women drinking strawberry milkshakes before being doused by milkshakes. Tickets are $25 at the door. For more information, visit www.warehouselive.com.

Scissor Sisters at Verizon Wireless Theater on March 16 

So what if they're a little eccentric with their ultra-bright costumes and quirky lyrics? Scissor Sisters know how to entertain a crowd. The New York-based glam rockers will make a pit stop in Houston before heading off to their international tour in April. 

Scissor Sisters won critical acclaim with their self-titled debut, and their high-energy antics have become standard at live performances. Besides, anyone who can groove in high-waist pants deserves applause. For ticket prices and information, visit www.verizonwirelesstheater.com

RJD2 at Warehouse Live on March 17

Originally from Oregon, this hip-hop producer, DJ and singer has made his mark in the underground music world. And with his latest album, Third Hand, causing quite a stir, RJD2 is sure to attract a crowd at Warehouse Live. Third Hand is a cohesive and fluid album that provides an upbeat twist on his past work. For more information, visit www.warehouselive.com.

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu