Live Music

Summer festivals not only create gaping holes in our pockets, but they also bring the small-format concert agenda to a complete halt. Now that we are headed towards autumn, I am delighted to declare the urban concert season open for business again.

Let’s start with Nada Surf in Sala Upload on the 12th. The New York trio is famous for their hazy college rock, and even though their uni days are long gone –Let Go turns 16 this year– their songs about heartaches and popularity quests ring true still. Beyond the classics, we hope to hear the latest release, a stand-alone single called “Song for Congress,” where front man Matthew Caws gets political and criticizes the separation of families at the US-Mexico border. The signature combo of melodic guitars with melancholic vocals brought them to Seattle-based Barsuk Records, one of my favorite American labels, like, ever. Check it out!

Another concert highlight for September is Minami Deutsch, again at Sala Upload, but this time towards the end of the month on September 25th. The band name, which means South Germany in Japanese, is a reference to their psychedelic krautrock with a hint of minimal techno. Although they have a ‘70s touch, their music is fresh, experimental and hypnotic with repetitive beats and cool guitars. They are perfect for a road trip or a ping pong match.

Last but not least, I’m very happy to announce that we get a second chance to see Eels in Barcelona. Mr. E or Mark Oliver Everett brought his band to Sala Barts last year and it was very quickly completely sold out. This time round he’s chosen the larger Razz to play on the 6th. I’m not sure if he’ll bring “Novocaine For The Souls” or only tunes from his new album, The Deconstruction. As we all know, Susan’s house is right there in Poblenou. I hope her landlords treat her right.