As if there weren’t enough reasons to love fall, it’s time for bands to kick off another round of touring. From the smaller shows to big name acts, to cover bands and artists you weren’t even sure were still around, The Aquarian Weekly has your ultimate fall concert guide. Here are 25 shows worth checking out in your local music scene:
Splintered Sunlight – Sept. 28 / Nov. 30
Deadhead’s can reminisce during Splintered Sunlight, Sept. 28 at The Stone Pony. The Grateful Dead tribute band will be performing a two-set show that night in honor of keeping the music of the iconic group alive. Covering the Grateful Dead discography since 1992, the Philadelphia ensemble mainly performs in their home state. However, Asbury Park will be one of two New Jersey dates during their fall tour, with the Levoy Theatre in Millville being their last stop on Nov. 30.
Screaming Females – Sept. 28 / Sept. 29
Hailing from the New Brunswick music scene, Screaming Females are heading to the Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park on Sept. 28 and The First Unitarian Church in Philly the following night, Sept. 29. Fronted by vocalist Marissa Paternoster, Screaming Females embody an underground grunge sound with plenty of oomph. The rock trio released their fifth full-length, Ugly, back in April 2012, and will be sharing the stage with bands Waxahatchee and Tenement both nights.
Phoenix – Oct. 2
Electro-hipster staples Phoenix take on the Barclays Center stage in Brooklyn on Oct. 2 during their worldwide fall tour. Since the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009 that included numerous hit singles like “Lisztomania,” “1901,” “Lasso” and “Girlfriend,” Phoenix followed up with Bankrupt! this past April. The Parisian group recently teamed up with singer R. Kelly for the remixed version of their single, “Trying To Be Cool,” in August.
Two Door Cinema Club – Oct. 2 / Oct. 9 / Oct. 10 / Oct. 11
UK natives Two Door Cinema Club are showing the Tri-State Area some love this season. Starting off next month in Philly at the Tower Theatre on Oct. 2, the three-piece will also be stopping by the Starland Ballroom on Oct. 9, followed by two nights back to back at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11. Two Door Cinema Club’s last release was Beacon in 2012, following their 2010 album, Tourist History. Currently, the Oct. 11 show is sold out, but there are still plenty of chances to see the catchy alt electro group.
IAMDYNAMITE – Oct. 11
Loud, energetic and thumping with alternative beats, IAMDYNAMITE will be rocking The Studio At Webster Hall on Oct. 11 with bands Clinical Trials and Lido Beach during their national tour. With Christopher Martin on guitar and Chris Phillips on drums, both members sing and draw inspiration on everything from Seattle grunge to ‘80s pop. The duo released their first full-length, Supermegafantastic, via Brando Records last year, and it showcases their love for quick thumping rhythms, articulately timed harmonies and catchy lyrics.
Tim Barry and Jenny Owen Youngs – Oct. 12
On Oct. 12, Tim Barry and Jenny Owen Youngs will be featured at the Asbury Lanes. While both artists possess a confessional folk-inspired sound, Avail’s former frontman Tim Barry rocks a traveling blues motto while Youngs embraces a more angsty, tongue-in-cheek approach. Youngs debuted in 2005 with her EP, Batten The Hatches, and released a popular acoustic rendition of Nelly’s “Hot In Herre” in 2007 that gained some online notoriety. This past August, the singer-songwriter issued a split EP with Jukebox The Ghost. Tim Barry released his fifth studio album, 40 Miler, via Chunksaah Records back in 2012.
The Fray – Oct. 13
While currently working on their fourth studio album, The Fray will be performing at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair on Oct. 13. Their first full-length, How To Save A Life, released back in 2005 and became popular with singles like “Over My Head (Cable Car),” “Look After You” and the title-track. Currently signed to Epic Records, the Colorado-based group rocks a piano-pop contemporary sound comparable to Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessional. Their last record, Scars & Stories, was issued in 2012.
Vanessa Carlton – Oct. 13/ Oct. 15
Bursting onto the pop music scene when she was just a teenager, Vanessa Carlton took a two-year hiatus before releasing her third album, Rabbits On The Run, in 2011 through Razor & Tie. Many relate the singer with her hit single, “A Thousand Miles,” off of her Grammy nominated 2002 debut, Be Not Nobody. Still accompanied by piano, she presents a mature and melancholy vibe. Vanessa Carlton will be stopping by World Café Live in Philly on Oct. 13 followed by a set at the Highline Ballroom on Oct. 15.
Nine Inch Nails – Oct. 14 / Oct. 15
In support of his newly released album, Hesitation Marks, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is taking his mechanical rock style to Barclays Center on Oct. 14 and Prudential Center the following night, Oct. 15, during his world tour. In the five years between 2008’s Ghost I-IV and Hesitation Marks, Reznor scored films including The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Nine Inch Nails debuted in 1989 with Pretty Hate Machine and since then, Reznor is recognized as both an artist and producer. Godspeed You! Black Emperor will accompany Nine Inch Nails on both dates.
Coheed And Cambria – Oct. 16 / Oct. 22 / Nov. 9
Since debuting in 2002, Coheed And Cambria’s lengthy records and blend of metal, indie and progressive rock have made the band notorious to the alternative music scene. The group recently celebrated their seventhrelease, The Afterman: Descension, a follow-up record to The Afterman: Ascension. Coheed And Cambria kick off their national fall tour on Oct. 16 at the Starland Ballroom with Balance And Composure and I The Mighty. You can also catch them at The Paramount on Oct. 22 and the House Of Blues in Atlantic City on Nov. 9.
3OH!3 – Oct. 18 / Oct. 20 / Oct. 21 / Oct.22
During Journeys Noise Tour, 3OH!3, The Summer Set, Wallpaper and New Beat Fund will be hitting up the Tri-State Area. Known for their pop-driven and somewhat scandalous material, 3OH!3 made their mark with singles like “Don’t Trust Me” and “I’m Not Your Boyfriend Baby” off of their 2008 record, Want, via Photo Finish Records. They also had singles like “My First Kiss,” featuring Ke$ha, and “Touchin’ On My” from their 2010 release, Streets Of Gold. The Journeys Noise Tour will include stops at The Stone Pony on Oct. 18, The Paramount on Oct. 20, Irving Plaza on Oct. 21, and TLA on Oct. 22.
Franz Ferdinand – Oct. 19 / Oct. 22
Following the 2013 release of Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, Franz Ferdinand are taking themselves out on the road. The Scottish group debuted in 2003 with a self-titled record that included the hit alternative single, “Take Me Out,” and followed up in 2005 with You Could Have It So Much Better featuring another popular hit, “Do You Want To.” They released their third album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, in 2009, while keeping to their distinctive upbeat sound. Franz Ferdinand will be passing through Tower Theatre in Philly on Oct. 19 and Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on Oct. 22.
I Am The Avalanche – Oct. 24 / Oct. 25 / Nov. 4
Post-hardcore act I Am The Avalanche are set to perform with Sainthood Reps and Carousel Kings at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on Oct. 24 and The Barbary in Philly on Oct. 25. Their more recent record, Avalanche United, came out in 2011 via I Surrender Records, and the Brooklyn-based crew are currently working on a new album. Many of the band members were in former groups such as The Movielife and Further Seems Forever, but after building off of what they already know, I Am The Avalanche have become a staple to the punk and hardcore scene. Sainthood Reps will also share the stage with I Am The Avalanche during their show at the Asbury Lanes on Nov. 4.
Passion Pit – Nov. 1
Now there’s one more reason to spend your money in AC: Electronic pop group Passion Pit will be performing at the House Of Blues on Nov. 1 with Joy Formidable. What started as a one-man act soon became the hit trio Passion Pit, packed with synths, keyboard, guitar and bass. They were first noticed in 2008 with their Chunk Of Change EP and have since released Manners in 2009 followed by their more recent record, Gossamer. Many recognize the group for their lighthearted, dance-driven music that blends together influences of pop and alternative indie.
Black Lips – Nov. 3 / Nov. 4 / Nov. 5 / Nov. 7
Rockabilly punks Black Lips will be playing a string of Tri-State shows beginning at the Asbury Lanes on Nov. 3, followed by the Music Hall Of Williamsburg on Nov. 4, the Bowery Ballroom on Nov. 5 and First Unitarian Church on Nov. 7. Resonating a garage punk sound with influences of Southern blues and West Coast surf rock, the Atlanta-based group released their sixth studio album, Arabia Mountain, in 2011 with Vice Records. Tweens will join Black Lips on stage on the 5th and 7th.
Elvis Costello – Nov. 4 / Nov. 10
After collaborating with The Roots on Wise Up Ghost, Elvis Costello is making his way to the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood on Nov. 4 followed by a set at the Merriam Theater in Philly on Nov. 10. Debuting in 1977 with My Aim Is True, Costello made a name for himself as a singer-songwriter and over the years, the English artist went through some musical shifts. Drawing inspiration from new wave to punk to country and his recent project wit The Roots, Elvis Costello showcases that there isn’t a genre he won’t dive into.
Justin Timberlake – Nov. 6 / Nov. 9 / Nov. 10
Pop music icon Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back to Brooklyn at the Barclays Center on Nov. 6, while also making stops at the Izod Center on Nov. 9 and Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 10. It’s been seven years since JT came out with FutureSex/LoveSounds, and with the release of The 20/20 Experience in March, the triple-threat entertainer proved he’s going to keep pushing out hits. During his worldwide tour, on Sept. 30, Timberlake will issue the second part of The 20/20 Experience featuring the popular radio single, “Take Back The Night.”
New Found Glory and Alkaline Trio – Nov. 8 / Nov. 9 / Nov. 10 / Nov. 13
Presented by Rockstar Energy, different areas of punk blend together on Nov. 8 with New Found Glory and Alkaline Trio headlining the Starland Ballroom. Since the release of their first full-length, Goddamnit!, in 1998, Alkaline Trio have been known for their catchy yet unapologetically dark sound and recently issued their ninth album, My Shame Is True. As for NFG, they’ve had a string of notorious pop punk records including Sticks And Stones, Coming Home and Catalyst, just to name a few, and came out with their seventh record, Radiosurgery, in 2011. In addition to the show at Starland, you can see them Nov. 9 at The Paramount, Nov. 10 at Terminal 5 and Nov. 13 at the Electric Factory.
ZZ Top – Nov. 16 / Nov. 17 / Nov. 18
Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard of the Southern blues rock group ZZ Top will hit the stage at The Paramount on Nov. 16 and 17 before heading to New Brunswick’s State Theatre on Nov. 18. Known for their one of a kind style and iconic songs like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “La Grange” and “Legs,” their career took off in the ‘70s and four decades later, the Texas trio is still tight-knit. Last year, ZZ Top released LaFutura, a nine-year gap since Chrome, Smoke & BBQ, and now they’re embarking on their North American tour.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Nov. 13 / Nov. 14 / Nov. 15
Self-made Seattle artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are making their way to Madison Square Garden for three consecutive nights on Nov. 13, 14 and 15. Produced by Ryan Lewis, once “Thrift Shop” hit the airwaves in 2012, the independent hip-hop duo quickly gained popularity without being attached to a record label. Their song “Same Love,” which partially reflects on the gay rights movement, is currently being spun on Top 40 radio, and with the success of the breakout full-length, The Heist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis prove that their talent and unwavering ambition is enough to get them to the top.
Lorde – Sept. 30 / Oct. 1 / Oct.3
Hailing from New Zealand, 16-year-old Lorde is breaking into the American music scene with her radio hit, “Royals,” off of her debut EP, The Love Club. Comparable to Lana Del Rey, the singer-songwriter’s deep, mature vocals mask her age and set her apart from most of mainstream pop. Lorde’s first full-length, Pure Heroine, drops Sept. 27, and she’ll be making her way to New York this fall. She’ll be playing two gigs at Webster Hall on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 before hitting up Warsaw on Oct. 3. Until The Ribbon Breaks will be opening for Lorde all three nights.
Fitz And The Tantrums – Oct. 23 / Oct. 29 / Nov. 1
Fitz And The Tantrums are set to rock the Tri-State Area, as they’ll be performing at several local venues this fall. Rocking an indie pop sound with soul, the band released their second studio album, More Than Just A Dream, this past May. The record contains singles like “Out Of My League” and “Breaking The Walls.” See them at the Roseland Ballroom Oct. 23, Upstate Concert Hall Oct. 29, and the Electric Factory Nov. 1.
River City Extension – Nov. 27
Fronted by singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Michelini, River City Extension will be playing The Stone Pony on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 27, with Kevin Devine, Those Mockingbirds and Harper’s Fellow. Following The Unmistakable Man, their second record, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger was released in 2012. The band is known for their big sound and remarkable live performances. Now, after going through some changes in band members, the folk rock group is currently heading in a fresh direction while working on new material.
Frank Turner – Nov. 27 / Nov. 29
During his world tour, Frank Turner is headed over to Terminal 5 in New York on Nov. 27 and the Electric Factory in Philly on Nov. 29. The English singer’s style of poetic folk punk started to create a cult-like following in the States since his first EP, Campfire Punkrock, in 2006, and has been picking up with each new release. Turner issued Tape Deck Heart this past year and will be performing with his full band on both show dates. Smith Street Band and Koo Koo Kanga Roo are set to open.
The Menzingers – Nov. 29
PA-based punks The Menzingers are taking over the Bowery Ballroom on Nov. 29. Tom May, Joe Godino, Eric Keen and Greg Barnett of The Menzingers took off in 2006 and are currently signed to Epitaph. They released their third album, On The Impossible Past, last year, and recorded with Matt Allison (Alkaline Trio, Less Than Jake, The Lawrence Arms) up in Chicago at Atlas Studios. The show is 16 and over.
