Stuck Between Stations

If you were one of the dozens of people scrambling for a ticket to the extremely sold out The Hold Steady show at North Star Bar last year who got shut out, listen up: the Brooklyn-based rockers are playing the Fillmore at the TLA tonight, and tickets are available.

A year ago, as the band rode a wave of popular and critical acclaim, the thought was it would be playing to packed theaters by now; after seeing the band electrify a tired, sun-drenched crowd at this summer’s Lollapalooza festival, I strongly agreed. But hey – something about The Hold Steady’s raw, urgent sound fits better in a small club, anyway.

Pitchfork Media’s Scott Plagenhoff described that sound best in writing on the band’s third (and most successful) album, Boys and Girls in America: "[Craig Finn] not only has a commanding, rousing voice but he also says something worth hearing, displaying gifts for both scope and depth that are all too rare in contemporary rock – indie or mainstream.”

Supporting The Hold Steady is the English indie-rock band Art Brut, another act that’s made a name for itself over the past few years with blistering albums and live shows (including well-received sets at the 2006 Coachella and Pitchfork festivals). For a crash course to prepare you for the show, listen to a few tracks off its latest album, It’s a Bit Complicated. But don't let that title fool you – both bands tonight will bring you high-energy, straightforward rock and roll.

The Hold Steady w/ Art Brut, Demander
The Fillmore at the TLA (334 South St., Philadelphia)
Tonight, 8PM
Tickets: $20

Image Credit: Flickr user forklift