Positively State Street
IMMACULATE INCEPTION: An ensemble of all things indie, Immaculate Machine has had quite a peculiar cast since its 2003 inception: Owen Pallett of Arcade Fire, Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, Mike Olsen of the Hidden Cameras, and-at the center of it all-Kathryn Calder of the New Pornographers. But the fame of its constituents is only one reason to sneak a peek at this Victoria, B.C. quartet. Their third full-length record, Fables, was released in May to rampant critical acclaim. After playing more than 150 live shows in two years, Immaculate Machine have crafted their performances into flawless and fun sets. Inspired by sweat, dance, love, and political dissent, they sing in three-part harmonies above crashing drums, catchy keyboards, and electric guitars. Rotating lead vocals and songwriting contributions add up to a style that is truly hard to pin down. But don’t take it from us; see for yourself when they parade into Isla Vista’s Biko Garage, 6612 Sueno Road, on Saturday, September 8 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5. –Levi Michaels
OSO GOOD: Combining countrified violins with the rhythms of Africa and a funk-infused, experimental vibe, oso‘s sound is nothing if not unique. They specialize in fast-paced jams with staccato strings, and the kind of up-tempo drumming that is impossible not to dance-or at least tap your toes-to. Although their members come from as far away as Michigan, they have become a Santa Barbara-based band, winning acclaim from the I.V. hipster set, as well as downtown’s slightly more discerning crowds. In 2006, they released their album of experimental funk, Lonesome Tunnel Hum These Strong Arm Drones, which features such eclectic tracks as the almost-electronica “Duwo Domo” and the witty folk song “Xanax Kitchen Blues.” Go see oso, alongside Pussywillow Sparks and her group Clitorectomy & the Mutilators, on Thursday, September 6 as part of the Santa Barbara Contemporary Art Forum’s 1st Thursday after-party. The event goes from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Center Stage Theater in the Paseo Nuevo, and it’s co-sponsored by KCSB 91.9 FM. –Mollie Vandor
SEPTEMBER SEA SHANTIES: All lovers of aesthetically pleasing, aquatic-named alternative rock bands should be sure to swim on down to SOhO (1221 State St., Ste. 205) on Thursday, September 13 to check out local art-rock heroes The Coral Sea and surfacing L.A. act Sea Wolf. Led by Rey Villalobos, The Coral Sea has been making waves on the Central Coast for the past few years, following the release of their sublime debut disc, Volcano and Heart. Sea Wolf (who derived their moniker from a Jack London novel of the same name) is a six-piece band led by vocalist/guitarist Alex Brown Church. Their debut disc, Get to the River before It Runs Too Low has been making a splash with indie-pop aficianados. An ethereal, ambient quality can be attributed to both bands- la Mazzy Star or Spain-making for what is sure to be a splendid aural odyssey. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. –Sean Mageean
HELLO OPERATOR: Enjoy the lo-fi sounds of Santa Barbara’s own Mutineers when they head to Muddy Waters Cafe (508 E. Haley St.) on Thursday, September 13 for a free, intimate show with the Portland-bred Tractor Operator and Doom Dong. Eric Jensen’s (aka Tractor Operator) one-man show is hauntingly reminiscent of ¡All Time Quarterback! and promises to feature new tracks off his upcoming release, Bleeding Hearts and Severed Legs. Meanwhile, the twangy sounds of the Mutineers and the recently added talents of Doom Dong will ensure music fans a good time. The show starts at 8 p.m. –Aly Comingore
