Joyride! Makes Santa Barbara Pit Stop
San Francisco Punk Band Plays Biko Co-op on July 7
OH, JOY! That’s right, summer is upon us, which means long nights, beach BBQs, and a relatively unpopulated I.V. In the wake of graduation, the streets of Isla Vista are looking mighty sparse these days, providing us weary post-college folk with a nice safe haven to go exploring. This week, seize the opportunity and check out a show at the Biko Co-op Garage (6612 Sueno Rd.), one of I.V.’s longest-standing (and hardest-working) music venues. On Saturday, July 7, the Biko plays host to San Fran punk outfit Joyride!—who will play alongside fellow Bay Area band Wild Moth and S.B.’s own Quick Attack. A punched-up and female-fronted three-piece, Joyride! bridges the worlds of twee and punk pop, calling to mind L.A.-cum-N.Y.C. acts like Vivian Girls and Dum Dum Girls. But where Joyride! differs is all in the details. Here, the guitars are less sludgy, more swelling exercises in speed metal. Meanwhile, frontwoman Jenna Marx delivers sweet-but-gritty speak-sings about everything from restless sleep to hopeless thoughts to crumbling relationships. (On the band’s website, Marx insists that she writes emotional songs, but they’re not all about love. Point taken.)
On Thursday, July 5, the Garage plays host to Seattle hard rockers Dreamdecay and S.B. supporting acts Hesse and Heavy Air. Both shows start at 8 p.m. and are open to all ages. Visit sbdiy.org for info.
FOR THE KIDS: This week also marks the second installment of the Summer of Rock Youth Concert Series. On Friday, July 6, the location-hopping event sets up shop at Skater’s Point (Garden St. and E. Cabrillo Blvd.) for a full day’s worth of live music from eight different acts. Among the highlights, S.B. up-and-comers Blue Suns start the day off with their blend of ’60s psych pop and reverb-soaked surf anthems. Later in the day, rising rockers (and recent Warped Tour grads) False Puppet take to the stage with their raucous mix of punk, hard rock, and upbeat pop. Other acts include All Dudes & a Chick, 2/3s, ONE11, Santa Barbara’s Bad Jack, and L.A.’s Ben Babylon Band and Skick. The show starts at noon and is free and open to all ages. Visit newnoisesb.com for set times and details.
NORTH COUNTY EXPOSURE: If you’re looking for sonic fireworks this week, I recommend a post-Independence Day trek up to New Frontiers (1984 Old Mission Dr., Solvang). On Thursday, July 5, the Santa Ynez Valley’s health food mecca will transform its front lawn into an outdoor concert venue, complete with good food and free admission. And on deck to perform? None other than our 2011 Downtown Sound Battle of the Bands winner, Saint Anne’s Place. The band’s potent mix of swirling guitars, bluesy drum rolls, and punishing psychedelic jams make them seem — and sound — wise far beyond their median 22 years. Better still, their showmanship (and ripe catalog of cover material) is sure to appeal to folks of all ages. To see for yourself, visit facebook.com/saint.annes.place.music. Or, better yet, check them out live. You might even be able to cross some items off your grocery list in the process.
ALSO THIS WEEK: Santa Barbara locs Wil Ridge and Brian Kinsella open up for country punk rockers Lucero at Velvet Jones (423 State St.) on Monday, July 9, at 8:30 p.m. The show is ages 21+. Call 965-8676 or visit velvet-jones.com for tickets and info. Next Thursday, July 12, Jimmie Ray’s Black Train pulls in at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club (1221 State St.) for a night of Johnny Cash covers. The band (which features Ray and singer Cyndi Cantrell) prides itself on its expansive knowledge of Cash’s career and promises cuts from all six decades of Johnny and June Carter’s musical life. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is ages 21+. Call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com for tickets.
