Event

Harlem (Matador Records)

Sat 2/27
Harlem (Texas)
Idle Times
The Knast
9:30pm, $7

http://www.myspace.com/harlemduh
http://www.myspace.com/idletimesband
http://www.myspace.com/theknast

Led by dual vocalists Michael Coomers and Curtis OMara (the duo switch between guitar and drums, both onstage and off), Harlem started in Tucson, AZ before relocating to Austin where theyve generated a mountain of attention, both with their fantastic live shows and their self-issued 2008 LP/CD Free Drugs (Female Fantasy currently available via Matador Direct)

Pitchforks Roque Strew has hailed Harlem as a marvel of cartoonishly masculine, crudely analog brevity, while Gorilla Vs. Bear considers Free Drugs to be super infectious, instantly endearing, and kindly supplying a quote that well gladly take out of context, the Austin Chronicles Audra Schroeder has fallen preil to the albums anxious, stuttering charm. I know, that all sounds highly suspicious, but anyone whos heard Free Drugs or witnessed Harlem laying waste to any number of shoebox sized venues (some of which, were in fact, shoeboxes) can attest, the bands casual virtuosity is only eclipsed by their otherworldly songwriting skills.

Recently joined by bassist Jose Boyer, Harlem will be recording their 2nd album this summer for release on Matador in 2010.