The Wombats Announce Spring Tour Dates

Criminally addictive indie pop trio, The Wombats have announced dates for their triumphant return to the states. Last time the band was here they were relegated to playing the too-small-for-their-fantastic-album Subterranean. This time around, the band is parlaying the sudden success of the latest single, "Jump Into The Fog", into a headlining appearance at Park West. Given how fantastic This Modern Glitch is, we fully expect their leapfrogging to larger venues to continue.

THE WOMBATS TOUR DATES
April 21 Jillian’s                                      Albany, NY
April 23 9:30 Club                                  Washington, DC
April 24 Middle East                                Cambridge, MA
April 26 Webster Hall                              New York, NY
April 27 Stage AE                                   Pittsburgh, PA
April 28 A & R Music Bar                         Columbus, OH
April 30 Park West                                 Chicago, IL
May 1   Fine Line Music Cafe                   Minneapolis, MN
May 2   The Beaumont Club                    Kansas City, MO
May 4   The Black Sheep                        Colorado Springs, CO
May 5   Kilby Court                                Salt Lake City, UT
May 7   Great American Music Hall          San Francisco, CA
May 8   El Rey Theatre                           Los Angeles, CA
May 9   The Casbah                               San Diego, CA

Upcoming Shows - Week ending May 9th

Monday, May 3rd - Lincoln Hall – 7pm – SOLD OUT

Headliner: Kate Nash

Opener: Supercute

UK-based singer-songwriter is touring in support of her recently released sophomore album, My Best Friend Is You. While it is not as instantly striking as her debut, there is plenty here to warrant the sold out crowd and keep her near the top of the list of UK pop stars worth your attention.

Thursday, May 6th – Park West – 7:30pm - $16

Headliner: Kaki King

Openers: An Horse

It is a pleasant surprise to find tickets still available to see this incredible, unique guitarist in action. Do yourself a favor and get in now, before more people notice.

Saturday, May 8th – Metro - 9pm – SOLD OUT

Headliner: Frightened Rabbit

Openers: Maps & Atlases, Our Brother The Native

This show has been sold out for a month now, with good reason. Consider this your warning to pay attention next time we tell you Scotland's indie darlings come through. Their recently released third album, Winter Of Mixed Drinks, is a fantastic album that has the unfortunate duty of following their modern classic, Midnight Organ Fight. Be sure to catch them at Lollapalooza this year if you are one of the unlucky shut out of this one.

Saturday, May 8th – Schubas – 7pm and 10:30pm - $14

Headliner: Canasta

Openers: Gregory And The Hawk (early), Brighton, MA (late)

Chicago's own orchestral pop geniuses, Canasta are finally ready to release their sophomore album, The Fakeout, The Tease And The Breather, on May 18th. These pair of album-release shows is your chance to both hear the new songs live and get your hands on the new album ten days before the rest of the world finds out how damn great it is; since the ticket price includes a copy of the new album. Head over to their site and check out the new songs, fully streaming, and get yourselves a ticket.

Upcoming Shows - Week ending April 25th

Thursday, April 22nd - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $13

Headliner: The Antlers

Opener: Phantogram

We begged you to catch, electro-pop duo, Phantogram when they played Schubas a few months ago, warning you that it would be a rare chance to catch the rising stars at a smallish venue. Now they are at the larger Lincoln Hall opening for, fellow buzz-band, The Antlers. It will not be long before venues this size will be a memory for them too.

Thursday, April 22nd - Congress Theater - 7pm - $25

Headliner: Passion Pit

Openers: Mayer Hawthorne & The Country

Having sold out Congress Theater earlier this month, Passion Pit return for what should be another sold out performance. Get your tickets while you can, as word of just how great their dance-happy, synth-fuelled rock is spreads.

Friday, April 23rd - Bottom Lounge - 8pm - $15

Headliner: The Whigs

Openers: Empires, Old Fake

You have a choice tonight, but one listen to the latest album from, Athens-based grunge rockers, The Whigs and the decision becomes clear. Blending blues and classic rock with their affinity for nineties grunge this time around works wonders for their already great sound. Get an early listen to a band you should not miss at Lollapalooza this year.

Friday, April 23rd - Park West - 8pm - $27

Headliner: Martin Sexton

Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton provides a great back-up plan for those who will get shut out of the sure-to-sell-out Whigs show. His amazing vocal range, heartfelt songwriting, and music that blends soul, blues, and roots rock is sure to please.

Sunday, April 25th - The Vic - 7pm - $21.50
Headliner: Sia

Sunday is a tough decision, sure to spread concert-loving Chicagoans across a few venues. There is no wrong choice here, and Australia's Sia certainly is a very good one. Her sound is pop, but is as unique, varied, and refreshing as her collaborations – which recently have included appearances on The Flight Of The Conchords' sophomore album, writing songs for Christina Aguilera's upcoming album, and laid down guest vocals on the David Byrne and Fatboy Slim album.

Sunday, April 25th - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $14
Headliner: The Album Leaf
Opener: Sea Wolf

We do not normally recommend heading out to shows to see an opening act, but Sea Wolf is not normally an opening act. We love the gypsy-flavored acoustic rock of Sea Wolf more than we can possibly explain here. There is nothing quite like them in music today, and Alex Church Brown's knack for storytelling in the lyrics is just as gorgeous as the music. On album, Sea Wolf are a tranquil beauty. Live, they are an indie rock party. If you have never seen them live, you need to be at Lincoln Hall on Sunday night.
Sunday, April 25th - Metro - 9pm - $13
Headliner: White Rabbits
Openers: Here We Go Magic, Pet Lions

All you really need to know about White Rabbits can be seen in the clip of them playing "Percussion Gun" on Letterman last year. Soulful vocals, two drummers, and a ragged, heart-pounding indie rock sound make them a must-see band. Add in Chicago's own up-and-coming indie pop sensations Pet Lions, and we are not quite sure how there can possibly still be tickets available.

AM To Tour With Charlotte Gainsbourg

LA-based AM will lend support for Charlotte Gainsbourg's first North American tour this spring, supporting her Beck-produced third album, IRM. Fans would be wise to get to shows early to catch AM's brand of psychedelic-tinged indie-pop displayed so wonderfully on his latest, Future Sons & Daughters. You can get your ears on his soulful grooves on April 21st at Park West.

April
11- Vancouver, B.C.- Vogue Theatre
12- Victoria, B.C.- Alix Goolden Hall
14- Seattle, WA- Crocodile Café
15- Los Angeles, CA- Greek Theatre w/ Caetano Veloso **
17- San Francisco, CA- Palace of Fine Arts
21- Chicago, IL- Park West
23- Montreal, QC- Olympia
24- Montreal, QC- Olympia
25- New York, NY- Webster Hall
** Without Charlotte Gainsbourg