Originally formed as a side project for frontperson Kamila Glowacki, an outlet for songs that didn’t quite fit for the more punk-rooted bands in the Champaign-Urbana, Illinois DIY scene she was a part of, Nectar has since blossomed into a full-fledged group of its own. After a few early tapes and singles, the Illinois up and comers linked up with local tastemaking label Infinity Cat (which, alone, is all the co-sign we need to dig into a new band) to release their full-length debut, Knocking at the Door, just yesterday, on April 20. A frenetic fusion of pop punk and grunge pop, juxtaposing a sort of sad, earnest thematic focus with catchy and upbeat melodic sensibilities, the record has us hooked at first listen, and is already one of the best under of the radar efforts we’ve heard all year.
Coinciding with their LP’s release, Nectar pass through town tonight, April 21 to headline The Cobra with an absolutely stacked supporting local lineup. Indie/post-rockers Cash Basket are another great act from fast-rising DIY label The Hater’s Ball, and their latest EP A Tisket, A Tasket is by far the group’s strongest and most cohesive to date; this’ll be their first local show since its release. A fixture in the local scene for a few years now, garage punks Butthole, are insanely fun live, and flex a lot more range and sincerity than their name might imply. And with a lo-fi, experimental, garage rock sound, Cookeville’s Pumpkinseed bring even more range and dynamics to the table.
While you can also see Nectar earlier in the day at Grimey’s (read more about that here), we strongly recommend you catch this 21+ evening show to really get the full experience, and for just $7 and with a stellar sampling of local acts tapped to support, this feels like one of the most essential happenings amidst a weekend that is absolutely packed with cool shows.
Nectar, Cash Basket, Butthole, and Pumpkinseed will perform tonight, April 21 at The Cobra. The show is 21+, begins at 8 p.m., and the cover is $7 at the door.