We always make a point to give you the rundown on the best shows every weekend with This Weekend in Nashville, but, every once in awhile, there’s a show or two we feel deserves an extra preview. One such show, tomorrow (April 5) at The High Watt, packs a hell of a local lineup: post-punk/synth rockers Future Unlimited, alt/electro rockers Forget Cassettes, power pop trio Friendship Commanders, and electronic producer/vocalist Patrick Baker. That’s right, some of the best artists Nashville has to offer, and, if you grab your ticket early it’s only $7! Keep reading to find out why you seriously can’t miss it!
FUTURE UNLIMITED
We’ve told you about local post-punk/synth rock outfit Future Unlimited on multiple occasions, and maintain that they’re one of the most criminally underrated bands in the scene. Most recently, we got to see the group compete in the Road to Bonnaroo, and were blown away by the latest incarnation of their stage show; all at once moody and song-driven, but with added production layers of lights and showmanship. They channel elements of acts such as Depeche Mode and New Order and blend that with modern electronic tendencies reminiscent of Grimes or Twin Shadow, while painting lush and original sweeping textures, giving them a thoroughly unique aesthetic of their own. Future Unlimited should be one of the biggest bands in Nashville, and, as soon as people start catching on, they very well could be. Do yourself a favor and check them out.
FORGET CASSETTES
Forget Cassettes, the musical vehicle of Beth Cameron, first exploded onto the alt rock scene over a decade ago. Following early success, and a revolving door of members, the core duo of Cameron and sometimes-member Doni Schroader began work on what would eventually become 2013’s O Cursa. Several years of setbacks, including Schroader’s departure, followed, and, though Forget Cassettes went through a window of inactivity, Beth continued to release music as Eliza the Arrow. Back in full Forget Cassettes mode, channeling a new synth and sample heavy sound, and with a live show as immersive and driving as ever, we couldn’t think of a better local pairing for Future Unlimited.
FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS
Local trio Friendship Commanders play an energetic, upbeat style of rock that lands somewhere between alternative, power pop, and punk. More similar in sound to Forget Cassettes than Future Unlimited (and not just because of the female vocalist, but due to their more driving sound), Friendship Commanders bring a more straightforward, unpretentious rock and roll sound to the lineup.
PATRICK BAKER
If you took away the band element of Future Unlimited, what you would get might sound similar to Nashville-based producer and vocalist Patrick Baker. Channeling moody, layered, and sample-heavy sounds, Baker has an unparalleled knack for crafting songs that are both dark and poppy at the same time. He’s a welcome addition to this already fantastic bill, and a wonderful reason to show up early.
Future Unlimited and Forget Cassettes will perform with Friendship Commanders and Patrick Baker tomorrow, April 5, at The High Watt. The show is 18+, begins at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.), and tickets are available for $7-10.
Hell yeah.