RECOMMENDED Perhaps progressivism has been bad for music. When a trip to any given indie show results in an endless game of “Chick or dude?” one may wonder what happened to music with some real cojones. Awesome Color is the answer to all doubts. For a trio from Michigan, who’ve been together for less than three years, they’ve seen a sudden rise to success. The band is currently on tour with Dinosaur Jr. and is the latest twinkle in Thurston Moore’s eye—the Sonic Youth mastermind produced their self-titled record on his label, Ecstatic Peace. The record is a refreshing mix of early Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer, “Fun House”-era Stooges and the unbridled confidence of Southern rock. Frontman Derek Stanton has been known to joyously rip into epic solos before throwing his guitar to the floor, playing it with his feet and subsequently smashing it. If you’re looking for a remedy for anemic, timid rock music, turn up the Awesome Color: psychedelic, unironic, skuzzy, hot, triumphant, the Color will melt your mind. (Katie Buitrago) Monday, December 17 at The Note
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