In three years Disappears has gone from a random assemblage of dudes who once performed with other bands to a group dispensing its own particular mélange of psych and pop run through garage’s sonic lens. Issuing two singles and a pair of full-lengths, the quartet hasn’t been developing at a rapid pace, but it still turns in concise rock songs, sporadically opting for fifteen-minute explorations of just a few notes. Adding in Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley behind the drum kit hasn’t hurt the band. And seeing as that better-known NYC band has potentially hit the skids with its principal songwriters undergoing a split-up, Shelley’s total immersion in Disappears may be on the horizon. It’s a fact only making the ensemble’s mounting momentum that much more exciting. A pending West Coast tour as well as the group’s third long-player are in the offing, but not before Disappears headlines the Bottle’s New Year’s Eve throwdown. There’re certainly a wealth of events to consider while making plans for the holiday, but Disappears sits atop a bill sporting only Chi-locals—Bare Mutants and Outer Minds open. The Scene: There’ll be at least one chick who says the word “couture” repeatedly and at least one guy revealing intentions to either open a new art gallery or move to Oakland during the coming year. He just hasn’t decided yet. Considering Disappears works up psychedelia skewing toward the ambient side of things, there may well be more audible conversation than dance floor shenanigans. But by the time the clock strikes twelve, there’s not too much chance of sober, level-headed thinking reigning at the Bottle. (Dave Cantor)
December 31 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western, (773)276-3600, 10pm. $20 adv/ $25 dos.
What’s Lost Is Profound: A Preview of Ryley Walker at The Empty Bottle Most of the tracks from Dave Matthews’ unreleased album have long been accessible online, and it’s revelatory to hear, for instance, Walker’s more nuanced take on “Grace Is Gone,” the rhythmic sophistication and jazz-infused sax line he brings to “Big Eyed Fish,” and his hauntingly beautiful vocals on “Grey Street."
Pop-Rock Redux: A Preview of Charly Bliss at Empty Bottle The story is, the band recorded its debut album twice: first as a scrappier indie-rock record, then two years later as a maximal pop statement attuned to the sound they’d honed on tour. They’ve edited their material into engulfing sing-alongs that’ll thrill audiences at small clubs (like the Empty Bottle this month), but that wouldn’t be out of place on…
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