Lucky number seven; that's usually the rule, right? All three members of "slowcore" supergroup Low can do is wait and see. For their seventh full length they moved to indie stalwart Sub Pop and recorded with Dave Fridmann who gave them what has been describe as a much "fuller sound." Reviews have been all over the map, though mostly positive, and now the veteran crew are hitting the road to promote their new release. They take on D.C.'s Black Cat this Monday, Feb. 7.
Low formed in Duluth, Minn. in '94 with the husband and wife duo of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker, along with John Nicols on bass. From their conception the group has been considered experimental and later became known for their slow driving tunes rife with unsettling silences and sweeping dynamic changes. They've remained mostly on indie labels and have collected a small diverse collective of fans over their decade of performance. They also achieved small mainstream fame when their cover of the Christmas classic "The Little Drummer Boy" was picked up for Gap's winter commercials.
Invading the Cat with Low is Pedro the Lion, the brainchild of David Bazan who has worked with a variety of musicians and groups throughout his career. Pedro, a name that Bazan came up with as a possible children's book character, is known for his indie pop and intricate lyrics ranging from relationship issues (typical) to god (nearly untouched in the world of indie.) Their last album, Achilles Heel, came out in 2004 and their set will likely feature many of those songs.
Both of these bands are slowly gaining momentum so it is likely that this show will sell out. Low especially has been getting alot of attention due to its label switch, and Pedro is sure to bring out the usual teenage suspects (read: emo kids.)
Tickets can be bought at the box office with cash only but no service charge. For a quicker and arguably easier way, check out http://www.ticketmaster.com. Call (202) 667-7960 for more info or head to http://www.blackcatdc.com for directions and more. The bands take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
