YOB

In direct contrast to USX, YOB had only three people onstage but still sounded massive. Despite Mike being sick and some technical issues with the bass, the band still ripped through three monolithic songs and left the crowd wanting more,

U.S. Christmas

Neurot Recording artists USX open for Neurosis over two nights at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Their music is a kind of heavy, psychedelic Americana. There were seven people on stage which included two guitarists, two drummers, a bassist, a violinist, a percussionist and various Moog effects. I took a look at the setlist for tomorrow night and it's going to be different, and I'm going to get to hear my two favorite songs from their Eat The Low Dogs album.

DEAFHEAVEN

Deafheaven played the basement of Fivepoints Arthouse in San Francisco January 5th, 2011.

After four other bands and long set ups, Deafheaven got ready quickly and immediately began to barrage the crowd with their unique style of blackened metal. Alternating between unbridled fury and gorgeous melody, Deafheaven are one of the most interesting black metal bands I've ever heard. They've just recently been signed to Deathwish, and are heading out on a short winter tour. Congratulations and be safe guys.

Buy the demo here: http://deafheavens.bandcamp.com/album/demo

Whirl

Whirl took achingly long to set up, but it was worth it. I couldn't hear a single note of vocals but I bought their tape based on the strength of the music, which was a kind of dreamy, shoegaze rock. Said tape can be purchased here: www.bridgetownrecords.info

whirlband.tumblr.com

Bandcamp

Religious Girls

Four synths, two samplers and one and a half drum kits.

Support This Band 2

1/5/11 San Francisco, CA @ Five Points Art Space w/ Religious Girls, Whirl
1/7/11 Olympia, WA @ The Northern w/ Owen Hart
1/8/11 Seattle, WA @ Black Lodge w/ Owen Hart
1/9/11 Portland, OR @ The Tube
1/10/11 Santa Cruz, CA @ 150 Pioneer
1/11/11 Fresno, CA @ Neighborhood Cafe
1/12/11 Las Vegas, NV @ Yayo Taco
1/13/11 Mesa, AZ @ Nile Underground
1/14/11 San Diego, CA @ Che Cafe
1/15/11 Bell Gardens, CA @ The Blacktop w/ Touche Amore

1/16/11 Oakland, CA @ Your Haus

I might try and go to the Oakland show too. GO!