INDIE FOLK | The Little Books
w/ Stefanie Bannister
Sun. Aug. 17
9 p.m.
$5
Tin Roof
After hearing the undeniable chemistry in The Little Books’ music, there’s no question as to why Robin Rütenberg and Rick Colado (a.k.a. Rickolus) happened to hit it off when they met at a house show in Jacksonville about a year and a half ago. “There’s a real symbiotic kind of balance between the two of us. Looking at what’s happened since we started The Little Books, we think neither of us could have done this for ourselves,’” says Colado, referring to the positive reception their garage-indie-folk-pop band has received. The Little Books blended Colado’s deep vocals and poignant lyrics, with the duo’s talents as multi-instrumentalists to create their glorious debut record Bridges and Empires. Already in the studio for their follow-up album, The Little Books continue to write new material. “It’s about writing songs and how songwriting is a sexual experience — not that we’re doing anything like that, but the lyrics are describing the process, and it’s pretty sensual,” says Colado. “I mean, it’s kind of like having a baby — writing a song. Sometimes there’s a spark, and sometimes there’s a product of that spark, and sometimes people really like it.” —Michaela Michienzi SUNDAY
ELECTRO POP | Bombadil
w/ Wade Baker, Behind the Times
Fri. Aug. 15
6 p.m.
Free
Palmetto Brewing
Bombadil’s Daniel Michalak (piano, bass, harmonica) was diagnosed with neural tension in 2009. He and his fellow Bombadil bandmates — drummer James Phillips and ukulele strummer and pianist Stuart Robinson — had been playing their brand of vintage electric folk pop when suddenly Michalak’s motor functions failed him. He could barely move at all, much less play an instrument. “It was a sad time. I couldn’t do my favorite thing in the world,” says Michalak. After a slow recovery of tried-and-tested meds and home remedies, Michalak was ready to play again in 2011. By that time, their 2009 album release Tarpits and Canyonlands had never even been played live, and Michalak felt the album had gotten a second chance. Bombadil is now working on a new record, which will be a throwback — at least as far as the title goes. “We want to do something like they would do in the ’50s and ’60s, like Meet the Beatles! or Hey, It’s Stevie Wonder or something. Maybe we’ll call it We’re Back, Bombadil!” Michalak laughs. Bombadil’s Charleston show promises to be a quiet affair. “We don’t like loud music, so we sing without microphones,” Michalak says. —Kalyn Oyer FRIDAY
FOLK PUNK | Dear Blanca
w/ SUSTO
and Amigo
Thurs. Aug. 14
9 p.m.
$5
Royal American
Dylan Dickerson, vocalist, guitarist, and vibraslap player for the Columbia-based Dear Blanca, named the band after his Cuban grandmother. “I used to call her Blanca. She was always a big supporter of me musically, and so it was an homage to her,” he explains. The title of the band’s recent release Pobrecito, which translates to “Poor Little Thing,” is the nickname Dickerson’s grandmother used for him growing up. The album cover is also a photograph of Dickerson’s dad at age three. “He’s a poor little thing and so am I,” Dickerson says. The title track is actually written from his dad’s perspective. “I usually write songs as part of a personal release, but this one I wrote for the challenge.” Meanwhile, a co-worker wrote the chorus for the blues-meets-punk number, “Noma,” and City Paper contributor Patrick Wall helped out with the folk-country track “On the Dime.” The record’s raw but pretty overall sound creates a cyclical tension and release. To promote the new disc, Dickerson, along with percussionist Dayne Lee, bassist Cameron Powell, and drummer Marc Coty, are doing a three-day run in Charlotte, Columbia, and Charleston with SUSTO and Amigo before the band heads out for a Southeast tour. “We don’t feel drained. In fact, we are extremely anxious to make the next thing,” Dickerson says, “which is a huge testament to a band I care so much about.” —Kalyn Oyer THURSDAY
SOUL | The Mobros
w/ Dunder Chiefs
Thurs. Aug. 14
10 p.m.
$5
King Dusko
The Mobros may originate from little Camden, S.C., but these two guys pack a powerhouse punch of sound. Brothers Patrick and Kelly Morris make music that’s a dynamic mix of Motown and Stax, blues and roots rock. Their soulful sound is so rich and robust, it’s hard to believe it’s coming from a pair no older than 21. Though The Mobros only released their debut LP Walking with a Different Stride earlier this year, their music has been a hot topic in the region and beyond for longer. They’ve even rubbed shoulders with legends. B. B. King himself handpicked The Mobros to support him in Virginia and at the Township Auditorium in Columbia. “We were freaking out pretty hard when we got those slots to open for him,” Patrick says. “I mean how do you even prepare for that, you know?” The brothers admit to nearly passing out from sheer nervousness, but when the curtain raised, King’s audience responded positively, and they were even invited onto King’s bus for a post-show hangout. “It was like talking to one of our grandfathers,” Patrick says. “He was soft-spoken yet wise. One of the things that he said to us that really stuck with us was to always to forgive and be humble, no matter how famous or well-known you may get — and to always respect your fans and take the time to talk to them after your shows. It’s because of them you are where you are.” —Kelly Rae Smith THURSDAY
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.