NYC is the Riff-Filled Land, this Week in Live Music

By amitaig on 24 Jul 2018 • ( Leave a comment )

With some huge metal bands coming through, this might just be the heaviest week all summer. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of other options if you’re not into the headbanging thing. Here’s some concerts Dial 7 recommends this week in NYC.

Tuesday, 7/24

Deafheaven @ Brooklyn Steel

Photo by Ben Stas

Deafheaven blend black metal, shoegaze and soaring post-rock seamlessly, creating songs that can be summed up as ugly and beautiful at the same time. They are now out in support for their new album, Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, and you can expect a raucous live show.

RZA: Live from the 36th Chamber of Shaolin @ Lincoln Center / Damrosch Park Bandshell

Photo by Todd Heisler / The New York Times

One of the more prolific members of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA is also a composer and filmmaker. RZA will be performing a live re-score of the 1978 martial arts film, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, which, as some of you might know, was a big influence on Wu-Tang. Better yet, admission is free!

Wednesday, 7/25

Courtney Barnett, Julien Baker, Vagabon @ Prospect Park Bandshell

Photo by Elizabeth Weinberg / GQ

Australian singer/songwriter, Courtney Barnett, is best know for her sharp and witty life observations, with songs pouring out like a stream of consciousness. She is touring for her new album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, and with great support from Julien Baker, this should be a great time in the park.

Bongripper @ Saint Vitus Bar (also 7/26)

Photo by Bongripper

As their name might suggest, Bongripper are an instrumental stoner / doom metal band from Chicago with some incredibly heavy riffs. They will be performing two nights at Saint Vitus, playing their album, Satan Worshipping Doom, Wednesday night, followed by another full album, Terminal, on Thursday night.

The Hold Steady, Kevin Devine @ White Eagle Hall

Photo by Lou Montesano

The Hold Steady are perhaps the ultimate bar-rock band, with their narrative songs and Springsteen-like anthems. This show is in celebration of the 10th anniversary of their great album, Stay Positive. Kevin Devine opens, and should also not be missed.

Thursday, 7/26

Sleep, Dylan Carlson @ Brooklyn Steel (also 7/27)

Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic

Quite possibly the heaviest band to ever record music, Sleep recently released their first album in nearly 20 years, The Sciences, without showing any signs of age. With their doomy, groovy bass riffs and hypnotic, mantra-like vocals courtesy of Al Cisneros, it’s easy to get lost in their pummeling force as guitarist Matt Pike shreds with screaming leads. We recommend some good quality earplugs for these two nights.

Which show do you want to attend this week?

As always, if you were headbanging too hard and need a comfortable ride home, Dial 7 is ready to pick you up.