The Heavenly States, Shawn David Mc Millen, Air Traffic Controllers, Berkshire Hounds

The Heavenly States -- firmly ensconced in Austin after a number of years in the Bay Area --- were hailed by one biographer for their "songs imbued with emotional complexity, driving energy, and plenty of spit and fire." ("At times earnest and vulnerable, at other times infused with grit and fury, THS songs range from simple SST-inspired grenades to works of layered and symphonic sweep"). This show is part of their February Friday residency at the venerable Hole In the Wall and many things can be said about the rest of the eclectic bill. Some of them even positive. Though perhaps best known for his two finely crafted LP's for the Emperor Jones and Tompkins Square labels, if not his collaborations with Tom Carter, or tenures in Rubble, Ash Castles on the Ghost Coast or Abrasion Ensemble, Austin based guitarist/vocalist Shawn David McMillen is poised for a big 2015 ; his current trio (featuring members of Sweet Talk, Church Shoes, Trustees and Naw Dude) has showcased a full-bodied electric approach that makes most of his allegedly "psychedelic" neighbors seem utterly feeble by comparison. McMillen's new LP, 'On The Clock With JJ & Mitch' (12XU) is due later this spring. Air Traffic Controllers' line of "Volume In Lieu Of Ideas' hoodies and foam fingers were recently cancelled by Cafe Press due to the unauthorized use of the likeness of Trixter's Peter "Pete" Loran.