Columbia is no stranger to hot, buzz bands coming through. From bands like Rilo Kiley, The Unicorns, Fleet Foxes and Brand New in the early part of the 2000’s to Toro Y Moi, Futurebirds, and Washed Out more recently, with a healthy dose of Dance Commander in between, the buzziest of bands may be hitting the stage this weekend. Making their South Carolina début on Saturday night will be New Jersey heroes Titus Andronicus. Patrick Stickles and company will bring their brand of beer soaked anthems and punk swagger to the One Unit Art Space, recalling varied acts such as The Hold Steady, Fucked Up, and Bruce Springsteen. Riding the wave of their brand new release “Local Business”, one of 2012’s greatest assaults this side of “Celebration Rock”. They may have dropped the Civil War concept, but they have lost none of the intensity and fury that made “The Monitor” one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2010. This is the kind of show that comes to Columbia once every blue moon, especially from a band with no local ties to the area. A live juggernaut not to be missed, this is your chance to say you see a band who is poised to be one of the true breakout bands over the next few years.
Appearing with Titus is Ceremony, an adventurous act with their roots in early 90’s noise punk. Pitchfork describes Ceremony as a “cabaret punk” band, and while that may be an apt description of the band, Ceremony has a darker more rhythmic than their tour-mates sound that reminds me of a wide range of bands from Engine Down to Dresden Dolls. It’s dark, it’s rhythmic, it’s theatric, it’s not something you hear everyday.
The venue claims this show won’t sell out. I wouldn’t risk it. Tickets are available at the door. Get there early and get ready to sweat!
