Emo’s might be the talk of the town during the first week of the year with its three-stage-pronged free show attack, but this Saturday, Stubb’s does its best to bite into the monopoly with a substantial triple bill. Just Guns kick off the evening with a dose of quality alt-country pop. Their debut full-length, Secrets/Spotlights, is laden with lyrical wisdom set to twangy hooks and pedal steel malaise, and their talent is prevalent every time they take the stage. A strong believer in its DIY ethics, the Midgetmen occupy the middle spot in the line-up. The band prides itself in its independence from recording engineers, agents and management, and has won numerous Austin Chronicle Austin Music Awards for their self-designed concert artwork. The Midgetmen’s brand of punk is peppered with pop melodies and shimmering guitars although newer material factors in feedback and a less polished feel into the equation. Add to that light humored social commentary provided by the rotating vocalists, and it all makes for an energetic live show. New-wave tinged power pop from Sally Crewe and the Sudden Moves rounds off the night. Catchy hooks and harmonies dominate Crewe’s work, and her delightful ditties assisted by bassist Rhodri Marseden’s backing vocals create a cheerful sound fit for the promise of the New Year. Come experience the bliss courtesy of the Austinist (and the Midgetmen – they were kind enough to throw in both their records plus a t-shirt for the lucky one):

Sally Crewe & the Sudden Moves: [official site] [myspace]
The Midgetmen: [official site] [myspace]
Just Guns: [official site] [myspace]

Sally Crewe & the Sudden Moves, the Midgetmen, and Just Guns
Saturday, January 6
Stubb’s Indoors [Map]
Doors at 9pm

Poster art by Justin Petro of the Midgetmen.