This town should feel special because Alberta Cross is taking a detour towards the border before they continue their tour with Portugal. The Man in Iowa. Another reason to feel special? Alberta Cross is 2/3 British. How often does Laredo get the chance to see a British rock band? I'm pretty sure the last British band to play Laredo was A Flock of Seagulls. Hmm...
The big dilemma: multiple music events will be occuring simutaneously in Laredo on Saturday October the 8th. There's AutMus Fest, Fire Fest, and Alberta Cross with Dignan & The Tangos. I feel ya, fellow indie/rock/norteño loving friend. Take your pick.
Alberta Cross. Who? So what? Big deal? Who cares? That was my attitude four months ago. But after downloading their music I was completely shaken. "Song Three Blues" did it for me. More than anything I was drawn to the voice. Sincere, meaningful, and unique. A search of the band on youtube and the first song that comes up is "ATX." Good song...but it doesn't personify the essence of Alberta Cross. You've got to dig a little deeper. After digging you will see that this band totally pulls off the blues/rock label. In terms of talent and execution I would list them with bands like: Band of Horses, The Black Keys, Heartless Bastards, Band of Skulls, and Kings of Leon.
Alberta Cross is not well known in the world of mainstream radio (at least not in Laredo) but they are highly praised in the music business. They've played Coachella and Bonnaroo and have toured with Oasis, Mumford & Sons, and Dave Matthew's Band. Their 2009 debut release Broken Side of Time left critics impressed: NME (UK-based magazine) gave it an 8/10. Esquire magazine called it "a full-length debut as electrically dark as it is electrifyingly determined." That says it all. Dark and determined. Alberta Cross may be under the surface but they certainly succeed at turning heads.
But enough with the hype. Laredo is in for a treat. How kick-ass is that? A truly legendary band of this time in my hometown. And in an intimate venue like Old No.2!? Uber cool. This is almost better than A Flock of Seagulls at AutMus Fest 2007. Wait...I take it back...this is way better! See you there.
Make sure to arrive on time. The opening bands are equally promising. You don't want to miss Dignan or The Tangos (which features Dante Schwebel of Hacienda + surprise musicians you may be familiar with).
Saturday October 8th / Old No.2 / Admission $10 / 9pm- 2am
