If a sensitive, soulful neo-folkie records an album in the woods but no one is around, will anyone hear it? If you are Justin Vernon, alias Bon Iver (pronounced Bone EE-Vare), you’re finding out that the answer is undoubtedly "yes". His self-released album For Emma, Forever Ago, (recorded at a cabin in northwestern Wisconsin) is the kind of record that has resulted in praise from Pitchfork and the signing to indie stalwart Jagjaguwar, who will re-release For Emma this February. Songs like the playful but somber "Skinny Love" showcase a startling intimacy that could make even the most disheartened listener swoon again. Bon Iver is only playing a few live shows at the start of 2008, so be sure to catch an artist who is setting up to be one of the most promising to emerge this year. (Appearing with Cloud Cult, Illinois and Wax Fang as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Schubas on Jan. 18) --text: Jon Graef

Gainesville, Florida-based John Vanderslice has, like many songwriters in the age of the ‘war on terror’, recorded albums which reflect global anxieties surrounding topics like the Iraq War and the loss of civil liberties in the post-9/11 age — including 2005’s Pixel Revolt and last summer’s Emerald City. In listening to the latter album, the title of which references Baghdad’s so-called "Green Zone", one gets the sense that the Barsuk Records artist is repeating himself thematically. Musically, however, Vanderslice is still writing consistently engaging songs. This is particularly true on City’s middle section, where the marriage of classic singer/songwriter earnestness and electronic experimentation on tracks like "Tablespoon Of Codeine" are most compelling. Ever the workhorse, Vanderslice is returning to U.S. shores after a European tour. As the headliner for the first night of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival, this appearance will likely be a memorable one. (Appearing with The M's, Young Galaxy and Heypenny as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Schubas on Jan. 16) --text: Jon Graef--photo: Autumn de Wilde

In these trying times for the music industry, it’s only natural that we see a surge in DIY movements — and Louisville’s Wax Fang is one prime example. Starting out as one man’s basement rock experiment, the project soon called for a kick-ass rhythm section and, from there, the majestic sounds of the Fang began to materialize. With the proper line-up in place the trio, who had already landed a U.S. tour with fellow Kentuckians My Morning Jacket, decided to bypass any label offer by starting up their own, Don’t Panic! Records, and self-producing their debut LP. The result, La La Land, is a record the band describes as "music that’s instantly familiar and yet vaguely other-worldly." Bands with a knack for the psychedelic and grandiose come to mind upon listening: Flaming Lips, the 1900s and a healthy dose of Bowie. Should be interesting at the very least. (Appearing with Cloud Cult, Illinois and Bon Iver as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Schubas on Jan. 18) --text: Mike Scales

With so many communal bands being imported from Canada, it’s getting hard to keep track. Young Galaxy is the latest prodigy on the white-hot Arts & Crafts label, home to pop-centric Broken Social Scene, The Most Serene Republic, Stars, etc. Formed by duo Stephen Ramsay and Catherine McCandless and now featuring four other musicians, 2007 saw their eponymous debut featuring pop and shoegazey tunes. On the immaculate "Swing Heartache", the group sings: "We do not believe that love is free / 'Cause anything worth fighting for doesn't come for free", becoming an anthem for the heartbroken. "Come and See" asks: "Is this coincidence or connection?" with fuzzed-out guitars gnarling in the background. Last year they contributed a remix of "Calendar Girl" to Stars’ remix record, Do You Trust Your Friends? Keeping with the motif of astronomy and unable to resist the obvious cheesy metaphor, Young Galaxy’s celestial music is out of this world. (Appearing with John Vanderslice, The M's and Heypenny as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Schubas on Jan. 16) --text: Garin Pirnia

© 2008 Innerview Media, Inc.

:: developed by InfraStrategy