Tonight: Oxford Collapse at The Abbey Pub

Download: Oxford Collapse - "Please Visit Your National Parks"
Download: Oxford Collapse - "Lady Lawyers"
Download: Oxford Collapse - "The Birthday Wars"
(Via Oxford Collapse Audio Page)
Download: We Are Scientists - "Nobody Move"

Like many other Brooklyn-based bands early this decade, Oxford Collapse started out as a group influenced by the post-punk likes of Joy Division, Wire and Gang of Four (you know, the usual suspects). However, as the band toured, and gained more in popularity (which resulted into signing to Sub Pop), Oxford's sound has evolved into something more akin to classic indie-rock of the Eighties and Nineties. On releases like Remember The Night Parties, and the brand-new Bits, Oxford Collapse combined a lacerating, self-effacing wit with music that essentially serves as comfort food for those party-goers who're acting a little bit younger than what their age dictates.

But, lest you think that Oxford Collapse is music for brahs, the band throw in some emotional ambivalence. "You're so sweet/thanks for asking/we're doing fine/with our steady, slow decline" is the band's idea of a sing-along anthem. As listeners may ascertain from the title, Bits consists mainly of short, melodic blasts of hummable indie-rock, driven by pummeling drums, treble-y guitars, and thick basslines (check out "The Birthday Wars" as a strong example of what Bits is about). But Bits is at its most interesting when the band stretches out, such as the Fugazi-invoking "Men & Their Ideas". While Bits may whet listeners appetite for Oxford Collapse, the live show should provide a whole feast. We Are Scientists headline.

Show Details:

We Are Scientists
Oxford Collapse
Abbey Pub
$15, 18+
Doors at 8, Show at 9

We Are Scientists MySpace Page
Oxford Collapse MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)