Oh, how this time of the year can be so unexciting. Holidays are done, the New Year has come, and there is not much to look forward to until, well, the new statutory holiday. Until then, Musicologist recommends indulging in the odd show that surfaces from the woodwork and makes trekking through 20-below weather worthwhile. This Friday, for example, is worth that trek: Metal Kites and Great Bloomers are playing the Rivoli for a mere 5 bucks.

Metal Kites is the newest project for local singer-songwriter John Tielli. Over the years Tielli has evolved his project (going by Clark the Band) while working with well-respected accompaniment ranging from Mike Feurestack (Wooden Stars, Snailhouse) and Jeremy Gara and Tim Kingsbury (both of Arcade Fire). Metal Kites play Tielli’s mature, guitar-driven pieces, which combine sharp, infectious rhythm, intricate melodies, and the odd ornamental dissonance. Oh, and sometimes Tielli plays the theremin—the theremin!

Opening for the Metal Kites are the Great Bloomers, the local theremin-less 5-piece that has been relentlessly grabbing this city’s attention after impressing audiences at festivals Over the Top and Track and Field in the summer of last year. Their sounds are eclectic, the band experimenting with alt-country and hints of blues. Their vocals are strong, their lyrics are catchy, and most of their songs deter from predictability as they conclude with unexpected, anthem-worthy crescendos. Consistently they deliver a confident and engaging live show and, what Musicologist can attest to, play hard for their audience.

Has 5 dollars ever seemed so valuable and the Rivoli so attractive? The answer is no.

Full listings after the jump.

This Week

Thursday, January 3
Atlas Eyes, Teeth of Lions, and Miss Scarlett @ Clintons, $5
The Perpetrators @ Dakota Tavern, $5

Friday, January 4
Dresden Dolls and Die Mannequin @ Phoenix, $19.50
Great Bloomers and Metal Kites @ Rivoli, $5
RA:TIO @ Opera House, $15

Saturday, January 5
Grand River Orchestra and Andy Swan @ Tranzac, $5
Basia Lyjak, Frankie Whyte adn the Dead Idols, and Sin Dealer @ Lee's Palace, $7
Raoul and the Big Time, Bharath Rajakumar, and Julian Fauth @ Silver Dollar, $12

Sunday, January 6
The Weather Station @ The Boat, $5
Quest for Fire, Tropics, and HolyBlueGhosts @ Sneaky Dees, PWYC

Just Announced

January 20: Ken Reaume and Abbey @ Sneaky Dee's, PWYC
January 27: Todd Rundgren @ Music Hall, $57
February 9: MGMT and Yeasayer @ El Mocambo, $8.50
February 17: Nicole Atkins and the Sea @ Lee's Palace, $10.50
March 1: The Most Serene Republic @ Mod Club, $15

Photo of Lowell Sostomi of Great Bloomers by Arash Aminaie