Shining a spotlight on some of Neon Reverb’s visiting acts

Courtesy Photo

Sole (second from left) & The Skyrider Band

By Laura Davis

Thursday, March 11, 2010 | 12:05 a.m.

The So So Glos

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Recommended if you like: The Dead Milkmen, Talking Heads, The Strokes, Hot Hot Heat

Why see 'em?: Their haircuts might be straight out of the early '90s, but their sound is a fresh, energetic take on old punk rock. And, as they so eloquently confessed in an online interview, they've yet to poop their pants onstage. Maybe at Neon Reverb ...

Listen to: "My Block" (myspace.com/sosoglos)

Where & when: Aruba's Thunderbird Lounge; March 11, 9 p.m.

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The Henry Clay People

Hometown: Los Angeles

Recommended if you like: The Replacements, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Criteria, Pavement

Why see 'em?: The Americana five-piece, currently touring with Drive-By Truckers, headlines Neon Reverb's Rumble showcase. They not only rock their instruments loud and proud, they've been known to rock feather boas and balloon-animal hats onstage.

Listen to: "Something in the Water" (myspace.com/thehenryclaypeople).

Where & when: Aruba Showroom; March 12, 9 p.m.

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Sole & The Skyrider Band

Hometown: Bay Area, California

Recommended if you like: Atmosphere, Flobots, Sage Francis, Eyedea & Abilities

Why see 'em?: The ex-Anticon artist, who recently left the collectively run, independent hip-hop label he helped found, has teamed up with Skyrider, a band from Arizona, to breathe new flavor into his art. Known for his controversial lyrics and free-flowing social criticisms—one of his best-known lines: "The white man's the fucking devil/I wanted to be black at age 13."

Listen to: "Stupid Things Implode" (myspace.com/soleandtheskyriderband)

Where & when: Bunkhouse; March 12, 9 p.m.

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Rainbow Arabia

Hometown: Los Angeles

Recommended if you like: M.I.A., Neon Indian, Thievery Corporation, MGMT

Why see 'em?: If visions of shooting rainbows and psychedelic dance parties are your idea of a good time, don't miss this show. The boy-girl duo's electric worldbeats will keep your limbs flowing and transport you from the midst of downtown city life to a tribal village for a set.

Listen to: "Haunted Hall" (myspace.com/rainbowarabia)

Where & when: Beauty Bar; March 13, 9 p.m.

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The Delta Mirror

Hometown: Los Angeles

Recommended if you like: Album Leaf, The National, Arcade Fire, Joy Division

Why see 'em?: Sometimes being sad makes you happy. This indie-electro trio brings out the blues beautifully with willowy chords and ethereal lyrics. Bring the whole tissue box, the emotion is strong with this one.

Listen to: "A Song About the End" (myspace.com/thedeltamirror)

Where & when: Bunkhouse; March 13, 10 p.m.

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Jared Mees & The Grown Children

Hometown: Portland

Recommended if you like: The Avett Brothers, Weezer, The Mountain Goats

Why see 'em?: With songs that inspire feel-good fun, Mees and his musical entourage should fit this wrap-party showcase like a glove. Leave your self-reserve at the door and sing along, even if you're out of tune; any band willing to be photographed with a chicken can't take itself too seriously.

Listen to: "Strong Black Coffee" (myspace.com/jaredmees)

Where & when: Bunkhouse; March 14, 7 p.m.

— Originally published in Las Vegas Weekly