Leon Russell: The Westcott Theater, Sept. 18
By Ashley Cheuk Ling Siu
With his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this past year, Leon Russell [14] has truly proved himself deserving of the description "legendary." From rock and blues to country and folk, there is a Leon Russell song for everyone. He has collaborated with a wide variety of artists such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys to prove it. His show at the Westcott Theater will be one to remember. Not to mention hometown heroes, The Vanderbuilts [15], will bring their energetic blend of indie rock to the experience. It will be a show you don't want to miss.
Coheed and Cambria: The Westcott Theater, Sept. 24
By Emmery Brakke
If you’re a Coheed and Cambria [16] fan, you most likely already have your ticket for their show on Sept. 24. Given that the last time this band rolled through Syracuse they set a record for selling out The Westcott, it's a good idea to get one if you don't. One of the most prominent rock groups of the past decade, they’re coming through town just a few weeks before the release of their sixth studio album, The Afterman: Descension, so it promises to be a night of old favorites and exciting new material. Coheed's energy and blend of progressive and post-hardcore is one that is worth checking out even if those genres aren't your typical taste.
Datsik: The Westcott Theater, Oct. 3
By Josh Austin
From low bass wobbles to high frequency synths, Datsik [17] is no longer an up and comer in the dubstep genre. Introducing his fans to what he calls “robostep,” Datsik has marched beyond the sub bass phenomenon and has become the brostepper. Hailing from British Columbia, Datsik, aka Troy Beetles, uses his machine gun, futuristic manufactured sound to make you feel like you’re in some gritty, techno time warp—and loving it. After just releasing his first LP, Vitamin D, in April, Datsik is brostepping his way through Syracuse on his Firepower tour. Gaining popularity as he goes, Beetles has remixed Coldplay, MGMT and the Wu-Tang Clan. For those who don’t know Datsik, he’s already made a name in dubstep history right along with Skrillex. Make sure you check him out.
Matt and Kim: The Westcott Theater, Oct. 4
By Sam Kogon
Matt and Kim [18] are sure to rock any indie rock fan into nirvana. This homegrown Brooklyn duo is all about the live experience, making shows that their audience can cosmically connect to. With such hit singles as "Daylight," "Block After Block," "Cameras," "I'm A Goner" and "Let's Go," M&K have released a steady flow of catchy indie jingles from the start of their existence. Did I forget to mention four studio albums since 2006? It's a true feat for any band to pump out that amount of content in this day and age, without a bunch of filler tracks. I suggest grabbing those old shoes that you don't care about and go dance to the sounds of Matt & Kim at The Westcott.
Say Anything and Murder By Death: The Lost Horizon, Oct. 16
By Alyssa McKinley and Joseph DiDimozio
When raw and angsty meets fun and classic, it creates a Say Anything [19] concert. Frontman Max Bemis has been through it all and truly knows how to channel his experiences into his writing and his live performance. With a newly solidified lineup that knows how to rock the old stuff too, Say Anything is a band not to miss. The release of their latest self-titled album had the music scene buzzing, and their live show always does the same. They'll be bringing Murder By Death [19] along with them to The Lost Horizon. More than just a “goth-Decemberists” outfit, MBD performs songs about murder, sin, and regret, backed by a cello, and a lead singer whose voice channels Johnny Cash. Their sixth album, Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon, which raised the third highest Kickstarter, will be released on Sept. 25, just in time to grab it before they hit town.
Circa Survive, Violent Waves Tour: The Westcott Theater, Oct. 26
By Ian Macks
Fresh off their latest LP, Violent Waves, which was self-produced, funded and released, Circa Survive [20] are set to grace The Westcott Theater with their aura. Supporting the ambient post-hardcore quintet will be post-punk phenoms Balance and Composure, who have thrived off the success of their 2011 debut Separation and played in at The Lost Horizon last May with La Dispute. Post-hardcore veterans Touché Amore will also be supporting and folk-rockers O’Brother round out the bill. This is definitely one of the biggest alternative shows to come to Syracuse this fall. Don’t “Act Appalled” if this sells out, because it is likely to. Make sure you get your ticket early for this one.
