Think Thursday

24/10/06

It seems sometimes that the price of live events is spiralling forever upwards, certainly at a faster rate than one’s income ever seems to go up anyway.  However it is also possible to find value within the live music scene here in Mexico City.

Rather than saving yourself for the Friday night, it may be worth you while considering a Thursday evening as the perfect time to experience new Mexican music live and get a little more for your money.

There are a number of venues that are now providing free entertainment, not just the resident old boy tinkling the ivories but the cream of the indie talent on stage.  Thursday 19^th October’s list gives you an idea of the places and kind of quality you can expect if you risk a furry Friday by starting the weekend a day early.

La Victoria (Coahuila #92 Col.Roma) has been open and closed intermittently over the last few years but in recent months it seem to have developed a consistent weekend line-up that usually reflects the best talent.  Last Thursday saw the first of two Happy-Fi nights with Album and Dendron playing with no entry charge. 

Album and Dendron represent two of the strongest talents within the Happy-Fi collective.  The Monterrey community of artists has been given a new momentum with the signing of a production and distribution agreement with EMI in 2005 that means their music is now available country-wide in high profile outlets such as Mix-Up and Sandbornes.

The space at La Victoria is large with mainly uninterrupted views of the stage.  On a Thursday night the addition of candle-lit tables on the edge of the dance floor gives it a more relaxed and comfortable vibe in which to enjoy the music. 

A few blocks away there was more live music to be found as the Factory seems to be responding to the intense competition by removing entry charges and introducing drinks promotions. 

On this evening five strong unsigned bands entertained the crowd Thygerlaine, El Hombre Bala Los Pranksters, Payro and Cutlass. 

The highlight of the evening was the chance to see Payro, featured on last weeks mercado negro. 

The band of 3 brothers (Javier, Alvaro and Ricardo), plus Daniel on bass play music with a strong suggestion of classic British influences; essentially bass driven with the added dimensions of an extra guitar and keyboards.

The songs available on myspace (myspace.com/depayro) have been produced by Yamil Rezc from Sub Division after a chance meeting with the band.  With this kind of quality technical support, a rowdy and energetic crew and a compelling presence on stage Payro could be the new act to look out for in 2007.

Taking into consideration the other free concerts available on the evening one is almost spoilt for choice. 

lebaron played an acoustic set at Tigre (Insurgentes Sur near the World Trade Centre) which over the last few weeks has played host to the likes of Hello Seahorse and Cockybrainfuzz in a deli atmoshere, if that's your bag. 

Also Silencios Incomodos played their dark instrumental rock at La terraza at the Spanish Cultural Centre which in the coming weeks will host a range of interesting new sounds such as Piterpat on the Thrill Jockey label from Chicago.

All of the venues mentioned seem to be consistently providing free, quality entertainment each week. 

If you are considering a night out but feel that the price of entry is often prohibitively expensive then maybe it is time to “think Thursday”. 

Just remember to take it easy on the beers for the sake of your wallet and your Friday.