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Ybor City and the downtowns of the 'Burg and Tampa have long been tried and true go-to spots to see great live music from bands that are both nationally loved and waiting to catch a break. But with high ticket prices and age restrictions, it's harder for younger (read: under 18), equally hip music fans to go see a great, affordable set without trying to find a warehouse or house show (read my story on DIY shows here).
Epic Problem in east Tampa has long been a good all-ages venue, but Mojo Books & Records— an often overlooked space in the university area of North Tampa — has quickly become thee spot to see touring bands during that delicate period right before late night talk shows, big publications, and major record labels come calling.
[jump]On Friday night, Mojo continues the tradition of hosting heavily buzzing outfits when they welcome Speedy Ortiz to fill the book & record store with a brand of indie rock n' roll that hearkens back to the golden days of bands like Chavez and Jawbox.
Eager ears were introduced to the Western Massachusetts-based quartet last February via the Real Hair EP, but frontwoman Sadie Dupuis & Co. arrive supporting a full-length debut, Major Arcana, which is awash with plenty of distorted guitars ("Tiger Tank"), quietly disturbing arrangements ("Gary"), and more than enough soul-searching confessional lyrics ("Plough").
Arcana's second single —"No Below"— is a great example of the seductive nature of Dupuis' delivery and her band's ability to back it up with muscular, twisted, melodic crunch. Have a listen below. The band plays Mojo this Friday with another breaking east coast outfit, Grass Is Greener, as well as a pair of super-solid locals (Y Los Dos Pistoles and Sweet Divorce). The show is just $8 and kicks off of 8:30 p.m.; Mojo is located at 2540 E. Fowler Ave in Tampa.
