Hopscotch 2015 Night 1: Mac McCaughan, Bully & Battles shine after the rain

All photos by Kevin Norris

Walking into City Plaza on Thursday night, there was an uncertainty in the air. Dark clouds threatened rain and storms, an e-cigarette brand hawked its vapor to concert goers, and Ought was getting ready to take the stage in place of Deerhunter, one of the several bands who had to cancel their trips or couldn’t make it to North Carolina. It seemed foreboding. Would this be the year that Hopscotch failed to live up its reputation?

Ought proved a suitable replacement and a first step towards reassurance. The charming Canadians stuttering post-punk slowly built. Early on, jagged rhythms felt carefully designed and Tim Beeler’s vocals felt almost matter-of-fact in tone, but by the end of their set they let loose into a climax that felt spontaneous. Beeler’s friendly banter between songs warmed a cool audience that at times still seemed disappointed at Deerhunter’s absence.

Battles announces 2012 tour, coming to Carrboro

New York experimental rock band Battles released their sophomore album Gloss Drop last year and are gearing up for a run east coast dates in June to support it.

The band will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Sunday, June 10. Advance tickets are on sale now via Etix for $15.

Check out the music video for the super catchy song "Ice Cream" from Gloss Drop below.

Moogfest rolls out initial 2011 lineup, Flaming Lips, Passion Pit & more

One of the most exciting annual music festivals in North Carolina, other than the Hopscotch Music Festival right here in Ralegh, is Moogfest in Asheville, named after electronic music pioneer Robert Moog. The 2011 festival will take place on October 28, 29 and 30 across three primary venues, The Orange Peel, the Asheville Civic Center and the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.

The initial lineup will feature big names like The Flaming Lips, Passion Pit, Tangerine Dream, STS9, Ghostland Observatory, Suicide (performing their self-titled album) and Crystal Castles. 22 other bands have been announced so far. Check out the full list below.