Duo Downtown/Union—possibly once the earthiest of all the L.A. two pieces, thanks to a rough and healthy rock ‘n’ roll sound and an apparent house rule of keeping number-of-chords equal to number-of-members as often as possible—were already promising regulars on a certain club circuit before they reinforced their line-up with the Henry Clay People’s Siara brothers. Now a four-piece on the new album Aurora Ahora, they go happily skidding into the best sound they’ve found so far. Rock ‘n’ Roll-era Mekons are all over this—loud, sad and wild despite the wider world—along with righteous give-a-fuckers like the Replacements, Sherbert-era Chilton and even the later Feelies. Downtown/Union is a heartland-style rock band with a handle on heartbreak, too.
Tue., July 21, 9 p.m., 2009
