Terminal Lovers
(Public Guilt)
As Eyes Burn Clean, the second proper release by area artist/musician Dave Cintron's Terminal Lovers, signals its intentions immediately with "Press the Bank," a clattering space-rock drone that almost coalesces into a pop song when the vocal melody enters. With the help of local luminaries like Keelhaul guitarist Chris Smith and Boulder/Destructor bassist Jamie Walters, Cintron (Dimbulb, the Downside Special, Speaker/Cranker) creates voluminous songs that alternately amble and charge through vast musical territory. "Ion Gate" recalls Jefferson Airplane's most adventurous outings with its wiry guitar and pillowy vocals. The slashing "Shadow Driver" revs up the energy and momentum with a dirty classic rock vibe, while "Steve Ashby" works the ambient angle with its drift-by space noises. — Anastasia Pantsios
The Terminal Lovers perform with Non-Fiction and Umm Qasr at 9 p.m. Friday, November 27, at Now That's Class (11213 Detroit Ave., 216.221.8576, myspace.com/nowthatsclass). $5.
Lo Watt Radio
(Lo-Watt)
This Akron band mines a mellow folk groove on this promising five-song EP. The opening track, "Empty Seat," is a jam-friendly tune that perfectly mixes mandolin, lap steel and organ. "What You See" has a bit of a Barenaked Ladies vibe (not a criticism), and the more the guys turn up the twang, the better. "The Visit" features ringing mandolins that play up the song's drama, and the stripped-down "Crushing Plant" is a working-class song that could pass for a Billy Bragg ballad. — Jeff Niesel
Lo Watt Radio perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, November 28, at Prosperity Social Club (1109 Starkweather, 216.937.1938, prosperitysocialclub.com). FREE.