Former This Is Exploding frontman Joshua Jesty releases his first fully formed CD, Girl, on Saturday at the Winchester (12112 Madison Ave., Lakewood.) Filled with harmonies and hooky guitar melodies, the dynamic disc alternates between big power-pop and gentle, unplugged introspection. Jesty describes the sound as a mix of "Sufjan Stevens and Sunny Day Real Estate and Big Star and Weezer."
Technically, Girl is his fifth solo outing. It follows a late-'90s effort he recorded while in high school and a 2006 collection of the prolific singer-songwriter's recordings. He also recorded a February-themed collection and a set of minute-long songs called Finally, Joshua Jesty Will Be With You in a Minute, which he plans to release later this year. Jesty plays most of the instruments on his albums and he normally takes the stage solo, but he's leading a five-piece band at the CD- release show.
Unsparing Sea and Return of Simple open. Doors open at 9. The $8 admission includes a copy of the album.
Cleveland metal band Law of Destruction is featured alongside Weezer and other bands on Guitar Center's new Fresh Cuts Volume 4 compilation with its tune "On the Edge." The series showcases music by national bands and Guitar Center employees. Law of Destruction includes local department managers Kyle Kniceley and John Comprix (who also plays with Beyond Fear and Tim "Ripper" Owens.) LOD's full-length debut is on hold while Comprix tours with other projects.
Cleveland prog bands Syzygy and Gravity are playing Progfest at Pittsburgh's Pepsi Roadhouse this weekend. Visit 3rprogrfest.com for more details.
Johnny Mohawk & the Assassins' "12 oz of Fury" has been nominated for Best Punk Song at grassroots web community Just Plain Folks. Vote at jpfolks.com.
Goodmorning Valentine are touring to Seattle and back on two motorcycles. The trio kick off their trek on Tuesday, August 11, at the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Ave.). Trouble Books and Brian Straw open. Doors open at 8 p.m., tickets $5. Follow the adventure at ilikethatbike.blogspot.com.
dferris@clevescene.com
