Ohio Sky
Apophis
(self-released)
Named for a doomsday comet, Ohio Sky's Apophis is a little EP with big songs. Indie-rockers, metalheads and emo types alike will feel the impact of this 10-inch vinyl release. Paul Hamann (James Gang, Suede Brothers) recorded the seven-minute instrumental title track, which fades in like a psychedelic sunrise. Frontman Vince DiFranco and the backup signers have voices that deserve the top-flight sound. On "You Want More," DiFranco is every bit as propulsive as drummer Eric Bambic, wailing, crooning, soaring and kicking himself in the ass to shake off a spell of obsession and emotional paralysis. Four songs isn't enough. — D.X. Ferris
Ohio Sky performs with Bluebird, Anafair, the Slow Blade and Philo at 9 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., 216.321.5588, grogshop.gs). Tickets: $8.
Crookneck Chandler
and the Tibbee Bottom Boys
Coontail Road
(Tibbee Bottom)
Led by singer-guitarist Hank Mallery, these hillbilly rockers use terms like "Appalachian swamp rock" to describe their unique brand of bluegrass/country/honky-tonk. That's not a bad description: The guys sound like a cross between the Charlie Daniels Band and the Blasters. They hoot and holler about "drinking themselves under the table" in the break-up ballad "Heartache the Size of Milwaukee" and cry out for "a place away from trouble" in the twangy "Find Me a Bottle." OK, so the alcohol-theme might run its course over the course of the 13 songs here, but since these guys are good enough songwriters, the tunes never become tedious. — Jeff Niesel
Crookneck Chandler and the Tibbee Bottom Boys perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Stamper's Grill Pub (21750 Lorain Rd., 440.333.7826, stampersgrillpub.com). FREE.
