A Hawk and a Hacksaw and Dark Dark Dark

Every note is considered and played with joy, care, and a sense of craft…. Feels like a personal historical document, speaking to and from the soul.”—Drowned in Sound

Elephant 6 fans, take note! Albuquerque-based band A Hawk and a Hacksaw, led by former Neutral Milk Hotel member Jeremy Barnes and violinist Heather Trost, create an ecstatic sound inspired by Balkan folk music. They emulate old time Eastern European village bands where virtuosity is appreciated but not overemphasized and the communal aspects of folk traditions are most important. Co-headlining the bill is Minneapolis chamber pop sextet Dark Dark Dark whose sophomore album Wild Go is already topping many “Best Of 2011” lists. Singer Nona Marie Invie’s haunting voice nestles against an elegant array of acoustic sounds, in the same vicinity as Next@Wex acts like Fleet Foxes, Sharon Van Etten, or Joanna Newsom.

Chicago-bred trio Pillars & Tongues will open the show with their harmonium-infused avant folk.