Spring Concert Preview: Manic Productions Edition

It's that time of the year where the weather's warmer and the earliest of the summer tours begin, making things quite busy on the concert front.  It's no different for our friends at Manic Productions, who kick it into high gear once the snow melts and music is in the air.  Here are some highlights of their upcoming event schedule:

Ted Leo (solo) @ The Space (Hamden), Friday April 29th

Frontman for the aptly named Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, the indie-punk vocalist/guitarist is no stranger to Manic events, having played several of their shows (both solo and with full band) in recent years, also swinging through supporting Pearl Jam a couple summers back.  Check out this solo take on "The High Party", and come check out the show this Friday.  Drew Doherty and Midi & the Modern Dance (solo) support, $12.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ Daniel Street (Milford), Monday May 2nd

These indie-pop darlings last played CT with Surfer Blood in summer 2010, also playing Daniel Street.  Their infectious, hook-laden, noisy pop is sure to please.  Check out the title track of their most recent LP Belong, embedded below.  Twin Shadow and The Stepkids support, $15 at the door, $13 in advance.

Mates of State @ The Space, Friday May 27th

This will mark my fifth time seeing Mates (6th for Freesia, but who's counting?), including appearances at All Points West 2008 and last year's I Am Fest in New London.  This show is a return to The Space for the husband & wife musical duo and is a pregame of sorts for B.O.M.B. Fest 2011, taking place the following two days.  Enjoy the live staple "Goods (All in Your Head)", embedded below, and expect a full post in the leadup to the show.  Bear Hands and The Lonely Forest support, $15.

The Antlers @ The Space, Friday June 17th

The Antlers' latest album, Burst Apart, is currently streaming on NPR and is definitely worth a listen.  A leak of reasonable quality is currently available online, but we'll keep hunting and let you know when some better mp3s of these multi-instrumental indie-rockers are available.  Until then, here's a live version of "Shiva" from their first LP, Hospice, which was the soundtrack for my writing this post.  Great pick.  Little Scream supports, $15 at the door, $13 in advance.

Honorable mentions:  You can stave off your B.O.M.B. Fest hangover with 2011 alums Titus Andronicus (opening for Okkervil River) and Against Me! on June 4th and June 8th, respectively, at Toad's Place in New Haven.  Frankly we're still hoping for a double dose of Quintron & Miss Pussycat.  Make it happen, Mark!