Stephen Malkmus’ name is synonymous with indie rock royalty.
The Stockton, CA-bred singer/guitarist fronted one of the most critically revered groups of the ’90s, Pavement. In a time where grunge was the alt-rock vernacular, Malkmus forged his now indelible blend of wry, oblique lyricism and haphazard guitar work. Pairing elements of ’80s alt like R.E.M. and Sonic Youth with more avant-garde influences like Swell Maps and Can, Malkmus stumbled on a signature sound that’d become a cornerstone for modern indie groups.
Though Pavement never quite broke through to the mainstream, the group garnered a massive cult following and have continued to reach new audiences through the Internet. Wahooooo! But since all good things must end, Malkmus, after growing more and more dissatisfied with Pavement both musically and interpersonally, dissolved the group at the turn of the century.
Almost immediately after Pavement cracked (LOL right?!), the Holy Steve thought to truck on and formed a new group called The Jicks. Taking elements of Malkmus’ songwriting mixed with jammier tendencies, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks have gone on to release six records (none of which are close to being bad). It’s of note that The Jicks have now been around longer than Pavement, a fact that the press can ignore from time to time.
Wig Out at Jagbags, the Jicks’ most recent LP, is perhaps their best yet. The record is almost a consummate grab bag of Malkmus’ influences, drawing from raucous ’80s punk, ’70s soft rock, and proggy stoner jams.
With a long tour underway, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks show no signs of slowing down and you can witness the legends… the indie war heroes… the cool aunts and uncles… that are The Jicks live at High Noon Saloon tomorrow night at High Noon Saloon.