We’ve been talking about local lo-fi shredders Ah God a lot lately. They’re still up for a vote in our current Artist of the Month poll. If you're still out of the loop, it would be wise to come check them out this Thursday at Bunk Bar. The duo will be supporting a stellar lineup including Portland’s very own slowgazers Tender Age and San Diego based jangle surfers Heavy Hawaii. It’s sure to be a night so full of reverb and ethereal texture that when the last song ends you won’t be sure whether the ringing in your ears is the tapering last note or, you know, permanent hearing damage.

Ah God will be taking it to you hard as always with the energy and tenacity of grunge tempered by the lo-fi DIY sensibilities of bands like No Age and Abe Vigoda. Tender Age will add some starch to the mix and slow things way down without sacrificing any density of sound. Their style is similar to the pacing and texture of Cocteau Twins with Seapony’s knack for a catchy hook. Heavy Hawaii will take us to the beach with their reverb-smeared summer jams. Their sound is like Olivia Tremor Control or Ariel Pink weirdo-rock plus bubblegum surf pop and a So-Cal tan.

With ambassadors from every corner of 90s-influenced reverb pop, this show isn't one you can’t afford to not miss.

- Bryce Woodcock

The night kicked off with a bang, as Bubble Cats put on a shred-fest of guitars and cool melodies. Next, Tender Age charmed the audience with their serene dream-pop, preparing the solid Wednesday night crowd at Mississippi Studios for their headliners.

Souvenir Driver are ahead of the curve, making each live show a production. Probably the best-dressed band in Portland, the three-piece suit-clad dudes looked and sounded polished for the release of their sophomore album, Living Water. SD made every effort to set the mood, layering the soft, reverby vocals of Nate Wey and heavily effected instruments, along with a mesmerizing visual effect reel projected over the band. The use of visuals transports the audience into a totally different space, adding an undefined excitement to their ominous bliss-pop songs. My favorite song from their set was “I Touch You Honey” off Living Water, with a catchy surf pop guitar riff, upbeat drums, and atmospheric backing vocals.

Attention to detail sets Souvenir Driver apart from other bands, right down to the hand-made posters and limited-edition cassettes at the merch table.

- Chandler Strutz

Photos by Todd Walberg

There’s something entrancing about the dream pop sounds that surround the songs of Tender Age. Between the reverb heavy guitar leads, intricate vocal harmonies and steady, near hypnotic drumming it’s easy to get lost in the sounds they create. Their latest single, “Velvet”, balances dynamic structures reminiscent of a post-rock group with an ambience that ties them into the shoegaze genre. Catch them this weekend at Rontoms with Fringe Class as part of the venue’s always-awesome Sunday Sessions. You won’t be sorry. - Benjamin Toledo