The Suspect: Norma Jean
This Christian metal-core band formerly known as Luti-Kriss has been playing together since 1997, though the band’s only original remaining member is guitarist, Chris Day. They’ve played Ozzfest and the Mayhem Festival, and they recently headlined the Explosions II Tour with After the Burial and For Fallen Dreams.
Can Be Found: Sunday, Dec. 18 at The Orange Peel.
RIYD: Korn, Limp Bizkit.
You Should Go If: You were the only person in your eighth-grade class who liked The Passion of the Christ better than Agent Cody Banks 2; you coined the word “wrathvenge,” a combination of your two favorite words, “wrath” and “vengeance”; you’ve never lost a staring contest. Ever; your “Bah, humbug”: Peace on Earth.
The Suspect: Johnny Irion
The precocious and super-talented Irion formed his first band at the age of 15, and a few years later joined in Chapel Hill’s Dillon Fence. He eventually struck out on his own, moved to California and met his future wife, Sarah Lee Guthrie; together they released the critically acclaimed albums Exploration and this year’s Bright Examples. He also has two solo records.
Can Be Found: Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Grey Eagle. Opening for Chatham County Line.
RIYD: Whiskeytown meets Bill Monroe.
You Should Go If: Your local Boy Scout troop named a merit badge in your honor; you’re known as your neighborhood recyclopath; You’ve unintentionally won your office ugly Christmas sweater contest three years running; your “Bah, humbug,”: wrapping paper.
The Suspect: Paper Tiger
This ultra-cool Asheville duo plays original lounge and trip-hop. Paper Tiger is Ruby Slippers (Molly Kummerle) and MINGLE (Isaac Gottfried.) Showcased at the Moog Foundation CD-release Party at the Orange Peel, they’ve opened for King Britt, NOMO and Brooklyn’s Eliot Lipp.
Can Be Found: Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Emerald Lounge.
RIYD: Portishead, Morcheeba.
You Should Go If: You find James Bond movies incredibly romantic; you designed your own tattoo that looks like both a bird and a mustache; you sometimes roll your right pant leg up and pretend as if you’ve biked places that you’ve actually driven; your “Bah, humbug”: credit limits.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.