Lymbyc Systym and MoB favorite The One AM Radio played the Annex last night, and despite a visit to the hangover hall of fame courtesy of a wedding on Saturday night, we made it to the venue in time to watch Lymbyc Systym impress the hell out of us.

Playing an abbreviated set, Lymbyc Systym is two parts, drums and keys. Their sound embodies everything I loved the first time I heard Muse or Four Tet. They released Love Your Abuser at the beginning of the year on Mush Records, which we’re wading through today – so far so good.

I was glad they made up the backing band for The One AM Radio, their set definitely took me by surprise last night, here’s hoping the next time they swing through town more people show up.

Myspace: Lymbyc Systym
Myspace: The One Am Radio
MP3: Lymbyc Systym – Truth Skull
MP3: The One Am Radio – Mercury(Remixed by Lymbyc Systym)

Here are the Wisconsin shows we recommend you take in this week. Check them out below and let us know which ones you’ll be attending or ones you think should really make our list.

8/27 – Talib Kweli – Barrymore, Madison
8/27 – Rufus Wainwright/The Magic Numbers – Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
8/30 – The Detroit Cobras/Willowz – Mad Planet, Milwaukee
9/1 – Cloud Cult – High Noon Saloon, Madison

+Remember to bookmark our shows page for all your Wisconsin concert announcements+

A wonderful trio of bands/artists who have all played Madison separately in the not too distant past have been confirmed for the High Noon Saloon on Thursday, November 8th.

11/8 – Cracker/Jason Isbell/Backyard Tire Fire – High Noon Saloon, Madison

Myspace: Cracker
Myspace: Jason Isbell
Myspace: Backyard Tire Fire

MoB: 5 Questions with Backyard Tire Fire
MoB: Backyard Tire Fire: Vagabonds and Hooligans
MoB: Review: Backyard Tire Fire @ The High Noon Saloon

+Remember to bookmark our shows page for all your Wisconsin concert announcements+

Horse Feathers released Words Are Dead a year ago, and with the recent their Daytrotter Session already under their belt we couldn’t be happier to announce their return to Madison to play Cafe Montmartre on Saturday, September 29th..

We thought their album was one of the best releases of 2006, and think you’ll love them too. Don’t miss your chance to see these guys for $7.

Highly recommended for fans of Iron & Wine, Califone and Neutral Milk Hotel.

Myspace: Horse Feathers

+Remember to bookmark our shows page for all your Wisconsin concert announcements+

Our first exposure to Johnny Irion was a performance alongside his wife Sarah Lee Guthrie (Woodie’s granddaughter) opening for Ray LaMontagne at the Barrymore Theatre. Their set was old-school country if you will, would make Sarah’s granddad and father proud for sure, and their harmonies bounced of Mr. LaMontagne’s already lonesome drawl with added beauty during his set.

After that show I dropped down some money and picked up Exploration, their 2005 collaboration together and enjoyed it quiet a bit. Irion recently carved out on his own with the release of Ex Tempore, which highlights his presence as a songwriter and musician in his own right. That’s not to say you won’t hear his wife’s beautiful voice throughout and no more significant that the second track “Short Leash.” There’s something so chillingly beautiful contained in the chorus, “I know I’m preaching to the choir babe, but I’m on a very short leash,” sounds so good, like he took a drink of Dylan’s DNA.

Best to hear for yourself below:

Myspace: Johnny Irion
MP3: Johnny Irion – Short Leash

In our recent interview with MoB favorite Bon Iver he mentioned that he was a fan of North Carolina’s Bowerbirds. Unfamiliar with the group we sought out their recently released Hymns For A Dark Horse, which is filled up with sorrow sounding tunes that, at times, soar to climatic levels. Fans of Andrew Bird and Madison’s very own Pale Young Gentlemen will certainly hear and appreciate some similarities in sound and structure.

Bowerbirds and Casiotone For The Painfully Alone play Schubas Tavern in Chicago on Wednesday, August 29th. After that you can catch them on tour with John Vanderslice and The Mountain Goats.

Myspace: Bowerbirds
MP3: Bowerbirds – Hooves

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Heathen