Another Friday night descends on the city of Madison. The coeds will be out in full force binge drinking and sleeping around. A band that seems to depict the sensation and feeling of Friday night (to me) is Harlem from Austin, TX. I’m not sure how long they have been around (as I’m not much of a journalist and won’t take the time to look it up) but I was lucky enough to hear about their gritty, 60’s garage rock sound from Gorilla vs. Bear, who has also turned me on to other bands: WAVVES (see below) and Real Estate. I bought their latest release “Free Drugs ” on iTunes today and am on my second listen through the album. Initial stand outs are “South of France” and “Beautiful and Very Smart,” which you can listen to here. Gorilla vs. Bear has been supporting Harlem’s “Covers of the Month Club” campaign pretty avidly- although I prefer their originals. Fans of the Black Lips will not be disappointed. Is it just me or could you picture slamming a Pabst with these guys, crushing the can on your head, then getting into a fight?

Have a beer, take a listen, drink too much, fall down and mix it up.