Shannon and the Clams - “Bean Fields”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Black Lips, The Coathangers, Death Valley Girls

The notion is pretty straightforward, 50s/60s rock performed with raw punk grit. Shannon and the Clams take that theme however and perform with garage-rock intention and loose, rambling energy. The Oakland-based band often embraces Western motifs, a perfect zone to build natural drama while they hold true to their punk-leaning roots. Balancing reverential and subversive takes on a traditional, romantic genre, Shannon and the Clams mess up their sound enough to juxtapose psych-rock crunchiness with lean, R&B-leaning classic pop. At its best, Shannon and the Clams are downright funky, blending rock and throwback soul themes with studied ease. Shannon and the Clams showcase both Thursday and Friday night, first at Parish and then right before The Black Keys at Stubb’s for Easy Eye Sound. (Kevin McStravick)