Son Volt and the Fruit Bats

Saturday, October 29; the Pageant (6161 Delmar Boulevard)

Oct 26, 2005 at 4:00 am

Most multiple-band bills amount to little more than professional favors or label showcases. But taken together, Son Volt and the Fruit Bats represent mirror images of the American folk tradition. With Okemah and the Melody of Riot, Son Volt revives protest tunes and calls-to-arms, framing man's struggles against national and global backdrops. The Fruit Bats, though, ditch the riot and go straight for the melody. On its latest, Spelled in Bones, the foursome sets up camp in Laurel Canyon and continues to explore life, love and longing with a scientist's eye and a fingerpicker's ear.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20; call 314-726-6161 for more information.