Chicago-based musician Danny Biggins founded the art-pop project Zombie Mañana in 2013, mixing elements of neo-psych and indie rock with electronic beats and R&B flourishes. February’s single “Thousands of Days,” which Biggins describes on Instagram as a love song to Mother Earth, juxtaposes spacey atmospherics with an upbeat beach rhythm, delves into creamy, psychedelic melodies reminiscent of the heyday of the Swinging Sixties, and finally soars into ecstatic guitar bliss. Zombie Mañana’s latest single, July’s “Little Dreamers” (whose B-side is a cover of Grizzly Bear’s “Half Gate”), showcases Biggins’ experimental side, alternating between melodic vocals over a light, bubbly groove and bursts of cosmic noise-rock exploration layered with falsetto and effects-laden vocals. Biggins’ introspective lyrics about life’s ups and downs aren’t always the “feel-good” kind of music, but the way he wears his heart on his sleeve takes real courage – and his accessible delivery, dreamy instrumentals and adventurous sound palette can make anyone feel welcome. This eclectic program also includes Saint Louis progressive post-rock band They Need Machines to Fly? and local noir-pop trio Nohmads, so come early and get ready for all the vibes.
Zombie Morning You need machines to fly? and Nohmads open. Sat. Aug. 31, 10 p.m., Cole’s Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee, $13, 21+
