Stretch The Weekend To Its Limits At Firehouse 13

On Sunday, October 19, alt-country stalwarts Two Cow Garage will roll through Firehouse 13 along with Mutts, Six Star General, and Lucky United, and it is an event not to be missed. Sunday night is a time most 9-to-5ers dread. You’re thinking about having to deal with your overbearing boss and your nincompoop co-workers, and the anxiety begins to set in once again. This week, instead of binge-watching “Law & Order” reruns per usual, come out to Firehouse 13 to get your eardrums wrecked by four killer bands.

This is an event I’ve taken to calling Triosplosion! (copyright pending), as all the bands performing are just that. It’s been said that three is the magic number, and when I see a trio killing it on stage, there’s an added element of respect. You can’t just hide behind a wall of four rhythm guitars; everyone has to be at the top of their game or it’ll be fairly obvious something is lacking.

The elder statesman of the bill, Two Cow Garage have been showing the country a good time for almost 15 years. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, they’ve made their name as alt-country road dogs known for their engaging live shows. For them, phoning it in is not an option, and they seem like the kind of band who would rock out just as hard if five people showed up.

Mixing political commentary and slick pop culture references, they’ve found a sound all their own. They’ll be slinging tracks from their latest release, 2013’s The Death of the Self-Preservation Society. While their earlier albums sound like a working-man’s Lucero, it seems they’ve turned up the juice in recent years, as Death sounds more like Superchunk. But whatever tack they’re taking, you can probably assume you’re in for a great show.

Also repping the Midwest will be Mutts out of Chicago, a band whose sound runs the gambit between doomy blues to high-octane ragtime to distorted freakouts. Keyboard-playing vocalist Mike Maimone sounds like if gruff-voiced Dickey Barrett from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones took decades of piano lessons. And acid. From watching their live videos, the comparison that comes to mind is Ben Folds Five, an analogy hard-rockin’ types may not appreciate. But the crafty piano, distorted bass (Bob Buckstaff), and tight as hell drumming (Chris Pagnani) fill up the space so well that sometimes you can’t believe they’re actually a trio.

Last December saw the release of their fourth LP, Fuel Yer Delusion vol. 4. It’s an ambitious project tied together by “America’s Next Top _” parts 1, 2, and 3, about the rat race that comes with achieving success, and whether it’s even worth it in the end.

Following will be Providence-based Six Star General. Led by front man Kyle Johnson, the band has been together since 2004 and has released nine recordings. Sonically, SSG is another mixed bag, but throughout, the combo of Johnson’s guitar fuzz and drummer Daniel Ulmschneider’s rollicking fills make them more than worth a listen.

Kicking things off will be Lucky United, a high-energy punk band in the vein of ’90s Green Day or Social Distortion. They have an arsenal of fat-free 2:30 minutes songs that will get you ready to roll.

Sunday night will feature some seasoned bands playing quality tunes, and there should be something for everybody. You can work on your sick day excuses later.

The show takes place on Sun, Oct 19 at Firehouse 13, located at 41 Central St. in PVD. Doors open at 8pm.