If you can only see one band at Troika, make it the Mountain Goats. Arguably the most popular band to play at the festival, the Mountain Goats-a moniker of singer-songwriter John Darnielle-have been selling records nationally since 1995, and they've amassed a huge cult following over the years. Regarded as one of the founders of the lo-fi genre, Darnielle is signed to legendary indie label 4AD (home of artists such as M. Ward and Blonde Redhead) and was hailed last year by the New Yorker as one of the best lyricists of our time. And a couple of years ago, Darnielle moved from California to Durham. In an interview with recess last year, he cited "the nearness to the ocean, the weather and the widespread availability of boiled peanuts" as his reasons for moving. The Mountain Goats are a huge first step toward pushing Durham's music scene into any sort of significance, and they will no doubt put on one incredible show.
10 p.m. Friday @ 305 South
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