House of Blues
Manchester Orchestra – 05/06
RiFF RaFF – 05/07
YG – 05/24
This March, YG dropped his major label debut “My Krazy Life,” a West Coast gangsta-rap essential. The Compton rapper is bringing his party-ready singles like “My Hitta” and “Bompon” to perform on stage. YG will also be supported by key collaborator DJ Mustard, whose great “Ketchup” mixtape collects all of the irresistible party-rap he produced in the past few years.
Against Me! – 05/23
Prolific punks Against Me! released “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” one of the most powerful rock albums so far this year. The standout single from the record, “Black Me Out,” finds frontwoman Laura Jane Grace fighting against being outed on behalf of outcasts everywhere. Performed live, the song can be the perfect anthem to shout along to.
The Casbah (21+)
Mobb Deep – 04/15
DIIV – 04/28
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – 05/00
Indie romantics The Pains of Being Pure at Heart return with their third album, “Days of Abandon,” in May. The band’s new single “Simple and Sure” is a sunny delight that finds them in a direction away from the heavy guitars of their previous record, “Belong.” The show is supported by United Kingdom rockers Fear of Men, another exciting band releasing a new album in May.
Baths – 05/24
Musician Will Wiesenfeld is the man behind the glitch-pop act Baths that mixes pretty synth-pop with the ugliest confessionals. The clashing music made the second Baths album, “Obsidian,” such a haunting yet beautiful piece of work. Alongside Wiesenfeld, blown-out rap trio Young Fathers and future-club producer P. Morris will perform as supporting acts at the show.
Porter’s Pub
The Underachievers – 04/24
Dillinger Escape Plan – 04/26
Danny Brown – 05/02
Wild rapper Danny Brown holds nothing back as he spits rugged and raw with his signature high-pitched yelp. His major label debut “Old” includes the darkest hood stories and the most zonked-out bangers. No matter what kind of sound, Brown’s hyped raps should liven up the night.
Step Brothers – 05/03
Step Brothers is a duo of Los Angeles producer-rappers Evidence and Alchemist. Evidence is one-third of the great Dilated Peoples, while Alchemist has helmed countless collaborations from Mobb Deep to Action Bronson. As Step Brothers, the two bring their signature soulful boom-bap to the mix. Check out their solid debut “Lord Steppington” for a preview of the duo.
Soda Bar (21+)
Trust – 04/23
Bleeding Rainbow – 05/01
Fuzzy pop-rockers Bleeding Rainbow is now on its third album in three years with “Interrupt.” The band’s new record radiates with nonstop energy that bursts straight from hyperactive guitar riffs. Combined with sweet melodies, Bleeding Rainbow provides songs to sing and jump along to.
Lower – 05/19
Nothing – 05/27
In its new album “Guilty of Everything,” punk band Nothing mixes dream-pop textures in its hardcore riffs to create a mellow yet brutal sound. Nothing will be joined by metalgaze act Whirr, whose latest “Around” EP stretches out epic riffs in a similar style. Also, take a listen to the other supporting act, the industrial electronic duo Youth Code. With three great bands, it’s a stacked lineup worth the admission.
Belly Up Tavern (21+)
Mogwai – 04/15
Since releasing the bone-chilling album “Young Team” in 1997, Mogwai has stood as a rock giant. Countless modern acts have attempted to recreate the slow-burning terror of the band’s song “Like Herod,” but none have come close. Mogwai’s latest record “Rave Tapes” mines on its signature black sound and perhaps translates better to witness the band unfolding the new music live.
Bonobo – 04/16
Simon Green has been producing pristine midtempo grooves under the guise Bonobo for more than a decade. Last year’s Bonobo album “The North Borders” found Green continuing his streak for fresh beats with songs like “Cirrus” and “Heaven for Sinner,” featuring Erykah Badu. Accompanying Bonobo, synth-pop auteur Nite Jewel is joining as a supporting act.
Tokyo Police Club – 05/02
Mariachi El Bronx – 05/05
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
City and Colour – 04/15
Au Revoir Simone – 04/16
For those attending the cosmic pop duo Broken Bell’s sold-out show, don’t miss supporting act Au Revoir Simone. The retro-pop trio strengthened their soft fuzz for a more confident pop record with last year’s “Move in Spectrums.” Preview singles such as “Somebody Who” and “Crazy” to get familiar with sweet sounds and melodies of Au Revoir Simone.
Ingrid Michaelson – 05/09
For her new single “Girls Chase Boys,” Ingrid Michaelson subtly applies a more modern-pop sound into her traditional pop music. The drums snap clean beneath the classic pianos and Michaelson sings an irresistible hook that sweetly rises and swings. If “Girls Chase Boys” is any indication, the new material on her upcoming album “Lights Out” might be a more lively take on Michaelson’s music, fitting for her upcoming San Diego show.
Christina Perri – 05/14
Also read: Catch a wild ride with opener Speedy Ortiz
