Photo of Torche by Gary Copeland
WEDNESDAY
One of the more technically proficient touring bands today, Torche blurs the lines between post-rock, hardcore and sludge metal and provide a searing show wherein you might kick yourself if you go and don’t bring earplugs but you’ll kick yourself even more for not attending. The crowd was intense at their last show at DC9, so they’ve moved to the larger Rock and Roll Hotel to provide more space for adequate freaking out. LTW and Disciples of Christ open. $12, 9:00 p.m.
>> Red Palace: Battery, Highway Cross, Police & Thieves. Sold Out, 8:00 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: Matt & Kim, Oberhofer. Sold Out, 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY
Sloan just released a new album in 2011, but for this show at the Black Cat, they’ll be looking back to their 1994 album Twice, Removed which they’ll play in its entirety (along with other hits). $15, 8:00 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: Calexico, The Dodos. $20, 7:00 p.m.
>> Rock and Roll Hotel: How to Dress Well, ‘o F F’ Love, BlackHills. $15, 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
At almost exactly this time last year, Jens Lekman previewed a lot of songs for us from his current album, I Know What Love Isn’t at Sixth & I Synagogue. Now that everyone’s learned the words to his melancholy yet humorous anecdotal tunes, they can sing along with the Swedish troubadour at an early show. Taken By Trees opens. $30, 6:00 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: Silversun Pickups, Atlas Genius, Cloud Nothings. Sold Out, 10:00 p.m.
>> The Hamilton: Perfume Genius, Dusted. $17, 8:30 p.m.
>> Black Cat: Swans, A Hawk & A Hacksaw. $20, 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY
What sort of music might you expect from a band called Deathfix? Metal, maybe? What if I tell you that its comprised of a local super team of Brendan Canty, Richard Morel, Mark Cisneros and Devin Ocampo. You probably still wouldn’t come up with the actual answer which is a downtempo but intense set of songs that sound a little bit like Sonic Nurse/Rather Ripped era Sonic Youth meets Yo La Tengo. Head out to Iota if you haven’t seen this group yet. It’s worth the trip. Cane & the Sticks and More Humans open. $12, 9:00 p.m.
>> Fillmore: The Temper Trap. $25, 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
A few years ago, Passion Pit’s song “Sleepyhead” stirred up the blogs with its mix of dance beats, post-punk inspired guitars and one of the highest falsettos we’ve heard in years. Now with two albums under their belt, they’re a solid road tested unit and they’ll be at the 9:30 Club. It’s the first of two nights and this one is sold out, but check Craigslist for leads. Youngblood Hawke and Arms open. 7:00 p.m.
>> Black Cat: Tilly and the Wall, Nicky Da B. $15, 8:00 p.m.
