It’s hard to believe Boston Calling 2015 is only a little over a month away! The springtime festival season is about to be in full swing, so get primed and ready with these concerts hand-picked by the Sound of Boston staff. In this entry of Selected Sounds, we highlight local artists Speedy Ortiz and Krill, old school alt rockers like The Replacements and They Might Be Giants, along with west coast rapper IamSu! who stopped by last week for an interview.
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
Speedy Ortiz, Krill, and Mitski at The Sinclair -Selected by Noah and Anna
Noah: This one is sold out, but do what you can to scrounge up a ticket. Massachusetts locals Speedy Ortiz is on the verge of releasing a follow-up to 2013’s widely praised Major Arcana and JP-based Krill is touring in support of February’s A Distant Fist Unclenching. Both bands play off-kilter, guitar rock that Boston’s Exploding in Sounds Records has become known for. Mitski Miyawaki, who goes by Mitski, fills out the bill with her noisy folk-rock a la Waxahatchee (with more noise).
Anna: The lineup alone is enough to get me jazzed, but the combination of Speedy’s cunning lyrics, Krill’s aggressive sound, and Mitski’s nonchalance is sure to stir up a raucous, exciting crowd. Two of the best things to come out of Boston since Dunkin, plus Brooklyn’s finest, Mitski, all in the ever magical Sinclair? Count me in.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2015
They Might Be Giants at House of Blues Boston -Selected by Matt M.
These art rock absurdists have been a cult hit ever since the release of their platinum record Flood in 1990. This year they resurrected their famous Dial-A-Song program, which began in the 80’s and let fans call the band’s answering machine to hear a new song every week (seriously, try calling 844-387-6962). They might be getting older but they’re never going stale. Expect a bizarre performance packed with singing sock puppets, phone calls to dead celebrities, and tracks off their 17th full-length Glean.
IamSu! at Brighton Music Hall -Selected by Jon
In our recent interview with IamSu! the Bay-area 25 year old rapper defined a new word: Putonslashcurve (verb): to introduce one of your friends to somebody who is talking your ear off. No need for this at his show—all eyes will be on the stage, all ears on IamSu!
Saturday, April 25th, 2015
Tall Heights at Brighton Music Hall -Selected by Matt J.
The Suitcase Junket will start your Saturday night off, with a frenzied set full of dirty slide-guitar and punishing self-engineered percussion. Then mellow out with Cambridge’s own Tall Heights, known for their deliciously tender acoustic melodies, sure to sooth even the most savage beast.
Sunday, April 26th, 2015
Madeon at House of Blues Boston -Selected by Jonah and TK
Jonah: When someone is identified as a young gun, they usually aren’t quite this young. This French 20-year-old has been a master producer for years already and has developed a unique sound that is uplifting but not too cheesy. He recently teamed up with Passion Pit for the super fun smile-inducing jam “Pay No Mind”. His live shows will make you as happy as this song will. Very very happy.
TK: He’s 20 years old, he’s worked with Ellie Goulding, Muse, Lady Gaga, and Coldplay, and he’s played major festivals like Ultra and Coachella. Enough said. I can’t wait to see him.
Monday, April 27th, 2015
The Replacements with Dinosaur Jr. at The Sinclair -Selected by Aaron
Tuesday, April 28th, 2015
Life In Film at Paradise Rock Club -Selected by Knar
Indie rockers Life in Film have been working with Stephen Street (producer for The Smiths, Blur, The Cranberries) to finally put out an album, due this year. Guitars galore, the lads’ layered harmonies and lead vocalist Samuel Fry’s distinct pipes may win over the hearts of fan girls, but for the rest of you, join these Brits and their marsupial pals in goin’ up on a Tuesday. Or something like that.