Between the especially stressful election cycle and the upcoming chaos of the holiday season, it feels like there’s barely a chance to take a breather in 2016. Why not unwind for a bit by checking out one of the countless shows our city has to offer? Our team at Sound of Boston has once again put their heads together to highlight a few of the concert’s we’re looking forward to for the rest of November! Check out local blues-rockers The Max Tribe at The Plough and Stars or national touring acts like the soulful Michael Kiwanuka or queer-punk duo PWR BTTM.
Sunday, November 20th, 2016
The Max Tribe at The Plough and Stars -Selected by Jon
The Max Tribe is one of those bands you feel like you’ve known about forever once you hear them for the first time. A hard, blues-rock undertone with a balanced mix of clean licks and gritty guitar, The Tribe settles into the small Plough and Stars bar this Sunday. Clear your schedule and bring some friends (and earplugs).
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016
PWR BTTM at ONCE Somerville -Selected by Matt E.
PWR BTTM might be the most important voice in music right now. Their openness and willingness to discuss topics such as gender, sexuality, and privilege is necessary work for a country that clearly still has a lot of work to do on those fronts. But don’t lose sight of the fact that they’re incredibly talented musicians who turn out songs that will stick with you for days. The duo of Ben Hopkins and Liv Bruce have a rapport that’s not to be missed. Both are incredibly talented and can play both guitar and drums, and they’ll switch off at times during the set. Come for the inclusive and warm environment, stay for the mind-blowing solo work.
Monday, November 28th, 2016
Toh Kay at The Sinclair -Selected by Matt M.
When his band Streetlight Manifesto isn’t playing shows around the world, Tomas Kalnoky assumes his acoustic alter-ego “Toh Kay” for a few nights a year. While his intimate solo shows are few and far between, they are not to be missed. As a seven member, horn-driven punk band, Streetlight’s dense arrangement of instruments doesn’t initially seem like great folky ballad material. But Kalnoky begs to differ, as he gives his old material a breath of new life with impressive classical guitar finger picking and cheery whistles to replace the horn section.
Tuesday, November 29th, 2016
Michael Kiwanuka at Royale -Selected by Knar
With comparisons to Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, it’s no surprise that Michael Kiwanuka’s 2016 album Love & Hate hit number one on the UK charts this year—a release that Rough Trade Records has already named #17 on its Best Albums of 2016 list. The sophomore release is packed with folk-soul songs paired with warm, lo-fi production. The hand clap rhythms and building choruses of tracks like “Black Man In A White World” will likely translate into a lively and inspiring in-person performance.