Winter has finally reared its ugly head in Boston, shutting down the city for days at a time. As roads and sidewalks start to clear up again, kick that cabin fear with a concert in Cambridge or de-stress from a week of hellish commuting by catching a live show in Brighton. Several of the staff at Sound of Boston have submitted their personal picks for upcoming performances they’ll be stomping through snowbanks to attend. Whether you’re up for a local favorite like Ryan Montbleau or a national touring act such as Japandroids, we’ve got you covered.
Wednesday, February 15th, 2017
Tancred at The Middle East Upstairs – Selected by Kevin
Jess Abbott has been keeping busy during the hiatus of her main band, Now Now. The songwriter decided to break from mellow indie dirges and try her hand at more energetic pop rock with new side project, Tancred. Last year saw the release of “Out of the Garden” on Polyvinyl Records, where Abbott eschews laid back soundscapes for guitar driven power pop. Tancred will be bringing fuzzy riffs and anthemic choruses to the Middle East Upstairs on February 15th, with support from local up and comers Lilith (for whom this will be an EP release show), Saccharine, Me In Capris, and NOX. Forget about the snow and get ready for a sweaty and exuberant show with an absolute stunner of a lineup.
Thursday, February 16th, 2017
Ryan Montbleau World Premiere Facebook Live – Selected by Amie
Massachusetts’ prodigal son Ryan Montbleau returns home to launch the world premiere of his latest album, I Was Just Leaving, at the Life is Good Pub in Boston. Recorded in New Orleans under the tutelage of acclaimed blues producer Anders Osbourne; the album is a full-circle moment for the singer-songwriter who reflects on the price he had to pay in order to arrive at this moment. The album is quintessential Montbleau—a true talent skilled in many genres and who is as poetic as he is relatable in his lyrics. A Montbleau live set never disappoints and fans never see the same performance twice. He plans to play the new album in its entirety this Thursday. The best part of this concert? It’s free and you can check it out from wherever you are at 9 p.m. on Feb 16 via Facebook Live on the following pages: Ryan Montbleau, Pledge Music, or Life is Good Company.
Monday, February 20th, 2017
Japandroids at Royale – Selected by Matt E.
Thursday, February 23rd, 2017
The Dig at Great Scott – Selected by Knar
Though The Dig has received comparisons to The Strokes (who, apparently, used to rehearse next door) and songs like “4th of July” take on the gritty, distorted sound fellow New York rockers championed, there’s a clarity to much of The Dig’s songs. (Particularly those off 2012’s Midnight Flowers, an album with artwork Frank Ocean would likely approve of.) These guys have opened for the likes of The Lumineers, The Walkmen, and Portugal. The Man, so the chance to catch them at the Great Scott should be a no-brainer.
Tuesday, February 28th, 2017
River Whyless at Great Scott – Selected by Caitlin
This Asheville native group crafts a delightfully artful twist on traditional American folk music. Featuring Halli Anderson (violin, vocals), Ryan, O’Keefe (guitar, vocals), Daniel Shearin (bass, vocals, harmonium, cello, banjo) and Alex McWalters (drums, percussion), River Whyless incorporates unique and unexpected musical sounds paired with poetic lyrics. The cozy folk sounds and soothing harmonies are sure to melt away your winter blues!