Selected Sounds: Shows To Close Out The Year

Ahh, December. The time for steaming mugs of hot cocoa and cozying up with strangers at concerts. We’ve gathered a handful of concerts you’ll want to check out before the end of the year. If you’re too busy shopping for gifts or finishing finals during the first half of the month, close out the year with locals Speedy Ortiz at Great Scott, or head to the Lizard Lounge to catch Damn Tall Buildings while they’re back in town!

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Hiss Golden Messenger at Sinclair-Selected by Colin

It’s difficult to describe Hiss Golden Messenger with anything but a feeling. When they come through the stereo I feel the delicate breezes of South Carolina’s lowcountry, the sweet smell of onion and slender palms rustling on the bay. I first saw this band—lead man, M.C. Taylor’s “evolving vehicle”—in such a geographical location and have been hooked ever since.

Taylor is an accomplished singer-songwriter hailing from North Carolina but he claims to be from “nowhere.” He lives within his music, a world he has built for himself in HGM and their nine studio albums. Taylor studied folklore and infuses his lyrics with developed storylines, life lessons, and religious symbolism. HGM’s new record, Hallelujah Anyhow, is titled after the hope Taylor strives to pass along to his listeners. “I’ve seen darker things than night,” he says. But “love is the only way out.” His new songs embrace traditional folk textured with vibrant horns, searing harmonica, wandering keys, and gruff electric guitar. It sounds like a warm welcome home.

Come on down to the Sinclair, an intimate setting for a folk man with a full sound! I’ll be the fluffy headed blonde guy scribbling notes in the back corner. See ya there!

Thursday December 7, 2017

Mogwai at the Royale-Selected by Kevin

Unlike other instrumental post rock bands, Mogwai has always been obsessed with evolving their sound. Not content to just churn out songs comprised of Explosions In the Sky-esque crescendos, the group has experimented with their sound by adding heavily syncopated math rock riffs, doom metal breaks, and the use of electronic drums and spoken word samples. With the release of Every Country’s Sun last September, the group showed a return to their roots of crescendo heavy epic rock, but influenced by twenty two years’ worth of musical evolution and experimentation. To see a veteran group prove that they’re still the paradigm of the genre, look no further than the Royale on December 7^th.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Bent Shapes at Great Scott-Selected by Charley

Somerville’s indie rockers Bent Shapes have been active in the Boston music scene for more than eight years, climbing the ranks from the dank basement shows of Greater Boston, to an opening slot for the Descendents at the Sinclair. They’ve put out several full length records, toured the country with bands like Ted Leo and The Bats, and have established themselves one of the most recognized and beloved indie band’s in Boston’s underground circuit.

Sadly, Bent Shapes recently announced that December 16th will be their last show. With support from Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion! and Beach Toys’ Ian Doerr, Great Scott will be full of old fans, punk rockers, record heads, new fans, basement dwellers, and many heavy hearts.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Dietrich Strause at Lizard Lounge-Selected by Amie

The son of a Lutheran minister, Dietrich Strause started playing R&B in biker bars at age 15 in Lancaster, PA. Strause has taken a decidedly more folk approach to his music, touring this year with both the Blue Ribbons and solo in support of his acclaimed album How Cruel That Hunger Binds (which he produced with Zachariah Hickman and Sam Kassirer of Josh Ritter’s Royal City Band.) Don’t miss the rare treat to see this soulful storyteller during one of his final shows of the year at the intimate Lizard Lounge.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Tall Heights at the Sinclair-Selected by Knar

It’s that time of year again. The time for drinking hot chocolate while huddled around a fireplace, for homes draped in twinkling string lights, and for Tall Heights’ annual December concert at the Sinclair. Once again, the local duo—who have since played on Conan’s Late Night show and premiered songs with the likes of NPR and Paste and infused their sound with electronica—will be gracing the stage, as they have many, many times before. There’s always something special about hometown shows, so take a night off from watching holiday movies and cozy up with Tim and Paul before the holidays really kick into gear.