May is finally here, and hopefully with it comes consistent good weather. We can dream, right? One thing we don’t have to worry about is good shows—those are a given. Somerville’s Porchfest is right around the corner, and with local favorites like VQnC, Jakals, Miele and more performing, you won’t want to miss it!
Friday, May 10
Wallows at Paradise Rock Club – Selected by Kristen
Just in time for spring, LA-based indie/pop-rock band, Wallows, are performing their charming, sun-soaked album, Nothing Happens at the Paradise Rock Club. With influences ranging from The Strokes and The Smiths to Mac Demarco and [Sandy] Alex G, this fruitful trio produce a listening experience that is both novel and nostalgic. Rejuvenating the realm of rock for a new generation of listeners, there’s no doubt Wallows will put on an unforgettable show.
Friday, May 17
Guided by Voices at the Paradise Rock Cafe – Selected by Alexis
Beloved indie rock band Guided By Voices is coming to Boston to support their latest double album, Zeppelin Over China, Warp and Woof and Rise of the Ants. The band, formed in Ohio in 1983, is known for their impressive 25 LPs influenced by punk and psychedelic lo-fi rock, infused with raw vocals, smooth harmonies and an authentic homemade aesthetic. The band’s songs have been featured in countless television shows, such as The IT Crowd, Jackass, and How I Met Your Mother. Offering old-school rock and a stunning set list, expect an intimate night of tracks from the legendary band’s impressive discography.
Dutch ReBelle at Oberon – Selected by Jared
Drippin’ head to toe in pure swag, Dutch ReBelle, a Boston Music Award-winner for best hip hop artist will be at Oberon on May 17th for a special event titled “The BANG BANG Experience LIVE.” Fans will get to watch a live interview and interactive Q&A session with ReBelle before she takes the stage to spit bars and hit you with rap beats that thump in your chest. The Haitian-born, Massachusetts-raised performer has cultivated a global audience having come off recent tours through Europe and Africa, along with national performances at SXSW, A3C and the Brooklyn Hip-Hop festival. ReBelle has been featured on MTV’s “Rap Fix” along with major hip hop publications like XXL, which noted ReBelle’s “poetic style… lyrical bravado… and fiery talent.” Dutch ReBelle has become one of Boston’s most prominent female rappers, make sure you come out to check these dope rhymes and maybe even ask her a question or two about the new album, BANG BANG.
Sunday, May 19
Smino at the Paradise Rock Cafe – Selected by Knar
Apparently Boston loves Smino‘s blend of funky jazz sounds and snap-type hip hop so much that he decided to add a second show—one week after his sold-out show date. The St. Louis rapper’s sound reflects one similar to the Chicago artists he (and Chance the Rapper) often collaborates with: Noname, Saba, Ravyn Lenae, Akenya and Phoelix, who will be performing alongside Smino on this tour. Both NOIR and blckswn have a spring-y feel to them; there’s a bounce to the bop-y melodies featured on many of the tracks, and new sounds sprout up in the sonic landscape like the asynchronous blooming of flowers. Up pops a harpsichord riff, a thumping deep bass, the clink of chains, a fuzzy synth, or one of the dozens of different snapping sounds. Before you know it, you’re holding a beautiful bouquet. See you there.
Wednesday, May 22
American Football at the Paradise Rock Cafe – Selected by Tadhg
Illinois math rock band American Football existed for a brief moment between 1997 and 2000. During that time, they produced a self-titled album that would go on to be one of the most critically-acclaimed and beloved indie emo records of the 21st century. The band recently reunited, and they’re coming to Boston this May. What I love most about American Football is the intricacy of their tracks, with their delicate guitars, polyrhythmic drums, and haunting, plaintive vocals. Each American football song, from the riffing “Never Meant” to the dirge-like “Honestly?,” is a unforgettable piece of musical craftsmanship. If you often hear a Fall Out Boy or My Chemical Romance song and think “I wish this was in 13/8 time,” this show is for you; come see American Football play the Paradise Rock Club on Wednesday, May 22!
Thursday, May 30
The 1975 at Agganis Arena – Selected by David
On “Love It If We Made It,” off of The 1975’s latest album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, lead singer Matt Healy recites a depressing list of News Feed buzzwords: “Consultation/ Degradation/ Fossil Fueling/ Masturbation/ Immigration/ Liberal kitsch/ Kneeling on a pitch.” Despite the band’s dour perspective on modernity, their music remains surprisingly hopeful, full of shimmering synths and energetic choirs—especially on Healy’s letter to his heroin addiction, “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You).” At a time when pop music serves as an escape for millennial angst, The 1975 dare to face society’s plagues head-on through thoughtful, danceable, and honest music.