If the Arcade Fire were a little more country and a little less Quebecois, the band would sound like fellow apocalyptic ensemble Telegraph Canyon. These Fort Worth natives’ banjo- and pedal steel-laced compositions are velvety versions of Americana, laced together by Chris Johnson’s strained voice. On “Reels of Wires,” from Telegraph Canyon’s debut album, long stretches of plucked banjo notes are broken by gentle guitar and piano chords. There’s a sense of solitude in these songs—a feat for a band that boasts seven members. Telegraph Canyon eschews foot-stomping and rabble-rousing for symphonic, dark melodies. It’s the kind of music that envelopes you in sound and keeps you safe and away from the sadness that’s all too close for comfort. With Friday Mile, Drew Grow & the Pastors’ Wives. PAIGE RICHMOND

Tue., Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m., 2009