The Avett Brothers are the Devendra Banhart of Appalachian country-folk. They’re shaggy yet good looking rock stars capable of mixing up campfire sing-alongs, vaudevillian bounce and modern indie cool. Sure, it can get a bit too cute at times, but the trio balances this with a raging earnestness that’s really quite rare these days. Not since the heyday of classic country-rockers like New Grass Revival and those “One Toke Over the Line” dudes has a group sounded so unabashedly Caucasian. These North Carolinians really know how to belt out the tunes, especially the tall bro, Seth, who howls like NGR’s John Cowan. Now there is—just to warn you—some emo in these dudes, but not enough to spoil a live shtick that always generates sweaty-ass dance parties. Do bring extra slacks. With Jessica Lea Mayfield and Jason Webley. Neumo’s, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. $22.50. Also on Saturday, April 12. JUSTIN F. FARRAR

Sat., April 12, 2008