POP/ROCK By Erin K. Thompson
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band/Thursday, April 5
After undergoing some lineup changes since releasing their second album two years ago (don’t worry, boy drummer Marshall Verdoes is still in the band), MSHVB is writing new material, some of which will be previewed at tonight’s show—to be opened by the similarly low-lying local buzz band Throw Me the Statue. With Cataldo. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. $10.
Oberhofer/Thursday, April 5
The 21-year-old Tacoma native Brad Oberhofer fronts this New York–based guitar and synth-rock quartet. The band’s full-length debut Time Capsules II was produced by Steve Lillywhite and released just last month; it’s a happy mix of jolting, hyperkinetic tunes. With Pond, Makeup Monsters. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 9:30 p.m. $8 adv./$10 DOS.
Chairlift/Saturday, April 7
This Brooklyn synth-pop duo, Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly, is currently best known for a 2008 iPod commercial that featured their sweet song “Bruises.” Their new album, this year’s Something, is rapturous, sexy, and fluid, and should propel the band past one-hit-wonder status. With Nite Jewel, Bell. The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $12.
Radiohead/Monday, April 9
Radiohead’s first U.S. outing in four years, during which they’ve been debuting their first new songs since last year’s The King of Limbs, has been met with both glee from their multitudes of rabid fans and malice from the haters of Westboro Baptist Church, who recently labeled the band “freak monkeys with mediocre tunes.” KeyArena, 305 Harrison St., 628-0888. 7:30 p.m. $66.50. All ages.
Gotye/Tuesday, April 10
This mononymous Belgian-Australian musician takes the stage tonight with the young Kimbra Johnson, who contributes vocals and appears nude alongside him in the video for their gorgeously emotive worldwide hit single “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., 652-0444. 7 p.m. $29. All ages.
Miike Snow/Tuesday, April 10
Last month this Swedish electro-pop trio released Happy to You, the follow-up to their much-hyped 2008 self-titled debut; it retains the band’s playful spirit but finds them sounding less straightfowardly catchy and dance-oriented and more exploratory, wandering, and contemplative. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 877-784-4849. 8 p.m. $25.75 adv./$29.25 DOS. All ages.
Jeff Mangum/Monday, April 16–Tuesday, April 17
Indie rock’s favorite recluse has slowly been emerging from the shadows over the past few years. Last fall, after releasing some unreleased Neutral Milk Hotel tracks, he performed at Zuccotti Park for a surprised group of Occupiers; he’ll spend the spring touring the West Coast. Catch him while you can. The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 877-784-4849. 8 p.m. $32.50. All ages.
Perfume Genius/Thursday, April 19
Local pianist/songwriter Mike Hadreas’ second album, the stunningly emotive Put Your Back N 2 It, has received some righteous raves for its starkly beautiful, brutal, and brave openness; at this point he may be the most critically applauded Seattle musician outside of Fleet Foxes. With Parenthetical Girls. The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $10.
Coldplay/Wednesday, April 25
The world’s biggest rock band went more pop on their fifth album, last year’s Mylo Xyloto. The duet with Rihanna is best forgotten, but tracks like the dreamy “Paradise” still pack all the heart and finesse of their most memorable hits. KeyArena, 305 Harrison St., 628-0888. 7 p.m. $46.50–$107. All ages.
Frankie Rose/Wednesday, April 25
The erstwhile Vivian Girls and Dum Dum Girls drummer released her fantastic second solo album, Interstellar, in February to much acclaim. A shimmering piece of spacey, synth-soaked indie pop, it’s already earned a firm standing as one of the year’s best records. With Dive, Stephanie. Barboza, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. $10.
COUNTRY By Gwendolyn Elliott
Bradley Wik & the Charlatans/Thursday, April 12
Portland-based Wik twangs it up like Ryan Adams with a brand of rootsy heartland rock that pairs well with Springsteen and Whiskeytown. With the Fentons, Barley Bandits. High Dive, 513 N. 36th St., 632-0212. 9 p.m. $6.
Hayes Carll/Thursday, April 12–Friday, April 13
With his 2011 Americana chart-topping album Kmag Yoyo (a military abbreviation for “kiss my ass guys, you’re on your own”) and three of his songs, plus screen time, in the film Country Strong, Texas singer/songwriter Carll is winning hearts with his boy-next-door brand of country rock. Thurs.: Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 7:30 p.m. $17 adv./$20 DOS. All ages. Fri.: Treehouse Café, 4569 Lynnwood Center Rd. N.E., Bainbridge Island , 842-2814, treehousebainbridge.com. 8 p.m. 21 and over. $24.
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West/Sunday, April 15
After an extended tour in Europe and some love from the BBC, this Seattle-based mandolin/banjo/guitar-playing and harmonizing pair are getting the attention their roots-fused, old-timey Americana deserves. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 7:30 p.m. $12. All ages.
Henry at War/Wednesday, April 18
Danielle Henry’s songbird, pitch-perfect pipes easily complement the classic country sounds of this pedal steel- and reverb-soaked folk band. With Other Desert Cities, River Giant. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 8 p.m. $6.
The White Buffalo/Wednesday, April 18
Jake Smith’s trembling baritone calls to mind Eddie Vedder’s, but his stripped-down alt-country songs work on a different level; tender and humble, his recently released Once Upon a Time in The West rings with emotion and powerfully raw feeling. The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $12.50 adv./$15 DOS.
Wanda Jackson & the Dusty 45s/Friday, April 20
After the success of her Neumos set in 2011—the year that saw the release of her Jack White–produced The Party Ain’t Over—the Queen of Rockabilly returns for another session of soul-soaked country blues with our very own Dusty 45s. With Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside, Larry and His Flask. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. $20.
Yonder Mountain String Band/Saturday, April 21
This Colorado-based four-piece incorporates old-timey sounds, traditional bluegrass, and four-part harmonies into a mellow, laid-back, jam-band aesthetic. With Brown Bird. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., 652-0444. 8:30 p.m. $23. All ages.
Dierks Bentley/Saturday, April 21
This mainstream country star just has that voice—a perfect blend of croon and twang—and the self-made, hardworking story to back it up; both elements make his country pop a lush and polished pleasure. With Eli Young Band, Will Hoge. Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett, 425-322-2600. 8 p.m. $25–$35. All ages.
A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival/Friday, April 27
CCR may be classic rock, but this tribute is studded with some of Seattle’s finest country and folk voices, so expect these covers to have a bit more twang than the originals. With Starr Anna, Kasey Anderson, Half Acre Day, Gary Reynolds, Kim Virant, Robert Roth, Aaron from Spanish for 100, The Glass Notes. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 10 p.m. $8.
Michelle Shocked/Sunday, April 29
Shocked hasn’t released an album since 2009’s Soul of My Soul, and her unclassifiable catalog has seen wild style changes through the years, but her voice, raw and unaffected, is unchanging, and her roots lie in her love of country blues and the East Texas landscape that shaped it. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 7:30 p.m. $20 adv./$25 DOS. All ages.
HIP-HOP By Todd Hamm
Graves33/Friday, April 6
Despite the number attached to his name, this local indie guy turns 30 tonight. This celebration will feature dark, atmospheric sounds and left-field lyricism. With Sole, Ceschi Ramos, Bleubird, Sadistik. Nectar, 412 N. 36th St., 632-2020. 8 p.m. $7.
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All/Wednesday, April 11
The L.A. shock consortium is touring in support of their new offering The OF Tape Vol. 2, and has notably evolved from a rambunctious group of unknown hooligans to a rambunctious group of better-known hooligans. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., 652-0444. 8 p.m. $30 adv./$35 DOS. All ages.
Champagne Champagne/Thursday, April 12
Catch the Champagne gang in their last scheduled show before they take off on this summer’s Warped Tour. With Deadkill, DJ Radjaw. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $12.
Dom Kennedy/Saturday, April 14
Laid-back SoCal upstart Dom Kennedy swings through town for the second time in four months. Here’s another chance to see if he’s worth the hype. With Rich Hil, POLY, State of the Artist. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 8 p.m. $18.50 adv./$22 DOS. All ages.
Slaughterhouse/Sunday, April 15
Expect to hear some new material from rap industry veterans Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Royce Da 5´9″ as they gear up for the release of their sophomore album, Welcome to: Our House (out May 15 on Shady Records). Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. $26.50 adv./$30 DOS. All ages.
DJ Quik/Thursday, April 19
One of the prototypical West Coast artists, DJ Quik has produced and rapped himself into legendary standing in most hip-hop circles. Quik kept the good times rollin’ with last year’s The Book of David; expect nothing different tonight. With Dyme Def, Fatal Lucciauno, DJ 100proof. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $20.
Choklate & Eighty4 Fly/Friday, April 20
Silky-smooth soul singer Choklate and local MC Eighty4 Fly team up here for an “Unplugged”-style performance with a live band. With Vitamin D, Bobby Hustle. Nectar, 412 N. 36th St., 632-2020. 8 p.m. $10.
Waka Flocka Flame/Thursday, April 26
Hot-topic “trap” rapper WFF brings his booming club anthems to town, hopefully leaving his gun-toting admirers on the road. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., 652-0444. $29.50 adv./$35 DOS. All ages.
Slow Dance/Saturday, April 28
Very few rap acts in town or elsewhere can sustain a mosh pit at their show, and even fewer can outdrink their audience on the spot. On the right night, Slow Dance can perform such miracles. With Radiation City, Sons of Huns. Nectar, 412 N. 36th St., 632-2020. 8 p.m. $10.
Lil B/Sunday, April 29
Lil B The Based God is a bizarre yet strangely down-to-earth-seeming individual. The Bay Area Internet sensation could cover the whole emotional spectrum here, but my money’s on a straight good time. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 7 p.m. $20.
DJ/ELECTRONIC By Eric Grandy
Tiger & Woods/Thursday, April 5
Spring is sprung, nights are warming up—why not ring in the season with a cruise? Tonight’s features deep house/disco-edit duo Tiger & Woods at the wheel; expect exceptionally smooth sailing. The Islander Boat Cruise, 1611 Fairview Ave. E., 637-8434. 8 p.m. $20 adv./$30 DOS.
Beat Connection/Thursday, April 5
New single “Think/Feel” sees Beat Connection expanding from duo to four-piece, taking their hazy 4/4 synth jams in a more electro-pop direction. Arrive early for Blood Vibes, the new house project of one of Seattle’s biggest bass-music movers. With Wampire. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005. 8 a.m. $10. All ages.
Filastine/Sunday, April 8
This former Seattleite and Infernal Noise Brigadier brings a ground-up globalism to bass music, incorporating diverse sounds and his own live drumming into strident beats without borders. With Heyoka, Tonzafun!, Ghostplay. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005. 8 p.m. $10.
Oneohtrix Point Never/Tuesday, April 10
UW’s Rainy Dawg Radio kicks off its birthday party with this Brooklyn-based experimental electronic musician, aka Daniel Lopatin. Expect analog synths warped from clear and bright to hazy and sluggish. With USF, Secret Colors, DJAO. UW Ethnic Cultural Center, 3931 Brooklyn Ave. N.E., 543-4635. 8 p.m. $14/$10 students.
Sweatbox Fourth Anniversary With Derek Plaslaiko/Saturday, April 21
Raised on Midwest raves and based in Berlin, Plaslaiko’s punishing techno workouts and hard-partying stamina as a DJ have made him a Seattle favorite, ideal for this 10-hour marathon party. With Jonny Romero & Ctrl_Alt_Dlt, Sh6rl6s6, Roddimus & Eugene Fauntleroy. Electric Tea Garden, 1402 E. Pike St., 568-3972. 10 p.m. $10.
Trust w/Pezzner/Saturday, April 21
Playing his first live set of 2012, Pezzner brings years of experience, both solo and with Jacob London, to his deep-grooving, unpredictably divergent house tracks. With DJsJustice & Treasure, Kid Hops. Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St., 625-4444. 9 p.m. $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after.
Tanlines/Tuesday, April 24
NYC duo Tanlines makes spacey, hand-percussion-accented electronic music that moves fluidly from upbeat dance tracks to synth-heavy vocal pop. Like-minded locals USF open. With Rewards. Barboza, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. $10.
DJ Shadow/Wednesday, April 25
The same voracious, omnivorous crate-digging instincts that fueled DJ Shadow’s trip-hop masterpiece Endtroducing have led him to uneven ends ever since (hey, hyphy), but you can’t knock the man’s classic-packed live show. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 8 p.m. $25 adv./$35 DOS. All ages.
Neon Indian & Lemonade/Friday, March 9
Neon Indian and Lemonade have both outlived “chillwave” buzz to arrive at second acts making more streamlined and straightforward electro-pop, of which Neon Indian’s is especially promising. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $16.
Night Moves/Saturday, March 10
From the heads behind Trust, Trouble, and more, here’s a new night of old-school house, nouveau disco, and “boogie from the past, present, & future” in Neumos’ newly revamped basement space. Barboza, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 10:30 p.m. Free before 11 p.m., $5 at 11 p.m., $8 at 1 a.m.
THE HEAVIES By Dave Lake
Ceremony/Saturday, April 7
On Zoo, their first record for Matador, this Northern California hardcore band slows things down and expands their sound. It’s Dead Kennedys meets Wire. With Milk Music, Society Nurse. Vera Project, 305 Harrison St., 956-8372. 7:30 p.m. $11. All ages.
fIREHOSE/Saturday, April 7
The genre-blending punk trio will pass through Seattle on a two-week reunion tour that concludes at Coachella. Even if the band won’t be playing any new songs tonight (they haven’t made a record since 1993), being in the room while Mike Watt plays bass is something everyone should experience at least once. With Tera Melos, Virgin Islands. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. $18.
Monogamy Party/Saturday, April 7
The generally pristine and wonderful-sounding Columbia City Theater will get a little bit grimy tonight courtesy of these local punks’ fuzzed-out noise-rock. With Blood Orange Paradise, Baltic Cousins, Grenades, Rookery. Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., 722-3009. 9 p.m. $10.
Sleigh Bells/Sunday, April 8
Hipsters went haywire for the Bells’ debut, Treats, which landed them high-profile gigs like Coachella and SNL. Their follow-up, Reign of Terror, manages to avoid the sophomore slump, referencing thrash metal with as much aplomb as it does teen pop in a noise/pop mashup as frenetic and flashy live as on record. With Javelin, Elite Gymnastics. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S. 652-0444. 7 p.m. $20 adv./$25 DOS. All ages.
Sepultura/Friday, April 13
Kairos, the 12th LP from the Brazilian metal legends, was inspired by the band’s 26 years together, a span that’s seen them transition across several styles and several singers. They’re supported by American metal legends Death Angel, who have a similarly storied history. With Krision, Havok, Psychonaut Deathtrip, Primarch. Studio Seven, 110 S. Horton St., 286-1312. 6:30 p.m. $22 adv./$25 DOS. All ages.
Social Distortion/Friday, April 13
Mike Ness has battled drugs, the law, and the death of longtime guitarist Dennis Danell, but he’s still going strong. Tonight he’ll belt out his anthemic tales of hard luck with Social D, who are touring behind 2011’s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, their highest-charting record ever. With the Toadies, Lindi Ortega. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 467-5510. 7 p.m. $26.25 adv./$31.25 DOS. All ages.
Rise Against/Thursday, April 19
If you don’t mind driving to Kent to see a punk band in a hockey arena, you’ll be treated to a set of terrific high-energy political punk. Rise Against’s sixth LP, Endgame, takes on homophobia, teen suicide, and oil spills. Plus it was produced by Black Flag’s drummer. With A Day to Remember, Title Fight. ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent, 253-856-6777. 6 p.m. $35. All ages.
A Tribute to Full Toilet/Thursday, April 19
Last year’s Sub Pop 7-inch by Don Sheets’ Full Toilet contains 13 spastic punk tracks with a cover that looks like someone wiped their ass with it. Just imagine the damage he’ll inflict upon the Sunset with the freedom of a full-length set. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 9 p.m. $7.
Opeth and Mastadon/Monday, April 30
Though Opeth and Mastadon hail from different continents, the two powerhouses—which have both evolved metal into new, exciting directions—come together for an evening of unapologetically heavy music. With Ghost. The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 467-5510. 7 p.m. $32 adv./$35 DOS. All ages.
Overkill/Monday, April 30
Though Overkill gets overshadowed by fellow East Coast thrash band Anthrax, their mascot Chely, a skull with bat wings, is way cooler than Anthrax’s Not Man. The New Jersey five-piece will play songs from their 16th (16th!) album, The Electric Age. With God Forbid, Suidakra, Diamond Plate, Three Chord Killer, Elks Blood. El Corazon, 109 Eastlake Ave. E., 381-3094. 7 p.m. $23 adv./$25 DOS/$65 VIP. All ages.
JAZZ By Chris Kornelis
Honey Ear Trio/Wednesday, April 4
Two common byproducts of eager experimentation are kitsch and hoke. The Honey Ear Trio’s most recent record, unfortunately titled Steampunk Serenade, has a bit of both. But there are enough good ideas in their quest for new sounds—picking at the edges of R&B, garage, and swing—to make them a trio to watch. The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave. S., 906-9920. 7 p.m. $12.
Christian McBride & Inside Straight/Thursday, April 5—Sunday, April 8
McBride is as impossibly versatile as he is melodic, known for impressing with his flawless choice of notes. He’s brought that sensibility to the stage with Sting (whom he was performing with in Tuscany on 9/11) and to his own Grammy-winning big band, Inside Straight, the quintet he brings downtown for four nights. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., 441-9729. 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sun. $26.50. All ages.
McCoy Tyner/Thursday, April 12–Sunday, April 15
This legendary piano player has always kept good company. In the ’60s, he rounded out the John Coltrane Quartet, responsible for the inimitable A Love Supreme. And in 2008, he released Guitars, featuring contributions from axmen Bill Frisell, Béla Fleck, and the always-tasteful Derek Trucks. He’ll be joined by his trio for his Jazz Alley residency. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., 441-9729. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. & Sun., 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. $32.50. All ages.
Ballard Jazz Fest/Wednesday, April 18–Saturday, April 21
With all due respect for the Swedish Pancake Jazz Brunch (April 21), the marquee event at the Ballard Jazz Fest, April 18–21, is the Ballard Jazz Walk, during which 17 artists (such as local piano players Wayne Horvitz and Jovino Santos Neto) spread out among a dozen venues (Lock ‘N’ Keel, Salmon Bay Eagles, etc.) around the neighborhood. Don’t like what you hear? Just keep walking. Various locations and ticket prices; see ballardjazzfestival.com for details.
Kenny G/Thursday, April 26–Sunday, April 29
Life imitated Wayne’s World last year when this Seattle expat, who’s sold more albums than any other saxophonist in history, came to town (OK, Kent) to provide the music for a televised ice-skating performance at the ShoWare Center. He returns to a more appropriate venue—one he hasn’t played since the Carter administration. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., 441-9729. 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $55. All ages.
Christian McBride.
