The Weeknd plays the Orpheum later this month.
Can you all believe October is nearly a third over already? We can’t. Summer is all but a distant memory and Halloween is right around the corner. And while the end of summer also means an end to fun like free shows on the Common and festivals galore, it also marks the start of many bands’ touring seasons. A glance at many local venues’ calendars confirms a ton of rad bands will cruise through Boston this fall. Music junkies be warned, you may need to start a separate savings fund just to cover all the ticket expenses.
Here are just a few of the artists you absolutely should not miss this fall.
Deltron 3030 (Del the Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator, Kid Koala) + Itch
Tonight, Oct. 8, 9 p.m.
Paradise Rock Club
$22.50, (617) 562-8800
967 Comm. Ave., Boston
www.thedise.com/info.html
We shouldn’t even have to explain why one should go to this show. Del is by far one of the most prolific and charismatic MCs around right now. From the Hieroglyphics to cameos on Gorillaz tracks, Del’s presence and musical influence continue to permeate hip-hop.
The Weeknd
Oct. 10, 11, 8:30 p.m.
The Orpheum Theatre
1 Hamilton Place, Boston
$33.50, (617) 482-0106
www.orpheumtheatreboston.com
When The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfay)came out with his “House of Balloons” album back in 2011, we had a feeling that he could possibly be the man to change the face and sound of typical R&B. (Enough with the cheesy Ne-Yo and Bruno Mars jams, please!) His sexy numbers will have you riding a mellow high on the shallow thump of his songs’ underlying drums. The Weeknd continues to receive notoriety, moving from Internet prominence to Billboard’s No. 2, earning his cred with his intriguing sound and stimulating lyrics.
Those Darlins
Oct. 13, 9:30 p.m.
Great Scott
1222 Comm. Ave., Allston
$12, (617) 566-9014
www.theboweryboston.com
Those Darlins are not your typical girl group — their songs may be catchy and relatively simple, but in no way does this band resemble a pop group. Their 2008 self-titled album was jam-packed with songs that sounded as if they were recorded directly onto a cassette tape (which, point of fact, is actually how they record their tracks), in a large red barn somewhere in the Appalachians. Tracks like “Wild One” capture the rural, punk-like party aesthetic of these rough-and-tumble chicks. You do not want to miss these crawfish-eating, beer-guzzling gals when they perform theircountry-style rock ‘n’ roll.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Oct. 14, 9 p.m.
Brighton Music Hall
158 Brighton Ave., Boston
$16.50, (617) 779-0140
www.ticketmaster.com
This Portland-based band specialize in a strange, but delightful, brand of psych-pop. Their tracks are filled with oddly danceable rhythms, fuzzed-out guitars, and playful, almost whimsical lyrics — all with an underlying soulful vibe that sets them apart from other modern psych-rockers.
Cold War Kids
Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
15 Lansdowne St., Boston
$20, (888) 693-2583
www.houseofblues.com
Not kids anymore, these guys have been around for some time now, continuing to serve up slightly bluesy alt rock. Maybe it’s the recent addition of former Modest Mouse guitarist Dan Gallucci, but their most recent album “Dear Miss Lonely Hearts” finds the Kids evolving their rough-around-the-edges sound into a whole new experimental territory.
Toro Y Moi
Oct. 25, 8 p.m.
15 Lansdowne St., Boston
$25, (888) 693-2583
www.houseofblues.com
Known for his undeniable talent for creating funky pop beats, shoegaze pro Toro y Moi (aka Chaz Bundick)will have you on your feet, shakin’ your hips and dancing around in circles. He’s an electronic R&B whiz who builds tracks with samples, effects and danceable drums and has expanded his brand of bedroom pop to fill rooms as large as the HoB.
Melt Banana
Nov. 3, 8 p.m.
The Sinclair
52 Church St., Cambridge
$13.50, (617) 547-5200
www.theboweryboston.com
These Japanese noise rockers come to town off the release of a brand new album and have probably toured the U.S. more than most American bands do in their entire career. Melt Banana is one of the most challenging punk rock outfits around and their experimental vibe can be described as mesmerizing. They’re one of the few bands so seamlessly blend a fast grindcore style with random electronica and seemingly composed guitar riffs.
My Bloody Valentine
Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
15 Lansdowne St. Boston, MA 02215
$40, (888) 693-2583
www.houseofblues.com
Many current bands have tried (and many more have failed) to emulate My Bloody Valentine’s drifty, warped sound, but few have come close. And nothing is better than the real thing. Their screechy guitars and dazed vocals make for a seriously LOUD show.
Gary Clark Jr. + The Wild Feathers
Nov. 10 and 11, 8 p.m.
Royale
279 Tremont St., Boston
$29.50, (617) 338-7699
www.royaleboston.com
Hurry and go buy tickets! Mr. Clark Jr. is back in town for yet another two-night stand, the first of which has already sold out. It would be a shame to miss out on seeing this true bluesman on his second time in town in less than a year. His Chuck Berry-style guitar licks and 7-minute songs loaded with old school rock n’ roll soul are evidence of just why this musician’s star has risen so quickly.
Dr. Dog
Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
15 Lansdowne St., Boston
$29, (888) 693-2583
www.houseofblues.com
Dr. Dog makes good music, plain and simple. They started out as a rock group that took a lot of pride in getting into the studio and creating a perfectly pristine album, but have evolved into an outfit that favors the energy and excitement of their live performances. This five-piece offers eccentric and catchy melodies for easy listening and lively dancing.
Sleigh Bells
Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Royale
279 Tremont St Boston, MA 02116
$29.50, (617) 338-7699
www.royaleboston.com
Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss have forged a dynamic that makes for intense live energy on stage. Their songs are densely packed with hard-stomping beats and shredding guitar riffs — all weaved together with the sinister ribbons of Alexis Krauss’s candy-coated vocals.
Kanye West + Kendrick Lamar
Nov. 17, 7 p.m.
100 Legends Way, Boston
$37.50, (800) 653-8000
www.tdbanknorthgarden.com
Kanye West has his fair share of detractors and, despite being an undeniably talented rapper, we have to worry that his ego and head are so big that he might not make it into the Garden simply because he wouldn’t be able to fit through the door. We’d attend this show either way, however, because Yeezy will be joined by Kendrick Lamar. Ridiculously dexterous on the mic, Lamar has been given the gold star of backing approval by several of rap’s elite, including West, as much for his rhyming talents as his captivating onstage demeanor and always immersive performances. If you missed him at Boston Calling last month, we suggest you try and score tix this time around.
