Things are heating up in Boston this month with some more indie pop, psychedelic rock, and electronic shows. Also, we’re starting to get some legitimate dance music from across the pond, a trend that will most likely continue. Get out and have some fun. Just remember, it’s always about the music.
By David Cooper.
Dum Dum Girls, Minks, Dirty Beaches. At Brighton Music Hall, March 2, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., 18+, $12 in advance.
Dum Dum Girls bring their 60s-inspired pop songs to the Brighton Music Hall, and you had better watch out—frontwoman Dee Dee stuns with her nonchalant vocals and stunning good looks. The highlight here though is the goth-pop of Minks. Imagine Robert Smith moving to Brooklyn and playing lo-fi indie pop. Although the songs have a depressive bent, they are well-written and quickly get stuck in your head.
Smith Westerns, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Marconi, DJ Carbo. At Great Scott, March 2, 8 p.m., 18+, $12.
Smith Westerns are a group of Chicago teenagers who play fuzzy pop rock. Their headlining set last year at the Great Scott disappointed because they only played for about half an hour. This time though, they should play a longer, more diverse set filled with material from their new brit-pop inspired album, Dye It Blonde.
Rafael Toral and Chris Corsano Duo with Jay Sullivan and Flandrew Fleisenberg. At Fleisenberg Floft, March 3, 8 p.m., $10.
Chris Corsano has won a cult-like following for his drumming technique. He plays at the Fleisenberg Floft in Fort Point along with Rafael Toral, a Portuguese experimental artist. Toral is known for his sound art compositions involving guitars and space. This show is brought to you by Non-Event.
Sunburned Hand of the Man, Bill Nace, Sound of Pot. At PA’s Lounge, March 4, 8:30 p.m., 18+, $8-10.
Sunburned Hand of the Man, via Western Mass, bring their psychedelic free-from improvisations to PA’s Lounge on Friday, March 4. Thrown into the category of New Weird America by The Wire‘s David Keenan, Sunburned Hand of the Man integrate pastoral influences, electronics, and real instruments into a freaky mess.
Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. At Orpheum Theatre, March 4–6, $58.
Furthur, the current reincarnation of the Grateful Dead, will bring their long-form jam rock to Boston for three days in a row. They will play the same jam songs that they’ve been playing for years. The show is expensive so prepare to throw down or bring your well-heeled hippie father.
Crystal Castles, Teengirl Fantasy. At House of Blues, March 19, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., $25.
This is a highlight of the month for sure. Crystal Castles brings their glammed-out 8-bit electro shock dance routine to the House of Blues for a night of sweaty fun. Openers Teengirl Fantasy have been gaining lots of critical acclaim for their psychedelic reinterpretations of house music. Just wear comfortable shoes and make sure not to seize when the strobe lights go off.
Blast Forth Festival. At Cambridge YMCA, March 20.
Held at the Cambridge YMCA, Blast Forth brings together loads of Whitehaus-affiliated bands. A good introduction to the local experimental music scene in Boston. More information.
Bok Bok, Kingdom, Girl Unit. At Great Scott, March 22, 9 p.m., 18+, $15.
The dub virus penetrates Allston courtesy of the UK’s esteemed Night Slugs Label. Bok Bok and Girl Unit’s dubstep-influenced club anthems dominated the dance floors of Britain this year. Face it, the British just know how to make better dance music than us. Go to this if you’re interested in this British phenomenon and want to dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt-ByzopytA
J Mascis, Kurt Vile and the Violators. At Brighton Music Hall, March 26, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., 18+, $15.
J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr fame will play solo. Philadelphia-based Kurt Vile does bedroom indie rock. His guitar-driven music is reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen but lacks the machismo of the Boss.
Moon Duo, Warm Ghost, Sick Bikes. At TT The Bear’s Place, March 29, $9.
San Francisco’s Moon Duo should rule with the record it released on Sacred Bones this year. Last year’s Escape showed off their capacity for droning, dark jams. Psych rock fans, this is where it’s at.
The Residents. At Somerville Theater, March 30, $30.
The Residents are really, really weird. They’ve been playing experimental rock music since the 1970s and often dress up in ridiculous costumes. Go see them at the Somerville Theater and have your mind blown.
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