This month’s mixtape spans the genre gamut from electrofunk to alt-country to trip-hop and includes representation from exotic international locales such as Canada, the UK, Australia, and France (okay, I guess they’re not that exotic). Anyway, we’ve got another phenomenal month of concerts here in Boston with enough variety to please almost every musical taste imaginable.
Tues, Nov 1 – Chromeo
($29, House of Blues)
Self-billed as the “only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture,” these guys have definitely found the recipe for a rockin’ dance party: two parts infectious beats, one part audience participation, and a dash of absurdly synthy auto-tuned vocals.
Wed, Nov 2 – Childish Gambino
($32, House of Blues)
Childish Gambino started getting major attention with the release of a pair of mixtapes released in early 2010 which featured unique, clever verses rapped over indie anthems like Grizzly Bear’s “Two Weeks” and Sleigh Bells’ “Crown on the Ground.” He’s moved on since then, but his lyrics remain densely populated with pop culture references, puns, and just general awesomeness.
Sat. Nov 5 – Noah And The Whale
($20, Paradise Rock Club)
Noah And The Whale’s latest album is significantly more poppy and upbeat than their “The First Days of Spring” album, but that shouldn’t be too surprising considering that album was prompted by an in-band break-up. This release has a bit of a Tom Petty feel, which is a good thing if you’re into melodic folk rock.
Thurs, Nov 10 – The Features
($11, Great Scott)
The Features have been around for essentially forever (17 years is like 119 in indie rock years). While they’ve yet to crack the mainstream, they’ve got a great sound, and will absolutely dominate the small space at Great Scott with their gritty, bluesy, Nashville-y(?) sound.
Thurs, Nov 17 – Architecture In Helsinki
($23, Royale Boston)
Why a band from Australia would want to tour North America during the closing stages of fall is a bit of a mystery. Perhaps they’re supremely confident that their fun, light, poppy brand of indie music will overpower the tiresome, gloomy days of November. After listening through their latest album, that actually sounds like a pretty reasonable theory.
Fri, Nov 18 – Deer Tick
($26, Royale Boston)
There’s something about the combination of John McCauley’s grating vocals with the twangy alt-country instrumentals of the rest of Deer Tick that just makes me want to find a porch, park myself on a rocking chair, and crack open a bottle of Jack Daniels. I don’t think the staff at Royale Boston will have a porch or rocking chair handy, but they’ll certainly be able to provide the JD.
Sat, Nov 19 – Phantogram
($20, Royale Boston)
Like watching a perfect sunset while enjoying a few libations of choice, Phantogram combines stunningly beautiful, weightlessness-inducing melodies with deep trip-hop grooves that just make my cares and worries melt away. Utterly relaxing.
Sun, Nov 20 – M83
($24, House of Blues)
Named after a spiral galaxy, M83’s reverb-laden, electronic ambience is probably what being in space feels like. The French band has just released an absolutely epic double album which is rightfully acquiring great reviews. Head to the HOB for your monthly fix of otherworldly grandeur.
Want to hear some music from these artists, you plead? Spotify-ers take heed, this playlist is just what you need: //bit.ly/MixTapeNov
Author Biography:
Andrew Mannik is Canadian.
