alt-J
With their debut in 2012, the alluring patter of alt-J’s folk-driven electronic pop compelled a rabid fan base and won the band accolades with the dainty emotional progression they conjured on lead single “Matilda,” which was a little more subtle but just as powerful as Bon Iver’s smash hit “Skinny Love” five years earlier. Alt-J is more than one hit, obviously (their debut, An Awesome Wave, won the Mercury Prize in 2012). They returned last year with sophomore release This Is All Yours, an album that feels like a gripping drama with so many sonic twists. It’s a rad shock to much of ambient pop’s more wishy-washy system.
8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Hard Rock Live, $40.50-$73.50
José González
The warm lull of brilliant songwriter José González returned with the fuller, wholly independent effort of his 2015 release, Vestiges & Claws, which serves as a gentle reminder of his subdued soulful genius and gorgeous restraint.
8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Social, $25-$30
Marc Anthony
Grammy winner Marc Anthony salsa-dances onto Orlando's grandest stage to sing to you about life, the truth and bein' free, yeah.
8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Amway Center, $66-$156
KEN Mode
"Anyone who follows us knew something like this should happen at some point; we just felt the time was right to finally make it happen," says KEN Mode singer Jesse Matthewson. "I've been a huge fan of the way Steve Albini records and everything he's done musically since I was a pre-teen. So this was kind of in a weird, sick, twisted way, a dream come true." Check out our interview with KEN Mode.
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Will’s Pub, $10-$12
Acoqui
Much-missed lush soundsmith Alberto Hernandez (Viernes) previews songs from his debut album as Acoqui, produced by Chris Koltay (Liars, Deerhunter) and due out hopefully by the end of the year.
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Stardust Video and Coffee, free
MC Lars
Celebrate Random Encounter's 10-year anniversary as a band with nerdy Oakland rapper MC Lars, plus Marc With a C and Peter Pepper.
6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Backbooth, $10
Brand Nubian
Growing out of the Five Percenter movement in the late ’80s, Brand Nubian’s debut album, One for All, packed an empowering punch with a message of strength and positivity rapped over plenty of James Brown samples. The original lineup – Grand Puba, Sadat X and Lord Jamar – reunite for an old-school hip-hop bill at Gilt this weekend alongside Nice & Smooth of “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” fame. Though Brand Nubian caught a lot of flak for perceived “reverse racism” back in the day, their overall message of black strength in the face of an oppressive white regime still strikes chords. – Thaddeus McCollum
10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Gilt Nightclub, $10-$15
Henrietta
Welcome stand-out, searing Orlando indie act Henrietta back to town from tour at this early show that also features Dikembe, Slingshot Dakota and Living Decent.
4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Backbooth, $8-$10
Rose Quartz
Entrancing Denver electro-pop band Rose Quartz fleshed out to a four-piece live act that will have heads swimming within their bobbing house grooves.
9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at Will's Pub, $5
Electric Six
Get ready for a stupid fun show at Backbooth this week when Detroit’s Electric Six brings their high-voltage set to town. The goofy snarl of absurd lyrics over genre-blending tunes like “It’s Horseshit!” off 2014’s Human Zoo almost distract from the new wave grooviness underlying them. It’ll be an entertaining romp, especially if they invoke their funky 2002 surprise hit, “Danger! High Voltage,” which attracted Jack White to jump on 2003 release Fire to yelp along with the unabashed party rockers. To bend the vibe further, Yip Deceiver’s indie disco vibrancy joins Electric Six for the ride, featuring Of Montreal’s Davey Pierce and Nicolas Dobbratz in an exuberant dance-fueled electronic duo.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Backbooth, $13
MisterWives
Tons of critical intrigue swarmed soul-tinged New York dance-pop band MisterWives when they released debut LP Our Own House; now's your chance to check that pulse live.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at House of Blues, $20
