Why is summer typically the go-to season for tours and concerts? It’s hot out, too many unsupervised kids mill about, and somehow everything just feels more expensive. Sure, it’s hard to resist a smokey cookout and the warmth of a beach chair, but the fall offers a far more suitable choice for those looking to be all-around comfortable. For one, the weather has a personality, offering signature elements like pumpkin-scented breezes and Indian summers. Really, there are few things more life-affirming than standing outside on a cool autumn evening, even for all the summer lovin’, folks. Also, the year’s remaining top artists come out of their holes and drop their strongest work, which they celebrate by hopping into tour vans that crunch over the leave-infested roads. So, toss the swim gear in the hamper, grab a cup of cocoa, and start planning your next three months around these must-see tours.
Cold Specks
If you thought Cold Specks’ “doom-soul” only resided on record, think again. The stage is where the Canadian singer-songwriter reveals her true self. Using her commanding yet ghostly presence, she deftly conjures atmospheres of urgency, awe, heartache, and even fear. While much of her live show’s success can be attributed to her murky and emotive vocals, there’s no doubt that Cold Specks’ skills as a riveting storyteller — see: 2012’s I Predict a Graceful Expulsion and her latest album, Neuroplasticity — are what really transport audiences to another place. –Michelle Geslani
Cold Specks 2014 Tour Dates:
09/18 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
09/20 – Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
09/23 – Paris, FR @ La Flèche d’Or
09/25 – Portsmouth, UK @ Wedgewood Rooms
09/26 – Brighton, UK @ Green Door Store
09/29 – Brighton, UK @ Green Door Store
09/30 – London, UK @ Village Underground
10/01 – Manchester, UK @ Band on The Wall
11/05 – Cambridge, MA @ TT the Bear’s
11/07 – Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
11/08 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/09 – Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
11/11 – Decatur, GA @ Eddie’s Attic
11/12 – Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
11/14 – Dallas, TX @ Three Links
11/15 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
11/17 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom
11/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
11/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
11/23 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
11/24 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
11/25 – Vancouver, BC @ The Imperial Theatre
11/27 – Edmonton, AB @ Royal Alberta Museum Theatre
11/28 – Calgary, NW @ SAIT’s Gateway
11/29 – Swift Current, SK @ Lyric Theatre
11/30 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
12/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
12/03 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
12/05 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
12/07 – Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
Johnny Marr
I’ve seen Johnny Marr once before. It was during his brief stint with The Cribs at Lollapalooza 2010, but he wasn’t front and center. I blew it last year by not attending any of his shows supporting his debut solo album, The Messenger. Fortunately, the gods have granted me (and you) another opportunity to see him. Marr’s already recorded a follow-up, Playland, and he’ll be touring the US in support of his sophomore effort beginning in November. Hopefully he’ll play some of his old Smiths tunes like he did last year. –Justin Gerber
Johnny Marr 2014 Tour Dates:
10/13 – Lincoln, UK @ The Engine Shed
10/14 – Southend, UK @ Cliffs Pavilion
10/15 – Bexhill, UK @ De La Warr
10/17 – Wolverhampton, UK @ Civic Hall
10/18 – Cardiff, UK @ Great Hall
10/20 – Bournemouth, UK @ O2 Academy
10/21 – Cambridge, UK @ Corn Exchange
10/23 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton
10/24 – Bath, UK @ Pavilion
10/25 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo
10/27 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy
10/28 – Newcastle, UK @ O2 Academy
10/29 – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy
11/01 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Noord
11/02 – Cologne, DE @ Luxor
11/03 – Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie
11/09 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11/12 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
11/14 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
11/15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
11/16 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
11/18 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
11/19 – Montreal, QC @ Corona
11/20 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth
11/22 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
11/23 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
11/25 – Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
11/26 – Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
11/28 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
11/29 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
12/01 – Missoula, MT @ Top Hat Lounge
12/03 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite
12/04 – Calgary, AB @ Republik
12/06 – Victoria, BC @ Sugar Nightclub
12/07 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
12/08 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
12/10 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
12/11 – Eugene, OR @ Wow Hall
12/12 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
12/14 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
12/15 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
12/16 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House
12/18 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
12/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
12/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead have never tried to make their emotional baggage easy to read. Watch twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace wander the stage as singer-guitarist Kazu Makino sings with a whisper, however, and things begin to make sense. With 21 years of experience under their belt, the dream pop rock trio will highlight the darker corners of this year’s Barragán. Makino’s vocals will sip your soul from your body and let it dangle until you learn to distinguish between the weight of the two and how both can drag you down. Prepare yourself. Even Makino herself could break down crying. –Nina Corcoran
Blonde Redhead 2014 Tour Dates:
09/12 – Milan, IT @ Mito Festival
09/13 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
09/14 – Aarhus, DK @ Voxhall
09/16 – Cologne, DE @ Gebaude 9
09/17 – Berlin, DE @ Frannz Club
09/18 – Hamburg, DE @ Reeperbahn
09/19 – Groningen, NL @ Vera
09/20 – Amsterdam, NL @ Tolhuistuin
09/21 – Brussels, BE @ Botanique
09/22 – Paris, FR @ Trianon
09/23 – Rouen, FR @ 106
09/26-27 – Istanbul, TK @ Hayal Kahvesi
09/29 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall
10/02 – Toulouse, FR @ Le Bikini
10/03 – Lyon, FR @ Epicerie Moderne
10/04 – Fribourg, CH @ Fri-Son
10/05 – Lucerne, CH @ Club Le Schuur
11/01 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
11/02 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
11/03 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
11/04 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
11/07 – Vancouver, BC @ Vogue
11/08 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
11/09 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
11/11 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
11/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre
11/13 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
11/15 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
11/17 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
11/18 – Dallas, TX @ Granada
11/20 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
11/21 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/22 – Washington, DC @ Howard Theatre
11/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11/25 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/26 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/28 – Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
11/29 – Toronto, ON @ The Horseshoe Tavern
12/01 – Boston, MA @ Sinclair
12/02 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
FKA twigs
With her alluring and excellent debut album, LP1, FKA twigs has delivered on the promise of her EPs. A different kind of pop star, she’s as enigmatic and hypnotizing a performer as her sensual brand of cerebral R&B would suggest. With a backing cast of electronic-minded players specializing in underwater soundscapes ready to let the rising UK talent take center stage, twigs is sure to fully come into her own this tour. While she’s only hinted at a certain kind of stardom, the hype from her album and her mesmerizing live persona will push to her to the top. –Josh Terry
FKA twigs 2014 Tour Dates:
10/02 – Brighton, UK @ The Dome
10/03 – Birmingham, UK @ The Library
10/04 – Manchester, UK @ RNCM Theatre
10/05 – Galsgow, UK @ Oran Mor
10/08 – London, UK @ Hackney Empire
10/09 – Bristol, UK @ Trinity
10/14 – Paris, FR @ La Maronquinerie
10/15 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Noord
10/16 – Brussels, BE @ Ab Box
10/17 – Cologne, DE @ Buergerhaus Stollwerk
10/19 – Copenhagen, VEGA
10/20 – Hamburg, DE @ Mojo
10/21 – Berlin, DE @ Kesselhaus
10/22 – Warsaw, PL @ Basen
11/06 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/07 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11/08 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
11/11 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
11/13 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
11/14 – Minneapols, MN @ Fine Line
11/17 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore
11/18 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox
11/20 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency
11/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Regent
11/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Regent
11/26 – Austin, TX @ The Parish
11/28 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
11/29 – New Orleans, LA @ Republic
12/01 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
12/02 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
12/03 – Orlando, FL @ The Social
Iceage
Iceage still embrace their abrasive, post-punk roots, but they’re growing up. 2013’s You’re Nothing felt sleek and more open to sonic possibilities than 2011’s New Brigade, and it appears their third LP, Plowing into the Field of Love, could follow suit. Case in point, new singles “The Lord’s Favorite”, an absolutely infectious alt rock groove of Replacements-esque proportions, and “Forever”, a morose, angst-laden ballad in the key of Nick Cave. Could they bring the freshly-pressed suits they wore in both videos out on the road? Does this mean more of a dance party than a circle pit at their shows? It’s hard to say, but that’s the appeal of Iceage: with the lines of culture and music and personal identities so blurry, the fun comes by just diving in totally blind. –Chris Coplan
Iceage 2014 Tour Dates:
10/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church *
10/11 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery *
10/12 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
10/15 – Easthampton, MA @ The Flywheel Arts Collective *
10/16 – Boston, Ma @ The Great Scott * and Rakta
10/17 – Montreal, QC @ La Vitrola w/ Merchandise, Lower, Father Murphy
10/18 – Ottawa, ON @ Gabba Hey w/ Father Murphy
10/19 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe w/ Father Murphy
10/21 – Detroit, MI @ PJ’s Lager House *, Father Murphy
10/22 – Chicago, IL @ The Empty Bottle *, Father Murphy
10/23 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock *
10/24 – Omaha, NE @ Slowdown *
10/25 – Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall *
10/26 – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive *
10/27 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court *
10/29 – Reno, NV @ Holland Project *
10/31 – San Francisco, CA @ Elbo Room *
11/01 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo * + Rakta
11/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo *
11/03 – San Diego, CA @ The Casbah *
11/04 – Phoenix, AZ @ 51 West *
11/05 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister *
11/08 – Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
* = w/ Helm
Phish
Photo by Paul R. Giunta
We know, we know, Phish touring … huge surprise. That it has been standard since their reunion in March of 2009 does not detract from its splendor. Rolling in on the heels of their first studio release in five years, Fuego, the 2014 incarnation is equipped with a few new songs along the never-ending merry-go-round of old ones. The prediction of which has become somewhat of an art form for their cult-like following. Anyone who had the pleasure of seeing the band during their three-day run at Northerly Island in July can attest to their continued ability to perfectly communicate through sound — both with themselves and with the audience. Endowed with a three-night Halloween run in Vegas, this fall’s Phish tour is sure to hold the same dynamic paradigm of insanity we all know and love. –Kevin McMahon
Phish 2014 Tour Dates:
10/17 – Eugene, OR @ Matthew Knight Arena
10/18 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
10/21 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
10/22 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
10/24 – Inglewood, CA @ The Forum
10/25 – Chula Vista, CA @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
10/27 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
10/28 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
10/29 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
10/31 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Garden Arena
11/01 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Garden Arena
11/02 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Garden Arena
Primus
Just about any Primus tour over the last three decades has fallen under the “must-see” category. Yet their outing for this fall/winter is especially noteworthy. On their handful of September dates, Primus will be joined by Tool drummer Danny Carey, who is covering for Tim “Herb” Alexander as he recovers from heart surgery. Fret not, though, as Alexander will return behind the kit for the October leg in support of Primus & the Chocolate Factory. After some 20 years apart, the group’s “definitive” lineup of frontman Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and Alexander have reconvened to record their bizarre interpretation of the whimsical 1971 classic. Toss in a warm-up “nightclub set” each night and gourmet PRIMUS chocolate bars, and missing this tour would merit an Oompa Loompa song about how dumb you are. –Chris Coplan
Primus 2014 Tour Dates:
09/13 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
09/12-14 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest Chicago
09/19-22 – Denver, CO @ Riot Fest Denver
10/22 – Upper Darby, PA @ Tower Theatre
10/24 – Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre
10/25 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
10/26 – Burlington, VT @ Flynn Center for Performing Arts
10/28 – Waterbury, CT @ Palace Theater
10/29 – Baltimore, MD @ Hippodrome
10/31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
11/01 – New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre
11/02 – Rochester, NY @ Main Street Armory
11/03 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
11/05 – St. Louis, MO @ Peabody Opera House
11/07 – Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
11/08 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
11/09 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
11/11 – Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater
11/12 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
11/14 – Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
11/15 – Austin, TX @ ACL live at the Moody Theater
11/16 – Dallas, TX @ The Majestic Theatre
11/17 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre
11/19 – Phoenix, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre Phoenix
11/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre LA
Melvins
Over their 30-plus-year career with the Melvins, Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover have worked with a lot of bassists. Hell, on their last album, Crover himself was the bassist. Their new recruits for the upcoming Hold It In? None other than Butthole Surfers guitarist Paul Leary and bassist J.D. Pinkus (though only Pinkus will join the O.G. Melvins on the ensuing tour). Pairing members from two of the most mischievous, weird, and heavy bands credited with influencing the grunge movement already sounds like a match made in heaven, and the proof thus far is in the pudding (or the ice cream, in the case of this video of the band with Pinkus covering a Butthole Surfers track for the A.V. Club). –Adam Kivel
Melvins 2014 Tour Dates:
10/15 – Sacramento, CA @ Assembly
10/17 – Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo House of Music
10/18 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
10/19 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
10/21 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
10/22 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brewing
10/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour
10/24 – San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
10/25 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom
10/26 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad
10/28 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
10/29 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
10/30 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live – Studio
10/31 – New Orleans, LA @ Voodoo Fest
11/01 – Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
11/02 – Gainesville, FL @ The Wooly
11/03 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbit’s
11/04 – Orlando, FL @ The Social
11/05 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ The Culture Room
11/06 – Tampa, FL @ Orpheum Theater
11/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Loft at Center Stage
11/09 – Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
Merchandise
When I last saw Merchandise live, even in the midst of their feedback-laden punk stage, a certain bubbliness and sense of carefree abandon still permeated their live act. Now that they’ve left all that malarkey behind and entered their “unabashed pop group” phase with the excellent After the End, I can only imagine the accompanying stage show/dance party. Tracks like “Green Lady” and “Enemy” still burn with a certain angst, but the music just seems all that more lithe and playful, perfect for dark suits and hyperactive bopping. This newfound accessibility may only be yet another phase, but it’s going to make for one helluva party in the meantime. –Chris Coplan
Merchandise 2014 Tour Dates:
09/19 – Mobile, AL @ Alchemy Tavern
09/20 – New Orleans, LA @ Siberia
09/21 – Houston, TX @ Walter’s
09/23 – Austin, TX @ Red 7 $
09/24 – Marfa, TX @ Padres $
09/25 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister $
09/26 – Phoenix, AZ @ 51west $
09/27 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex $
09/28 – San Diego, CA @ Kensington Club $
09/30 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst Atrium $
10/01 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop $
10/03 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios $
10/04 – Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore $
10/05 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile $
10/08 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium $
10/09 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock $
10/10 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle $
10/11 – St. Louis, MO @ The Luminary $
10/12 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups $
10/14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg $ %
10/15 – Toronto, Ontario @ Wrongbar $
10/16 – Ottawa @ House of Targ $
10/17 – Montreal @ La Vitrola $
10/18 – Boston, MA @ Great Scott $
10/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church %
10/22 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage %
10/23 – Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter %
10/24 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings %
10/25 – Atlanta, GA @ Mammal Gallery %
11/03 – Bielefeld, DE @ AJZ
11/04 – Leipzig, DE @ Täubchenthal
11/05 – Vienna, AU @ Arena Vienna
11/06 – Linz, AU @ Posthof
11/07 – Zagreb, HR @ Mocvara
11/08 – Ljubljana, SI @ AKC Metelkova
11/09 – Zurich, CH @ Rote Fabrik
11/10 – Geneva, CH @ La Graviere
11/12 – Milan, IT @ Biko Club
11/14 – Bologna, IT @ Covo Club
11/15 – Lyon, FR @ Sonic
11/16 – Paris, FR @ Espace B
11/17 – Antwerp, BE @ Trix
11/18 – London, UK @ The Laundry
11/20 – Bristol, UK @ Start The Bus
11/21 – Birmingham, UK @ The Hare & Hounds
11/22 – Manchester, UK @ Sound Control
11/23 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
11/24 – Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
11/25 – Newcastle, UK @ Cluny 2
11/26 – Liverpool, UK @ Kazimier
11/27 – Brighton, UK @ Coalition
11/28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
11/29 – Frankfurt, DE @ Nachtleben
11/30 – Munich, DE @ Feierwerk (The Orange House)
12/01 – Stuttgart, DE @ Zwölfzehn
12/02 – Cologne, DE @ Club Banhof Ehrefeld
12/03 – Hamburg, DE @ Hafenklang
12/04 – Berlin, DE @ Urban Spree
* = w/ White Lung & Post Teens
# = w/ The Rebel, Spray Paint, & Institute
$ = w/ Lower
% = w/ Ninos Du Brasi
Lorde/Majical Cloudz
There’s no denying the starpower that is Lorde. But it’s who she’s bringing along with her these days that the audience should be remembering after the show. Is seeing “Royals” live really going to be that special after you’ve heard it 80 times on the radio just this week? Majical Cloudz are one of the most incredible live experiences in indie music today, with frontman Devon Welsh’s deep gaze sure to stick with you for weeks to come, along with his dulcet croon and captivating stage presence. If you’re going, get there early. –Pat Levy
Lorde 2014 Tour Dates:
09/11 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Folk Fest
09/12 – Toronto, ON @ TD Echo Beach
09/14 – New York, NY @ JBL Live at Pier 97
09/15 – New York, NY @ United Palace Theater
09/16 – New York, NY @ United Palace Theater
09/18 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Ampitheater
09/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Music Midtown
09/20 – Las Vegas, NV @ iHeart Radio Music Festival
09/22 – Nashville, TN @ Grand Ole Opry House
09/23 – Columbus, OH @ LC Pavilion
09/24 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
09/26 – Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Harris Pavilion
09/27 – Councils Bluff, IA @ Harrah’s Casino, Stir Grove
09/28 – Broomfield, CO @ 1st Bank Center
09/30 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
10/02 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
10/03 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
10/06 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek
10/07 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek
10/09 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
10/10 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater
10/12 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
Astronautalis
Alternative hip-hop artist Astronautalis has been clearing the woods for some time now, parting through trees to leave his own trail with albums like 2008’s phenomenal Pomegranate and 2011’s This Is Our Science. Now that he’s teamed up with Justin Vernon to form Jason Feathers, he’s turning even more heads. Catch him on tour with the unlikely pairing of Sarah Jaffe (supporting her Don’t Disconnect LP) and Transit to see what caught Vernon’s attention: the frigid delivery of “Story of My Life”, his fantastical, dark instrumental moments, and his title as this generation’s more hip-hop-immersed Beck. –Nina Corcoran
Astronautalis 2014 Tour Dates:
09/11 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott
09/12 – Hamden, CT @ The Space
09/13 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
09/14 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
09/16 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo
09/17 – Washington, D.C. @ DC9
09/18 – Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
09/19 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings
09/20 – Charlotte, NC @ The Milestone Club
09/21 – Nashville, TN @ The End
09/23 – Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
09/24 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
09/25 – Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag
09/26 – St. Louis, MO @ Duck Room @ Blueberry Hill
09/27 – Iowa City, IA @ The Blue Moose
Ty Segall
Photo by Ben Kaye
Up until this point in his mighty and prolific career, Ty Segall has hooked fans solely with his endless stream of LPs, singles, etc. and his balls-to-the-wall stage show. Now, though, the hardest-working man in garage rock has taken a hard left into the realm of glam rock with Manipulator. Almost thoroughly and completely, Segall has adorned his music, his public persona, and his stage show in layers of fantastical glitter and a slightly exaggerated air of theatricality. It’s still the same sort of manic, almost consuming live experience, but now it’s all that more of a spectacle as Segall has allowed himself to bloom from a musical machine into a true showman. Just make sure that the face glitter you rock happens to be sweatproof. –Chris Coplan
Ty Segall 2014 Tour Dates:
09/11 – Miami, FL @ The Stage *
09/12 – Tampa, FL @ Epic Problem (Skatepark of Tampa) *
09/13 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre *
09/14 -Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall *
09/15 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
09/17 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
09/19 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott #
09/20 – Montreal, QC @ Pop Montreal at Club Soda #
09/21 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall #
09/22 – Detroit, MI @ Trinosopes #
09/23 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall #
09/24 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club #
09/25 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room #
09/26 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater #
09/27 – Salt Lake city, UT @ Urban Lounge#
09/28 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar #
10/09 – La Rochelle, FR @ La Siréne
10/21 – Paris, FR @ La Cigale
10/22 – Toulouse, FR @ Bikini
10/23 – Barcelona, ES @ Apolo
10/24 – Madrid, ES @ BUT
10/28 – Clermont Ferrand, FR @ La Cooperative De Mai
10/29 – Geneve, CH @ L’usine
10/30 – Bologna, IT @ Locomotive Club
10/31 – Roma, IT @ Artisti Atlantide
11/01 – Venice, IT @ Interzone Art Center
11/03 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
11/04 – Hamburg, DE @ Knust
11/05 – Dresden, DE @ Beat Pol
11/06 – Berlin, DE @ Astra
11/07 – Copenhagen, DK @ Pumpehuest
11/08 – Stockholm, SE @ Kagelbana
11/10 – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla
11/11 – Leeds, UK @ Brudennel Social Club
11/12 – London, UK @ Electric Ballroom
# = w/ La Luz
* = w/ Wand
The New Pornographers
Indie rock supergroup The New Pornographers haven’t embarked on an extensive tour since 2011, but now people have the chance to see A.C. Newman, Neko Case, Daniel Bejar, and the rest of the collective under one roof. Premiering songs off their latest record, the pretty great Brill Bruisers, the band should bring three distinct and immensely talented songwriters back to their unified basics. With Brill Bruisers also being such a celebratory and fun record full of great power pop jams, it’s the type of album that translates exceptionally well to a live setting. –Josh Terry
The New Pornographers 2014 Tour Dates:
09/13 – Victoria, BC @ Rifflandia
09/20 – Columbus, OH @ The Big Block Party
10/03 – Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom
10/04 – Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom
10/05 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox *
10/06 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox *
10/08 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom *
10/09 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory *
10/10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot *
10/11 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre*
10/13 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom *
10/14 - Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre *
10/15 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace *
10/17 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern*
10/18 - San Diego, CA @ North Park Theatre *
10/19 – San Francisco, CA @ Treasure Island Music Festival
11/04 - Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom *
11/05 - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel*
11/06 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre *
11/07 - New Orleans, LA @ Civic Theatre *
11/07-09 – Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
11/10 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant *
11/11 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown*
11/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
11/13 - Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater *
11/14 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre *
11/15 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues *
11/17 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom *
11/19 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues*
11/20 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
11/21 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*
11/22 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*
11/23 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle *
12/01 – Manchester, UK @ The Deaf Institute
12/02 – London, UK @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
12/03 – Brussels, BE @ Botanique
12/04 – Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie
12/05 – Cologne, DE @ Gebaude 9
12/06 – Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje
12/07 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
* = w/ The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
SBTRKT
While UK producer Aaron Jerome, aka SBTRKT, is often mysteriously portrayed as a man behind the mask, his live set is anything but subtle. On the stage is where his “post-dubstep” music — everything from the percolating rhythms to the scattershot beats — comes to life, swallowing crowds whole and manifesting itself as a world all its own. His sophomore album, Wonder Where We Land, arrives later this fall, and if his list of collaborators (Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, Jessie Ware, ASAP Ferg, Warpaint, Chairlift) is any indication, it’ll likely be a truly compelling work that begs to be heard in the flesh. –Michelle Geslani
SBTRKT 2014 Tour Dates:
09/26 – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy
09/27 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 ABC
09/29 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
09/30 – Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall
10/01 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
10/02 – London, UK @ Brixton Academy
10/07 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/09 – New Orleans, LA @ Republic
10/10 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
10/11 – Mexico City, MX @ Corona Capital
10/12 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
10/14 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theatre
10/15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Belsaco Theater
10/16 – Los Angeles, CA @ Belsaco Theater
10/17 – Oakland, CA @ The Fox
10/18 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
10/20 – Denver, CO @ The Ogden
10/21 – Lawrence, KS @ Liberty Hall
10/23 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
10/24 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
10/25 – Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
10/26 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/29 – Boston, MA @ Royale
10/30 – Montreal, QB @ Metropolis
10/31 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
11/01 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
11/08 – Turin, IT @ C2C
11/10 – Munich, DE @ Theaterfabrik
11/11 – Berlin, DE @ Astra
11/12 – Warsaw, PL @ Basen
11/13 – Hamburg, DE @ Uebel & Gefährlich
11/15 – Luxembourg @ Rockhal
11/16 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
11/17 – Gent, BE @ Vooruit
11/18 – Paris, FR @ Trianon
Caribou
With Our Love hitting shelves on October 7th and its danceable and hypnotic singles already making it one of the most buzzed about releases of the fall, Caribou is a lock for a can’t-miss act of the fall. Dan Snaith and co. haven’t really toured since their extensive opening stint for Radiohead in 2012, where they converted scores of curious fans with their knotty electronic arrangements. This time, however, it’s a headlining tour. With longer set times and more entranced crowds due to their headlining status (not to mention the two years of fine-tuning their material), the tour should prove why Caribou has catapulted to the forefront of electronic music. –Josh Terry
Caribou 2014 Tour Dates:
10/08 – London, UK @ KOKO *
10/09 – Brussels, BE @ La Botanique
10/10 – Cologne, DE @ E-Werk *
10/11 – Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit *
10/12 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
10/13 – Helsinki, FI @ The Circus
10/14 – Berlin, DE @ Berghain
10/15 – Leipzig, DE @ Conne Island *
10/16 – Prague,CZ @ Meet Factory *
10/17 – Budapest, HU @ A38 *
10/18 – Vienna. AT @ Electronic Beats at TMuseumsquartier *
10/19 – Munich, DE @ Muffathalle *
10/20 – Zurich, CH @ Komplex 457 *
10/21 – Lyon, FR @ Transbordeur *
10/22 – Lille, FR @ Aeronef *
10/23 – Liverpool, UK @ Liverpool Music Week at Camp & Furnace *
10/24 – Bristol, UK @ Simple Things Festival at Motion *
10/31-11/01 – Paris, FR @ Pitchfork Paris Festival
11/05 – Dublin, IE @ Vicar Street
11/06 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
11/07 – Turin, IT @ MiTo Club to Club
11/08 – Reykjavik, IS @ Iceland Airwaves
11/10 – Montreal, QC @ Le National *
11/11 – Boston, MA @ Paradise *
11/12 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
11/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
11/15 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
11/16 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/17 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West *
11/18 – Orlando, FL @ The Social *
11/19 – Miami, FL @ Grand Central *
11/20 – Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder *
11/21 – New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks *
11/22 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds *
11/23 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk *
11/24 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth *
* = w/ Jessy Lanza
Interpol
Photo by Robert Altman
If you fell in love with Interpol for their first two albums, good news: They’re playing the classics. Based on the band’s recent string of late summer appearances, it seems that Paul Banks has been feeling a little nostalgic over Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics. Not a bad thing, especially since the true gems off Our Love to Admire and their latest album, El Pintor, also receive their fair shake. They dress as sharp as they sound, so maybe, I don’t know, put in the effort with your own wardrobe. –Michael Roffman
Interpol 2014 Tour Dates:
09/15 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
09/16 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount
09/17 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
09/19 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
09/20 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
09/22 – Pomona, CA @ The Fox Theater
09/24 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
09/26 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
09/27 – Denver, CO @ Ogden
09/29 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada
09/30 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
10/02 – Dallas, TX @ Southside
10/03 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
10/04 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
10/05 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s
10/07 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
10/09 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
10/10 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
11/06 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Landing
11/07 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
11/08 – Miami, FL @ Fillmore
11/10 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
11/11 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
11/12 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
11/14 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
11/15 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Pabst Theatre
11/17 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
11/18 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
11/20 – Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
11/21 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
11/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11/24 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
11/25 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
11/26 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
11/29 – Washington, D.C @ 9:30 Club
12/01 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist
The prospect of turntable auteurs DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist having access to Afrika Bambaataa’s personal record collection (which spans around 41,000 records) already sells itself. Indeed, the two will be performing an all-vinyl set from the vault of one of hip-hop’s foremost pioneers. With two legends having to pick from a diverse treasure trove of soul, house, disco, rock, punk, and much more, each stop on this North American tour is sure to be a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. No other DJs have had carte blanche privileges to Bambaataa’s library … Honestly, if you’re not sold yet, you never will be. –Josh Terry
DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist 2014 Tour Dates:
09/11 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
09/14 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
09/16 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues New Orleans
09/19 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas
09/20 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
09/22 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
09/23 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago
09/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
10/01 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues San Diego
10/02 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues Anaheim
10/03 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
10/04 – San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine
10/09 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Polaris
In case you didn’t watch TV in the early 1990s, Polaris was the house band for Nickelodeon’s iconic series, The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Comprised of Mark Mulcahy, Scott Boutier, and Dave McCaffrey, the trio is set to hop out of the ol’ boob tube and into reality with their inaugural tour and first new music in nearly 20 years. Entitled “Waiting for October”, the nine-date outing includes stops in New York City, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Providence, and more. Of special interest, though, is the October 26th date at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall. Consequence of Sound is presenting an entire Pete & Pete-themed evening, including an art sale, photo booth, and a live taping of the The Adventures of Danny and Mike: The Podcast. For more info, head here. –Alex Young
Polaris 2014 Tour Dates:
10/04 – Providence, RI @ The Met
10/09 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
10/10 – Hamden, CT @ Spaceland Ballroom
10/11 – Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street
10/25 – Maquoketa, IA @ Codfish Hollow
10/26 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
11/21 – Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
11/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/29 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
Beach House
If you’d asked me to pick out a band that would work well underneath the swirling, soft-hued aurora borealis, Beach House might just be at the top of that list. And, lo and behold, dream pop darlings Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally are about to undergo their Northern Exposure Tour, traversing the far northern regions of North America. Saskatoon and Thunder Bay residents rejoice! Here’s hoping they preview new material off their highly anticipated follow-up to 2012’s Bloom. –Adam Kivel
Beach House 2014 Tour Dates:
09/18 – Anchorage, AK @ Bear Tooth
09/21 – Victoria, BC @ Sugar Nightclub
09/22 – Vancouver, BC @ Venue
09/24 – Nelson, BC @ Spiritbar
09/26 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
09/27 – Calgary, AB @ Republik
09/28 – Saskatoon, SK @ Louis’ Pub
09/30 – Winnipeg, MB @ Pyramid Cabaret
10/01 – Thunder Bay, ON @ Crocks
10/03 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
10/05 – Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Centre
10/07 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Plaza
10/09 – Quebec, QC @ Le Cercle
10/10 – Fredericton, NB @ The Playhouse
10/11 – Halifax, NS @ The Marquee Club
Slowdive
Photo by Kriz Lenz
UK shoegaze outfit Slowdive, whose US dates for this October/November mark their first such outing in over 20 years, has been one of the best fits of nostalgia this year with regards to reunions. But why is this such a crucial tour? For one thing, Slowdive is still decidedly alive and kicking after all these years, with their shows thus far earning praise for their subdued intensity and the overall freshness of the band’s back catalog. Plus, in a period where Slowdive’s brand of ethereal dream pop is felt throughout the rock ‘n’ roll landscape, it’s just nice to have the prototype so readily available for consumption. –Chris Coplan
Slowdive 2014 Tour Dates:
10/22 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10/23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
10/25 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/26 – Boston, MA @ Royale
10/27 – Montreal, QC @ Le National
10/28 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House
10/29 – Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre
10/30 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic
10/31 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
11/03 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore
11/04 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune
11/05 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
11/07 – San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
11/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel
11/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel
12/19 – London, UK @ The Forum
12/20 – London, UK @ The Forum
