5) Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Go ahead, call me an old man, but just remember, Robert Plant is a grade A angus-certified legend and if there is anywhere in New York that’s still a perfect fit for the former Zep frontman, it has to be BAM. Now get off my lawn before I call the police.
Saturday, doors at 8pm
4) Beach Fossils, Heavenly Beat, AXXA/Abraxas at Baby’s All Right
It’s strange to think that’s it’s really only been two or three years since Beach Fossils were musically relevant; a prominent, (in)famous side project-spawning entity in a burgeoning indie world. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the concept of “indie” has become largely homogenized and bands like Beach Fossils, therefore, filed and forgotten. I don’t have an axe to grind here, I’m just pointing out the cultural reality of North Brooklyn in 2014 CE, which is further supported by the fact a show from a band as big as Beach Fossils at a venue as small as Baby’s All Right, still has tickets available. If you’re looking for a chill Saturday night away from the couch, check it out.
Friday, doors at 8pm
3) Torche, Broughton’s Rules, Descender, Black Black Black at Saint Vitus
While Torche’s appearance at Saint Vitus back in February sputtered in contrast to the band’s ordinarily awesome live standards (they were trying out some new material, so no hard feelings), this Saturday night highlight is sure to be a far more polished affair, anchored, as always, by their patent-pending brand of South Beach sludge. A diverse lineup of openers should get you there early and Vitus’s church-of-Satan-themed beer and shot combos will keep you up late, but make no mistake, it’s the in-between you’re truly coming for.
Saturday, doors at 8pm
2) Charles Bradley, Ratking at The Garage
Not even sure where start with this one, so I’ll just give you the cold, hard facts: Hosted by Ray Ban, this RSVP-only show goes off at The Garage in Hell’s Kitchen tonight with free booze, a Canadian tuxedo dress code (still not sure why), and a odd-couple bill featuring neo soul king Charles Bradley and Brooklyn art rappers, Ratking. If that doesn’t sound like an awesome time to you, that’s fine. I’m sure you’re Scrabble board misses you anyway.
Friday, doors at 9pm
1) Bastard Sapling, Geryon, Belus at The Acheron
Unless you’re an inter galactic space trucker newly returned to earth after a lightyear hauling radiation-free Twinkies to the war-ravaged outposts of the asteroid belt and beyond, then you probably know that black metal is officially Vogue-level en-vogue. Don’t let the hype distract you, however, as Bastard Sapling, the side project of RVA metal outfit Inter Arma (who you can catch at CMJ next month) are not only the real deal in USBM, but also headlining The Acheron on Sunday with local killers Belus and their hyper-experimental neighbors, Geryon. If you dipped your toe into the Deafeaven pool a few weeks back and liked the temp, then consider this the headlong dive into the deep end.
Sunday, doors at 8pm
Honorable Mentions
RIP DBA (Running Every Week Till The Bitter, Tearful End)
Dick Diver, PC Worship, Dark Blue, and Free Time at Death by Audio
Hardcore Is Forever
Fucking Invincible at The Acheron
Un-ironic Overalls Sighting
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Shakey Graves at Beacon Theatre