7 Awesome Concerts to See in Philly This Week
The indie and electronica fan will have a good time this week on the music scene, especially at Union Transfer. With the classic indie rock of Minus the Bear, the masterful synths of Neon Indian, or the futuristic pop melodies of Grimes, it might just feel like summer again. Feeling more in the mood for a throwback icon? Catch Don Henley of The Eagles at the Academy of Music. Click through to each day, or check out the full list below.
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY
MONDAY: Banks at Theatre of the Living Arts
Banks | Photo by Tobal Road
Jillian Banks, more commonly known as Banks, has had a musical soul ever since her teen days, teaching herself how to play on a keyboard after school. Her 2014 debut, Goddess, brought a minimalist trip-hop sound with darkly alluring vocals. After gracing the Philly stage, she will continue her star-filled fall tour with The Weeknd, Travi$ Scott, and Halsey. Listen before you go: “This Is What It Feels Like.” Monday, November 9th, 8 pm.
TUESDAY: Sinkane at Johnny Brenda’s
The Sudanese artist Ahmed Gallab, aka Sinkane, settles into Johnny Brenda’s for an evening performance with Steven A. Clark and Son Step. Sinkane’s sound employs groovy bass, swinging melody, and Pan-African influence. Listen before you go: “How We Be.” Tuesday, November 10th, 9 pm.
WEDNESDAY: ODESZA at Union Transfer
If you can’t get enough of Seattle’s dynamic duo, Union Transfer is offering two ODESZA shows back to back. Harrison Mills/CatacombKid and Clayton Knight/BeachesBeaches joined forces to create upbeat but dreamy youth electronica anthems, making use of voice as instrument. Be warned though, you’ll have to get creative to get your hands on tickets — both shows are sold out. Listen before you go: “My Friends Never Die.” Wednesday November 11th, 7 pm, 11 pm.
THURSDAY: Don Henley at Academy of Music
The Eagle will be without his convocation, but Don Henley will be joined by Shawn Colvin at the Academy of Music, who released her ninth album in September, the same day as Henley’s latest record, Cass County. After 15 years since his last solo LP, Henley taps into his southern roots by taking us to the Texas town for which the country album is named. Listen before you go: “When I Stop Dreaming ft. Dolly Parton.” Thursday November 12th, 7:30 pm.
FRIDAY: Minus the Bear at the Electric Factory
It’s hardly an unlucky day if you spend it at a good show. Minus the Bear are no strangers to rocking the Electric Factory, closing out the night to a moshing crowd after Cursive back in 2012. Sans their drummer, Erin Tate, who departed the group early this year, the Seattle indie rock band returns to the Factory this Friday for a 10th anniversary tour for their second album, Menos el Oso (their group name in Spanish), which will also be reissued. Listen before you go: “Knights.” Friday, November 13th, 8 pm.
SATURDAY (OPTION 1): Alex G at First Unitarian Church
Photo by Greg Goldstein
The young Philly native Alex G has built up a faithful local following and media approval, from playing venues at the University of Pennsylvania to Johnny Brenda’s. After a few self-releases and records on independent labels, Alex G’s first LP on Domino Records, Beach Music, premiered last month, showcasing his prowess as a rising star in the indie lo-fi world. Beg a friend to let you grab one of their extra tickets though, because you’ll be hard-pressed to find them. Before you go, check out our Q&A with Alex G here. Listen before you go: “Bug.” Saturday, November 14th, 7:30 pm.
SATURDAY (OPTION 2): Grimes at Union Transfer
As a singer and producer, Canadian artist Grimes is multi-talented, pushing against the confines of labels that female artists are so often subjected to. Just days after the digital release of her fourth album, Art Angels, Grimes brings her own brand of dreamy aesthetic to Philly, with a voice that rings pure over the blend of electro and psychedelic pop. Start looking for those second-hand tickets now. Listen before you go: “REALiTi.” Saturday, November 14th, 11 pm.
SUNDAY: Neon Indian at Union Transfer
To call Neon Indian just another electronic group would do Alan Palomo and his bandmates a disservice. His music mixes synth-y psychedelia and chillwave, with the occasional reggae or disco elements. Last month, the multi-charting third record Vega INTL. Night School was released, which also marked the official absorption of Palomo’s side project VEGA into the band. Listen before you go: “Slumlord Rising.” Sunday, November 15th, 8:30 pm.
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