Oct 16 – Oct 22 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Aquilo at El Rey Theatre | Oct. 16
Ben Fletcher and Tom Hyam’s project lets cinematic sounds wrap the listener in an otherworldly envelope, whisking them away to far-away places. Their appeal isn’t hard to understand; their vocals play so perfectly off each other, listeners can’t help but feel warmed by their cohesiveness. They have a date scheduled at L.A.’s El Rey Theatre in support of “Silhouettes,” their debut full-length. Yoke Lore will join Aquilo on the bill.

Depeche Mode w/ Warpaint at Hollywood Bowl | Oct. 16 + 18
The godfathers of gloomy synth-driven danceable alt hits continue their string of dates at L.A.’s Hollywood Bowl alongside current trend-setters Warpaint. Two bands on one bill? Each with their own generation of influence? Depeche Mode has been at it since the 1980s, and Warpaint has a lot more people to touch, but this tour marks a merging of generations. Tickets to either show seem impossible to get, but some may surface on the secondary market.

Alison Krauss and David Gray at Greek Theatre | Oct. 17
Krauss has the honor of being the most awarded female artist in Grammy history, with 13 albums and countless sales to her name. Meanwhile, Gray has his own heap of plaudits thanks to his stimulating songwriting. Both seasoned musicians play their own sets when they stop off at the Greek Theatre on Oct. 17.

L7 at Amoeba Music | Oct. 17
One of the fiercest feminist groups to come out of the 1980s, L7’s brand of grunge-punk spurred on an already momentous girl power movement in music, one that would eventually branch into other entertainment media. The band has also faced their fair share of backlash, from DJ’s refusing to spin their tunes to other musicians not wanting to mix with feminists. The band chronicles their struggles and eventual ascent to the influential queens of socially charged punk with “Pretend We’re Dead,” a new documentary highlighting the group’s entire journey. They’ll be holding a special in-store signing at Hollywood’s Amoeba Music for fans who buy the DVD in-store, so grab yours today and get to the signing early to make sure you get to shoot the breeze with some iconic ladies of music.

Muna at Fonda Theatre | Oct. 17
The synth-pop trio are no strangers to politically-tinged musical fare, and they can often be found taking the initiative and making their voices heard at protests. The L.A. natives’ songs tackle everything from gender identity to victimization, topics that are surely near and dear to their hearts. They bring their emo-esque sounds coupled with 80s drum machines to the Fonda Theatre for a rousing and spirited show with Grace Mitchell and Huxlee providing the support.

Sparks at El Rey Theatre | Oct. 17
The Meal brothers have been putting together some of the most recognizable pop-rock hybrids for decades, and it seems like their musical creativity is limitless. Look no further than their 23rd studio album, “Hippopotamus,” which takes the established Sparks formula and marches it confidently in a brave new direction. They stop off for a takeover of the El Rey Theatre alongside The Sewing Sisters.

Jr. Jr. at Glasshouse (Pomona) | Oct. 17 + El Rey Theatre | Oct. 19
The Detroit-based indie-pop outfit have fabulous hair and even more fabulous grooves to their name. Formerly calling themselves Dale Earnhardt Jr. after the NASCAR driver, the band recently changed their name, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to leave attendees’ hearts racing when they play two dates in the L.A. area this week — first playing the super intimate Glasshouse in Pomona followed by a date at the El Rey Theatre. Hembree will be supporting on both dates.

Arca at Open Beta | Oct. 18
An otherworldly project from Alejandro Ghersi, Arca creates some of the most inspiring and jolting combinations of sweet pop and chaotic noise this side of the sonic sphere. There’s so much to unwrap from Arca’s vaulting sonic drives, made even more impressive by his voice that can roll along or soar with the greatest of ease. He’ll be showing off his musical chops when he hits Open Beta as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival.

Beck at Ford Amphitheatre | Oct. 18
There are few musicians out there as innovative and daring as Beck — the man released an entire album in book form a few years ago, after all. Since then, though, the musical luminary has opted to once again take the traditional route to releasing music. His latest album, “Colors,” bounces and wanes in all its multi-facetted glory. He’ll be at the Ford Amphiteatre to celebrate the release of “Colors” with a special hometown show.

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley at The Belasco Theater | Oct. 18
The man behind the practically universally recognizable “Welcome to Jamrock” hasn’t put out a solo album in a decade, but that all changes with “Stoney Hill.” In conjunction with the album, Marley also embarked on a tour of Africa, which he documented and is now sharing online. That trip imbued the vivacious performer with even more energy and cultural awareness, which he aims to spread one show at a time. He brings his dance-hall sound to the Belasco for a night of unfiltered Rastaman vibrations.

In This Moment at The Wiltern | Oct. 18
In This Moment exude a new kind of feminist fire on their sixth studio album, “Half God – Half Devil,” through a flurry of heavy metal and moody alternative. It’s enough to get any circle pit overflowing with energy, and you know they’ll be aiming to do just that when they bring their big sound to the Wiltern. Expect bodies and fists to fly every which way, especially with openers Of Mice and Men kicking things off with a heavy start. Things are only going to get heavier as the night progresses.

James Vincent McMorrow at Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever | Oct. 18
McMorrow’s latest release, “True Care,” allows the singer-songwriter to shine at what he does best: Telling cohesive stories through exquisite lyricism and uniquely sparse instrumentation. “True Care’s” minimalistic approach really powers McMorrow’s voice forward, and it all feels so fresh and relatable. He returns to L.A. for a very special show at Hollywood Forever’s Masonic Lodge.

Oh Wonder at Shrine Auditorium | Oct. 18
This indie act almost never was. In fact, neither of its main architects foresaw it going anywhere. Little did they know that just a few months into creating music they would rocket up the indie landscape, self-release their debut, and ink a major label deal for their second album, “Ultralife.” They stop off at the Shrine Auditorium in support of that very album, with Jaymes Young in tow.

The Black Angels at The Mayan | Oct. 18
Austin darlings of psychedelia, The Black Angels have churned out five albums of mirky, psychedelic goodness that dares to shred genre boundaries. They’re currently hitting the road in support of their latest, 2017’s “Death Song,” and their live shows are even more avant Gard than their recordings. They’re bringing that eclectic melting pot of music to the Mayan for a night full of gems.

Avenged Sevenfold at Grammy Museum | Oct. 19
One of the hardest working quintets in all of rock, Avenged Sevenfold have transformed their music into something even more artistic that dares to explore themes that loom in our distant future. Their latest album, “The Stage,” delves into the thread of artificial intelligence and its role in shaping humanity’s future. The whole crew will visit the Grammy Museum for a conversation looking at their impressive career so far, followed by a special acoustic performance.

Echosmith at Fonda Theatre | Oct. 19
Echosmith blazed a path for themselves even though their underdog demeanor almost kept them from doing it. When “Cool Kids” found its way onto radio, it was all she wrote. Now, the group returns with “Inside a Dream,” an EP that takes their already infectious pop and makes it even more danceable. In celebration, Echosmith has a huge date at the Fonda Theatre alongside Banners.

Johnnyswim at The Novo | Oct. 19
The songwriting duo of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano are responsible for some incredibly elegant and shimmery pop tunes that incorporate elements of country’s to-the-heart lyrics. Their latest EP, “Georgica Pond,” shows off that striking combination in swathes. They’ll stop off at The Novo for a performance featuring songs from their first two EP’s. Come early to watch Striking Matches start the evening off right.

Nick Hakim at the Echoplex | Oct. 19
A tumultuous adolescence inspired Nick Hakim’s current music, which is remarkably soulful and ambitious in its structure. His latest album, “Green Twins,” pushes that musicality forward, adding layers of seductive funk and hair-raising gospel, all while his dark but affectionate lyrics leave the listener swooning. He brings his music to L.A. for a special date at the Echoplex with supporting acts Sam Evian and Jimmy Whispers.

Nick Murphy (FKA Chet Faker) at Shrine Auditorium  | Oct. 19
As Chet faker, Nick Murphy dropped an EP, a full-length album, and, most notably of all, his listeners’ jaws. Now he’s opted to drop his moniker, too, doing things the old fashioned way: with his own name and nothing else. He bridged the two periods in his musical career with May’s “Missing Link” EP, and he has continued forward with his new gospel-infused single, “Medication.” For those who were lucky enough to see Chet faker live, you haven’t seen Nick Murphy. Not by a long shot.

Tegan and Sara at Amoeba Music | Oct. 19
The sisters have been carving up their own slice of indie-folk and pop for a long time, but they didn’t really have a mainstream breakthrough until their hit “Closer” and later getting featured in “The Lego Movie.” But long before that, there was “The Con,” an album that really helped the sisters find their voice. In celebration of the album’s 10th anniversary, Tegan and Sara have issued “The Con X: Covers,” an album featuring covers of each song by artists like Chvrches, Hayley Williams, PVRIS, Ryan Adams and so many others. Before the album goes on-sale on Oct. 20, the sisters will play a special, stripped down performance at Amoeba showcasing the influential album’s most heralded cuts. Their only other L.A. dates are already sold out, so this is a prime opportunity to catch them in action.

Carla Morrison at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Oct. 19 + Orpheum Theatre | Oct. 20
Last year, Latin sensation Carla Morrison released an acoustic version of her highly lauded “Amor Supremo,” an effort that did a beautiful job of stripping down her larger-than-life appeal. Now the three-time Latin Grammy-winner brings her act to the U.S., and her fans are clamoring for this hot event. She has two big L.A. dates scheduled — the first at the Theatre at Ace Hotel, and the second at The Orpheum. No matter the venue, Morrison has never been known to disappoint her enthusiastic audience, and she’s definitely not starting now.

Greta Van Fleet at Troubadour | Oct. 19 + Moroccan Lounge | Oct. 20
The rocking quartet from the heartland of Michigan straddle the line between timeless and ahead of one’s time, offering up a simmering blend of rock and blues that’s bound to get anyone’s blood pumping. Their debut EP, “Black Smoke Rising,” is an interesting take on re-interpreting the blues the same way bands synonymous with the British Invasion did in the 60s. The results can only amaze. They’ll be at the Troubadour followed by the new Moroccan Lounge for two hard-rocking dates that you won’t want to miss out on.

Snakehips at Glasshouse (Pomona) | Oct. 19 + The Wiltern | Oct. 20
Dynamite DJ duo Snakehips bring their uncanny knack for remixing songs into fiery dance-floor anthems to Pomona and Los Angeles for two sizzling dates. Made up of Oliver Lee and James Carter, Snakehips have remixed notable artists like Banks, The Weeknd and Alunageorge, and they emerged into the spotlight with their own single, “All My Friends,” in 2015. Don’t miss this exciting event with all sorts of great tunes getting chopped up for your dancing pleasure. STWO and Yahtzel join Snakehips on a robust lineup.

Arcade Fire at The Forum | Oct. 20
It’s the event that many indie devotees have been counting down toward ever since it got announced. Arcade Fire bring their genre-defying sounds to The Forum for a hot show full of tunes that span their career. Expect a lot of songs from “Everything Now,” the group’s latest, disco-infused effort, also. As if that’s not enough, Angel Olsen will be joining them for the show.

Odesza at Staples Center | Oct. 20
This electronic group have been wooing countless fans with their shimmery textures and clever use of horns. They’ve worked with all manner of acclaimed artists, showing off their impressive versatility as hit-makers. They’ll swing by the Staples Center for a big date with special guest Sofi Tukker.

Tash Sultana at Fonda Theatre | Oct. 20
Sultana’s ability to multi-task so efficiently, creating sounds in combinations few thought they’d ever experience, has quickly turned her live act into something worth catching. Her music fuses all kinds of instrumentation, from basic guitar to experiments in beat-boxing, and the buzz surrounding this artist is more than palpable. She’ll be joined by the Pierce Brothers when she hits L.A.’s Wiltern.

Allah-Las at The Regent Theater | Oct. 21
The group that rose to prominence with a live recording in 2012 has gained a new confidence in the five year interim, honing their craft and sharing their take on serene pop without hesitation. Every song on “Calico Review,” their latest effort, rings with a note of maturation and eclectic bliss. Every cut dares to be different, yet each is united in its sincerity and satisfying resonance. They’ll be joined by Entrance and Mapache.

CBS Radio’s We Can Survive ft. P!nk, Sam Smith, Sam Hunt, Harry Styles, Lorde, Kesha, Macklemore, Khalid, Alessia Cara and more at Hollywood Bowl | Oct. 21
The fifth annual breast cancer fundraising event returns, and it does so with a bang. A number of chart-toppers bring their celebrated sounds to the Hollywood Bowl, including sam Smith — who’s on the verge of dropping an eagerly anticipated album — as well as Sam Hunt, Lorde, and Alessia Cara. There’ll be no shortage of good times when this event takes over The Bowl.

Crystal Castles at The Wiltern | Oct. 21
They might have a new vocalist in their midst, but Crystal Castles continues to pour out their souls into glitchy, infectious dance tracks that keep the party going. Continuing to support their latest album, “Amnesty,” their synth-rich soiree returns to the Wiltern for a night of rug-cutting and stuff-strutting.

Dinosaur Jr. at Fonda Theatre | Oct. 21
The band that reformed in 2005 after setting quite a few trends of their own in the 1980s has already churned out more albums in their second run than in their first. They’ve amassed quite a catalogue of squelchy, thumping psychedelia, and it’s enough to please even the most devoted of experimental music fans. Dinosaur Jr. comes roaring back to L.A. for a rampage at the Fonda Theatre with special guests Easy Action.

Moses Sumney at El Rey Theatre | Oct. 21
You’d be hard-pressed to find a singer with more soul and spirit than Moses Sumney. His music is tinged with the specter of moodiness while his modern interpretations of classic jazz bleeds into his sophisticated yet easy-to-digest compositions. He hits El Rey Theatre for a very special performance, one that’s sure to floor everyone in attendance, because you don’t know what you’re missing until you see Moses Sumney live and in color. Sudan Archives will provide support at this L.A. date.

Cloak & Dagger Festival ft. She Wants Revenge, The Jesus and Mary Chain, KMFDM and more at The Globe &  Tower Theatres | Oct. 21 + 22
An all-out litany of musical must-sees descend on L.A. over the weekend, including heavy-hitters like She Wants Revenge, KMFDM, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and so many more. In between rocking out to your favorites, save room to discover lesser-known but still incredibly talented acts like David Scott Stone, Annie Lesser, and more. It’s a variable music buffet, but instead of an empty belly, come with an open mind.

Hanson at The Mayan Theatre | Oct. 22
The band of brothers behind the infectious “Mmmbop” bring that energy to L.A. as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their landmark “Middle of Everywhere.” They’ll be traversing North America playing countless hits from their catalogue, which spans six studio albums and nearly three decades. Strap in, because this is going to be one packed night of head-bobbing and nostalgia.

Mitski at Fonda Theatre | Oct. 22
Mitski’s arrangements have already won over countless music critics and fans alike, with her poetic vocals only adding to an already ornate picture. Her latest, and arguably greatest, studio effort, “Puberty 2,” has trended highly in terms of critical favor, wracking up positive reviews everywhere. She brings that same sound to The Fonda for a show bound to be rippling with excitement. Palehound will be joining the bill.