Concert Picks: N’dambi, Polvo, The Horrors…

You know that feeling of being genuinely intrigued by a sound, a feeling, or a state of mind? While varying in levels of longevity, each act we’ve selected this week has something about them that works hard at making an impression on their listeners. We definitely appreciate the effort.

Check them out…

• N’dambi | Friday, October 9 | 7:00 pm | Free | Amoeba Music, Hollywood, CA – Map | The Dallas, TX-based R&B/soul singer, pianist, songwriter goes deep on her newly-released album, entitled Pink Elephant. Draw all the comparisons you want, but she has a story to tell. The in-store experience = the way to go. For more information, call (323) 245-6400.

• Happy Mondays | Friday, October 9 | 8:00 pm | $40 | Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY – Map | The British alt-rock band – having gone through a veritable revamp three times over – knows what it takes to keep their fans interested. As made clear by their evolution, they’re not going anywhere – except for another venue. The evening will include performances by the Psychadelic Furs and Islands. Click here for tickets.

• Polvo | Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 pm | $15 | Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA – Map | Polvo is different, clever. They’ve been at it since the nineties, so something tells us they’re experts in their field – which seems to be the type of music that strikes artfully from an unsuspecting angle. We smell a favorite! The Moon Upstairs and Modern Memory will also perform. Click here for tickets.

• Hello Hawk | Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 pm | Free | Goodbye Blue Monday, New York, NY – Map | The Harrisburg, PA-based band serves pop rock without the bubble gum. We were surprised that the genre still exists outside of Paramore and other such contemporaries in a venue format that’s not only cheap, but free. And honestly, Hello Hawk knows how to work it. Rob Jacobs, Dr. Responsible, and Withershins will also perform. For more information, call (718) 453-6343.

• The Horrors | Sunday, October 11 | 9:00 pm | $15 | Double Door, Chicago, IL – Map | We understand the familiar cringe reflex that comes from reading something such as “this band is hip” or “this band is edgy”, but believe it when we say that UK-based band The Horrors are both. They’ll be playing with the Crocodiles. Click here for tickets.

Who’s on your list of must-sees/must-hears this weekend?

Photo by Kez