THURSDAY JAN. 30
The Expendables
Hailing from Santa Cruz, Calif., the Expendables often display a quintessential West Coast sound, loosely akin to Sublime. But the style of their songs can also surprise at times, as it fluctuates from reggae to surfer-rock to metal. Anthony Giannotti of SubmergeMag once joked about The Expendables' unique amalgamation of styles: "I guarantee you have never heard a reggae song with blast beats and an Iron Maiden-style shred solo in the middle of it." The topics of The Expendables' songs are just as various, as they go from describing life on minimum wage to romantically referencing certain recreational activities in "Bowl for Two." With a reggae beat paired with pure, sweet guitar riffs and catchy lyrics, The Expendables will surely keep the ears entertained. Stick Figure and Seedless are also on the bill. (Hilary Packham)
Park City Live, 427 Main, Park City, 9 p.m., $20, ParkCityLive.net
FRIDAY JAN. 31
Toad the Wet Sprocket
The name of this California alt-rock band sounds like a bunch of nonsense, probably because it was a fictional band name made up by Monty Python's Eric Idle in the '70s. Well, in 1986, four teenage band members- who are all still part of the current lineup- decided to give the silly name an actual identity and claimed it. In the '90s, Toad the Wet Sprocket created five studio albums and became a radio sensation with its signature brand of feel-good, easily digestible, folksy rock-hits like "All I Want"-before breaking devoted fans' hearts when it disbanded in 1998. But fast-forward to the present, and Toad the Wet Sprocket has released its first album of new material in more than 10 years, New Constellation, and it's proof that frontman Glen Phillips and company still got it. Jonathan Kingham will start things off.
The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, 8 p.m., $25 in advance, $30 day of show, DepotSLC.com
Mideau, Polytype
The pairing of stellar local bands Mideau and Polytype at this show will be a lush treat for the ears. Polytype's sleek, sophisticated electronic sound is simultaneously mellow and mind-bending, with delicate vocals floating eerily over fractured, expanding and ever-morphing beat arrangements. The trio's excellent debut album, Basic// Complex, washes over the listener like a cool, deep wave; check out the moody song "Gunmetal" and the impossibly snappy and catchy "Cyclone" (the surreal music video, by the way, is a must-see). And as if it weren't already clear, Spencer Harrison and Libbie Linton of Mideau have proven they're masters of thoughtful, lovely indie pop with their new four-song EP, Way With Words, released in December. The two musicians typically harmonize-backed by twinkling piano and strings-but Linton's lilting voice stands out with effortless beauty, especially on the wistful "Benny." Richie Kissinger will open the night. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
Velour, 135 N. University Ave., Provo, 8 p.m., $8, VelourLive.com
Dent May
If ever there were a member of the Beach Boys with a penchant for synthesizers, it would be Dent May. The feel-good, whimsical pop sound of May's music harmonizes with a style fit for the '70s. Yet it's his versatility that ultimately grabs the attention of alternative music junkies. He recently and successfully has transformed himself into a dance-floor staple, recording synth-mixes under the mark of Dent Sweat. His newest compilation, Warm Blanket, offers tastes of the different genres that this Mississippi native has dreamt up. Jack Name (of White Fence) and Gothen open the night. (Ana Bentz) Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), 8 p.m., $8, KilbyCourt.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com
SATURDAY FEB. 1
Pure Bathing Culture
Shortly after Pure Bathing Culture guitarist Daniel Hindman and keyboardist/vocalist Sarah Versprille decided to start a band together, they also decided to relocate from New York City to Portland, Ore. And judging from their ethereal debut full-length album, Moon Tides-released in summer 2013-their new home had more than a little creative influence on the sound they made together. A daydream-like '80s-pop-influenced blend of shimmering keyboards, Versprille's soothing vocals and atmospheric synths held together by drum machines, the Moon Tides evokes deep ocean currents, foggy mornings and cool forests-the perfect soundtrack for wandering around on a rocky beach without any sort of destination. Bright Whistles and The Wild War are also on the bill. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), 8 p.m., $8, KilbyCourt.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com
MONDAY FEB. 3
Silver Antlers
With the current polluted and freezing fishbowl-like conditions outside, it's easy to feel like winter is never-ending. If you're like me and can't afford to jet off to Hawaii, take a trip to this show featuring local ambient/ electro musician Skyler Hitchcox, aka Silver Antlers. His three-song EP Turquoise Dream-released in summer 2013-captures the enveloping warmth of a golden afternoon through obscured vocal loops, peaceful droning synths, quiet taps of a hand drum and touches of electro. Escape into "Under the Leaves," which, complete with sounds of birds chirping, captures the calm of lying on the grass under a huge tree. High Council, Conquer Monster and Stag Hare Band will open. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., free, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com
WEDNESDAY FEB. 5
The Wild War EP Release
Local psych-rock/grunge duo The Wild War have released only one track, "Love, Don't Say Goodnight," in anticipation of their debut EP, Valley Rain, but if that song is a preview of what's to come, the album will undoubtedly be hypnotizing and full of raw, fanged power. Lead vocalist/guitarist/bassist Kevin Edwards can seriously howl, even if he's special deceptively acoustic performance subdued at the by beginning of the track; Dan Johnson's percussion buckles down and doesn't let up. Throughout explosive crescendos and moments of apocalyptic stillness, the mood is satisfyingly heavy and full of gritty, fuzzed-out darkness. While making the album before at Black the game Pyramid Recording in Provo, Edwards says, he and Johnson "worked to maintain the energy and passion of our live performance on the record." Lake Island and Tess Comrie are also on the bill. (Kolbie Stonehocker)
The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., $5, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com
