Irish troubadour Foy Vance plays Bowery Ballroom on Nov. 4.
Holly Miranda
Tuesday, Oct. 29
8pm
Tickets $12
Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave.)
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Holly Miranda‘s 2010 LP The Magician’s Private Library was an aptly-titled debut. Produced by TV on the Radio’s David Sitek, the 10-song album could be a collection of daydreamed, cerebral jingles. There are moments of detached melancholy that recall the XX, but a smattering of horns on “Sweet Dreams” and “Joints” gives the album some lift. Check out her breadth of cover tracks–especially her version of Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” for a hint of the power and smoky coolness of her live vocals.
Ava Luna, Carnivores, Caged Animals, Bueno and DJ Young Oprah Winfrey
Thursday, Oct. 31
8pm
Tickets $8 with costume ($10 without)
Shea Stadium (20 Meadow St.)
What would this week’s best concerts be without some all hallow’s haunting? Head over to Shea Stadium on Halloween for a night of eclectic music, with the futuristic soul stylings of Ava Luna, some pop-punk from Carnivores and jittery psych fuzz from Caged Animals. Those in costume will save a few bucks at the door. And just because it’s so apropos, check out Carnivore’s latest track, “Spell.”
Au Revoir Simone, Watermelon and Tamar-kali
Saturday, Nov. 2
5pm
FREE
Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway)
Brooklyn’s electro-pop trio Au Revoir Simone‘s latest record, Move in Spectrums, hints at a dark seriousness beneath a shimmering veneer of synth and airy vocal harmonies, an almost perfect pairing for a night at the Brooklyn Museum. Au Revoir Simone kicks off the night of free entertainment, and local band Watermelon and hardcore soul singer Tamar-kali get loud later in the evening.
Tennis
Sunday, Nov. 3
8pm
FREE with RSVP/$5 at the door
Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave.)
Tennis’s debut record Cape Dory, inspired by the husband and wife duo’s post-college sailing trip, sets a mood as light and buoyant as a cluster of helium balloons. After the success of their first record, the pair recruited drummer James Barone for their follow-up, Young and Old. Produced by Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, the sophomore record retains Tennis’ breezy appeal, but the new percussive weight balances singer Alaina Moore’s lighter-than-air delivery.
Foy Vance
Monday, Nov. 4
8pm
Tickets $12 in advance/$15 at the door
Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey St.)
Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance keeps good company. His new record Joy of Nothing came out in August on Glassnote Records, the same label that Mumford & Sons call home, and Vance’s latest single, “You and I,” features Bonnie Raitt on backing vocals. He’s toured with Raitt, Ed Sheeren and Snow Patrol, and he’s hitting Bowery Ballroom this Monday. Like his label mates, Vance leans on dramatic instrumental builds for his acoustic soul-baring, but with the raw, honest delivery of Ray Lamontagne and Glen Hansard. And having Bonnie in your corner can’t hurt.
