Superfinos VTO, The Tinman’s Last Request EP. Rock:
There’s no other way to put it. There are cowbells and shakers, but
mostly loud guitars and chest-deep screams and songs about sex.
Immediately recognizable as an Oakland garage band by its gritty
production, independent ethic, and detached sincerity, Superfinos VTO
emphatically leaves no room for niceties. (self-released)
At the Ghost Town Gallery (2519 San Pablo Ave., Oakland) on October
24. 9 p.m., $5
Rykarda Parasol, For Blood and Wine. San Francisco
singer Rykarda Parasol’s songs are not for the faint of heart, nor for
moments of levity. Her gothic lounge-rock bears the stamps of Nick Cave
and Siouxsie Sioux, with low vocals both spooky and seductive. But
don’t take her too seriously; it’s all in good fun, and she’d rather
entertain than frighten you. She can do both, with great songs to boot.
(self-released)
At Cafe du Nord (2170 Market St., San Francisco) on October 24. 9
p.m., $10-$12
Goodbye Gadget, Because, I’m Not Myself You See EP.
Female-fronted pop-rock can be a bit of a novelty: the sort of
disposable mainstream fodder we heard too much of earlier this decade.
But in the right hands, it’s a powerful art form — both visceral
and candy-coated, personal and party-ready. This San Francisco act
capitalizes on the genre’s split personality through glossy pop songs
driven by Ana Isabel’s incisive vocals. (self-released)
At Red House (1667 Botelho Dr., Walnut Creek) on October 23. 7 p.m.,
$10
Flower and McLaren, Twenty Years Twenty Rivers. You
don’t have to be a big fan of Celtic music to enjoy the work of Robin
Flower (guitar, mandolin, fiddle) and Libby McLaren (piano, accordion).
But it won’t hurt, particularly throughout the album’s soft middle. The
local legends’ take on the genre is smart and varied; fans will be
aptly thrilled. (Little Cat)
