Hey Young Believer, Invisible by Day. Benevolent note
to young bands: unless you play punk, don’t put sixteen songs on your
debut album. Even if you think they’re all good. That’s Hey Young
Believer’s main mistake, as most of the pure, peppy pop-rock songs are
solid on their own — lead singer Lily Wolfson’s classical
training makes sure of it. Unfortunately, en masse their impact is
blunted. (self-released)
At Hotel Utah (400 4th St., San Francisco) on November 19. 9 p.m.,
$6
Vinyl, Fogshack Music Volume Two. Leadoff track “Jelly
James Jam” is a formless freak-out featuring funky guitar, bluesy
harmonica, psychedelic Hammond and wah-wah guitar, and a prominent
disco beat. Vinyl’s sophomore effort, featuring Les Claypool, Yossi
Fine, Felonious, the Rondo Brothers, and others, seamlessly blends the
noodley jam band and beat-driven club scenes. (Avila Street
Records)
At the Independent (628 Divisadero St., San Francisco) on November
25. 9 p.m., $15
Corinne West, The Promise. Corinne West left home at
age fifteen to rove in the company of artists and activists. Years
later, her work as a folk singer-songwriter seems to carry with it the
spirit of those times. There’s a freewheeling energy to her soft,
introspective roots style, and an understated brilliance to the album
as a whole. (Make Records)
At Freight & Salvage (2020 Addison St., Berkeley) on November
20. 8 p.m., $19.50
Camp Out, Closer. Contributing to San Francisco’s
vibrant indie-pop scene, Camp Out makes comfortable, upbeat music that
should appeal to fans of mainstream pop and independent music alike.
Band members Maddy Hanks and Jackie Law co-produced and self-released
Closer without any label, but their melodies and harmonies best
most industry-groomed pop. (self-released)
At Hotel Utah (400 4th St., San Francisco) on November 19. 9 p.m.,
$6
