Raw Deluxe, Raw Communication. Take it from the band:
We got rhythm, we got soul, we got class, we got something to build
upon, goes the chorus to the second track. Blending live hip-hop
(drums, bass, keys, and sax) with Jurassic 5-style group raps (Lexx
Luthor, MicBlake, and Soulati trade freely), Raw Deluxe delivers an
exuberant hybrid of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. (Reel Deal Records)
At the Elbo Room (647 Valencia St., San Francisco) on Mar. 6. 10
p.m., $10
Lucky Jesus, Lucky Jesus. Despite hailing from the
Castro and labeling its sound “queercore with a sense of humor,” this
SF quartet is simply a 20th-century pop band, and that’s for the
better. Ten tracks and 27 keyboard-infused minutes are grounded in
friendly antics and living room jams, but can transcend their modest
origins to prove they’re not so simple after all. (self-released)
At the Stork Club (2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) on Mar. 7. 9 p.m.,
$5
All My Pretty Ones, Tone Poems. The beautiful vocal
harmonies of the opening seconds set Tone Poems off on the right
foot, then proceed to weave magic through all 48 minutes. Prominent
piano and oboe work further distinguish All My Pretty Ones’ indie folk,
while frontman Derek Schmidt’s songs, as somber as they are riveting,
make for a head-on listening experience. (self-released)
At the Uptown (1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) on Mar. 18. 9 p.m.,
free
King Cab, Buses, Sharks and Streams. King Cab features
Jason and Gavin Hammon of Berkeley ska/punk band the Dancehall
Crashers, but its sound is something else. The newly formed quartet
— with Judea Eden Band’s Emil Besson and Naked Barbies’ Ben
Decker — plays a gimmicky but competent blend of country and
garage rock, where the slapdash twang feels almost forced.
(self-released)
At Thee Parskide (1600 17th St., San Francisco) on Mar. 15. 4 p.m.,
free
