It’s rock festivals galore this weekend. And by that, we don’t mean the outdoor, sweaty bro, over expensive bottles of water types of music festivals. These are more like the community center, tattoo people and local music freak types of festivals. There are also some solid nerdcore bands playing this weekend for PAX East, but that’s a different story.
Thursday, April 10
Austin based indie folk collective Wild Child takes a hike up north to share the stage at The Sinclair with local duo Tall Heights (with Dietrich Strause; 9 p.m., $10, 18+). Over at TT’s, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble resumes its first round, with locals Western Education, Slowdim, Butterknife, and Gondoliers duking it out to see who will move on to the next round (9:30 p.m., $8, 18+). Make it New hosts Montreal based producer Deadbeat, whose minimalist dub style will soundtrack the Middlesex (with Coralcola and Baltimoroder; 9 p.m., $10, 21+).
Friday, April 11
If you weren’t able to snag tickets to Britpop trio London Grammar and Brooklyn indie poppers Haerts over at The Paradise, not to worry. Hip-hop legend R.A. The Rugged Man will lead a massive bill of lyricists downstairs at The Middle East (with Alyssa Marie, So Sick, Mic Bratsis & DJ Sweep, Tri State Titans, Headspinnaz, and Ricky 3Ways; 8 p.m., $15, 18+). If hip-hop ain’t your cup, head upstairs to TT’s and catch another night of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble, this time featuring Summoner, Vary Lumar, Feints, and Petty Morals (9:30 p.m., $8, 18+). The Democracy Center also kicks off the 2014 Record Hospital Fest with Detroit punks Protomartyr, Allston trio Tomboy, JP’s Free Pizza, and more (4 p.m., $10, all ages).
Saturday, April 12
Local roots reggae Spiritual Rez party band brings its fun-loving energy to The Sinclair in case you’re looking for a reason to dance, smile, or both (with Viva La Hop, All Good, and Feel Good Collective; 8 p.m., $15, 18+). The first round of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble wraps up at TT’s with Yellabird, The Color and Sound, Await Rescue, and Harris Hawk going at it for a spot in the next round (9:30 p.m., $8, 18+). Record Hospital Fest continues at Democracy Center for day two with New York based hardcore band White Suns, local noise punks Guerilla Toss, and more (4 p.m., $10, all ages). Lemonheads side project Varsity Drag plays the modest confines of O’Brien’s in Allston (with Suicide Dolls, Bedroom Eyes, and The Atom Age; 8 p.m., $8, 21+).
Sunday, April 13
The Psychedelic Furs and the Sheila Divine tickets for The Sinclair show went rather quickly, but that’s not the worst thing because there are other options. Industrial metal vets Godflesh make a rare trip to the States to play Royale (with Cut Hands and Pharmakon; 8 p.m., $25, 18+). If you’d prefer to end your weekend with a bit more dancing than moshing, head to The Paradise and catch producer RJD2 (with Rain; 7 p.m., $18, 18+).
