Post-punk revivalists Editors achieved a remarkable mix of experimental techno and power pop on 2018’s Violence, thanks in part to the contribution fellow English artist Blanck Mass. The sonic explorations delved much deeper with the producer unspooling the band’s sound in his signature fashion. The Blanck Mass Sessions maintain the spirit of the songs…

The 1975 performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on April 22, 2019. Photos: Joaquin Cabello. SAN FRANCISCO — Manchester’s The 1975 provided a full sensory experience to a sold-out Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Monday night. The group began with “Give Yourself A Try” and “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME.” Striking, bold…

On his newest album, Guy, Steve Earle and his band the Dukes pay tribute to one of his foundational influences, Guy Clark. Earle covers 16 of the country and folk great’s most prominent songs and indirectly reflects upon his intimate relationship with the legendary songwriter. Guy Steve Earle &…

Daughters perform at Noise Pop at The Independent in San Francisco on March 3, 2019. Photos: Shawn Robbins. SAN FRANCISCO — East Coast noise rockers Daughters shook up all senses at The Independent on Sunday night at a sold-out show that closed out the Noise Pop Music Festival. The band played a…

Xiu Xiu’s 14th album, Girl with Basket of Fruit, expands on the experimental band’s thought-provoking spoken word lyricism with aggressive, often disorienting instrumental soundscapes. Girl with Basket of Fruit Xiu Xiu Polyvinyl, Feb. 8 The album begins with its title track, which thrusts listeners into a complex and  abstract sonic…

Kurt Vile and the Violators perform at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Dec. 12, 2018. Photos: Chloe Catajan OAKLAND — Kurt Vile and the Violators stopped by the Fox Theater Wednesday and put on an impressive performance, stringing together a set brimming with long, melodic ballads that intermingled with waves…

Muse again dives into the depths of cinematic sci-fi on Simulation Theory, the follow up to the English rock band’s 2015, Drones. Riddled with infectious percussion loops and grandiose vocal hooks, the album creates futuristic atmospheres while maintaining the band’s signature approach. Simulation Theory Muse Warner Bros., Nov. 9 Opening track…

Tenacious D is back with its first album since 2012’s Rize of the Fenix. On Post-Apocalypto, Jack Black and Kyle Gass try to navigate an apocalyptic landscape with their comedy rock. The album follows the storyline of the band’s YouTube series of the same title, in which civilization has…

Arctic Monkeys perform at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Oct. 20, 2018. Photos: Joaquin Cabello. SAN FRANCISCO — Rock icons Arctic Monkeys, on tour supporting new album Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, made a stop at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Saturday for the first of two…