Saturday, Feb 23 – WHY? Astronautilus, Sarah Winters – Fine Line Music Café

Genre defying sad-wave indie rapper Yoni Wolf and his perpetually expanding backing band are coming to Minneapolis for the second time in the last 12 months after cancelling their 2011 Twin Cities show. WHY?’s newest album was met with harsh criticism from Pitchfork, but it doesn’t seem to be hindering their touring schedule or faithful fan base. Wolf is best known for his darkly eloquent and often jarring lyrics. This time around WHY? is supported by Astronautilus, a Minneapolis based independent rapper who has previously toured with Tegan and Sara and made an impression with fans for his live free styling based on audience interactions. Sarah Winters, who occasionally plays in WHY?, will also be playing an opening set.

(Note to editors: I’m promoting this show so perhaps there’s a conflict of interest here but also I would definitely write about it anyways!)

Thursday, Feb 28 – Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group presents BOSNIAN RAINBOWS, Marriages – Fine Line Music Café

Following a less-than-amicable breakup of Omar Rodríguez-López’s prog group The Mars Volta, he continues to tour with his Bosnian Rainbows Project. Bosnian Rainbows includes former Mars Volta member Deantoni Parks as well as experimental vocalist Teri Gender-Bender and keyboardist Nicci Kasper. Poppier and less prog than The Mars Volta, Bosnian Rainbows’ singles thus far have been short and melodic. The spacy, expansive sound that Rodríguez-López was known for is still audible in his new work, but more tightly structured and understated. Check out their latest single, Turtle Neck.

Monday, March 4 – Tame Impala, The Growl – First Ave Mainroom (Sold Out)

If you’re willing to put up with stub-hub prices, Tame Impala is a band worth checking out. Their 2012 release Lonerism topped many a “Best of 2012” list and their infectious single Feels Like We Only Go Backwards gained critical acclaim from Pitchfork and Stereogum. The band’s psychedelic inclinations and hazy, sway-able guitar and bass riffs seem to be made for the stage. Rapper and fellow critic’s darling Frank Ocean recently came out as a fan of the group’s hypnotic, dreamy sound, praising the “freedom” he hears in Lonerism.