Ah, November: the semblance of Halloween regret lingers into the first week of the month. Then it's family time, celebrating all that you're thankful for while wanting to escape. "BUT MOM, I WANT TO GO TO THE ROCK SHOW," you scream as your poor mother dishes up pumpkin pie to your racist extended family. You cram it down while dreaming of gigs-to come. Maybe you'll fall in love with the girl at the rock show like Mark Hoppus. Maybe you'll discover your new favorite band. Maybe you'll just continue to live a life of dread, going to shows as a reminder that you are still alive and yes, there is beauty in the world. Whatever your motivation, we've got another handy monthly guide on some of the best shows in and around Boston this November. And that, my friend, is something to be thankful for.
November 1-7
11/3: Sun Club, Lady Lamb, The Districts
New Englanders shutter at the thought of going months without a chance to weep to their beloved Lady Lamb. This tender wonder has remained a centerpiece to her genre and thankfully, she's coming back around to offer up a slice of that very sound. Lady Lamb will be sharing the night with zany Sun Club. The Districts will also share their carefully crafted tunes.
11/4: Bent Shapes and Ra Ra Riot @ Great Scott
Some bands are only given a limited in which they can offer intimate club shows, including Ra Ra Riot. We’ve seen them at Royale and Paradise, but this week, they’ve decided to mark a glorious return to Great Scott. The band’s blend of warm violin, cello and heavier guitar results in a heavy heart yet pleasant live show. To top it off, some of our favorite locals, Bent Shapes, will start it off with their incredibly fun jangly punk. This is bound to be a show that you'll reminisce about.
November 8-14
11/8: Natalie Prass at The Sinclair
If you’ve recently been in the mood to groove to sweet tunes while floating on a beautiful cloud, don't miss this show. Songs of more laid back artists do not always translate to a compelling set, but Natalie reels listeners in to a much-needed happy place.
11/8: Ben Katzman's Degreaser, Mannequin Pussy, and Puppy Problems @ Great Scott
Dregreaser is back in Boston for a mad chill time at Great Scott, so don’t miss out on the party. The band sports nostalgic rock n’ roll sounds with some major shredding. Add to the lineup Mannequin Pussy, who only come by Boston once in a while and it leave in lo-fi mastery—a meaningful aggression that lingers long after the show. Puppy Problems will also take the stage, an act treasured with their courage to find the beauty in our everyday. We've never left a Puppy Problems show without the urge to tell all our friends we love them.
11/8: Infinity Girl, Kindling, Elizabeth Colour Wheel and Big Eater at Out of the Blue Too Gallery
The eighth is one of the most stacked nights of the month, and it's a Sunday. How spooky. Make it spookier with the fuzzy vibes of Kindling and Infinity Girl. The first of which is celebrating the release of their Galaxies EP. The Facebook event says to bring ear plugs, which we think is the best advice since Ovlov's demise.
11/11: Frankie Cosmos, All Dogs, and Brittle Brian at Cambridge Elks Lodge
The stories of Frankie Cosmos always reach those dark places in a way that relieve the anxiety that comes with it all. Whether you're stood up at a diner or splashed by a bus, frontwoman Greta Kline always has your back. All Dogs will add to some inevitable tears to the night, sharing painfully relatable pop punk tunes. If you want to get in on the most emotional (and possibly lucky due to the date) show of 2015, get to that door early, it's going to be a popular one.
11/13 - 11/15: Diarrhea Planet Weekend with Special Guests at Great Scott
We're holding a three night Diarrhea Planet extravaganza! Openers include Music Band, Rebuilder, Vundabar, and Downtown Boys, do need we say more? If you're not familiar with the music of Diarrhea Planet, have no fear. They're one of the most fun live shows around and are sure to convert you into a fan after the very first shred. Between the simultaneous riffs of the three Diarrhea Planet guitarists and the intense spirit of Downtown Planet, this is truly a weekend to be thankful for.
November 15-21
11/15: U.S. Girls, ESCAPE-ism, Halfsour and Mini Dresses at O'Brien's
U.S. Girls is in fact just one woman, Meg Remy, an American-born and Toronto-based unconventional pop artist. Remy is an artist you shouldn't miss in this small, intimate setting. ESCAPE-ism is along for the tour as well, and you know how great of a show Halfsour and Mini Dresses put on.
11/16: Fuzz at The Sinclair
With multiple albums put out by each of Ty Segall's killer music projects, it's hard not to feel insignificant in his presence. Then the music takes over. The loud (literal) fuzz will bring you to a whole new plane, and no matter which of Segall's bands you are seeing, you are bound to have the best time of your life.
11/18-11/20: Boston en Masse
We could list every local artist playing Illegally Blind's killer presentation at the Middle East and Great Scott, but we might make fans outside of Boston city limits jealous. Trust in Jason Trefts, deserving nominee of the Boston Music Awards Best Local Promoter. He pairs some of the best local acts with touring nationals, and his upcoming local celebration is back again with bands like Mal Devisa, Rick from Pile, Skinny Bones, Guerrilla Toss, Dent, IAN, Radclyffe Hall and Horse Jumper of Love. Check out all the details on the Facebook event.
November 22-30
11/24: Dirty Dishes and Stove at Middle East Upstairs
Two Exploding in Sound bands on one bill is always a magical experience, especially two as diverse and interesting as Dirty Dishes and Stove. It takes a lot to put on a great live performance as a heavy shoegaze band. Dirty Dishes won't let you drift off. Their live show is unparalleled, so don't miss out. Stove is putting out one of the best albums of 2015 this month, and if you haven't had a chance to see them play the songs live, this is your opportunity. Steve Hartlett's guitar style is unrelenting and everything you've always wanted on six strings. His humor grounds the music, leaving no room for pretentiousness.
11/27: daephne, Dunp Him, and others TBA (Papercut Zine Library Benefit)
When Papercut Zine Library closed last year, we were all pretty bummed, but they've returned and need your help to keep the hope alive. The benefit show features a hazy dream, otherwise called daephne and some honest acoustic tunes from Northampton's Dump Him. The Somerville based library is a unique resource in the area, offering access to zines spanning a variety of different topics and styles. Join this solid local lineup in celebrating and supporting a vibrant piece of our community.
11/29: Elvis Depressedly and Brittle Brian at Great Scott
We were excited to see The Front Bottoms bring Elvis Depressedly on their most recent tour. Like many, you probably weren't able to get a ticket for this show before it quickly sold out at Royale. Luckily for those interested in seeing Elvis Depressedly, they added a Great Scott show the same evening and brought local lo-fi master Brittle Brian to open. It'll be a night filled with sad tunes. What better way to spend a Sunday nigh?