SLCene Suggests: Two Tips for Your Week

I’ve been on vacation, so I’m offering up an abbreviated batch of SLCene Suggests this week. There are many fine options coming up, including Iron & Wine and Kathleen Edwards at the Twilight Concert Series show at Pioneer Park on Thursday. Here’s a little low-down on another couple of gigs worth a look:

MURDER BY DEATH, BAR DELUXE, Wednesday, 9 p.m., $18

It says something about the sprawling sound of Indiana’s Murder By Death that the band can move from the emo- and punk-friendly label Vagrant Records to the decidedly rootsy Bloodshot Records and it completely makes sense. Whether you consider them a punk band that dabbles in dark murder ballads, or a roots-rock band with the occasional aggressive excursion, Murder By Death are always an exciting listen. The band’s new album, Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon, arrives in September, but they’re stopping in Salt Lake City before then. They’re joined by Missouri’s Ha Ha Tonka, another band that straddles the line between traditional folk-rock and so-called “alternative;” the bands have toured through town together in the past, and it made for a fine double-bill. Make no mistake, though–Murder By Death tops the bill for a reason.

Murder By Death headlines Wednesday at Bar Deluxe.

SHARON VAN ETTEN & TENNIS, THE URBAN LOUNGE, Friday, 9 p.m., $15 advance/$17 day of show

Brooklyn singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten is quickly becoming a Salt Lake City favorite; her show at The Urban Lounge on Friday is at least her third visit in recent memory. Lucky us, because she is a rising star who could easily parallel the growing audience of someone like Brandi Carlile if enough people are exposed to her winning wordplay and songcraft, captured on her excellent album, Tramp, released earlier this year. It’s her third full-length, and easily her best work so far. This summer, she’s touring with Denver’s Tennis, a fine pop-rock duo who could easily be headlining on their own.

Sharon Van Etten headlines Friday at The Urban Lounge.