Kirin J. Callinan + Jenny Hval

Following up a run of CMJ gigs, talked-about Australian singer-songwriter Kirin J. Callinan shows off his Embracism LP at a proper headlining show. To say the album is a difficult listen is putting it mildly; Callinan warbles bleak ruminations on life, love and masculinity in an abrasive, weathered voice, set to throbbing electronic bass tones or sharp jags of guitar. Also on board is Norwegian vocalist Jenny Hval, who made headlines with the video for "Innocence Is Kinky," the title track from her new album. It's certainly NSFW, but it's also a thoughtful and rather elegant study of sexuality—just like Hval's interesting, original music.