Albert Hammond Jr. + Prinze George
September 15, Bottom Lounge
Julian Casablancas may be the voice of the Strokes, but fans should adore Albert Hammond Jr. the most. He certainly seems to care about his fans, personally cutting together the feel-good video for "All the Time," the only piece of promotional material for the band's 2013 release, Comedown Machine. The rhythm guitarist gives the group its distinctive sound, so it's no surprise that Hammond's new solo platter, Momentary Masters, recalls the taut strumming and garage rock energy of the Strokes' early days. Maryland electro-pop trio Prinze George opens. ($20, 17+)
Best Coast + Lovely Bad Things
September 18, Metro
After two records of fuzzed-out rock that channeled sunny West Coast vibes, it was only a matter of time before Best Coast made an album with "California" in the title. With California Nights songwriter Bethany Cosentino delivers her moodiest batch of tunes to date, layering '90s power-pop melodies with tales of adult angst and heartbreak. Fellow Californian garage rockers the Lovely Bad Things support. ($25, All ages)
Low + Andy Shauf
September 19, Thalia Hall
Leaving behind the back-to-basics approach that characterized 2013's The Invisible Way, Low gets adventurous on its new album, Ones and Sixes. Recorded in Justin Vernon's April Base studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, there's an invigorating energy present in Alan Sparhawk's latest batch of songs that recalls the band's previous work with producer Dave Fridmann. Contrasting sparse instrumentation with Mimi Parker's soaring harmonies, these tracks are sure to shine in the cavernous Thalia Hall. ($20, 17+)