High Notes: The Best Live Music in Portland This Week

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

John Chandler, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Lend an ear to this week’s concert calendar picks, which include shows by Yacht and Helio Sequence, a pair of local bands who’ve gone on to bigger things, as well as an appearance by Northwest garage-rock legends the Sonics, who should make this year’s Louie Louie Day celebration an absolute smash.

Living Colour

Living Colour

Sept. 30 @ 8 p.m.

When Living Colour’s incendiary single “Cult of Personality” stormed the charts (and MTV) in 1988, it felt like the coming of something big, and the band was referred to in some quarters as being the vanguard of the “black rock” movement. Led by guitar virtuoso Vernon Reid, Living Colour could be as funky as Parliament and as ferocious as the Bad Brains. Unfortunately, the revolution didn’t gain sufficient traction and the group broke up in 1995. After quietly reforming in 2009, Living Colour is preparing the release of its sixth record, titled "Shade." Reid says the album’s influences range “from the blue pulpit of Robert Johnson to the mean red streets of Brooklyn to the golden lure of Hollywood.”

$32.50-35. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.

Yacht

Oct. 1 @ 9 p.m.

Though residing in Los Angeles, Jonah Bechtolt (lots of instruments, vocals) and Claire Evans (vocals) spent years honing their techno craft in Portland, and the level of adoration at this show should be through the roof. Armed with persuasive beats and a battery of space-age sounds that can fuse an audience into a single pulsating organism, Yacht consistently aims for the head as well as the feet, administering provocative notions amidst the propulsion.

For instance, last year’s single “Party at the NSA” may sound like the B-52’s, but it dutifully reminds us to remain vigilant even during the throes of a good time. It also gets bonus points for a shredding guitar solo provided by comedian and podcaster Marc Maron.

$15-18, Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St.

Helio Sequence

Oct. 3 @ 9 p.m.

Like a sturdy pinot, Portland duo Helio Sequence seems to be aging well, maturing beyond their somewhat aloof synth-pop beginnings into a much more expansive and accessible band. Singer and guitarist Brandon Summers has upped his game in the vocal department, developing layers of warmth and empathy that only come with passing time. Summers and Benjamin Weikel (drums, keyboards) are reportedly nearing completion of a new album, so fans can expect a smattering of fresh material alongside such golden numbers as “Hall of Mirrors” from their last record, 2012’s "Negotiations."

Prediction: Helio Sequence will perform the song “October” since the titular month is now upon us.

$17. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St.

The Sonics, Photo Credit: Merri L Sutton

The Sonics

Oct. 4 @ 8 p.m.

If there is indeed a Northwest Sound, you need look no further than Tacoma wild men the Sonics as being among its most important progenitors.

Fronted by leather-lunged singer Gerry Roslie, the Sonics dropped a bundle of frighteningly raw and ripping rock gems such as “The Witch,” “Strychnine,” and “Have Love Will Travel” before disbanding in 1968. After reuniting in 2007, the Sonics have been busy spreading their garage-rock gospel into the 21st century. As part of the evening’s festivities, the Sonics will play “Louie Louie” at the stroke of midnight, in accordance with last year’s mayoral decree that Oct. 5 would be declared "Louie Louie" Day in Portland. Togas will not be provided.

$25-30. Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 SE Cesar Chavez Blvd.

Ryan Adams

Oct. 5 @ 8 p.m.

The temperamental troubadour and former Whiskeytown singer is on the road again, this time in support of his 14th album, the self-titled "Ryan Adams." It’s been three years since his previous full-length record, so anticipation has been rightfully high.

After mucking about with punk and metal on recent side projects, his faithful followers should be pleased with the new album, a tuneful and relatively straightforward affair that avoids reckless behavior in favor of a mature, Tom Petty-ish middle ground. Now on the verge of turning 40, songs such as “Am I Safe” and “My Wrecking Ball” take stock of where Adams has been and where he’s headed in a very satisfying state-of-the-union address.

$46.50-76. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway.

John Chandler has been writing about rock and/or roll for 25 years with The Rocket, Portland Tribune, Portland Monthly, Magnet, Dagger, No Depression, and Puncture. He also writes about beer, booze, and bars for Portland'sBarFly website and plays in a couple goofy bands when the mood strikes him. He can most often be found at the wheel of horrificflicks.com, a review website dedicated to horror movies.

Banner Photo Credit: Merri L Sutton

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