Don't forget to check out our constantly updated OC Concert Calendar
Monday, October 13
The Mercy Beat
The Constellation Room
Los Angeles based trio The Mercy Beat maintain an air of secrecy. They haven't gone on record with their full names, and not much about them is known, other than they're transplanted from New York, Hong Kong, and Hawaii, and that they're named for the British Invasion-era Liverpool music newspaper Mersey Beat. (Can you can believe tabloid-format music rags once existed?) Their debut, self-titled EP came out in June on the French label Oskar Recordings. But you know what? The first song, “Sweet,” is so sublime that we won't hold their secrecy against them. With its buoyant beat and shimmering synths, it feels like summer. (Ben Westhoff)
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Randsburg (Residency Night 2)
The Wayfarer
Sweaty, flannel folk rock is a well-known commodity in OC. But in order for us to pay attention anymore, it's practitioners really gotta stand out. That's what we're hoping from this month's Wayfarer residents, Randsburg. Birthed in Sunset Beach, the harmonies of the local four piece are well oiled and rowdy on their latest LP, A Note to My Folks, released in August. See them tonight at the revived Costa Mesa venue with The Shakers and Big Monsta. (Nate Jackson)
Tuesday, October 14
Ne-Yo
House of Blues
Known as much for his Midas touch as a songwriter/producer for other artists as the success of his own material, Ne-Yo has been a main fixture on the radio waves for more than a decade. Born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Las Vegas, the 31-year-old first proved himself as a go-to songwriter when he penned “Let Me Love You” for Mario. All he's done since that 2004 smash is release five studio albums, and produce songs for the likes Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Mario Vasquez and Beyonce. And somehow, Ne-Yo found time to record a new album, Non Fiction, slated for release next month, which already spawned a top-5 single in “Money Can't Buy” featuring Young Jeezy. As he settles into his second decade as a musical renaissance man, Ne-Yo has established himself as one of the most consistent hit-makers in music today. (Daniel Kohn)
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Friday, October 17
DJ Josh One
Commonwealth Lounge
After almost two decades of producing music, touring the world and working with artists like Aloe Blacc, DJ Josh One has earned the right to be called one of OC's best crate diggers. Discerning hip-hop fans this is no free show to be missed. (Jackie Conor)
Mastodon
Fox Pomona
With a sound that has been consistently heavy since they formed 14 years ago in Atlanta, Mastodon has managed to produce some of the most experimental and abstract music known to modern metal. The band features bassist vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarists Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor, who all contribute vocals. Imagine a sound that blends psychedelic, sludgy stoner rock, extreme metal, jazz and experimental noise, in what can be best described as The Mars Volta meets The Melvins meets Neurosis. Don't neglect the band's release from this year One More 'Round the Sun. The band plays the Fox Theater in Pomona on Friday with Gojira and Kvelertak.
See also
10 Punk Albums to Listen to Before You Die
10 Goriest Album Covers
10 Most Satanic Metal Bands
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