Music Forecast 7.30-8.5: The Tallest Man on Earth, Radkey, Pomeroy, Holly Miranda and Walk the Moon

The Tallest Man on Earth

With his latest album, Dark Bird Is Home, Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson — who performs as the Tallest Man on Earth — expands his sound beyond the stark acoustic guitar that drove his previous three releases. The addition of clarinet, violin and additional vocals accentuates the difficult themes to which Matsson is so drawn — namely, personal anguish and how it’s expressed. Matsson has never sounded more solitary, despite Dark Bird Is Home‘s full and polished sound. Things don’t change in concert — even on this tour, which sees Matsson abandoning his one-man show format in favor of a full band.

Thursday, July 30, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)

Radkey

In June, St. Joseph trio Radkey announced the pending arrival of its long-awaited, full-length debut. Dark Black Makeup is slated to be released August 21. Produced by Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, the Fall), Dark Black Makeup is shaping up to be a hell-raiser of a record. The two songs released so far — the title track and the lead single, “Love Spills” — suggest that the brothers Radke (Dee, Isaiah and Solomon) have grown into formidable rockers. Not that there were ever any doubts. Friday night’s show at RecordBar may be the last chance you have to see the band before it heads to Europe for a fall tour.

Friday, July 31, RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

Pomeroy

Pomeroy was at the height of its career in 2007 when it released A New Reflection, its fourth studio album. But as the funk-pop band wrapped up a tour in support of that record, the members decided that after a decade together, it was time for Pomeroy to retire. They went their separate ways, some moving across the country. Aside from a few singles following A New Reflection, Pomeroy had no new music to share. That is, until last month, when the band released “Here We Go.” It was a collaborative recording, pieced together remotely, and with the release, Pomeroy decided to reunite for a special show Friday at VooDoo Lounge. If you forgot what the early aughts in Kansas City sounded like, here’s your chance to relive it.

Friday, July 31, VooDoo Lounge (Harrah’s Casino, 1 Riverboat Drive, North Kansas City, 816-472-7777)

Holly Miranda

Holly Miranda’s latest self-titled album comes five years after her last release, but the time away hasn’t dulled her skills. The Detroit-born singer seems to have unlocked a confidence that feels fresh and wholly warranted, and it shows on the buoyant “All I Want Is to Be Your Girl” and the mesmerizing “Pelican Rapids.” Her strong voice shimmers over moody synths, striking electric riffs and effervescent arrangements, making Holly Miranda one of the strongest sleeper albums yet this year. Fans of Lorde and Beach House should find something to like here.

Saturday, August 1, the Tank Room (1813 Grand, 816-214-6403)

Walk the Moon

The undeniable joy of Walk the Moon’s hit “Shut Up and Dance,” off last year’s Talking Is Hard, is really the only point of reference you need for enjoying the Cincinnati band’s show at Crossroads KC. But you should really just do yourself a favor and become familiar with the rest of that album, which kind of sounds like a “best of the ’80s” reel coupled with the flamboyant swagger of lead singer Nicholas Petricca. Wear your dancing shoes and prepare to get down. Coin, from Nashville, opens.

Tuesday, August 4, Crossroads KC at Grinders (417 East 18th Street, 785-749-3434)