Music Forecast 10.29-11.4: Telekinesis, Emily King, the Old No. 5s, Painted Palms, and Prof
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Prof
Last week, lauded Minneapolis rapper (and notorious wild child) Prof released his Rhymesayers debut record, Liability. It’s a beefy, 16-song monolith that announces Prof’s talents to anyone who’s willing to listen — and probably a few people who would rather not. On Liability, he snarls and spits out his lyrics with enviable speed and dexterity. The undeniable talent and singular voice of Rhymesayers’ newest — and most volatile — family member shines through lines of almighty bravado and party-chasing. Bonus: Tech N9ne guest-starred on Liability‘s “Ghost,” so here’s hoping for an appearance by the mogul Monday night.
Monday, November 2, the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire, Lawrence,
785-841-5483)
Telekinesis
If you consider yourself too grown-up for the usual Halloween debauchery, fret not: RecordBar has a theme-free night of entertainment awaiting you. Seattle electro-pop act Telekinesis — the stage name of Michael Benjamin Lerner — stops there Saturday night in support of his recent album, Ad Infinitum. It’s a spirited, shimmering release worthy of multiple listens, particularly if you have a thing for analog synths and moody electronic beats. Seattle rock band Say Hi opens, along with Kansas City’s Yes You Are.
Saturday, October 31, RecordBar (1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207)
Emily King
In June, Emily King released The Switch, the highly anticipated follow-up to her Grammy Award-nominated 2007 album, East Side Story. While King’s 2011 EP, Seven, helped tide us over, The Switch is what we’ve been waiting for. Slinking, atmospheric beats make King’s songs sound edgy and futuristic (“No Animals”) or like funky throwbacks (“Sleepwalker”). This album is less of a comeback and more of a rebirth for the buzzing R&B artist. And while the production is smart, the best part about The Switch is King’s unmistakable voice — a sultry, powerful instrument that can belt as fiercely as Emeli Sandé, given the chance. Don’t miss this R&B royal in the making.
Thursday, October 29, Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)
The Old No. 5s
Friday, local roots trio the Old No. 5s release a new album, Steam. It showcases what the band has been perfecting since its 2011 debut — fast and furious blues riffs aimed at filling up a dance floor. Guitarist and lead singer Brock Alexander is a formidable counterpart to the storm that bassist Derek Tucker and drummer Aaron Thomas kick up. Alexander’s voice comes on like tornado: wild and destructive, leaving a mass of shaken souls behind. Celebrate the storm — and Steam — with the band at Knuckleheads. The Lauren Anderson Band opens.
Friday, October 30, Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456)
Painted Palms
It was easy to fall in love with Painted Palms after the San Francisco electro-psych duo’s 2013 debut album, Forever, which was a sort of nostalgic buoyancy: It highlighted the best parts of ’60s psychedelia and added a few updated twists. The record sounded good heating up a dark-basement dance party or providing a driving-with-the-windows-down summer soundtrack. September’s Horizons should still appeal to Painted Palms’ fans of two years ago, though it’s certainly geared more toward the basement-dancing crowd. Its 10 tracks take inspiration from the ’80s, with punching synths and tetchy beats. The duo seems a lot less settled this time around, which is not to say the quality of their music has decreased. Prepare to get down Monday at the Tank Room.
Monday, November 2, Tank Room (1813 Grand, 816-214-6403)
