The Archrivals vs. The Ocean
Stephaniesid alter-ego indie-rockers The Archrivals (vocalist/keyboardist Chuck Lichtenberger as the caped Archrival and vocalist Stephanie Morgan as blond-coifed Dancer Delight) have been taking on other local bands in musical bouts peppered with trash talk. On Friday, Aug. 13, The Archrivals go toe-to-toe against The Ocean (Sean Mason, Matt Williams and Ryan Reardon). Watch a video of the pre-show smackdown at MendedHeartRecords.com, or cheer the bands on at the battle at the LAB. 9:30 p.m., $5. Lexavebrew.com.
James Richards with Shane Conerty and Evan Hill
According to his bio, James Richards "currently saves his voice and guitar mostly for campfire sing-a-longs, benefits, house parties and places of worship." The musician (who plays bass with Nights Bright Colors) will make an exception on Thursday, Aug. 12, when he shares the stage at BoBo Gallery with Shane Conerty of Now You See Them and Evan Hill of Wilson the Rocker. “We'll all be up there swapping the big hits and maybe play a few together,” says Richards. 8 p.m., $3. Bobogallery.com.
Floating Action and Angi West
Though singer/songwriter Angi West hasn’t been heard from much of late — she’s busy with school and recording her next album — she plans to put down the books on Friday, Aug. 13 at least long enough to open for Floating Action at The Emerald Lounge. Floating Action, the low-fi, Caribe-flavored indie-rock project of Seth Kauffman, has been undergoing some changes of its own, including a lineup shift, recording with members of Dr. Dog and a new album in the works. Kauffman has been tapped for West’s upcoming album; he’ll also play with her and former Floating Action bassist/multi-instrumentalist/all-around-peach-of-a-guy Michael Libramento at the Emerald Lounge show. Old Ceremony also performs. 9 p.m. myspace.com/floatingaction.
