Summer’s right around the corner, and you’re primed for Pearl Jam, drooling over Madonna and eager for that three-day music marathon we call Lolla. What, you don’t have $140 to cough up for a concert? There are still plenty of lesser-known shows worth checking out–with cover charges that won’t cost you a day’s wages. Here, a few of our favorites.
GOMEZ: May 11 at The Vic
Gomez has been delivering blues-y Brit rock for nearly a decade, and the group shows no signs of letting up on its solid new album, “How We Operate.” To prep for the show, check out the band’s live album, “Out West.” With David Ford. 7:30 p.m. $24. 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. 312-559-1212.
ISLANDS: May 17 at Metro
Woe were we when the quirky Unicorns called it quits. Good news: Two out of the three boys are back (with a few friends) for Islands’ debut “Return to Sea,” a delightfully weird album that sounds like summer. The band’s excitable indie rock benefits from a guest spot by rapper Busdriver, who also plays a solo set at this Metro show. With Cadence Weapon. 7 p.m. $13. 3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203.
MUTE MATH: May 19 at Park West
Add a singer who sounds like a cross between Peter Gabriel and Sting, trip pop incorporating synth-infused rock, and a spot on the Lollapalooza bill, and you’ve got a band just waiting to be discovered. 6:30 p.m. $12. 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-559-1212.
THE PANIC CHANNEL: May 31 at Double Door
Although this band has yet to rock an album into stores, its members’ resumes sure make us want to hear what they’ve got. The band includes Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros), Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders) and singer/guitarist Steve Isaacs. 9 p.m. $15. 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-489-3160.
LYRICS BORN: June 22 at Abbey Pub
Want to check out another Lolla act before the fest? You’ll love Lyrics Born, whose eccentric lyrics and smooth-yet-funky sound brings hip-hop to a new—OK, strange–but undeniably fun level. A rockin’ live band as backup doesn’t hurt, either. 9 p.m. $18-$20. 3420 W. Grace St. 773-478-4408.
THE FRAY: July 27-29 at House of Blues
If you’ve been watching VH1, you know all the words to this group’s single, “Over My Head (Cable Car).” Don’t miss your chance to sing along in person. 7:30 p.m. July 27 and 8:30 p.m. July 28 with Augustana. 8:30 p.m. July 29 with I-Nine. $23.50-$25. 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
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MPAIS@TRIBUNE.com
