TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Nov. 3-5

As we dip into November, the hectic fall touring schedule for national artists takes a breather (at least for a week), but there are still plenty of solid shows that demand your attention this weekend.  We have some great under the radar punk and metal shows, top notch songwriters, an especially great comedy explosion, local garage and indie bands, and more playing out in Music City this weekend, and, per usual, we’ve summarize our top picks below in this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

JESSICA LEA MAYFIELD w/ IDLE BLOOM, FRANCES CONE
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 21+

Though Ohio native Jessica Lea Mayfield rose to prominence thanks to her dark, folky, minimalist early work, after being discovered by Dan Auerbach, who produced her first two albums, more recent years have marked a shift towards more rock and indie sensibilities, beginning with 2014’s Make My Head Song. Her latest, this year’s Sorry Is Gone, however, is Mayfield’s most important work to date, as he chronicles her coming to grips and escape from an abusive marriage, which poisoned the last several years of her personal and professional life. The newly liberated singer kicks off Friday with a headlining stop at The Basement East with Idle Bloom and Frances, and promises to be one of the best shows you’ll find all weekend. [PO]

PALE LUNGS, THE FLATS, FRNDS, CLOUD QUEENS, RUN TOBIAS
@ Chris Rock’s Mansion | 6pm | $5 | All ages

Formed just last year in nearby Murfreesboro, Pale Lungs have fast become one of our favorite rising acts to emerge from the the thriving local DIY scene. With impressive dynamic range, the group tap into a visceral, emo-informed, ambient, indie/post-rock sound to stunning effect, and their debut EP, Strawberry, which arrived just a few months ago, is already one of our favorite local releases of the year. Kicking off a tour with likeminded Ohio rockets The Flats, they play a house show at Chris Rock’s Mansion (scan Facebook or ask a punk for the address) this weekend, for a stacked bill rounded out by FRNDS, Cloud Queens, and Run Tobias. All that awesome for just $5! [PO]

FRANKIE & THE WITCH FINGERS w/ LASSO SPELLS, MOUTH READER
@ The Cobra | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7 | 21+

LA based hippie leaning psych rockers Frankie & The Witch Fingers are breezing through Music City this weekend, to headline a kickass low dough show at The Cobra. Look for friends of the site Lasso Spells, and likeminded locals Mouth Reader to fill out a night of heady tunes. You get all this for just $7, so if your favorite flavors tend to have a psych leaning, this is possibly the best bill in town for you if you’re balling on a budget. [JR]

CORY BRANAN
@ The East Room | 8pm | 18+

Site favorite Cory Branan captured our attention with his punk ethos to songwriting, and we’ve swooned every time the talented troubadour returns to Nashville for a hometown set. Branan has spent a considerable amount of 2017 on the road in support of his latest, Adios, but returns to The East Room on Friday night for an intimate performance in a room that is far too small for his immense talent.  If you have yet to get hip to Branan’s unique knack for crafting top notch songs, this is a perfect opportunity to catch him in a tiny venue while you still can. [MH]

SUPERBODY, Λ°C, INTERNET BOYFRIEND, FEATURE KIWI
@ The Move | 9pm | $5 | All Ages

Hailing from Georgia, pop duo Superbody boast a blissfully ’80s revivalist sound that might just fill that post Stranger Things void. They play house space The Move (in Wedgewood-Houston, you’ll have to ask around for the address) along with darkwave fave and now also Georgia based Λ°C, made even sweeter with local support from Internet Boyfriend and Feature Kiwi. If retro, dancey, electronic tones are your jam, this DIY affair is sure to solidly deliver. [PO]

PRISONER w/ FOREST OF TYGERS, ACT OF IMPALEMENT, LONG CON
@ Drkmttr | 9pm | $7 | All Ages

Hailing from Richmond, VA, dark, industrial metal/punk outfit Prisoner topline a show at dependable, incisive, DIY spot Drkmttr this weekend, offering a perfect option for heavy music fans looking for something off the beaten path. Locals Forest of Tygers, Act of Impalement, and Long Con bring their own dark, doom, studgey sensibilities to an all-around epic lineup. [PO]

CALI RODI, LO, ANNA MAE, JORDIE
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 18+

Those of you that follow No Country know that Nashville’s pop scene is bubbling right now, and this showcase highlights some of the newcomers from the genre.  Bubble-gum popster Cali Rodi will be joined by the sultry electo-pop of Lo, highly polished songwriter Anna Mae, and alt-popster Jordie. If you are looking for a danceable introduction to some of the best of what’s next, this show is worthy of your consideration. [MH]

RORY SCOVEL
@ Zanie’s | 7:30pm & 9:45pm | $20 | 18+

Hailing from Los Angeles, Rory Scovel has appeared on numerous late night shows, comedy specials, films (most recently Will Ferrell vehicle The House), TV shows, podcasts, and festivals, and even recorded a live-to-vinyl set at Third Man Records a few years back. His particular brand of witty, observational-rooted humor is unparalleled, and it’s always a treat to see him play any sized room. There are an especially high amount of great comedy shows this weekend, but with multiple sets across several days, if Rory piques you interest, you have no excuse not to see him. [PO]

ELLIOT ROOT w/ THE WHISTLES & THE BELLS, THE DAYBREAKS
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All ages

Rising stars in local alt-indie rock circles, as well as impressive LOTG 2017 performers, Elliot Root are headlining a very stacked all ages bill that needs to be on your radar this weekend, if it isn’t already. Local multi-instrumentalist Bryan Simpson’s new(ish) blues/folk/Americana flavored vehicle The Whistles & The Bells are lined up for the middle time slot, and area cinematic pop performers The Daybreaks will be kicking things off. That’s a loaded all local lineup for just ten bones! Help support our scene and enjoy some amazing live music while you do it. [JR]

TELL THE WOLVES I’M HOME, OWLS IN THE ATTIC, ABYSS WALKER, THRESHOLDS, DELIVER US TO EVIL
@ The End | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $7-10 | 18+

Local post-hardcore/metalcore outfit Tell the Wolves I’m Home celebrate the their new EP, Somber, with a headlining Friday spot at The End. With support from Owls in the Attic, Abyss Walker, Thresholds, and Deliver Us to Evil, this serves as yet another solid offering for heavy music fans looking for an intimate, sweaty show to get rowdy. [PO]

SATURDAY

WHITE REAPER w/ POST ANIMAL, RI¢HIE
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15-18 | 18+

One of our favorite rising acts (and the headliners of, without a doubt, the craziest Acme show we’ve ever hosted), Louisville’s White Reaper are out in support of their awesome, evolutionary new album, The World’s Best American Band, which brought them to The Basement East as well as Bonnaroo earlier this year. We can’t get enough of the rowdy punk rock bite and indie rock swagger of their live show, and are more than happy to see them back so soon. Whether you’re a newcomer or longtime fan, you won’t want to miss this show. Post Malone and Ri¢hie support. [PO]

JEN KIRKMAN
@ The Basement East | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $20-25 | 18+

While perhaps most recognizable as a personality on former shows like @midnight, Chelsea Lately, and Drunk History, comedian Jen Kirkman is also a hilarious and accomplished standup, boasting a witty, observational, and often self-deprecating style that’s both relatable and hysterical. As her presence has risen in recent years, Jen’s released two Netflix specials, 2015’s I’m Gonna Die Alone (and I Feel Fine) and this year’s Just Keep Livin’?, both of which deserve a spin if you’re not familiar, because The Basement East will be a great intimate and unconventional spot to catch Kirkman in action. [PO]

DEMETRI MARTIN
@ James K. Polk Theater (TPAC) | 7:30pm | $35 | All Ages

Another formidable weekend comedy option, Demetri Martin rose to recognition and attracted a cult following in the early ’00s, thanks to his unique mix of a surrealism, musical comedy, prop comedy, deadpan delivery, wordplay, and smart, observational, and polished routine. With over a decade of standup specials, acting, voice, and correspondent roles, late night and festival appearances, and more under his belt, Martin is a honed and celebrated performer, and his intelligent and one-of-a-kind style never seems to feel old, constantly being updated and reaching for new experimental heights. Whether you’re familiar with him or not, this is a comedy show you can’t go wrong with. [PO]

RORY SCOVEL
@ Zanie’s | 7pm & 9:15pm | $20 | 18+

See above for move about excellent comedian Rory Scovel, who, with four sets across Friday and Saturday at Zanie’s aacould be a precursor to a concert, a compliment to a packed weekend of great comedy, or both. [PO]

LISTENER, LEVI THE POET, COMRADES, EVERETT
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-14 | 18+

Kansas City’s Listener perform what they call “talk music,” a thought-provoking, spoken word style akin to alternative hip hop and  built on an indie rock base, honed over 15 years and countless great releases. They headline The End this weekend with Levi the Poet, who, as his name suggests, also adopts a spoken word style, along with Comrades and Evertt. In a weekend of unorthodox performance options, this is yet another that deserves a second glance. [PO]

THE STRUMBELLAS w/ NOAH KAHAN
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9pm (8pm doors) | $20 | 18+

Canadian alt folk rock outfit, and Bonnaroo 2017 standouts The Strumbellas are bringing their live show to Nashville to impress the masses at Cannery Ballroom this weekend, and if your looking to brighten up your Saturday night to the max, this should definitely be one to look out for. Known for their rowdy, audience participation heavy live shows, The ‘Bellas know how to do it right, and with help from Vermont acoustic performer Noah Kahan in the warmup spot, it promises to be a night to remember. Don’t hesitate, because even on a buys weekend like this one, this show could still sell out. [JR]

THE BUMBS, OH GRANDPA, BASIC PRINTER, SUNRACER
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | FREE | 18+

Artist support network Music Neighbors are a non-profit organization that is working with local artists to help them increase their outreach while creating a platform to continue the connection between musicians and the community, and they are hosting an official launch party this weekend at The East Room. Fittingly, the event will feature performances from some talented local musicians including bluesy, psych outfit The Bumbs, likeminded locals Oh Grandpa, electro alt-pop outfit Basic Printer, and EDM-inspired indie outfit Sunracer.  You can get more details about the organization and the party at the Facebook event page.  [MH]

SUNDAY

LUNA w/ SOCCER MOMMY
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $25-28 | 18+

Formed in 1991 in New York City, Luna were the second project from New Zealand native Dean Wareham, after the breakup of Galaxie 500. Trailblazers of dream pop and indie pop, the group commanded critical praise and a cult following in their day, but fell short of mainstream recognition, disbanding in 2005, with Wareham and wife Britta Phillips carrying on as duo Dean & Britta, while Luna amassed ever-growing posthumous interest. Since first reforming in 2015, Luna have been intermittently returning to touring, and though it’s unclear if they’re release a full new album (early into the reunion, they expressed no interest), this year has brought both an album of covers and an instrumental EP. For the first time in 13 years, the criminally underrated group return to Nashville this weekend, joined by buzzy up and coming Nashville native turned New Yorker Soccer Mommy, for not just Sunday’s best bet, but perhaps our top show pick of the weekend. [PO]

LYLE LOVETT & JOHN HIATT
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30pm | $49-129 | All Ages

Outlaw country singer songwriter Lyle Lovett hits just the right spot for us musically, which earned him a place amidst our top weekend picks. Sprinkling in elements of Americana, bluegrass, and folk over his illustrious career (11 records and four Grammys), Mr. Lovett has earned a very diehard fanbase that will no doubt be in attendance Sunday night. Performing with John Hiatt, an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner with 23+ albums to his credit, there will be no shortage of hit songs to choose from. With obvious chemistry to spare, the two seasoned performers have come together for this once in a lifetime acoustic duo performance. Don’t miss it! [JR]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain