FOALS, ESBEN AND THE WITCH
(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) Like no other band, Oxford, UK's Foals can leap between slowly sad and jumpily danceable. Their songs—such as "Blue Blood" or "Spanish Sahara," both from their striking recent album Total Life Forever—can begin languidly then acquire a floor-shaking twitch that is almost unthinkable, given the song's beginnings. But Foals pull it off, and with Total Life Forever, they've also pulled off an effective growth from their 2008 debut, the much-hyped Antidotes. With Total Life Forever, they've gotten artier, richer, and more fluid than on early songs like "Cassius" and "Balloons," which sometimes felt a little like jerky dance-floor filler. Their songs now are no less danceable, to be certain, but Foals have found more than one shade to color with. NED LANNAMANN
DEER TICK, J-RODDY WALSTON AND THE BUSINESS, THE QUICK & EASY BOYS
(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside) Much like the fabled ascension of the Avett Brothers, Providence, Rhode Island's Deer Tick have found a respectable level of success, courtesy of years of backbreaking touring and a sound that firmly resides in the middle ground between Americana, folk, and back-porch country. But don't let last year's The Black Dirt Sessions fool you with its wounded songs of trampled hearts; Deer Tick keep their chins up onstage, delivering a live show that is nothing short of mandatory. Also, if you were in the market for a high mileage school bus, too late: The band just auctioned off their trusted tour vehicle "The Flagship" for charity. A portion of proceeds are going to Pakistan flood victims and Oxfam America. The winning bid: a steal at $1,741. EZRA ACE CARAEFF
FRUIT BATS, WYE OAK, NORMAN
(Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi) The Fruit Bats' earthy pop has the ability to be a worthy soundtrack for almost any setting, be it a sun-drenched backyard shindig or a chilly evening under the covers with a book. It's as inoffensive as it is catchy. Even head Bat-man Eric Johnson's vocals are beyond unobtrusive. After doing some time with the Shins (remember them?) and Vetiver, Johnson got the Bats back together for 2009's The Ruminant Band, recorded a nice cover of Hall & Oates' "One On One" for A.V. Undercover back in March, and more recently has been calling the road home. Tonight's setting is neither a backyard nor a cozy nook, but Mississippi Studios will serve as yet another perfect locale for the Seattle five-piece's comfy power pop. MARK LORE
Kele Goodwin, and a link to the complete show listings after the jump!