• Sunset Rubdown is one of Spencer Krug’s side projects. Their songs bear a strong resemblance to the Wolf Parade songs he writes and sings — delirious imagery-heavy lyrics squirming through alternately bombastic and retreating instrumental layers — except more spacious, raw, and immediate. Which makes the band interesting support for headliners Xiu Xiu, who are sort of like a non-trite, authentic, interesting, and unhinged Dashboard Confessional. Whether he’s playing a tiny guitar, harmonium, or supported by the rest of the band and their crazy custom keyboards, Jamie Stewart opens his emotional floodgates for electric, often uncomfortable, mesmerizing performances. Locals, Das Llamas open; they won’t be wearing animal costumes. [neumos]
• Velouria shows off their spring collection in an indie rock fashion show. I’m not sure whether the fashion is indie rock or if it’s just the soundtrack, provided by Siberian and Ghost Stories. [crocodile]

related: four great Sunset Rubdown tracks [daytrotter]