Defeater/Energy
April 10, 7 p.m.
$7
Baxter’s Cafe (1615 S. State Street)

Massachusetts has a tendency to produce some of the most promising bands in hardcore, and Defeater is no different. The band just released its first full-length on Bridge Nine Records (also based in Massachusetts), and it’s one of the most solidly crafted debuts in recent memory. The tracks are just unique enough to stand apart from all the other copycat acts in hardcore, and the band has a penchant for crafting epic, emotional songs in a short amount of time. Defeater is on tour with home-state neighbors Energy, who have stepped up to claim the goth-punk throne vacated when AFI disappeared into the industrial ether of Blakq Audio. Energy doesn’t bring the same level of intensity to their songs as Defeater does, but the two together create a nice balance of the new direction of hardcore. Rounded out with locals One Clean Life and Reviver, this will be the perfect start to the weekend.

The Hold Steady
April 11, 9 p.m.
$15 (plus $4 service fee) 21+
Urban Lounge (241 S. 500 East)

The Hold Steady has been given the title of “best bar band in America” by numerous publications, but they are one of the best bands in the nation, period. The band’s mix of straightforward Springsteen rock and Kerouac-style storytelling vocals has set them apart from the pack and gained them a solid following. Stay Positive, the band’s newest album, continues along the same classic rock-inspired path it established with its previous efforts, but adds a few more dimensions. Although the album is heavily influenced by ’70s arena rock, the band stays close to its indie roots, crediting Joe Strummer as its “only decent teacher” and sites Youth of Today and 7 Seconds with teaching the members some of life’s most valuable lessons. The Hold Steady might love to party8212;and definitely earned the title bestowed upon them8212;but that’s all the more reason to jump on the bandwagon.

Mirah
April 14, 7 p.m.
$10-$12
Kilby Court (738 Kilby Court)

Mirah has the type of voice that’s made for a soundtrack to a heartfelt indie movie8212;pretty, paced and full of beautiful lyricism. It also helps that a lot of her songs showcase a wide range of variety, whether it’s a little bit of upbeat country or a slowed-down, jazzier number. You might not like all of her material, but it’s almost guaranteed that you can find one song that will get stuck in your head. Her newest album, (A)spera, has been getting solid reviews, and it’s a surprise she isn’t a bigger name. Mirah’s low-key style makes her kind of the anti-Katy Perry, so a huge spotlight might not suit her. However, Mirah’s live shows are known for intimacy and honesty, and with her voice and poetic lyrics leading the way, Kilby Court will be the perfect setting for a stripped down performance.