Welcome to Seven in Seven, where we explore upcoming shows in the area for next week. No matter whether you like rock, jazz, heavy metal, R&B, singer-songwriters, or indie music, there will always be something for you to enjoy.
Here are seven top picks for the week of April 26:
Beach Fossils + Nation of Language — Friday at XL Live
This week in Harrisburg, indie rockers Beach Fossils and synth pop group Nation of Language will be performing together. Both acts are from Brooklyn and have released new albums, with Beach Fossils presenting “Bunny” from last June and Nation of Language dropping “Stange Disciple” in September to wide critical acclaim. Don't miss the latter as they delve into themes like hopeless devotion, toxic infatuation, outrage-baiting news cycles, and the battle of agony vs. ecstasy, promising an exceptional live performance.
Meatbodies — Friday at PhilaMOCA
In Philadelphia, the latest work from Los Angeles psych-rock band Meatbodies, “Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom,” is their most realized effort to date. The album chronicles frontman Chad Ubovich's journey through sobriety, redemption, and reinvention, as he faced a life-threatening health crisis that left him in a hospital bed for a month. The album not only signifies a resurrection but also inspired Ubovich to return to the stage with renewed vigor.
Kansas — Saturday at American Music Theatre
Due to overwhelming popularity, the Kansas 50th anniversary celebration, known as the “Another Fork in the Road” tour, has been extended, with this Lancaster date being one of the new additions. The shows will feature a two-hour tribute to the band's music history, showcasing memorable hits, fan favorites, and rarely performed deep cuts. The tour has been marked by energetic and mesmerizing performances across the U.S. and into Canada, solidifying the legacy of a group with iconic hits like “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”
Ty Segall — Sunday at Union Transfer
In January, Ty Segall returned with his most ambitious and flexible set of songs yet on his 15th album, “Three Bells.” The album represents an obsessive quest for expression, with much of it being played as a conversation with himself, a decision that adds depth to the album's concept. All 15 songs are filled with perspectives that constantly shift as Segall challenges their compositional boundaries. The new challenge now is how he will present them in a live setting, which can be experienced this Sunday at Union Transfer.
Kamelot — Tuesday at H-MAC
Kamelot’s latest release, “The Awakening,” debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Current Hard Music Albums chart and No. 27 on the Current Album Sales chart, leaving no doubt about its connection with fans. The album has become part of the band’s impressive legacy as their most extensive and diverse offering to date, blending symphonic, gothic, melodic, progressive, and power metal styles, while delivering some of the band’s heaviest tracks. Their intense modern gothic and symphonic theatricality is intensified even further, adding more emotional depth to their live performances.
Alan Doyle — Tuesday at Sellersville Theater 1894
Alan Doyle has spent many years on the road, starting as lead singer and songwriter for the highly successful band Great Big Sea from Newfoundland. During live performances, he blends the musical traditions of his home country with modern pop and Americana from his recent solo albums. In 2018, he was honored with the Order of Canada for his contributions to Newfoundland's music traditions and charitable work. With an extensive resume including being a published author, a film and TV actor-producer, and the co-producer of a recently released tribute album, he continues to deliver electrifying performances with his talented band.
Royel Otis — Thursday, May 2, at Johnny Brenda’s
After coming together in 2019 and gradually releasing music during the pandemic, Australian duo Royel Otis gained popularity on various platforms such as BBC Radio 6 Music, triple j, and U.S. college radio. They have achieved over 35 million streams, featured on global playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, and embarked on their first headline tour of the UK and Europe. Now, they are making their debut in the United States, showcasing a mix of melodic, pop-inspired indie and unpredictable shifts into psychedelic and dissonant sounds, ensuring an engaging experience for audiences.
Soundcheck
• Beach Fossils: “Don’t Fade Away”
• Nation of Language: “Sole Obsession”
• Meatbodies: “Move”
• Kansas: “Carry on Wayward Son”
• Ty Segall: “My Room”
• Kamelot: “One More Flag in the Ground”
• Alan Doyle: “Dancing Like We Did Last Night”
• Royel Otis: “Sofa King”
