(Barboza) Various people have compared Dayton, Ohio’s Vertical Scratchers to Wire, XTC, and Lilys. You could find reason to assent to all of those observations, so if you dig those fine groups, you may jump for joy to Vertical Scratchers. On their new album for Merge, Daughter of Everything, the busy John Schmersal—who recently hit Seattle with Crooks on Tape—plays guitar and sings in a high voice that often turns into a yelp. Most of the album’s 15 songs skitter with a nervy, Adderall-ed energy and the insouciant melodies efficiently worm their way into your brain. When Guided by Voices’ Robert Pollard steps to the mic on the urgent, surging rocker “Get Along Like U,” it’s the most natural, logical thing in the world. Like GBV, Vertical Scratchers repeatedly reward your short attention span with smart, hooky rock that’s peppy with out causing dyspepsia.
See event info »

And here's all our recommended music events—tonight, tomorrow, and beyond!