Live This Month: October 2012

Live music in the Bay Area in October means two big local music festivals in Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Treasure Island, but smaller indoor temptations abound all month long. Chris Cohen has a resume full of involvement in great bands, including Deerhoof and Cryptacize, but his new solo album is an intimate work that ranks as one of this year’s highlights; we’re excited for his return to SF for a show later this month. Other compelling performers arriving in SF include Austin instrumental rock band Balmorhea and LA retro-pop act Allah-Las.

Also noteworthy: Corin Tucker and Laetitia Sadier emerged from indie royalty Sleater-Kinney and Stereolab with solo projects, and both are now touring in support of well-received new albums. Finally, an overview of great concerts this month simply won’t be complete without mentioning that John Dwyer’s pre-Oh-Sees band Coachwhips are reuniting for two nights of mayhem.

Enjoy the mix and then go see some shows!

Chris Cohen (“Caller No 99”)
Performing at the Hemlock Tavern on October 18 with Ashley Eriksson (of Lake) and Coconut.

Unnatural Helpers (“Toil”)
Playing with Cheap Time and Warm Soda at the Hemlock Tavern on October 20 and 924 Gilman on October 21.

Corin Tucker Band (“Groundhog Day”)
Coming to Cafe Du Nord on October 10 with Mecca Normal.

Battlehooch (“Joke”)
In residency at The Knockout every Wednesday in October.

Allah-Las (“Busman’s Holiday”)
Co-headlining Bimbo’s with Nick Waterhouse on October 20.

Thee Oh Sees (“Flood’s New Light”)
Returning to the Great American Music Hall with Sic Alps, Sonny and The Sunsets, and The Mallard on October 12.

Coachwhips (“I Made A Bomb”)
Reuniting for two shows at the Total Trash Halloween weekend, with shows at the Verdi Club and the Lobot Gallery on October 27 and 28, respectively.

Melody’s Echo Chamber (“Endless Shore”)
Supporting The Raveonettes at Bimbo’s on October 12.

Laetitia Sadier (“Find Me the Pulse of the Universe”)
Joining Orca Team, Pageants and DJ Dominique Leone at Bottom of the Hill on October 5.

Pure Bathing Culture (“Ivory Coast”)
Playing with Exitmusic and Sun Airway at the Rickshaw Stop on October 16.

Balmorhea (“Pyrakantha”)
Performing with Young Moon at Bottom of the Hill on October 29.

Jason Lytle (“Tomorrow’s Started”)
Performing at the Swedish American Hall on October 19 with Sea of Bees.

Lord Huron (“Time to Run”)
Headlining The Independent on October 24 with Night Moves.

White Arrows (“Get Gone”)
Coming to the Brick & Mortar Music Hall on October 24 with Young Digerati and Miles the DJ.

K.Flay (“LA Again [feat. Michna]”)
Appearing at the Treasure Island Music Festival and at a Treasure Island night show on October 12.