HOT MASS: SUN ANGLE, PHONE CALL, LOST CITIES, HOLLA 'N' OATES
(Church, 2600 NE Sandy) Fancy goth/church-themed bar Church is in the midst of a summer series called Hot Mass, combining live music—today's edition features Sun Angle and Phone Call—as well as a pop-up featuring local vendors. In cahoots with XRAY.fm, it's either a hot way to cool down, or a cool way to stay hot. MARJORIE SKINNER


BALTO, ROSELIT BONE, OLD WAVE
(The Secret Society, 116 NE Russell) It took some more chance encounters for the current incarnation of Balto to come together, but a fateful synthesis of musical camaraderie and old-fashioned songwriting magic has helped produce the band's upcoming 7-inch EP, Call It by Its Name. The EP showcases Dan Sheron's strong foundational songwriting rounded out by the supporting cast of drummer Seth Mower, guitarist/mandolinist Luke Beckel, bassist Devon Hoffner, and pianist Adam Finger. The lineup adds tasteful layers to Side A's "Saints and Crows," bridging the tenets of Americana with a kind of swirly, Pink Floyd-like psychedelia. The confluence of relatively new performers in Balto—some from jazz and Southern rock backgrounds—has proven to be a boon for the band thus far. RYAN J. PRADO Read our article on Balto.


DERRICK MAY, TRANSMAT, BRYAN ZENTZ, M_NUS, ASSS
(Branx, 320 SE 2nd) Techno legend Derrick May was there to witness Detroit in the late '80s and, along with other pioneers, have a hand in birthing the iconic style of Detroit techno. There is substance behind May's art, the kind of soul that conveys decades of devotion to his craft. His record label, Transmat Records, has earned a reputation for flawless releases that prove his discriminating curatorial taste. In a recent interview, May said that he "loves a good fight," and for him to be able to stay on top in light of the ongoing corporatization of electronic music proves he's a strong one. CHRISTINA BROUSSARD


ROCK 'N' ROLL CAMP FOR GIRLS' SUMMER CAMP SHOWCASE
(Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta) Support the musicians of tomorrow today at the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls Showcase Concert. As you know, this camp prides itself on building self-esteem in teens through rock music—learning how to play, produce, and perform. This concert marks the end of the camp's first session, and promises a fun performance filled with the passion of youth. Don't miss it! WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY


NOSTALGIST, SPIRIT HOST
(The Alleyway, 2415 NE Alberta) If you've had more than your fill of fun in the sun and are suddenly in dire need of some dark and gloomy reprieve, tonight's show at the Alleyway might be exactly what you're seeking. Seattle's Nostalgist play a dense and brooding style of shoegaze, heaping layers of heavy, atmospheric guitar over Ian Curtis-esque vocals that evoke strong gothic imagery. The band's recently released single, "Pull of the Plow," off their upcoming album, Of Loves and Days Ago, offers a glimpse at their slow-motion, film-noir-influenced blend of post-punk. It's Nostalgist's first release since their 2013 7-inch Monochromatic, which featured guitar contributions from Whirr guitarist and Nothing bassist Nick Bassett. Like both of those bands, Nostalgist are able to conjure up moments of immense noise, and never allow their dreamy sounds to get bogged down in too much sulking. CHIPP TERWILLIGER


VOLT DIVERS: PAUL BARKER & MORE
(The Lovecraft, 421 SE Grand) If you build it, they will come. That's probably what the masterminds behind the modular synth revolution keep telling themselves, and it looks like they're right. The growing popularity of this subgenre of electronic music—one that allows for near-infinite variety in composition and performance—has the chin scratchers nodding in approval. The Volt Divers monthly modular synth night cashes in on this with a unique idea for featuring individual performances. Each one lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, giving the chance for more artists to share samples of their work. This month, Paul Barker of Ministry and Revolting Cocks fame drops in to give a taste of his modular sorcery. Local synth manufacturers including 4MS and Malekko Heavy Industry will also be on hand. CHRISTINA BROUSSARD