Lubec, Radler, Dowager, Hard Sulks
Recommended
Lubec has been nothing short of a stalwart in the Portland indie-rock scene, adding a dash of shoegaze-infused bliss most often in the form of three-minute pop songs. The dueling lead vocals of pianist Caroline Jackson and guitarist Eddie Charlton are beautifully complementary, melding Jackson's controlled, piercing pitch and Charlton's sultry tone. Their latest EP, Concentration, is the first release for the band as a trio—they were a four-piece on their 2014 sophomore LP, The Thrall, and a five-piece on their 2013 debut LP, Wilderness Days—yet they still sound just as big and layered. The brief EP's three tracks may be their most tightly packed and refined work yet (particularly the chilling opener, "Late Bloomer"), which has me excited for where the band can go with a longer effort. CAMERON CROWELL