WED JULY 12
Blondie w/Garbage, John Doe and Exene Cervenka (of X); Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey, Troutdale
Itâs been nearly 40 years since the release of âHeart of Glass,â and Blondieâs still doing the damn thing. Sure, the bandâs definitely past their early â80s heyday, but does anyone really go to their shows expecting the highest quality performances? Nope, you go for the nostalgiaâto be transported back in time. This Edgefield concert is very sold out, but if youâre a lucky ticket holder, youâll get to experience Debbie Harryâs steely voice in person.
Beach Fossils w/She-Devils, Ablebody; Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison
These days, indie music tends to blend together in a sea of its own radio-readiness. Beach Fossils arenât specialâin fact, theyâre pretty average. But the bandâs mediocrity is their greatest strength and their greatest weakness; Beach Fossilsâ subdued, reverb-heavy pop is palatable enough to be universally loved, yet not quite interesting enough to prompt much discussion. That said, theyâre an indie rock staple, and itâs not a bad idea to see them live.
TUES JULY 18
Iris Jupiter w/Horse Movies, Slumberbox, Helens; Black Water Bar, 835 NE Broadway
Southern Californiaâs Iris Jupiter breaks the surf rock mold. In January the band released their self-titled debut, which seamlessly blends the energy of pop punk and the distorted quality of garage rock. Fortunately, they manage to do so while avoiding kitschâinstead, their first album sounds like a fuzzy pop dream. For this Portland tour stop, theyâll be joined by local group Helens, whoâve mastered a dark mix of shoegaze, post-rock, and emo. Their songs hit like gusts of wind, with an all-encompassing fury and loudness.