For the first time ever, London-based underground lifers the Monochrome Set are touring the West Coast of the US, including a stop in Portland. It’s exciting news, but it’s positively stunning when you pair it with the fact that the band celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. This isn’t some up-and-coming combo that’s just getting around to playing our side of the continent. This is one of the most influential alternative bands of the early ’80s! A band that spikes its post-punk glower with disparate sounds such as rockabilly, new wave, jangle-pop, surf-rock, and even weird funk. They’re like the Smiths for people who recognize that life doesn’t have to be a bummer all the time. If that's you, make this one a priority, because who knows if they'll ever be back.

by Ben Salmon