[ALTERNATIVE] + FRI., MAY 27
Superheaven, formerly Daylight, has become a staple of the neo-grunge scene. Both its albums, Jar and 2015’s Ours Is Chrome, oozed with loud, distorted guitar work and brooding lyricism. Vocalist/guitarist Taylor Madison’s confessional lyrics have drawn in many devoted followers. Much to the dismay of its fanbase, the band has announced this is the last tour before an indefinite hiatus. Catch Superheaven at The Smiling Moose with Creepoid, Spirit of the Beehive and local alt-boys Naked Spirit. Creepoid delivers droning, head-bob-inducing tunes and Spirit of the Beehive’s dynamic alt rock is a perfect blend of ’90s flair and modern sensibilities. Bring ear plugs. Seriously, Superheaven plays really loud. Meg Fair 6:30 p.m. 1306 E. Carson St., South Side. $13-16. All ages. 412-431-4668 or www.smiling-moose.com
[INDIE POP] + SAT., MAY 28
What do you get when you toss three multi-instrumentalist sisters, vivacious pop tunes and incredible stage banter into a pot with a little sugar and lots of spice? HAIM, obviously. Appearing at Stage AE, HAIM marries R&B with soft rock and riffy guitars, creating a grooviness and energetic sound that’s refreshingly unique for a pop act. It feels simultaneously retro and futuristic. The trio’s debut, Days Are Gone, earned it slots at summer festivals across the world and opening spots on Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour. Since then, the group has kept busy hosting a podcast (HAIM Time) and working on new music, some of which will presumably find itself on the setlist. MF 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $27.50. All ages. 412-229-5483 or www.stageae.com
[ROCK] + MON., MAY 30
Tragedy can’t hold back music, and Eagles of Death Metal are evidence of that. The witty rock band is currently embarking on its first tour since the tragic performance at the Bataclan, during November’s attacks in Paris. The group is not slowing down, having since performed in Australia and Canada, and now the States. Eagles of Death Metal stop at Mr. Smalls with opener Thelma and the Sleaze. The openers bring a great deal of bite, and, much like Eagles of Death Metal, possesses a boisterous, loud rock sound, only darker and edgier. The two will complement each other well. MF 7 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $25-27. All ages. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
[POP] + TUES., MAY 31
Bow down, ya’ll. Beyoncé takes over Heinz Field on her Formation World Tour. This comes on the heels of the release of her stunning visual album, Lemonade, an explosively publicized pop powerhouse. What other artist could cause all this conversation, including a masterful think piece by feminist theorist bell hooks? Delightfully furious tracks like “Hold Up” and “Don’t Hurt Yourself” pair with anthemic declarations of independence and power like “Freedom” and “Formation” and are made softer and gentler with celebratory forgiveness on tracks like “All Night.” Those in attendance will not only experience these tracks and her other hits in real time, but they’ll witness the choreography, decadent costuming and unreal levels of performance associated with Beyoncé. MF 7:30 p.m. 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Side. $45-255. All ages. 412-323-1200 or
www.heinzfield.com
