Freddie Gibbs at The Gallivan Center 7/17
Most rap is written from a certain perspective and if your life is punctuated by violence, how could you make music without those episodes permeating your tone and lyrics? Gary, Ind.’s Freddie Gibbs is the voice of an entire segment of society that has had little other outlet for their message. Over two decades in the game, Gangster Gibbs constantly hits the mark. He tells it how it is, for far too many, without pulling punches. “I think I get better every project. I think being consistent is better than peaking. So many guys have peaked and they’re just trying to get back to that spot again.” Gibbs told Paper Mag. “We’re in the business where guys chase big records and big hits. I ain’t never have to do that to be ‘good.’” I really respect the effort he puts into his music, performances and videos, especially as it is about quantity rather than quality in the current zeitgeist. I appreciate that he stays true to himself and the type of music he likes. It’s nice to see there are still artists who care about preserving and pushing the art form. And if you haven’t seen him live (yet), get in line. The energy, enthusiasm and participation of the audience at his live shows are on another level. Amie Blu and Roo Nostalgia open. Catch these artists at the 39th annual Twilight Concert series in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 17. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $24.23 and can be found here 24tix.com. (Mark Dago)
Fiddlehead, Narrow Head, Knumears, Destiny Bond at Church and State 7/17
For those not in the know, Fiddlehead is a post-hardcore supergroup that features (or has featured) members from bands Have Heart, Basement, Big Contest, Death Injection, Sweet Jesus and Verse. It’s always cool to see artists from other groups gravitate toward each other to form a new, awesome project. Fiddlehead’s music is high-energy, fun and reminiscent of the early ’00s punk/post-hardcore sound that many millennials love. They’re celebrating the release of their newest EP, Baby I’ll Change, their first release since 2023. No matter what you play in their library, though, you’re sure to have a good time. Their 2015 debut EP Out of the Bloom is heavy and exciting, the punk vibes shining bright. Their 2019 single “Get My Mind Right” has incredibly relatable lyrics like “Help me find a way to lose / Old friends with better things to do / Family who doesn’t have the time / Hope and my collapsing mind.” Fiddlehead will be joined by Texas rockers Narrow Head, Knumears and Destiny Bond. Don’t miss out on a night of angsty post-hardcore sounds on Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $39 in advance and $42 at the door. Grab yours at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)
The Avett Brothers at Maverik Center 7/17…