Local five-piece outfit Yourself and the Air breezes through its new EP “Friends of All Breeds” with significant indie-rock swagger. (An incessant xylophone on one track works much better than you would expect.) The pop element and use of multiple voices reminds me of Bound Stems’ work, as does the somewhat advanced structures put to use. “Friends of All Breeds” serves as evidence that there’s more original material to be made by this band, but as first steps go, the record is rather impressive. The dual guitarwork, intricate, clean for the most part, has the most lasting impact. (Tom Lynch)
April 3 at Subterranean, 2011 W. North, (773)278-6600, 9:30pm. $7-$10.
Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
