This week’s 5 best bets for live music in Las Vegas
Dark Tranquility
On the surface, the whole idea of “melodic death metal” seems like a contradiction in terms, considering that the subgenre is defined in part by guttural vocals suggestive of a Rottweiler attempting to ralph up a turkey bone lodged in its throat. But Sweden’s Dark Tranquility was among a handful of bands that helped pioneer the sound in the early ’90s alongside countrymen In Flames and At The Gates, leavening the music’s dark churn with harmonic guitar interplay and touches of cleanly sung vocals. As such, they breathed new life into death. See Dark Tranquility at 7 p.m. Friday at LVCS. Tickets are $22; call 702-382-3849.
Andrea Bocelli
A visit from this beloved Italian singer this time of year is as much a seasonal staple as maxed-out credit cards and brick-heavy fruitcakes gifted to those friends and family members that you could take or leave. On his current tour, Bocelli is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakout album, “Romanza.” You’ve heard the man’s music at the Bellagio Fountains show for years; now see him in the flesh at 8 p.m. Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden. Tickets are $82 to $418.25; call 888-929-7849.
The Vegabonds
Nashville’s The Vegabonds have more in common with native sons Kings of Leon than they do the spit-shined cosmopolitan country that’s become Music City’s main export, meaning their soulful, swaggering Southern rock is posited more on grit than gloss. See them at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Beauty Bar. Tickets are $10; call 702-598-3757.
Mos Generator
When a doom band covers iconic Brit depressives Joy Division, you know the whole “doom” thing goes beyond mere sonics. And so when these Northwestern riff rockers invigorate that group’s “Dead Souls” on their latest record, “The Firmament,” it just feels good to feel so bad. See them at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Dive Bar. Tickets are $7; call 702-586-3483.
38 Special
These self-professed “wild-eyed Southern boys” have not heeded their own advice and held on loosely to their 42-year career, touring steadily year in, year out even though frontman Don Barnes remains the only original member of the band. See the last man standing at 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Golden Nugget. Tickets are $42.51 to $162.41; call 866-946-5336.
