The Town and The City Festival is one of our favorite events of the year. Some of our favorite bands play every year, and wandering from venue to venue always reminds me of going to CMJ during my college radio years. Three nights of music can be tricky to navigate, so here are our recommendations of the must see artists for 2025!
Thursday April 24
Lady Lamb (9:30 pm) and Ezra Furman (8:15 pm)
Taffeta, 122 Western Ave at Western Ave Studios
Lady Lamb and Ezra Furman are two of our absolute favorite artists at If It's Too Loud..., so we're thrilled to see them playing together. As The Town and The City Festival expands to three nights, this is the only Thursday night show, but it would be a huge deal no matter when it was. These are two of the most compelling alt-rock/indie singer-songwriters around these days, and two of the most engaging performers I've had the pleasure of seeing.
Friday April 25
The Sheila Divine (10:00 pm)
Taffeta, 122 Western Ave at Western Ave Studios
I've been a giant fan of The Sheila Divine since the 90's. The band has recently retooled and live shows now include songs from all of Aaron Perrino's bands (Aaron & The Lord, Dear Leader, etc.) so you truly never know what you're going to get with one of their shows nowadays. But you do know you're going to get absolutely killer alt-rock with some of the finest shout along choruses in the past twenty plus years.
Friday April 25
The Freqs (11:30 pm) and The PA's (10:30 pm)
Thirsty First, 103 Market St
You can stay very local with this showcase at Thirsty First. Both The Freqs and The PA's are local Boston area bands (both might actually be Lowell based) that do unique blends of noise rock meets punk that can be surprisingly catchy at times. Both bands put on great live shows, and although they don't sound anything like each other, they're going to complement each other impeccably.
Friday April 25
Lovina Falls (9:00 pm)
Koto, 76 Merrimack St
Lovina Falls are one of the most engaging live bands in the Boston area today. It's a baroque pop project from Valerie Forgione of Mistle Thrush, and they make music that is simply beautiful. Some songs are more rock based and will give you serious Mistle Thrush flashbacks, while others take you on a journey of harmonies. I've seen Lovina Falls twice now, and both were completely different and great experiences. Looking forward to hearing what the band sounds like this time around.
Saturday April 26
The Chelsea Curve (4:30 pm) and Girl with a Hawk (3:30 pm)
Thirsty First, 103 Market St
One great thing about The Town and The City Festival and matinee shows, and you're going to want to start your day early with the garage rock sounds of The Chelsea Curve and Girl with a Hawk. Girl with a Hawk leans into country territory at times, but has a strong power pop/garage rock base. The Chelsea Curve play jangly garage rock with a punk edge, and are unbelievably catchy. Late afternoon might not be the most traditionally rock and roll time to see a show, but this one will be well worth it.
Saturday April 26
Senseless Optimism (11:00 pm) and Winkler (10:00 pm)
Thirsty First, 103 Market St
This is an odd pairing, but one I'm looking forward to. If you were at Boston Calling early enough last year to catch Senseless Optimism, you know how amazing her live performances can be. The best genre to describe her is singer-songwriter, but that doesn't truly do her justice. Senseless Optimism combines folk, R&B, indie rock, hard rock, and other genres into a unique and compelling sound. I just discovered Winkler last week, but I'm thrilled to see them again. They play a joyous style of indie rock and bedroom pop that simply needs to be seen live.
Saturday April 26
The Ghouls (10:00 pm)
The Old Court, 29 Central St
The Ghouls are the reigning Rock and Roll Rumble champions, and with good reason. The Lowell band play highly energetic and charming alt-rock meets pop punk, and are simply one of the best live bands in the Boston scene. I can't guarantee you'll have fun during their set, but I can't imagine anyone wouldn't. Seriously, you need to make sure to see The Ghouls sooner than later.
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