FYF 2014 side shows

Fans of the musical wonders that were Test Icicles and Lightspeed Champion, rejoice: Devonté Hynes has again been reborn, and his new name is Blood Orange. Wistful, '90s inspired, R&B/chillwave is Blood Orange's forte, demonstrated perfectly in his 2013 album Cupid Deluxe, which features collaborations with Caroline Polachek of Chairlift, Dirty Projectors' David Longstreth and Clams Casino. But frankly, we're surprised Hynes even has time to make his own music at all; along with writing songs for the likes of Solange, Florence + the Machine and Britney Spears, he also serves as a fashion consultant for Jay-Z's Rocawear. British electronica band Kindness will open the show at 9pm.

This agreeably odd indie trio plays melodic, fluid punk-funk and arty post-pop complete with synths, Antony Hegarty-style vocals and the odd birdsong sample. Hear the Baltimore-based group, signed to venerable British label 4AD, perform Singles (their fourth and most recent LP) at The Fonda. Herring combines the poise and command of a Shakespearean actor with the onstage agility of an Olympic gymnast, and the band as a whole wrings improbable drama out of low-tech synth-pop simplicity. Also appearing is Dan Boeckner’s new band Operators, another increasingly hyped trio. Their pop tracks will ring new to your ears, as their music remains fresh and unreleased to foster an organic feel. Tickets are selling out fast, so grab ‘em asap.

This up-and-coming New Orleans blues-rock band caught Rolling Stone's eye in July as an artist to watch out for, and now they're coming to LA following the 8/19 release of their debut LP, Violent Shiver. You might have already heard of this duo—comprised of singer/guitarist Benjamin Booker and drummer Max Norton—they've spent the summer opening for Jack White on tour, snagged a spot on Lollapalooza's lineup and made an appearance on Letterman. Taking inspiration from T. Rex and The Gun Club, Benjamin Booker has only been on the scene since 2012 with songs like "Have You Seen My Son?" Local rock band Junk will start off the show at 8pm.

Damian Abraham brings his critically acclaimed and explicitly named hardcore band back to town for back-to-back gigs at the El Rey and Glass House, in support of his forthcoming fourth LP, Glass Boys. Always blistering and uninhibited, the progressive post-hardcore crew from Toronto should serve up new songs just as cultish, noisy and thrillingly subversive as its old stuff. The Tijuana Panthers will open both nights.

They've been gathering fans since the early '90s, accumulating a total of eight albums (and counting), including their latest, There Is No Enemy. Idaho-based indie rock band Built To Spill touches on a variety of genres, venturing from new wave to reggae sounds. Over the years, they've influenced bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and The Strokes. Canadian alternative band Slam Dunk and The Warm Hair—which promises "earth shattering sex rock"—will open the show at 8pm.

Catch Joanna Gruesome, up-and-coming Wales five-piece band (bet you’re surprised they’re five, eh?) at liquor-free venue The Smell for some screaming, bashing and rocking. Expect anything from these young noise-pop performers; they cover everything from feminism and post-relationship rage to, um, zombies (cursing encouraged). Fun fact: the members supposedly met in an anger management class and wrote their first album in Brighton's unsavory Hell House hotel. Tame your temper to their new summer tracks and most recent LP, weird sister (2013). Also appearing are Dunes, Michael Vidal and Debt.

Hailing from Louisville, Slint has been producing rock music for almost 30 years. Their most well-known album, Spiderland, was released in 1991 and has since gained fame in the underground music scene under the post-rock genre. Despite members (Brian McMahan, on vocals Britt Walford on drums, David Pajo on guitar and Todd Brashear on bass) performing with other acts such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and forming new bands, Slint has come together again for a worldwide tour. The El Rey's doors open at 8pm for the 9pm show.

Damian Abraham brings his critically acclaimed and explicitly named hardcore band back to town for back-to-back gigs at the El Rey and Glass House, in support of his forthcoming fourth LP, Glass Boys. Always blistering and uninhibited, the progressive post-hardcore crew from Toronto should serve up new songs just as cultish, noisy and thrillingly subversive as its old stuff. The Tijuana Panthers will open both nights.

Since his debut on the music scene in 2009 with his blog, which shared his digital EPs for free, Tom Krell—aka How To Dress Well—has put forth three albums, his latest venture being What is This Heart?, which debuted in June 2014. Krell's intimate performance is part of the Church Sessions concert series, which features secular music and comedy performances. Get ready for a night of haunting melodies and R&B beats at the Renaissance Revival-styled First Unitarian Church.

Head to the El Rey to hear Michigan quartet La Dispute's newest post-hardcore endeavor: Rooms of the House, the band's third album. You’ll quickly recognize Jordan Dreyer (on vocals and percussion), responsible for writing, and subsequently screaming, intense poetry. Also performing is the band you wish you’d heard about when you were in high school: Balance and Composure. Forget pretending you’re a cool and collected adult and relive your angsty teen years as you awkwardly sway to alt-rock.