The Vaccines, Porcelain Raft, The Downers, Webster Hall, April 23, $20
A guitar band through and through, The Vaccines put hooks before attitude, and keep swagger to a minimum. While “next big thing” profiles have abounded in the British press, just looking at their shrug of an album title, What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?, is proof that these guys aren’t trying too hard.
Monday, April 23, 7 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
The Weeknd, Music Hall of Williamsburg, April 19, $20
With thousands watching Abel Tesfaye perform at Coachella over the last two weekends (and in the light of day, no less!), by now the mystery has lifted. It’s time for The Weeknd to make his New York debut in a more comfortably dark setting — first in Williamsburg, and then at the Bowery Ballroom this Saturday.
Wednesday, April 25, 8 p.m. Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues); Brooklyn; 718-486-5400.
Jack White, April 27, Webster Hall, $39.50
With his first-ever solo album, Blunderbuss, Jack White has returned to the stripped-down magic that defined the best of the White Stripes. If White’s NYC gig is anything like his recent set in Austin, he’ll rip through his excellent new material while taking detours into the Stripes back catalog that we all know and love.
Friday, April 27, 6:30 p.m., Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues); 212-353-1600.
Up for more? Here are some bonus shows:
Photo: Via Webster Hall; Via The Vaccines; Via The Weeknd