Interpol, Surfbort
Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
Thursday, Aug. 8
A savvy alt-rock band known for their clever, complex entries in that much celebrated early 2000s New York rock scene, Interpol exists in the same sonic universe as The Strokes or Yeah Yeah Yeahs. That pocket of rock — which was wonderfully documented in Lizzy Goodman’s “Meet Me In The Bathroom” — is widely seen as a return to form for rock and roll, and the beginning of an indie explosion that blasted bands from small clubs to the international spotlight. Interpol was at the center of that, and they continue to carry on the prowess that defined their early days.

Cherubs
The Care Less Lounge
Friday, Aug. 9
A legendary cult noise-rock band that took a two decade hiatus, Cherubs is back on the road and releasing records, and as abrasive as ever, grinding out their punk-drenched, fuzzed-out, off-center songs. This year’s release, Immaculada High, feels like a direct continuation of 1994’s Heroin Man — aggressive psychedelic power that rattles your brain, whether it’s from the heavy reign of the guitar work or the hushed contemplation of life and death.

Fotocrime, The Holy Circle
Kaiju
Saturday, Aug. 10
After discontinuing his punk/metal hybrid band Coliseum after 2015’s excellent record Anxiety’s Kiss, Louisville’s Ryan Patterson started up Fotocrime, a project that blends ominous guitar, warm synths and steady drums, resulting in something haunted and stylistic. With intense, swirling synths, wandering drums and dark pop sensibilities, The Holy Circle is magnetic. It’s a night of sharp post-punk from bands that value subtle, boiling intensity over relentless fury.