If you’ve cut your hair to hide your sullen face, carved depressive poetry into a park bench, or given a poorly received political speech at the Thanksgiving table, you’ve likely also scream-cried along to Bright Eyes’ shamelessly cathartic songwriting. Growing up has sharpened Conor Oberst’s pen, but hardly dulled his impassioned performances, oscillating between oppressive sadness and righteous rage – though lately, he says, he’s got his drinking under control. Bringing some fellow Nebraskans, Nineties chamber-folk act Lullaby for the Working Class, out of a long hibernation, the emo trio (and friends) offer a scintillating opportunity to be heartbroken and furious in community. – Caroline Drew
