Specializing in the dark swells of rock music's subgenres, Past Haunts has given XRAY.fm listeners the best in everything from krautrock to coldwave every Monday for the last four years. They've hosted some pretty good live shows in their day and their first one of the year is another one to add to the list. Past Haunts is taking over Lovecraft on Friday by joining Portland's Tender Age with LA's Drab Majesty, and Soft Metals acting as the artist fulcrum between the two cities.

The slo-fi pop of Tender Age is the perfect sound to fully represent the drizzly minimalism of the Rose City. All three of their releases (comprised of two 7" and an EP) eptiomize noisy soundscapes that are more than easy to get immersed in and this show couldn't be a better way for them to ring in 2017 with.

Electronic duo Soft Metals have roots here in the Pacific Northwest and SoCal, with their synthesizer sounds indicative of our darkwave scene as well as what's going on in some of those LA clubs. Rumor has it they're working some new material, exciting Soft Metals fans who have been craving another release following 2013's Lenses. Rounded out by the not so drab coldwave of Drab Majesty and this turns into another delightfully dark night at the Lovecraft. 

Painted Palms’ newest album out on Polyvinyl is lushness exemplified. Though Forever was just released in what some may consider the dead of winter, the album gives off a Summer vibe. With light and airy pop tunes such as “Too High” and “Soft Hammer,” the San Francisco duo comprised of cousins Christopher Prudhomme and Reese Donohue gives nods to the Beach Boys. Making sure that they aren’t another ‘60s pop revival band, the band brings electronic elements into their sonic stylings. All of these factors come together to form the cohesive pop duo that is Painted Palms.

So, if you’re interested in seeing what Painted Palms has to offer, be sure to see them at their album release party TONIGHT at Rickshaw Stop with Soft Metals and Melted Toys. -Erin Dage