The Key

Many bands are loved sight unseen, but not Wild Flag. Wild Flag packed shows along the west coast before they even released their debut album. (Loved sound unheard, perhaps?) Of course, they weren’t completely mysterious. All four members had played together in some context: Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss played in Sleater-Kinney together, toured with Mary Timony’s band Helium, and played shows with Rebecca Cole’s band, The Minders. There’s more overlap to it than that, but for simplification’s sake, it’s safe to say that fans of the four women’s previous projects could anticipate what would spring from their latest collaboration. The result is a reckless kind of rock-n-roll that’s as much fun as Brownstein’s other current project, Portlandia, but deserves to be taken far more seriously.  Wild Flag performs with Hospitality and Blood Feathers at 8 p.m. at the Trocadero. –NaomiShavin

Some performers refuse to accept the marred reputation often associated with those who hail from New Jersey. Jersey born and bred indie-rock band Real Estate proudly represents its home by constructing songs with beachy themes and shore-related song titles, such as “Atlantic City,” “Let’s Rock The Beach” and “Suburban Beverage.” Vocalist Martin Courtney sings each tune in suave tenor and with such a dreamy sense of ease that one could imagine themselves lying on warm sand. Though the band now resides in Brooklyn and has traveled as far as Barcelona during touring months, it remains true to its Jersey roots through its buoyant arrangements, leading listeners back to the true beauty the shore has to offer. Real Estate performs with The Twerps and Belgrade at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church; tickets to the all-ages show are SOLD OUT. -Lisa Henderson

Also Playing: Neon Indian performs with Friends at 8:30 p.m. at Union Transfer; tickets to the all-ages show are $15.