MONDAY, OCTOBER 1
Gentlemen may prefer blondes, but the Shins, Rilo Kiley, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah think that the Brunettes are more fun. Not long ago, the indie-pop duo came all the way from New Zealand to open for these big-time bands. Now they're back alone to promote their first North American release, Structure and Cosmetics. Musicians Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield started writing together after a short romance, and their songs still hum with the dizzy buzz of a crush ("Loopy Loopy Love" and "I Miss My Coochie Coo," anyone?). Their high-energy, low-pretension show tonight at the Middle East Upstairs (472 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.864.EAST) might send more than a few blondes to the salon. Folk singer Ferraby Lionheart opens the 18-plus show at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $10 at www.ticketmaster.com and 617.931.2000, or at the Middle East from 1 to 7 p.m. daily; they'll cost you $12 at the door.
