Let’s face it — coming up with a viable modern take on country-rock isn’t easy in a post-rock, Americana-friendly era. Some tastemakers have touted rock band The Nude Party’s new full-length Look Who’s Back as a return to the days of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, which makes a certain kind of sense. The band references The Byrds’ 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo in a song titled “Sweetheart of the Radio,” and the song is a good one. Still, I don’t hear Look Who’s Back as very different from The Nude Party’s self-titled 2018 debut, which garnered them good reviews and a place in the Americana firmament. When you compare their 2018 track “Feels Alright” to Cargoe’s 1972 power-pop classic “Feel Alright,” maybe you’re just noting the difference between two different eras, but Cargoe — who released one superb album and disappeared into obscurity — didn’t have Americana to fall back on. The Nude Party’s version of country-rock has a lot to do with their take on circa-1972 rock ’n’ roll, which means they’re garage rockers at heart. I find each of the band’s four full-lengths entertaining and funny — living in a post-rock world has its benefits. Tobacco City opens Friday at The Basement East.
8 p.m. at The Basement East
917 Woodland St.
