Blues music seems to need a savior all the time, and the current anointed one hails from Austin. Gary Clark Jr. was born and raised in Austin — practically raised up in the famous blues club Antone’s — and has already shared bills and stages with a zillion big names, from B.B. King to Sheryl Crow. He’s acclaimed by stars and locals, and he’s a monster on stage. The music Clark plays, while certainly leaning on the tradition of blues, is entirely Gary Clark Jr. style. There’s a little bit of everything in there, a kitchen sink full of wild and charismatic tools. Blues is quick to claim but will be unlikely to contain him.

Indie rock Brooklinites The Veda Rays, who were recently Deli NYC artist of the month, are about to release a new EP entitled "Jack Rabid Sessions", which consists in a collection of songs recorded during their recent appearence at the show hosted by Jack Rabid of The Big Takeover on BreakThruRadio.com at Thump Studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (you can see a video from that session here). Also on the bill nu-grunge-done-well trio Dead Stars. The show is at Bowery Electric on February 23

Reminiscent of the late Elliot Smith, Big Phony is a New York City/LA based singer-songwriter who cantors with the somber vibrations of an angel in need of a hug. Gentle phrasing and stripped arrangements graced with melancholy lyrics about Jesus, drugs, and bullies paint the picture of his 2010 release of "Kicking Punching Bags." The religious imagery in several songs reflects his strong devotion to the church (he almost became a pastor). Realizing that was not the life for him, he turned back to music and wrote a collection of 15 songs (several which were re-recorded) that became his first release in 2008, "Straight to Bootleg Vol. 1." Although we do not recommend this album to those who get easily depressed, Big Phony’s music is peaceful, contemplative, and rich with fresh words to new ears. – Christina La Rocca

Milagres played a polished, assured set to a packed house this Thursday night at Mercury Lounge. The last time I saw this Brooklyn five-piece (about a year ago at the same venue) their stage demeanor was entirely different. Now, seasoned by months of tour including an overseas stint, the band plays with bolstered confidence. The common factor? Mercury Lounge was pretty darn full up for both shows. Milagres has and clearly has had a devoted following for quite some time – fans sang along, cheered for favs like “Here to Stay,” and vied to claim their stakes towards the front of the stage. Buoyant vocals and a precise but many-chambered sound, along with the occasional Downton Abbey reference, made for some foot-tapping good times. Milagres’ characteristic plinky, carrying keys in repeated measures lent the floaty indie pop a semi-danceable quality at points. A performance of new track, former UK iTunes exclusive “Quiet Street,” (stream it here) kept it interesting for those who have been there for the whole journey. – Corinne Bagish

Last weekend on the Studio at Webster Hall featured a string of "aggro" bands. We were expecting a bit of an edge from a band who changes a Z-word to an X-word… certainly the case for Xombie, who splits their sound between hip hop and metal. High energy and highly aggressive, the quintet features elements of both genres, flying V’s, crotch grabbing, hair flinging, and hand gesturing. Hey, can we call this this "Nu-Luddism wave"? (If you don’t get the reference, Luddism was a movement that preached to rage against technology, or… machines). – Meijin Bruttomesso