Live Music Picks: April 6-12 

FRIDAY 4/7
Liquid's Latin Rock Fest feat. Luzbel w/ Arturo Huizar, Cenizas Ajenas, La Calavera, Leyenda Oculta
Exciting things are happening in the local rock en Español scene, including these (usually) monthly showcases of Mexican bands like Cenizas Ajenas, La Calavera, Leyenda Oculta, Musor and De Despedida. On top of that, some of Latin America's biggest bands—Cuca, Molotov, El Tri, Rata Blanca, Maldita Vecindad and more—are increasingly likely to include Salt Lake City on their tours. Obviously, we're not exactly a mecca for these acts, and most of us yanquis haven't heard of the bands. But they kick mucho culo, and are worth checking out. Especially the hometown boys. On Friday, these bandas chingonas del Ciudad Lago Salado open for another of Mexico's long-running acts, the classic '80s metal outfit Luzbel—fronted by Arturo Huizar, the voice of their most successful period. And it's all happening outdoors at Liquid Joe's, meaning the age restriction is lowered to 18. That's exciting for the bands, who get increased visibility, along with exposure to the local gringos who are coming to see original singer Jack Russell's version of '80s hard rock band Great White on Joe's indoor stage. (Randy Harward) Liquid Joe's (outdoors), 1249 E. 3300 South, 6:30 p.m., $15 (under 18), $25-$30 (18+), liquidjoes.net

Zeke, Nashville Pussy, Thunderfist
With even one of these bands on a bill, there's every chance in the world that there will be some kind of depravity—not just backstage, either. Seattle punk rockers Zeke take loud-fast-rules seriously, with albums that rarely exceed 30 minutes in length, despite track lists numbering into the high teens. They're also rather spirited on stage: Drummer Donny Paycheck once stuck a drumstick in his eye. Nashville Pussy is like-minded, with blistering, high-velocity songs that bridge classic rock, metal, punk and outlaw country, plus a stage stunt involving simulated fellatio (with the help of a longneck Budweiser) and copious spilt beer in spite of present electricity. Then there's Thunderfist, the pride of Salt Lake City. Weirdly, they've mellowed with age. No more bunny ears and bloodshed, but they still tear it up live with songs about bending elves and Pabst Blue Ribbon. They're working on a new album, so you can expect to hear a preview. (RH) Metro Music Hall, 615 W. 100 South, 8 p.m., $18 presale, $20 day of show, 21+, metromusichall.com

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4/7-8
Metatransit: Conquer Monster w/ Municipal Ballet Co.
Retro-electro duo Conquer Monster's 2015 album Metatransit already had a unique visual complement in the Purge Worlds comic book series created in collaboration with Black Omen Comics. Now, Joshua Faulkner and Daniel Romero add another with this two-night stand featuring dancers from the Municipal Ballet Co. These shows are billed as a "futuristic ballet," which is somewhat ironic since the music is so redolent of the '80s. But there's a reason that the music of that decade—particularly the synth-heavy sci-fi film soundtracks—is hot right now, revived by millennials with a taste for old-style camp, access to musical gadgetry and the software to recreate those day-glo dreams. As for juxtaposing it with ballet—an art form that stretches back to the 15th century—well, at first blush that seems like retro's nuclear option. Except, if you close your eyes and imagine graceful movements choreographed to old-school bleeps, bloops and burns—it's poetically trippy. (RH) The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 6 p.m., $10 per night, 21+, theurbanloungeslc.com

SUNDAY 4/9
Neil Diamond 50-Year Anniversary World Tour
In the 1991 film What About Bob? Bill Murray says, "There are two types of people in the world: Those who like Neil Diamond and those who don't." Bah! Neil Diamond is for everybody—a true showman whose songs resonate with all types. Who doesn't have a "Sweet Caroline" whose memory brings joy and pain, or know someone special with a zest for life, as in "I'm a Believer"? That's a song you know by heart even if you don't realize it's not a Monkees or Smash Mouth original. In fact, there's a chance you already dig a Diamond song and don't know it. UB40's "Red Red Wine"? Deep Purple's "Kentucky Woman"? How about "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," popularized by Urge Overkill in Pulp Fiction? Some are turned off by what seems to be a corny Vegas show with a giant band and multiple changes of tight-fitting sequined costumes on a near-octogenarian dude. Well, somebody, somewhere—that's their thing. But really, have you ever watched him perform? The guy still pulls off rousing, career-spanning, two-hour sets where he doesn't sit still, and that's where you understand his badassery. Seriously. Everybody likes Neil Diamond. Or they should. (RH) Vivint Smart Home Arena, 301 W. South Temple, 8 p.m., $36.50-$146.50, uconcerts.com

TUESDAY 4/11
Anders Osborne, New Breed Brass Band
Though he was born in Sweden, Anders Osborne's longtime residency in New Orleans has been the overriding influence throughout most of his recording career, both as a producer and a performer. Boasting a hefty catalog that currently includes some 15 albums and seven record labels, Osborne's prolific prowess is very clear. One needs look no further than his two recent outings, both released last year. His latest, Flower Box, followed Spacedust & Ocean Views (both on the Back on Dumaine label) by only six months, yet the two releases were markedly different. While Spacedust boasted songs of a laid-back variety, Flower Box successfully upped the ante in terms of energy and exuberance. Parker's opening act, the nine-piece New Breed Brass Band, brings its own robust dynamic, and a similar love for Crescent City tradition. Natives of New Orleans, they've been making music from a young age, blending funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop to create a diverse and distinctive style. (Lee Zimmerman) The State Room, 638 S. State, 8 p.m., $32, 21+, thestateroom.com

WEDNESDAY 4/12
Diego Davidenko
Listen to this list of references littering the press release plugging this Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter's tour: Badly Drawn Boy, Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, Paul Simon and ... Richard Dawson? Nope, it's not the late Hogan's Heroes actor and smoochy original host of Family Feud—it's the English freak-folkie. In fact, the litany is almost exclusively comprised of folk singers of different strains, including psych-folk, indie folk and folk-rock. The common thread here is, duh, folk—but mainly the lowkey, introspective, finger-style acoustic varietal, where the songs are so immersive that you're sucked in before you know it. The tour is in support of Davidenko's excellent second album, In an Empty House, due June 2. (RH) Tin Angel Café, 365 W. 400 South, 7 p.m., free, thetinangel.com