Live: Music Picks Oct. 2-8 

THURSDAY OCT. 2

• Parker Millsap

Parker Millsap
Since leaving the Pentacostal church he was raised in while growing up in the small town of Purcell, Okla., raspy-voiced troubadour Parker Millsap doesn't denounce or praise his religion in his music. Instead, he explores the often-complicated relationship people have with faith and God through objective character studies, as heard on his twangy, folksy self-titled debut album, released in February. For example, in chicken-fried country-rocker "Truck Stop Gospel," an evangelical trucker drives with a crucifix hanging from his rearview mirror and casts a demon out of a prostitute. But not all the tales are tall; in the minimal "Forgive Me," Millsap croons sincerely, "Please forgive me for the sinner I am," with a voice that has more emotion and battle-weary depth than his 21 years might suggest. John Fullbright and Elephant Revival will also perform. (Kolbie Stonehocker) The State Room, 638 S. State, 8 p.m., $13, TheStateRoom.com

FRIDAY OCT. 3

• Parachute

Parachute
Parachute was thrust into the pop-music scene in 2009 with their hit "She is Love," and since then, they've proved they're skilled in crafting bubbly hits. While their latest album, 2013's Overnight—which spawned the popular single "Can't Help"—has a more mature feel, it still has the breeziness that's a defining element of Parachute's lighthearted sound, which is full of melodious hooks and charming lyrics. This is Parachute's first major tour with their new guitarist, Mike Reaves, who's replacing Nate McFarland. Matt Wertz and Mikey Wax are also on the bill. (Nathan Turner) In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, 7 p.m., $18.50 in advance, $22 day of show, InTheVenueSLC.com

Eyes Lips Eyes Final Show
Like more and more critically acclaimed bands these days, Eyes Lips Eyes got their start in Provo. Based out of Los Angeles since 2010, these four disco-punks have accomplished a lot in their career, including sharing a stage with Modest Mouse, being included on CNN's list of Artists to Watch at SXSW, and getting noticed by MTV Buzzworthy. Now, they're calling it quits, but like true party animals, Eyes Lips Eyes aren't going out without a blowout in the town that brought them together. It's going to be a rowdy time: Eyes Lips Eyes are masters of creating infectiously catchy pop—as heard on Place to Be, the album they released in August—that's guaranteed to get concertgoers moving. (Kolbie Stonehocker) Velour, 135 N. University Ave., Provo, 8:30 p.m., $8, VelourLive.com

SATURDAY OCT. 4

• Megan Beck
• Folk Hogan

Trifecta 3: Juana Ghani, Folk Hogan, Hectic Hobo
A lot of good things come in threes: the Olive Garden Tuscan Trio, Stooges, the triangles of the Triforce, Paul Revere's three-cornered hat, the Powerpuff Girls and more. Supporting that truth is this aptly titled show, which will feature a troupe of gypsy-punks, mighty souls and down & out hobos whose respective bands make quite the colorful trio: local acts Juana Ghani, Folk Hogan and Hectic Hobo. Although each band has its own distinct style, they have plenty in common, including a lot of the same instruments—accordion, banjo, fiddle and more—a flair for the theatrical and boundless fiery energy. All three also have new music newly out or about to come out: Juana Ghani's She Lost Her Head and Hectic Hobo's Our Medicine Will Do You In came out earlier this summer, and Folk Hogan will soon complete their latest album, The Show. (Kolbie Stonehocker) Bar Deluxe, 666 S. State, 9:30 p.m., $8, BarDeluxeSLC.com

SATURDAY OCT. 4

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats
Between the LSD, Charles Manson, suicide cults and the sexual revolution, the '60s and '70s were nuts. And plenty of that freakiness is embedded in the sludgy, fuzzed-out psych-rock/retro-metal made by U.K. band Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats. Formed in Cambridge in 2009, Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats attained cult-favorite status before they played even one gig; the first vinyl edition of their second album, 2011's creep show Blood Lust, sold out instantaneously, thanks to the buzz the band received after uploading a few tunes to YouTube. The band is currently on their first North American tour in support of their new single, "Runaway Girls"—the sexy NSFW music video is killer—as well as their latest album, 2013's Mind Control, which features walls of heavy guitar, droning vocals and plenty of black sonic magic. Danava will open. (Kolbie Stonehocker) The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m., $13 in advance, $15 day of show, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com

MONDAY OCT. 6

• Total Slacker

Total Slacker
You'd never know it from Total Slacker's swirling, ramshackle alt-pop tunes, but frontman Tucker Rountree (a former Salt Laker) is a six-string prodigy of Guitar World shred levels who once studied and toured with Eric Johnson. These days, Rountree puts his Stratocaster to noisier, less note-y use in this Brooklyn four-piece with a penchant for '90s shoegaze atmospherics jacked on Jolt Cola and cheeky YouTube videos. The band's full-length debut, Slip Away, released earlier this year by Black Bell Records, features shimmering rockers like "Keep the Ships at Bay" and "Super Big Gulp" that seemingly arrived 20 years too late for MTV's 120 Minutes. Paws and Flashlights are also on the bill. (Bill Frost) Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), 8 p.m., $8, KilbyCourt.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com

MONDAY OCT. 6

• Tonje Thileson
• Mutual Benefit

Mutual Benefit
An evolving project rather than a band, Mutual Benefit is the name New York City-based singer-songwriter Jordan Lee performs under—either by himself or with whomever happens to be available. His music can be described as sweet and dream-like indie-pop, but often changes depending on the musicians he's playing with. Lee is on tour in support of his EP Cowboy's Prayer—reissued earlier this year—which is a whimsical symphony of electronic violins and chimes with a technological edge. When playing live, however, if joined by a stringed instrument or keyboard, Lee creates a down-to-earth and intimate experience that still transports listeners to a dreamy state. Ricky Eat Acid and Sayde Price are also performing. (Rebecca Frost) The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 day of show, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com; limited no-fee tickets available at CityWeeklyStore.com