Hardcore music and indie-rock hardly ever overlap, but add a pinch of psych and surf rock, and you have some sort of Frankenstein of a band. That band is the Wytches (which fits in with the monster theme here). After starting out in the British hardcore scene, the Wytches gained an appreciation for singer-songwriters and indie-music. Soon the band developed its own hybrid of the sound that’s as intriguing as it is strange. On the strength of its debut “Annabel Dream Reader” and deliciously dark live shows, the band has gained some buzz in the States. The Wytches make their Denver headlining debut at the Hi-Dive on Nov. 14. ($10, )
Through an abrasive flow and intense beats Run the Jewels addresses everything from violence to love. At first the aggression can be a turn-off, but once you dig in a bit, you’ll see why music critics say they’ve “started a movement that transcends music.” Sure, “transcends music” is a little hyperbolic, but the duo made up of EL-P and Killer Mike has released its second album, “Run the Jewels 2,” that’s at once pure hip-hop fun and a little insightful. Run the Jewels plays the Gothic Theatre on Nov. 18 in support of an album that’s being hailed as the best hip-hop release of the year. ($20.75-$25, )
Matt Miller: mrmiller@denverpost.com
