OVLOV This returning Connecticut foursome’s distortion-covered yet sticky-sweet hooks bring to mind a big city skyline on an overcast afternoon — their majesty is obscured by a haze that only serves to make the tableau even more unforgettable. Sept. 5, 8 p.m. $7. O’Brien’s Pub. 617-782-6245, www.obrienspubboston.com

IAN SWEET Jilian Medford honed her dream-pop chops in Allston’s basements, and this trip back to the Boston area celebrates the release of her band’s debut full-length, “Shapeshifter.’’ Medford’s hiccupping vocals and pointillistic lyrics serve as a calm eye for the fuzz maelstrom provided by her abstracted riffing. Sept. 6, 7 p.m. $12. Middle East Upstairs. 617-864-EAST, www.mideast offers.com

GALLANT Christopher Gallant’s full-bodied bellow was made for R&B — his falsetto is velvety and delicate, but when things get serious he can belt with the ferocity of a preacher. On his debut full-length, “Ology,’’ he takes that voice to unexpected places. Sept. 6, 8 p.m. $19, advance $16. The Sinclair. 617-547-5200, www.sinclaircambridge.com

CORINNE BAILEY RAE The “Put Your Records On’’ singer’s vibrant new album “The Heart Speaks in Whispers’’ invites a boatload of collaborators (including Berklee-trained soul dynamos KING) along. Sept. 7, 7 p.m. $36, advance $31. Royale. 800-745-3000, www.ticket master.comMAURA JOHNSTON

Maura Johnston can be reached at maura@maura.com.