Tonight’s Concert Pick: Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan at Johnny Brenda’s

More than four and a half years have passed between Belle And Sebastian‘s 2006 album The Life Pursuit and the brand-new Write About Love, which probably explains why so many eager fans and critics were ready to heap praise on the album before it even hit the shelves. Then again, many other Belle And Sebastian fans might say that the indie-pop ensemble’s music hasn’t quite been up to snuff since the departure of cellist/vocalist Isobel Campbell during the band’s 2002 national tour. After splitting ways with Stuart Murdoch and his merry band of twee musicians, Campbell raised a few eyebrows by pairing up with world-weary rocker Mark Lanegan; the unlikely pairing, however, has produced three well-received albums since then, including this year’s Hawk. The new record—released in August by V2 Records—finds Campbell in full control of the reins, and alternatively infusing the band’s stripped-down Americana with elements of folk, country, and blues. Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan perform with Willy Mason at 9 p.m. at Johnny Brenda’s; tickets to the 21+ show are $15-$17.