Tonight’s Concert Pick: The Antlers at First Unitarian Church

After writing and recording two full-length albums as a solo effort, Peter Silberman’s project The Antlers finally hit its stride with 2009’s Hospice. The Antlers’ first record as a collaborative group, Hospice was a concept album centered around a emotionally abusive relationship; the songs were primarily defined Silberman’s chilling lyrics (which delved into grief, illness, and Sylvia Plath references) as well as his plaintive falsetto, which rang over slow-churning distortion and the hum of lullaby-like melodies. An overarching narrative of loss made Hospice a powerful, cohesive album; it’s not meant to be a collection of singles. The new album, Burst Apart (released last month on Frenchkiss Records), manages to both preserve and broaden what made its predecessor work. Burst Apart stands at the intersection of electronic pop, indie rock, and fuzzy folk; Silberman howls about desolation and heartbreak—but, though the songs aren’t exactly uplifting, they’re not completely dismal, either. There’s an element of warmth, however distant, that wasn’t anywhere to be found in previous albums. With horns and power-ballad choruses, The Antlers seek to expand the identity that Hospice built. The Antlers perform with Little Scream at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church; tickets to the all-ages show are $15. —Kiley Bense

Also playing: The Homophones + The Tweeds, Legs Like Tree Trunks, The Jawnettes at Kung Fu Necktie (8 p.m., 21+, $8); Arctic Monkeys at Electric Factory (8 p.m., SOLD OUT); Junip + The Acrylics at World Cafe Live (8 p.m., $22-$27)