Rock/pop

Almost exactly two years have passed since Keeley Davis and Jonathan Fuller pulled out of Denali — leaving Maura Davis to scramble for replacements mid-tour — to recommit themselves to hardcore. It's been one year since their reinvigorated Engine Down (pictured) lost a van and trailer full of gear to thieves. Their fourth album, Engine Down (Lookout!) was touted as a bid for bigger things; instead they've come to a sudden stop. But what a good-looking corpse they leave: "Rogue," "Long Time Waiting" and "Cover" are strong and sensitive, and if Davis doesn't share his sister's vocal range — who does? — he's still going out with a win. (And to prove there are no hard feelings, Engine Down's final tour features Maura Davis' new band, Bella Lea.) Also on the bill is Des Ark, who score high on their first try, Loose Lips Sink Ships (Bifocal Media). Singer-guitarist Aimee Argote careens from sad folk ("Some Are Love") to spiky rock ("No More Fighting Cats, OK?") to the high drama of PJ Harvey ("Jesus Loves You [But Yr Still Comin Home With Me Tonight]"). Don't walk away from this.

Fri., Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m., with Bella Lea and True If Destroyed, $8-$10, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.