rock/folk/astronomy

Melding medieval harmonies and psychedelic squall, Espers pay tribute to a wide range of forebears on The Weed Tree (Locust Music). The elusive EP, named for a prodigious plant in the band's backyard, tips hats in all directions: a mournful "Black Is the Color" wrests the traditional composition from Donovan's resin-stained fingers, while "Tomorrow" substitutes dueling recorders for Durutti Column's multitracked guitars. The highlight is a thrilling take on Blue Öyster Cult's "Flaming Telepaths," which draws out the song's delicate underpinnings without losing its flashbulb intensity. Just don't request "Don't Fear the Reaper"—they've heard it.

Joined by the Vermont collective Feathers, who'll give Neutral Milk Hotel fans a warm feeling in their nethers, and local dude Adam Arcuragi, Espers' show at the Franklin Institute's Fels Planetarium will feature a full-on light show of the kind usually reserved for the likes of Floyd and Zeppelin. Spark 'em if you got 'em.

—Sam Adams

Espers