Melding indie rock and dream-pop influences, LA-based slowcore band Sprain pairs spacey, minimalist arrangements with emotionally compelling narratives. Their sonic subtlety reveals an understated and strikingly nuanced tonal palette, fluidly transitioning between moods and atmospheres with their use of unconventional compositional structure, harmonic color and instrumentation. Still pushing its 2018 self-titled debut, Sprain returns to town for a show at Japantown’s 3F Gallery—a cozy venue that showcases the work of local creatives and is an emerging hotspot on San Jose’s DIY scene.

Sprain 
Sun, 7pm, $5+
3F Gallery, San Jose

Slowcore darlings Sprain play with Eastern Westerner and Eve’s Peach, in a concert hosted by The Come Up, a San Jose DIY collective that’s been making a lot of noise on the  local scene of late. Come watch “the doom band that decided to play clean,” led by April Gerloff and Alex Kent, as they wind down their tour of the Pacific Northwest . The mostly quiet L.A. indie band made waves with their eponymous EP in August. Sprain crafts the kind of luscious lo-fi music perfect for staring at walls, crying or standing with your hands in your pockets nodding thoughtfully. The suggested donation is $5.

Sprain
Sun, 8pm, $5
San Jose Peace & Justice Center

In remembrance of San Jose’s Aaron Anaya, who tragically passed away in a DUI crash in November, local and out-of-town acts will be paying tribute to his life and legacy at this special fundraiser show and celebration. Many of the groups performing were friends of Anaya, who was also a musician, and some will even be playing Aaron’s original songs. The evening’s lineup includes San Jose-based singer-songwriter Try the Pie, San Jose duo Spit Lake, Oakland dream-pop outfit New Circle, San Jose indie rockers Eastern Westerner and Dinners, and Los Angeles lo-fi group Sprain. All proceeds will go to Aaron’s family.

Concert for Aaron
Fri, 8pm, $10
The Ritz, San Jose