6 can’t-miss acts at Boston Calling

Neutral Milk Hotel — Friday

If there’s one show to catch at Boston Calling this season, it’s Neutral Milk Hotel, point blank. Often named one of the best lo-fi bands of our generation, Neutral Milk Hotel released “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” in 1998 to a tidal wave of positive press (Pitchfork gave “In the Aeroplane” a 10 – unheard of for lo-fi). “In the Aeroplane’s” beautifully sad poetry, from homages to Anne Frank to childhood playground relationships, spawned a cult following around the world. To the chagrin of frontman Jeff Mangum’s musical constituency, the band disbanded a year after the album release, to go on tour for the first time in 15 years last fall. Tickets for the Boston show sold out so quickly a second performance was scheduled. NMH at Boston Calling is an opportunity you can’t miss – who knows when any of us will have another chance to see Neutral Milk Hotel again. — Jackson-Glidden

Future Islands – Friday

Future Islands is one of those guilty-pleasure bands. Not a major guilty pleasure, like, say, Ariana Grande, but Future Islands still has such a goofy element to its synth pop that it really makes you wonder: Why do I enjoy listening to this so much? But in March the band put out its fourth and perhaps most refined, delicious album to date, aptly titled “Singles” — every song on the record is so detail-oriented that each could stand on its own. Lead singer Samuel Herring captured the hearts of millions with his charming, dad-like dance moves when the band made its network television debut in March on “The Late Show with David Letterman” with “Seasons (Waiting On You).” At Boston Calling, expect Herring and his counterparts to put on a show that involves the sort of dancing your uncles might do when they’ve had a few too many beers at a family gathering — but who says that isn’t a total blast? — Kirkpatrick

Childish Gambino — Saturday

Comedian-turned-indie-rapper Donald Glover developed a substantial following on BU’s campus over the course of his career, but a lot has changed since his Metcalf Ballroom performance two years ago. His most recent album, “Because the Internet”, ventures far from the witty, sing-along rhymes of his first studio album, “Camp”. It’s wildly experimental, with plot lines, innovative electronic beats and mild-mannered ambience. Nonetheless, “Internet” moves smoothly from track to track, carried by themes of malaise, confusion and despondency associated with fame and celebrity. The eccentricity of Glover’s latest album succeeds because the emotions of his lyrics hold. Maintaining his sense of humor, Childish Gambino expresses his romantic side without ever sounding tired or cliché. The Deep Web, Glover’s latest tour for “Internet,” reminds his long-term fans that while he’s exploring new parts of his career and his talent, he’s still the nerdy kid who gets excited by technology. The Deep Web app, a mobile download designed for his tour, allowed fans to interact with a screen onstage with the rapper. Audience members could post text and drawings on the screen as the artist performed. It’s unclear what bells and whistles Glover will pull out for his Boston Calling tour performance. But, still basking in the glow of “Because the Internet,” Childish Gambino is sure to deliver the crowd pleasers (“Freaks and Geeks,” “Fire Fly,” and “Internet” single “Sweatpants”) with some surprises along the way. — Jackson-Glidden

Bleachers — Saturday

Let’s be honest: Anything fun. cutie pie Jack Antonoff does is bound to be adorable, quirky and surprisingly iconic. When Antonoff’s latest project Bleachers dropped its first single, “I Wanna Get Better,” in February, the classic anthemic style that won fun. Song of the Year at the Grammys shook up much of the music scene, from the festival circuit to the critic circles. The latest release of Bleachers’ debut album left the music media in a similar tizzy, with critics squealing over the high-energy, motivational poppy rock we haven’t jammed to since the ‘80s. Say what you will about Antonoff — he’s overly sentimental, too laden with bubblegum to count as a truly independent artist — he can make a catchy, heart-pumping love song. Bleachers’ Boston Calling set is bound to spray warm-and-fuzzies over the crowd like confetti, and any fun. fan will tell you the same: The man puts on an earnest, sweet, entertaining show. — Jackson-Glidden

The War on Drugs — Sunday

The War on Drugs’ March release, “Lost in the Dream,” is one of the most exquisite achievements in indie rock in recent memory. Between lead singer Adam Granduciel’s perfectly imperfect vocals, the impeccably layered instrumentals and the intricately crafted lyrics, it’s impossible to pick out a flaw in the band’s third album. The music is so well-prepared, so polished, that it seems effortless. And the band isn’t into being overly glamorous or showy — expect them all to be wearing some sort of denim and dingy T-shirt combination. All they care about is creating an enriching musical experience. Sunday’s show is not, presumably, going to be a chance to dance and get rowdy, but it’s nearly a guarantee that Granduciel et al will stun in a near-spiritual experience. — Kirkpatrick

Spoon — Sunday

Spoon’s August release, “They Want My Soul,” was what made me start saying the word “rad” again for the first time since maybe the seventh grade. There is simply no other word to describe the cool rock ‘n’ roll vibe Britt Daniel and his band have been exuding since 1993, which reached perhaps an all-time high with “Soul.” The seasoned veterans, eight full-length Spoon albums deep, know what it takes to make fun, listenable music that’s out there, but not too out there. It’s music you can play at a party and the hipsters won’t complain and the otherwise mainstream-affiliated listeners will dance along in acceptance. There’s nothing radder than genuine rock music that nearly anyone can enjoy. — Kirkpatrick