The Profiler

The Suspect: Rasputina
This Brooklyn cello-driven band was founded by Melora Creager in the early ‘90s, and they’ve toured with Marilyn Manson, Porno for Pyros and Bob Mould. Their music has been described as dark cabaret meets steampunk; Creager writes highly original original songs, and the band delivers unique takes on covers such as “Barracuda” and “Bad Moon Rising.” Rasputina comes to Asheville early in their summer tour in support of their sixth full length disc, Sister Kinderhook, which was released on June 15.

Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Wednesday, July 14.

RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Joanna Newsom, Amanda Palmer, CocoRosie

You Should Go If: You were Vampire when Vampire wasn’t cool; Iambic pentameter is your natural way of speaking; Getting invited to Michael Jackson’s Neverland was on your bucket list; Favorite childhood pastime … wearing your mother’s lingerie over your regular clothes.

The Suspect: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The band was conceived by former front man of Ima Robot, Alex Ebert. Alone and broken-hearted, he began to develop a chick-magnet/messiah-like character named Edward Sharpe, and shortly following, Ebert fell in love with Jade Castrinos, a singer and percussionist. They added about eight more band members, procured a big white bus, and began touring the country. Their shows have a free-spirited ‘60s feel with lots of smiling, dancing and loving vibes.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Thursday, July 15.

RIYD: The Mamas and the Papas, the New Pornographers, Polyphonic Spree

You Should Go If: You were first of your friends to buy a Slanket; It’s not unusual for you to have several hours a day that you can’t account for; You wander but you are not lost; You’re drawn to earrings that could double as Christmas ornaments; Favorite childhood pastime … smelling magic markers immediately followed by “Ring around the Rosie.”

The Suspect: Jill Andrews
In 2003 Jill Andrews partnered with Sam Quinn to form the everybodyfields. The Johnson City, Tenn. group distinguished themselves in the Americana genre, and Paste magazine listed them in the “Best of What’s Next,” in fall 2008. Creative differences caused the band to split in the summer 2009, and Andrews released her self-titled solo EP the following November. She’s also been working on a project of cover songs, and posts a new one monthly on her website; this month hear her version of “Instant Karma” recorded live on the John Lennon educational tour bus.

RIYD: Tift Merritt, Caitlin Cary, Laura Cantrell

Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Saturday, July 17.

You Should Go If: You’ve been known to shush people at concerts; You find talking about your food allergies is a great icebreaker; Friends tell you you’re “too good” to set up with anyone they know; Favorite childhood pastime … writing poems and showing them to your teacher

The Suspect: U.S. Christmas
This six-member band from WNC has shared the stage with Baroness and Weedeater, but they’re not a traditional metal band.  The group took on four new members last year (they now have two drummers), and their sound continues to evolve. Defined by critics as part Prog-Rock, part space rock, USX prefers to think of themselves as “psychedelic, high-volume blues rock.” Their latest album, Run Thick in the Night, is due out this fall.

Can Be Found: Static Age Records, Saturday, July 17.

RIYD: Pink Floyd, Flaming Lips

You Should Go If: You scored 760 or above on the math section of the SAT; At least one of your e-mail addresses has the word “Dungeonmaster” in it;  All of your shirts are black and all of your socks are white; Favorite childhood pastime … learning to speak “Middle Earth.”

The Suspect: Modest Mouse
The Seattle-based group made its debut in 1996, and they’ve been helping shape alternative music ever since. They were signed to the Sony Label, Epic Records in 2000, and released the CD The Moon and Antarctica, which was named by Pitchfork Media as the sixth best album of the last decade. Their latest release, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts. The band spent the first half of 2010 working on songs for their next album, but according to lead singer Isaac Brock, don’t expect to hear any of their new songs at the show. “I don’t think any of it is close to being ready … I'd like to say we're going to, but I don't really see it happening.”

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Monday, July 19.

RIYD: The Decemberists, Spoon, Franz Ferdinand

You Should Go If: You’ve broken up with people after scrolling through their iPod; You don’t trust anyone who hasn’t been clinically depressed at least once; Every six months you pack up all your stuff, say goodbye to all your friends, give notice at work, and then don’t move; Favorite childhood pastime … hating adults.