The Profiler

The Suspect: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Released earlier this summer, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals is actually the fourth studio album for the band. This self-titled release represents the first real push for commercial and international success; previously the band had been earning its reputation by heavy touring and appearing at lots of festivals (they were a hit at this year’s Bele Chere). Potter is often compared to a young Bonnie Raitt. Check her out now … next tour she may be performing at the Civic Center.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Friday, Oct. 15.

RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Heart.

You Should Go If: You have a recurring nightmare where instead of trimming your ends, your hairdresser gives you layers; it really bugs you when people “dress up” as witches; you’ve been polling both friends and strangers for the last 18 months on whether you should get your ear pierced a third time; you’re going green by … drinking organic vodka and smoking American Spirit cigarettes.

The Suspect: Portugal. The Man

According co-founder John Gourley, the band’s name was inspired by artistic alter egos like Ziggy Stardust and Sgt. Pepper — an attempt to give the group a bigger-than-life persona and also suggest the unity of a country. Earlier recordings had a more bluesey White Stripes feel; iTunes describes their latest release, American Ghetto as “Beck-meets-Beatles-meets-Flaming Lips.”

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Saturday, Oct. 16.

RIYD: Superchunk, Modest Mouse, Oasis.

You Should Go If: Women with computer problems find you very charming; you’re considering moving to a city where people get “ironically fabulous”; you point at people instead of saying hello; you’re going green by … co-writing the by-laws for a virtual sustainable intentional community.

The Suspect: Local Natives

This new band has already inspired comparisons to Fleet Foxes and the Dodos; Pitchfork called them a “West Coast Grizzly Bear” and gave their debut, Gorilla Manor, a Best New Music distinction. The band opened several spring shows for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, winning crowds over with their infectious style of psych-folk.

Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Saturday, Oct. 16.

RIYD: Band of Horses, Temper Trap, Fanfarlo.

You Should Go If: You’re seriously considering a career as a professional Frisbee golfer; neighbors take turns mowing your lawn; you wonder if buying a new sleeping bag will help with your recent romantic dry spell; you’re going green by … not buying your textbooks this semester.

The Suspect: Richard Thompson Band

This Brit has been playing folk-rock to appreciative crowds for more than 40 years. He began his career in the ‘60s with the group Fairport Convention, then released six albums with his one-time wife, Linda, during the ‘70s and ‘80s. After they split, he continued to release solo efforts over the last two decades. His career has inspired two tribute albums, and Shoot Out the Lights, his final record with Linda Thompson, was named No. 9 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s Best Albums of the ‘80s.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Sunday, Oct. 17.

RIYD: Mark Knopfler, Nick Drake, Warren Zevon.

You Should Go If: You were a founding member of your men’s support group; largely due to your efforts, pillbox beanies are making a comeback; you think Fantasy Football is some sort of gay porn; you’re going green by … asking people to bring their own cups and utensils to the next Solstice celebration you throw in your yurt.