The Maldives

Few other Seattle rock bands are putting on live shows with as much homespun, earthy energy as the Maldives are conjuring right now. Jason Dodson and his well-populated band of merry makers (roll call usually involves at least nine members, including pedal steel, fiddle, banjo and accordion players), seem to be on a roll, winning new fans every time they hit the stage, sounding like the one local band who would truly deserve an opening slot on a Drive-By Truckers tour. Some of this electricity is no doubt being channeled by all the time they’ve spent in the studio recently; their Tim Seely-produced sophomore effort is in the works and the boys are aiming for a late spring release. With North Twin and the Tripwires. HANNAH LEVIN

Listen to a sample of The Maldives' "Whidbey Island Blues."