In this tech-crazy era of computerized graphic design, musicians posing for their album covers isn’t cool anymore. That’s a fact that George Lewis Jr. chose to ignore for his second Twin Shadow release, Confess; he appears on the cover against a plain blue background, slouched forward, dark hair slicked back, hands casually draped in the pockets of his studded black leather jacket, one eyebrow slightly cocked. The artwork recalls the iconic cover of George Michael’s Faith, and, like Michael, Lewis has a persona that exudes seductiveness and extreme self-assurance. It’s an aura that’s reflected in his slick, alluring music—Confess was inspired by a serious motorcycle accident, morbidity, and black thoughts, but Lewis has said that Twin Shadow was a reaffirmation of life for him, and his new songs are flushed with an energized, confident sexiness. With Poolside. ERIN K. THOMPSON

Sun., Aug. 12, 8 p.m., 2012