Eric Bachmann has racked up serious frequent flier miles wandering the musical map. Ever since those indie darlings Archers of Loaf broke up in 1998, his project Crooked Fingers has too many permutations of alternative folk-pop to count. The tradition continues with Forfeit/Fortune, the group’s new album (which they released without the aid of a label). It’s Crooked Fingers’ most AOR-inspired disc to date. This makes sense, considering Bachmann is to Neil Diamond what the Hold Steady’s Craig Finn is to Springsteen. But while he doesn’t sport tinted prescription lenses and denim jumpers, the dude does rock Diamond’s nasal croon and love for anthemic balladry. Since this is a CD release party, maybe Crooked Fingers will bust that “Coming to America” jam for an encore. Please?

Sat., Nov. 8, 9 p.m., 2008