Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, the married couple in country-rock duo Shovels & Rope, live on an island in South Carolina, so it makes sense that their latest, Swimmin’ Time, has an aquatic theme. On “Fish Assassin,” they sing about a fisherman hoping his catch will woo his lady after an argument; on “Stono River Blues,” Trent and Hearst namedrop a handful of S.C. rivers and creeks and, with a fantastic twang, wax poetic on life down by the river: “You don’t need much to be happy/The boat cost money, but the shrimp is free.” With Willie Watson. The Neptune. 8 p.m. $22 adv./$25 DOS. All ages.
On their latest, Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara traded indie-rock riffs for a synth-heavy pop sound. This more polished approach surely shocked some fans, but listening to the lyrics, Heartthrob is very obviously a product of the Quin sisters. The Canadian duo explores the joy and heartache different stages of a relationship can bring. On lead single “Closer,” the twins sing about wanting someone they’re sweet on to move in nearer, and on “How Come You Don’t Want Me,” they ask an ex why he wasn’t willing to try harder to save the relationship. Heartthrob is sugary sweet, but doesn’t lack any of the Tegan and Sara substance. With Waters, the Courtneys. The Paramount. 7:30 p.m. $31.25 and up. All ages.
Hard Working Americans is the alt-country supergroup to end them all. The Americana band features Dave Schools of Widespread Panic on bass; singer/guitarist Neal Casal of Cardinals and The Chris Robinson Brotherhood; keyboardist Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi; and Duane Trucks (brother of Derek) of King Lincoln on drums, with vocalist/songwriter Todd Snider and singer/guitarist Jesse Aycock. Their talent is showcased on HWA’s self-titled debut, a collection of 11 covers. From Hayes Carll’s “Stomp and Holler” and Drivin’ ’N’ Cryin’s “Straight to Hell” to David Rawlings and Gillian Welch’s ‘Wrecking Ball,” the band’s mastery of the blue-collar anthem runs true to its name. With The Congress. The Showbox. 8:30 p.m. $25 adv./$28. 21 and over.
