On their 2019 album Schlagenheim, London quartet Black Midi display an exceptional affinity for loud/quiet/loud dynamics and smart, aggressive rock. However, the melodramatic, male-witchy vocals detract from the sonic excitement, although you may have a different reaction. I would encourage everyone to arrive at the Crocodile early for Ami Dang, a Baltimore-based sitarist/vocalist who also manipulates electronics in her artful East-West fusions. Check out her 2019 album Parted Plains on the great Leaving Records for an example of Dang’s eventful, ambient compositions; every track reveals an unconventional facet of sonic transcendence. by Dave Segal