For every Starbucks in Seattle, there’s a singer-songwriter… or so it seems. It can be a chore to differentiate between the snooze-inducers and the real-deal artists. As the new album Cape Disappointment proves, Aaron Semer belongs in the latter camp. While I admit that this style is not really my bag, I can discern that Semer’s authoritative acoustic-guitar strums and perceptive, gripping lyrics command respect. His songs bear a subtle gravitas and abound with vivid lyrical details, with shadings of Warren Zevon and Ian Hunter’s world-weary wit and emotional depth. The urgent, sociopolitically savvy “(Little Back Square on My) Profile Pic” is an anthem in the making. He’ll be opening this date that also serves as the Seattle release show for Across the Water, the new outing from dreamy Portland indie pop outfit Sea Caves. by Dave Segal