On its new release “Voices,” the Empty Pockets sing about being pestered by psychic adversaries — voices in the head, imaginary friends, monkeys on their back — but somehow those menacing beings don’t really pay close enough attention.
The Empty Pockets sings energetic pop-leaning country Americana, with careful and bright vocal harmonies. Many of the bands songs are about those close alignments, between paired voices, birds of a feather, attracted opposites, or partners in crime, the kind that can aid us as we make our way through the world, or sometimes trip us up because of the closeness.
This Chicago-based quartet feathers a little jazzy soul into ambitious songs like “You Be the High,” which have a big arena-ready potential, but they also have a traditional side, having paid tribute to Jeff Buckley and Buddy Holly. This is their holiday concert full of winter classics.
See the Empty Pockets at Infinity Hall, 2 Front St., Hartford, Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. $24 to $44. 866-666-6306 and infinityhall.com.
