6 Great Live Acts To Catch At Boston Calling

It’s one thing to love an artist’s recordings, quite another to enjoy seeing them live. Some bands don’t live up to the hype; maybe they lack charisma, or the ability to sing in tune. And the reverse is sometimes true. It can be tough to capture a great live band in a shrunken mp3 format.

The upcoming Boston Calling Music Festival, Friday to Sunday (Sept. 25 to 27) at Boston's City Hall Plaza, features a lineup of some of the trendiest pop and rock acts around. Below are six artists who make the festival experience worth it.

Alabama Shakes: From the moment Brittany Howard opens her mouth, she has you in her clutches. The Alabama Shakes singer is one of those rare gifted performers whose vocal ferociousness is matched by both polish and charisma.

Chvrches: Chvrches are a Scottish electro-pop band who really deliver in a live context. They write catchy songs that are brisk and bright, while frontwoman Lauren Mayberry sings with an easy power.

Sturgill Simpson: The stoner country singer is known for his witty lyrics and old-school style. Simpson has a friendly, generous stage presence and a crack backup band.

Nate Ruess: The lead singer of Fun. has already logged plenty of miles on the road, and performs his euphorically orchestrated songs with effortless fanfare.

Father John Misty: Father John Misty conveys intimacy through soaring, dramatic music, even on a big stage.

Daughter: The London-based Daughter makes dark and mesmerizing music that builds with eerie stealth.