Sometimes you just don’t need words to convey whatever it is you want to say–at least that’s how it goes for Kristian Dunn and Tim Fogarty, the Cali instrumentalists who are better known as El Ten Eleven. Playing instrumental has always been their thing, all the way from their first self-titled EP to their sixth release. But that formula is about to change with their latest upcoming record called Unusable Love, as El Ten Eleven is finally adding vocals to the mix (Emile Mosseri of the Brooklyn-based band The Dig). Their upcoming release with their new highlighted vocals will be played in full at Rough Trade (as well as past discography), but this is a special showcase–just one of two shows with this kind of set. 

When you listen to El Ten Eleven you’ll find yourself enthralled with their mysterious sound, which you’ll undoubtedly find hard to believe is just two people making all that music. Their songs are layered and complex, are all-commanding with emotion, and visceral. The song “Fanshawe” (one of their strongest tracks) is a prime example of that–a track that still finds a way to surprise you with every listen. (But then again, so do a lot of their songs.)

Adding vocals to El Ten Eleven (which you can hear on their latest single called “I’m Right Here” and “Unusable Love”) adds a different, elevated dimension to these experimental rockers, and complements the backbone of their stylistic tunes. Catch this show at Rough Trade and prepare for a moving musical experience.

Rough Trade

8/15

featuring Emile Mosseri, w/ Pete International Airport

9 p.m.

$18

Tickets