J Mascis/Luluc

The leadoff track on J Mascis’ outstanding new solo album (Tied to a Star, released just this past August) distills the guy’s slacker drawl into a reflective pool of melody. Less the brash post-grunge of Dinosaur Jr., J Mascis still very much thrives on the songwriting craft. This album positively swoons. “Me Again,” the aforementioned cut, is a divine summertime cruise. Just beyond the nimble guitar lines float esoteric sounds and effects (see also “Come Down” and the percussion-supported “Drifter,” for instance). J will likely be looping all sorts of interesting lines onstage tonight, creating a web of music. The whole album moves in and among moods, offering up catchy chord progressions and electric solos. Tied to a Star comes off like a more realized version of the stuff J was laying down in 2011’s Several Shades of Why, another album worth exploring. 8:30 p.m., $15 ADV, $17 DOS. Grog Shop. (Sandy)