MUSIC

Pop & Jazz

Previews by August Brown Vampire Weekend Whether you love it for its airtight Anglicized Afro-pop or hate it for its taste in deck shoes, this New York quartet somehow manages to be hugely popular commercially and one of the most divisive bands in recent indie rock. New album “Contra” should cement prior opinions -- it has all the summery guitars and chin-scratcher lyrics of its debut but blown out to an even wider screen. Music Box @ Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tue., 8 p.m. $28. (213) 480-3232.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band This revolving ensemble is like a time capsule of every great sound from New York in the ‘70s. Rooted in disco, there are snatches of downtown experimentalism, nascent beat culture and a kind of ecstatic longing that comes only from many very late nights waiting for subways home from excellent parties. The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. Wed., 8:30 p.m. $10. (213) 413-8200.

GZA The mind behind one of rap’s most beloved records, “Liquid Swords,” never gave up the mantle of his noirish, labyrinthine vision for hip-hop. He has one of the best post-Wu Tang solo reputations, and, even as a lion in winter, he’s an essential part of any decade’s rap canon. Echoplex (below the Echo), 1152 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. Fri., 8:30 p.m. $14. (213) 413-8200.