Does the world really need another boy band?
Probably not. But then, there’s a difference between what’s wanted and what’s needed.
The Wanted, the latest boy band to climb the charts, is another import from the United Kingdom. The group, which headlines the Showbox SoDo at 8 p.m. Saturday, is in the midst of a globetrotting tour behind its third album, “Word of Mouth.”
Like past boy bands, this one follows a similar template. Its five hunky members were found through auditions. The band topped the charts in England and now is trying to do the same in the United States.
Unlike Justin Bieber or One Direction, though, the Wanted have yet to nab the No. 1 spot in the U.S. That may explain why the group is planning to take a hiatus after its current tour is done, with its members planning to record solo albums before heading back into the studio as a group.
Tickets are $29.50 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
Mastodon, a very different kind of band, also will headline the Showbox SoDo in the coming days, as the critically lauded metal act plays the venue at 7:30 Monday.
Mastodon formed in Atlanta, Ga., in 1999, and slowly built a large following with its high-minded take on metal. The group’s fan base has grown, driving its most recent album, “The Hunter,” to No. 10 on the Billboard 200.
The group is now gearing up to release a new album this summer, so fans can expect to hear Mastodon road-test some of its latest material when it comes to Seattle.
Tickets are $25 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
Ingrid Michaelson, meanwhile, has already released her new album, and now will play the Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Michaelson is touring behind her fifth album, “Lights Out,” which hit stores April 15.
The singer-songwriter, known for her sharp lyrics and jazzy take on folk, has been tilting more toward the pop side of the spectrum with recent outings. Her 2012 album, “Human Again,” hit No. 5 on the Billboard 200, and found her playing easily appealing alt-pop.
That same template is in place on her new album, which features lead single “Girls Chase Boys,” a bouncy little earworm of a pop song.
Tickets are $28.25 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Jake Shimabukuro also will play the Paramount Theatre, as the ukulele master hits the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The Honolulu-born musician started playing the ukulele at age 4, and has since taken the instrument to new heights, winning fans such as jazz musician Bela Fleck and prog-rock producer Alan Parsons.
Shimabukuro has been a frequent face on the world music charts in the last decade — his most recent album, “Grand Ukulele,” hit No. 2 earlier this year. It featured original compositions along with a diverse assortment of covers, including “Over the Rainbow” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
Tickets are $21.25 to $41.25 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Finally, Manchester Orchestra will hit the Neptune Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The alt-rockers are touring now behind “Cope,” a heavy but melodic outing from the Atlanta-based group.
Tickets are $18 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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