Though time and experience may have softened the edges of Corin Tucker's music, it hasn't loosened the covalent bonds linking her fiery independence and hooky, propulsive songwriting. On her second solo album since Sleater-Kinney's breakup, Tucker continues to explore taut indie rock rich in melody and texture. Kill My Blues is more muscular and driving than 2010's 1000 Years—a good change, as that album too often sounded a tad sedate. She seems more comfortable this time out, finding some unique spaces among the Middle-Eastern-flavored garage track of "Constance" and the sidling '60s rock of "Joey." Greasy and great retro '70s Raleigh rockers Birds of Avalon open. —Chris Parker