D.C.-via-N.C. quartet The Moderate returns to Raleigh for the holidays, like the long-lost cousin of new local favorite Jack The Radio. The Moderate similarly blends equal parts swampy blues, classic rock gusto and modern indie sensibilities into a compelling, melodic blast emboldened by Ian Burke's saxophone play. Likeminded Raleigh quintet Motion Pictures relies on strains of roots and blues for its rowdy rock rave-ups, while Hammer No More The Fingers guitarist Joe Hall plays a rare solo set in the first opening slot. —Spencer Griffith