Eight Gigs: Cardboard Swords

Would you want to sit down over coffee and have an intimate conversation with the members of Cardboard Swords? Well, you can achieve the same result at their show. The four-piece from Grand Rapids, Mich., basically pour their hearts out in every song. It’s almost like listening to a one-on-one confession or reading a diary entry from the band, the difference being that the songs are crafted together with a lot of thought, polish and precision. Musically, these guys jump around (driving punk, moody indie-folk, bits of pop). Make sure to grab a coffee on the way and soak it all in. 3520 Stockton Boulevard, www.thecardboardswords.com.