She might have a delightfully whimsical name, but Portland (by way of England) grunge-tinted blues-maker Scout Niblett is pure simmering intensity. On her latest and best album, It’s Up to Emma, Niblett’s yowls, sparsely hammered drums, and achy riffs pull you up close to see her wounds. She’s been betrayed, but never flies off the handle—though it’s a breakup album to be sure, she takes on the pain with confidence. If she’s shedding any tears, they’re with clenched teeth and good posture. And maybe a gun… “A nice little silver one.” (Barboza, 925 E Pike St, thebarboza.com, 8 pm, $10, 21+)