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What you need to know about alt-R&B act The Internet

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The Internet dials up the House of Blues on November 12.
Photo: Amy Harris / AP

Members: The Internet is commandeered by singer/songwriters and studio-do-it-alls Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martians, and rounded out by guitarist Steve Lacy, bassist Patrick Paige II and percussionist/mixer Christopher Smith.

Origin: Led by primary vocalist Syd, most of the band broke off from now-defunct LA hip-hop collective Odd Future, which also birthed alt-urban figureheads Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler the Creator.

Sound: Like most under the neo-soul umbrella, The Internet uses classic R&B as a foundation to build its in-the-moment sound, which is equally subdued and sublime. And like many of their LA peers, the musicians infuse their Mid-City grooves with jazz flourishes and measured funk, administered through both live instrumentation and programming.

For those who like: SZA, The Neptunes/N.E.R.D., Solange, Hiatus Kaiyote, Thundercat.

Most recent album: This year’s Hive Mind, which deploys a variety of beats and moods, unified by the band’s compositional depth and signature understated delivery.

Stream before going: “Roll (Burbank Funk),” a buoyant, windows-down jam; “Palace/Curse,” inspired in part by South Central LA’s G-Funk sound; and “Girl,” a queer ballad where Syd instructs, “Girl/If they don’t know your worth/Tell ’em you’re my girl.”

THE INTERNET with Moonchild. November 12, 7:30 p.m., $30, House of Blues, 702-632-7600

Tags: Music, R&B
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