Portland singer/songwriter Laura Veirs has a deadpan vocal delivery just a shade lighter than Liz Phair, but whereas Phair's breakup songs were blunt articles of faith, Veirs wraps her own in gorgeous natural metaphors and lush indie-pop production. Her lyrics have grown more and more literary with each album, and better-known musicians like Death Cab for Cutie continue to sing her praises. Opening, New Zealander Liam Finn honed his chops touring with his father Neil's beloved band, Crowded House. The younger Finn shares his dad's love of Beatles-esque pop, but with a smart brashness befitting his 24 years.