Archie Powell and the Exports

It’s the last weekend in April and we can’t just let you go on your merry way without making a few suggestions on how best to live it up and rock it out.

Grab your hippest rain poncho and brace yourselves because we’re talking Archie Powell and the Exports’ record release show at Subterranean, Panda Riot’s gig at Bottom Lounge and Rabid Rabbit’s takeover of the Empty Bottle.

Up and Atom!

FRIDAY

ARCHIE POWELL AND THE EXPORTS
One of Chicago’s finest power pop bands is celebrating the release of their brand new album Great Ideas in Action. While Chicago’s indie rock scene produces some amazing experimental psych and crackling garage bands, Archie Powell and the Exports stand out for playing loud rock and roll that emphasizes big hooks and catchy harmonies. The way the band actively shape and uses melody to complement roaring riffs and throbbing beats on Great Ideas in Action shows that Archie Powell and The Exports aren’t afraid to go balls to the wall pop. (Audrey Leon)

8:30 p.m. Friday, 4/27. Subterranean. 17+ $10.

FOOTBALL
It’s fitting that the night of the second and third rounds of the NFL 2012 draft we get some real football. Football the band that is. Yep, the Chicago garage-punks are back to unleash their tinnitus-inducing bass tones and dirty, dirty guitars. Even better is that studio tunes from the band are slowly making their way on to the internet as I pointed out earlier. Word is that there’s an EP in the works, and there’s no doubting that it’ll be worth a first rounder. Former member of The Horrors and garagey bluesman Paul Cary and Detroit’s Childbite open. (Richard Giraldi)

9:30 p.m. Friday, 4/27. Quenchers. 21+. Free!

SATURDAY

PANDA RIOT
We’ve practically been on the edge of our seats awaiting new material from sensual shoegazers Panda Riot and we’re finally getting our wish. The group will release its Serious Radical Girls 7″ to the world on June 5. Panda Riot continue to dazzle with a sound that is heavily influenced by such influential early 90s bands as Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine. Frontwoman Rebecca Scott’s heavenly vocals anchor the band’s soaring distorted guitar tones, lush synth play and computerized beats. For a lack better words, Panda Riot is simply dreamy. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 4/28. Bottom Lounge. 21+ $5.

SUNDAY

RABID RABBIT
If you like your doom metal low and slow, look no further than Chicago’s Rabid Rabbit. The group straddles the line between ominous stoner rock and hypnotic sludge rock with its penchant for drawn-out jam sessions. Rabid Rabbit lays down the bass nice and thick, utilizing two players instead of one. Frontwoman Andrea Jablonski’s low growls are a siren song for those who love their metal to be as heavy and tortured as possible. (Audrey Leon)

9:30 p.m. Sunday, 4/29. Empty Bottle. 21+ $3.

Disappears

Annnnnnd, it’s the final Weekend Diversions of 2011. So sad. So, so, so sad. Or is it? Yes, it is. Maybe. Either way, there’s no shortage of rad New Years Eve shows we just have to talk about this weekend. Of course, there’s Disappears at the Bottle or Local H at the Bottom Lounge, but there’s also JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound at Schubas tonight and so much more.

Dig it, y’all.

FRIDAY

JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND
New Year’s starts early this weekend with the first of two Uptown Sound shows at Schubas. The soul-punk outfit had a great 2011 with the release of their brand new album Want More. If you’re looking to get down and get funky, then an Uptown Sound gig is the place to be. Let singer JC Brooks serenade you with his rich, smoky vocals while the Uptown Sound lifts you up with some upbeat and bouncy rhythms. Testify! (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 12/30. Schubas. 18+ $12.

THE RUNNIES
If you love garage rock but think there’s too much damned guitar, then The Runnies might just be the band for you. The local trio have a loose ’60s garage vibe that’s powered with some sweet organ action. The result officially finds the band dipping into some R&B feelers and rowdy revivals. Which why their recently released record, You Can’t Win, made it on my Top 11 Chicago Records of 2011 list. Headlining the show is Detroit own The Detroit Cobras who bring soulful rock ‘n’ roll antics, and Milwaukee glam rockers Ramma Lamma. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 12/30. Empty Bottle. 21+. $13.

SATURDAY

DISAPPEARS
Who wouldn’t want to ring in the new year with the best psych-garage rockers around? Disappears return home after one hell of a year that saw them add Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley on drums, the release of a critically acclaimed album(s), hitting the big stage at Lollapalooza, European tours and so much more. And somehow between all of that, they’ve managed to record a new record, Pre Language, which is set to drop in March. Impressive? You bethca. Opening are Bare Mutants (feat. members of The Ponys, The 1900s, Mannequin Men and Derek & The Musicians) who will no doubt impress with their chilled out indie rock, and reverb-heavy garage poppers Outer Minds. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/31. Empty Bottle. 21+. $25.

LOCAL H
Hard rocking, hard working Chicago duo Local H are hitting the reset button on 2011 by ringing in the new year with what is sure to be a blisting set of hits new and old at the very same venue they played last New Year’s Eve, the Bottom Lounge. Local H are regulars on the Chicago NYE circuit, and having spent a magical evening with the band rocking out with a few hundred of my drunkest friends in 2009, I can safely say Local H’s NYE shows bring the spectacle. This year’s themed event is a tribute to Rush’s 2112 so order up a Molson and wear your best Canadian tuxedo because it’s going to get heavy.
(Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/31. Bottom Lounge. 21+ $30.

SLUTTER
If four sexy ladies, with demon facepaint, who rock out to the hits of KISS is more your style, then come party with Slutter at Liar’s Club. I’ve had the very fortunate experience of both seeing Slutter at Liar’s Club and being pushed out of the way by Vagene Simmons en route to the stage. So. Clearly, I win. Liar’s Club may be small, but the spectacle is guaranteed to be huge when Slutter are around. Plus there’s an open bar package, which includes admission, available for $50. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/31. Liar’s Club. 21+ $10.

SUNDAY

CAINS & ABELS & FRIENDS
Wistful indie poppers The Cains and Abels are taking over The Whistler on New Year’s Day and they’re bringing some friends along. Come out and hear some jams from the group’s 2011 EP The Price is Right. You won’t find Drew Carey or old Bob Barker and their skinny microphones, but you will find lush, heartfelt pop melodies with just a hint of Midwestern twang. Oh, yeah! (Audrey Leon)

9:30 p.m. Sunday, 1/1. The Whistler. 21+ Free!

My Gold Mask | photo by Audrey Leon

Hopefully, you have all managed to get through this blackest of Black Fridays without getting trampled upon for a $2 waffle maker, Chicagoans, because we’ve got an incredible line-up of musical acts setting up shop all round this fair city.

We’re talking Scott Lucas and the Married Men at Hard Rock Cafe, My Gold Mask at Empty Bottle, Tandoori Knights at Bottom Lounge and so much more.

Come on, Pilgrim!

FRIDAY

SCOTT LUCAS AND THE MARRIED MEN
When Scott Lucas isn’t playing and recording as part of the long-time Chicago duo Local H or mentoring young musicians with rock star aspirations, he is off showing his softer, Americana side with The Married Men. The septet is working on its follow-up to 2010’s George Lassos the Moon and have already let slip a taste of what is to come with a cover of Johnny Cash’s “(Ain’t No Grave) Can Hold My Body Down.” However, tonight, Lucas busts out his old acoustic guitar for a solo performance. Also on the bill tonight are Brit pop-inspired indie rockers Blah Blah Blah and swinging pop songstress Kirby Kaiser.

9:00 p.m. Friday, 11/25. Hard Rock Cafe. All Ages. $10.

MY GOLD MASK
I generally can’t say enough nice things about experimental dance poppers My Gold Mask. The husband and wife duo of Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo craft hauntingly beautiful pop gems that are simply inescapable and intoxicatingly beautiful. Last year the duo released not one, but two EPs that made my top ten albums of 2010 list and now that the band’s music has made its way onto the TV show Gossip Girl, I can only hope this means bigger and better things for My Gold Mask in 2012. Also appearing tonight are gypsy surf rockers La Scala and The Baby Magic, a band that somehow manages to make being singing about vulgarities incredibly adorable.

10:00 p.m. Friday, 11/25. Empty Bottle. 21+ $10.

SATURDAY

TANDOORI KNIGHTS
Bluesy 50s rock-inspired showman King Khan is making his second appearance in Chicago since this past July, now with his other dirty, distortion-laden surf rock side project Tandoori Knights. The group switches on the time machine and transports us back to a time when we’d all do the Mashed Potato with Buddy Holly and Little Richard. This bill is packed to the gills with five bands in all, including Oakland garage punks Nobunny, One-man-rock-band Bloodshot Bill, Chicago psych rockers Outer Minds, and jangly post-punks Radar Eyes. Five bands, $15? That’s $3 per band. Talk about more bang for your rock’n'roll buck.

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/26. Bottom Lounge. 17+ $15.

SUNDAY

MAGIC MILK
Party one last time this holiday weekend with the sleazy garage rock stylings of Magic Milk. The group creates sweaty, danceable grooves with plenty of ‘60s-esque metallic-toned guitars and bouncing rhythms backed by wailing, distorted vocals and bluesy harmonica solos. Magic Milk will be joined by experimental Chicago noise poppers Small Wonder and from Detroit, twinkling, melodic indie rockers PK Fire.

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 11/27. Panchos. 18+ $5.

• • The Tribune’s Christopher Borrelli explores the history of one of Chicago’s best known music clubs The Hideout.
• • Speaking of The Hideout, WindyCityRock.net’s Andrew Hertzberg reviews this past weekend’s Hideout Block Party.
• • Meanwhile, TimeOut Chicago has a short review and a meat-heavy photo gallery of the first annual Rock and Roll Pig Roast.
• • Yakuza/Bloodiest frontman Bruce Lamont interviews the Swans’ Michael Gira for the Reader during their stop at Chicago’s Bottom Lounge last week.
• • Gonzo Chicago has an audio of full sets from Mayor Daley and Bad Drugs during their rager at the Empty Bottle last week.

Asobi Seksu

It’s the autumnal equinox, Charlie Brown! In celebration of the first real day of fall, we’ve got a fine selection of shows for your weekend party planning. We’re talking up The Hideout Block Party, Deerhoof, Asobi Seksu and much more!

Come on. Feel the Illinoise, already!

FRIDAY

NEWVILLAGER
Some bands make art for the sake of art. Naturally, I get a little worried, and somewhat intrigued when a band calls themselves a cross between Michael Jackson and the Beatles. Especially, when that really isn’t the case at all. NewVillager has some dance beats, albeit not Jackson-esque grooves, but they are there. Especially on the single “Lighthouse” from its 2011 self-titled album. And there’s some good-time pop sounds, though it’s certainly not Beatles-esque. For ambient electro-pop – with deep, slow jamz tendencies – NewVillager is as decent as it gets. New Zealander computer-generated pop solo artist Annabel Alpers aka Bachelorette will also appear alongside the delightfully sweet sugar plum pop fairies Tiny Fireflies. I can’t rave about this Chicago duo anymore than I already have. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 9/23. Empty Bottle. 21+ $12.

SATURDAY

HIDEOUT BLOCK PARTY
After a couple years off in which Bloodshot Records threw a BBQ and the Mad Decent Block Party threw a, um, Block Party, the Hideout Block party returns to its root. Those being a celebration of one of Chicago’s most recognizable venue and some of Chicago’s best talent. This time around, the Hideout went for the firepower with headliners Andrew Bird and Mavis Staples. But there’s more including, but not limited to, the always lovable White Mystery will bring the riffs, Kids These Days will bring the soul and The Eternals will bring the funk. (Richard Giraldi)

12:00 p.m. Saturday, 9/24. The Hideout. All Ages. $25.

VILLAGE
Chicago rockers Village have a real Pretenders vibe going on. Sure, they have a male singer, but they do the whole new wave, punk-pop thing with a hint of bluesy pysch rock thing very well. Also on hand are fellow Chicagoans Radar Eyes who will serve up some dark and sensible garage pop. Be sure to check out their new bassist. Opening the show are Oklahoma scratchy post-punk poppers Broncho. Broncho at Pancho’s. Dig it. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 9/24. Panchos. 18+ $6.

SUNDAY

ASOBI SEKSU
Sometimes you need a little upbeat dream pop to brighten your day and make the week pass by, as if you’re riding on a soft, fluffy cloud. Singer Yuki Chikudate has a beautiful, just stunning voice that utilizes plenty of endearingly high falsettos that allow the listener to escape. On Asobi Seksu’s latest album Fluorescence branch out farther into the smooth pop style 90s rockers The Cranberries did so well – though with plenty of shoegaze elements present. Chikudate even sounds like singer Dolores O’Riordan on a few of Fluorescence tracks like “In My Head” and “Sighs.” Distortion-laden garage poppers White Birds will open. An excellent pairing all around that is well-worth the price of admission and then some. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 9/25. Schubas. 21+ $14.

DEERHOOF
It seems like Deerhoof stops in Chicago a couple times a year, but, hey, we’re not complaining. We’re always up for some spastic art-pop, which the San Fran quartet did quite well on their latest LP Deerhoof vs. Evil (Read my review of it here.) While not as frantic as their older work, Deerhoof vs. Evil finds the band going for some mellowers, spacey grooves. The Cloak Ox and Trin Tran open. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Sunday, 9/25. Bottom Lounge. 17+. $15.

• • NPR is now streaming the new Wilco album, The Whole Love.
• • Jim DeRogatis has another installment of the highly entertaining The Vortis Diaries on his WBEZ blog that details their problematic gig earlier this month at Subterranean.
• • Greg Kot profiles local R&B/hip hop/jazz up-and-comers Kids These Days for the Chicago Tribune.
• • WindyCityRock.net reviews last week’s BRAIDS and Painted Palms show at the Empty Bottle.
• • Gonzo Chicago has a sweet, sweet video of Music Tapes’ Julian Koster and Robby Cuchiarro performing the song “Spare the Dark Streets” in an alley behind the Bottom Lounge last week.

The Laureates

Three Thank-Grimace-It’s-Thursday reasons to head on down to Bottom Lounge tonight…

1. How about some endearing indie rock? If you like a little bit of jingle with your jangly guitars The Laureates more than deliver with its Spoon-like bluesy, toe-tapping rhythms and its Morrissey-esque vocal stylings. Our own editor-in-chief Richard Giraldi had some nice things to say about the group’s sophomore record Spells back in June, describing the Laureate’s sound as “rough-and-tumble garage rock with a power pop sheen.” It probably doesn’t get more apt than that.

2. It’s an LLP two-fer. The Canoes are yet another band that our esteemed editor gave a rather favorable review on their latest effort Roger. The local rockers shimmer with deep Midwestern twang and a nostalgic love for early 90s alternative rock. It’s a winning combination all around for the quartet and for music lovers that just want to have some good old-rock-and-roll-fun.

3. Opening the show on this night are the quiet folk charms of Blessed Feathers. The Wisconsin group is delightfully minimalist, trading soothing male and female vocal leads and beautifully blended harmonies over deep bass drum beats and gently strummed guitars. Blessed Feathers will comfort you after a long day’s work before the other two groups yank you out of your stupor and force you to your feet. Don’t dillydally, y’all.

8:00 p.m. Thursday, 9/15. Bottom Lounge. 21+ $5.

Chk-Chk-Chk

Is it me or does it feel like everyone and their mother have a show in town on Saturday night? Well, like the highlander, there can only be one (or two).

Here are our top picks for this weekend’s must-see shows.

FRIDAY

DICK WOLF!
Need some good ol’ twitchy, touchy feelie tap-rock in your life? Well, that’s good news because melodic math rockers Dick Wolf! will make Subterranean all hot and sweaty with its sweet fret action. And feel free to check out this excellent demo we posted a few days ago. Chicago pop rockers Late in the Playoffs will headline the room with its dulcet harmonies and huge-ass rock riffs. (Audrey Leon)

8:30 p.m. Friday, 8/26. Subterranean. 17+ $12.

CHK CHK CHK (!!!)
I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but I haven’t thought about dance punks !!! (pronounced chk-chk-chk) in ages. They first popped up on my radar years ago with slow-groove dance rock compositions with odd titles like “There’s No Fucking Rules, Dude” and “KooKooKa Fuk-U,” not to mention the fun, Queen of the Stone Age-inspired “Feel Good Hit of the Fall” from 2001’s self-titled album. Somewhere along the way the albums were fewer and farther between until last year’s Strange Weather, Isn’t it?. !!! still makes music worth dancing to with funky deep basslines and twangy guitars. Surely, sighting the elusive striped hipster dancing is worth full admission price. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 8/26. Bottom Lounge. 17+. $20.

SATURDAY

HOLLOWS
Don’t be fooled by Hollows lovely looks. This all-girl-plus-a-guy outfit creates some spooky, quirky garage pop that’s equally fit for a dank divebar as it is for Saturday morning cartoon (they still have Saturday morning cartoons, right?). Anyway, with a bill rounded out by Loud Loop favorite Radar Eyes, who brings a similar dark-but-accessible approach to pysche-y garage rock, and The Runnies, who will thrill with their smoky garage pop, this is a show that will not only get your head bouncing but perhaps make you break out some wacky PBR-influenced dance moves. We can only hope. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 8/27. The Hideout. 21+ $8.

MERLIN WALL
It’s probably no secret that Merlin Wall are one of my favorites out on the local scene right now. Their surfy and melodic take on nerd rock isn’t wholly innovative but is quite refreshing in it’s honesty. How can one fin fault with the bouncy rhythms and beach party guitar lines of “Pizza Party?” I mean the songs about having a fucking pizza party! Pizza! Party! Or the smooth power pop of Chick Track. What I’m saying is that Merlin Wall are awesome. And be sure to check out melodic indie poppers The Sweeps and The Foot. (Richard Giraldi)

10:30 p.m. Saturday, 8/27. Beat Kitchen. 21+ $8.

SUNDAY

ORCA TEAM
SAKI record store has put together a mighty fine in-store for you this weekend. Portland’s Orca Team are a nifty little throwback to play all those harmless surf rock bands of yesteryear. Don’t forget to do the twist. Also on tap are Chicago fuzzy garage rockers Magic Milk and noise poppers Whales. A fine selection if I ever saw one. And I just did. (Audrey Leon)

4:00 p.m. Sunday, 8/28. Saki Records. All Ages. FREE.

WHOOO! WEEKEND! HELL YEAH! Anyway, there’s just WAYYYY too much going on this weekend for me to jabber on about right now.

Let’s just dive in, shall we?

FRIDAY

HAPPY FUGGIN’ 8TH of JULY
As we reported earlier this week, local screen printers and poster artists FugScreens Studios is opening its shop to the public for a night of free food, drink and live rock and/or roll. Loud Loop Press is proud co-sponsor this event that gives you, our beloved readers, a chance to check out such awesome acts as fuzzy indie rockers Continental Breakfast, post-punks Rodeo and garage-a-billy trio Ornery Little Darlings. (Audrey Leon)

7:00 p.m. Friday, 7/8. FugScreens Studios (1735 N. Ashland Ave). All Ages. Free.

ARCHERS OF LOAF
That’s right, Archers of Loaf. I shouldn’t even have to tell you why but I guess that’s my job so… seminal North Carolina indie rock! While everyone was loving on Pavement I was busy digging the heavier sounds of Archers of Loaf. Now, they are back and ready to get some of that retro love the likes of Dinosaur Jr. and Superchunk have been basking in lately. This shit is well deserved, see. Don’t be a dummy and let the Archers slip through your fingers again. You’ve got two chances to see them and hopefully new material is in our future? In the meantime the good folks at Merge are busy readying remastered re-issues of all four studio albums starting with Icky Mettle in early August. Merge. Archers of Loaf. I mean, this is just perfect. (Ross Meyerson)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 7/8. Bottom Lounge. 17+. $25.
9:00 p.m. Saturday, 7/9. Bottom Lounge. 17+. $22.

LOCAL H
It was only two months ago that the hard rocking duo of Scott Lucas and Brian St. Clair – otherwise known as Local H – played to a packed audience at the Metro as a part of their “All the Hits All Night” tour. Well, now the group is changing it up, playing a smaller gig at the Empty Bottle that promises to deliver the 20-year-old band’s deep cuts. If Lucas’ stop at Coach House Sounds is any indication, the band should pull out some rare gems. Of course if you want to see “Bound for the Floor,” you should hit up the band’s West Fest set on Saturday (See below for more info). (Audrey Leon)

9:30 p.m. Friday, 7/8. Empty Bottle. 21+ $15.

THEIR OCEAN
Two guys known as Keith and Jason somehow make up the entirety of the rather large and lush sounding Their Ocean. You may know Jason from his other duo Boy King Island, upon whom our own Britni Day lavished some pretty heady praise. Less indie than that combo, Their Ocean take on a more of a swirling soul-like thing that at time reminds this here writer of In Tall Buildings. Tonight they are finally celebrating the release of their Still Waters EP which can be downloaded for the low low price of free here. If you like the physical, they will be selling a limited amount of handmade CDs. I still like CDs. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 7/8. Morseland. 21+. FREE!

HOUSE SOUNDS
Jingly jangly indie rock is what Chicago’s House Sounds do best. A bit surfy, a bit garagey but almost always melodic and fun. But that’s not all going down this evening. Quirky keyboard-n-drum duo Billy Crystal Meth are celebrating their release of their new tape. Oh, and let’s not forget Minneapolis’ non-NFL team spastic bedroom rockers The Miami Dolphins and double keyboard action from Jacksonville’s Chicken and Whiskey. It’s gonna be a grand ol’ time. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 7/8. Streetside Cafe. Donations accepted.

SATURDAY

WEST FEST
We’ve hit that wonderful mid-point in summer where it is the Wicker Park neighborhood’s time to shine. It’s the second weekend fest of the season for the neighborhood and West Fest is chock full of great bands and DJs for your listening pleasure. Saturday gives us a super diverse lineup. How about black metalists Liturgy? Or girly garage rockers Hollows followed by the hard alternative rock stylings of the aforementioned Local H? Sunday promises to be just as eclectic with Chicago teen poppers Purple Apple, punks Team Band, and experimental rockers A Lull. Check out the entire lineup at WestFestChicago.com.

Noon. Saturday, 7/9 & Noon. Sunday 7/10. West Fest (Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood). All Ages. $5 donation.

WE REPEL EACH OTHER
Noisy, abrasive, tension-filled, We Repel Each Other do all of these things well. Very well, in fact. Their latest releases are a set of two distinctly different EPs. The first, the logically titled sussurra?:?canta?:?deride, can maybe, possibly be considered “accessible” at times like on the out-of-nowhere sludge blues of “racetrack jack”, while the second EP, interruptions, fills the band’s need to make uncomfortable cacophonies. But We Repel Each Other is not the ONLY reason to get to Memories on Saturday night. Surfy punks Hotlips Messiah will also make an appearance as will power punkers Samantha and minimalist post-posters Lil Tits.(Richard Giraldi)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 7/9. Memories. 21+. $5.

SUNDAY

THE ULTRA-VIOLET PETTING ZOO FESTIVAL
Have you been to Chicago street fests this summer and thought, “Man, this fest really does lack in the petting zoo and carnival games department.” If so, then the Ultra-Violet Petting Zoo Festival might just be what you’re looking for. Curated by our local-music-loving allies Chicago Mixtape, the fest has one helluva lineup that includes, but not limited to, those wild and crazy kidders White Mystery, blusey soul-bruisers Bailiff, melodic slow burners The Record Low and much, much more. Oh, and did we mention there will be a real live fucking petting zoo where you can touch animals and shit? WHOA! And to cap it all off, it’s a benefit for the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club. Does it get any sweeter? No. It does not get any sweeter.(Richard Giraldi)

2:00 p.m. Sunday, 7/10. Revere Park (3900 N Rockwell). All Ages. $5 Donation.

TINY FIREFLIES
It’s about time these local new wave-inspired indie rockers booked a show in town. Tiny Fireflies, better known as Lisle Mitnik and Kristine Capua, specialize in making music that consists of sweet, sparkling synths and deep, dreamy Mazzy Star-esque vocals. If those names look familiar, it’s because Mitnik and Capua also lend their musical talents to the Chicago band Very Truly Yours. Mitnik and Capua’s last venture under the Tiny Fireflies moniker was an appearance at NYC PopFest. So let’s encourage them to make way more appearances in their home city by catching Tiny Fireflies’ opening spot set at Schubas. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 7/10. Schubas. 21+ $10.

THE BLACK TAPE
The Black Tape are smooth. Real smooth. Their guitar-focused quartet is heavily influenced by the ’60s sounds of the Kinks and the Beatles, but their music comes across much cleaner sonically. Their tunes are crafted, poppy, melodic and tight as some kind of super tight knot. Of course, that’s not all. If you didn’t get your fix of them last weekend at their epic Obbityfest spectacular, indie space machiners Earth Program will keep doing what they do best: rock your face. Also, stick around for Unplugged and Reborn and The Window Theatre. They’re both totes rad as well.(Richard Giraldi)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 7/10. The Beat Kitchen. 17+. $10.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafIlQ2VdG8