This weekend, we plan on getting Blacked Out at the Empty Bottle, do some Dumpster diving at the Burlington, make a Day of it at Cole’s and so much more.

Let’s do this…

FRIDAY

HOZAC BLACKOUT FEST
It has return..eth! The garage slash punk slash rock ‘n’ roll fest thrown by Chicago’s own HoZac Records is back – this time in the neighborly confines of the Empty Bottle. And the imprints isn’t sparing the fire power with headliners like the alt-punk stalwarts Redd Kross (performing their fiery 1982 debut Born Innocent), Puerto Rican garage rockers Davila 666 and psychedelic rock legend Roky Erikson. The rest of the lineup offers familiar faces both locaally and non from across the stylistic spectrum including experimentalists ET Habit, redheaded garage rockers White Mystery, surf-poppers Fungi Girls, neo-psychers Bare Mutants, alien-punks Human Eye and that’s just skimming the surface. Unfortunately, Sunday’s fun, starring Roky E himself, has sold out, but there’s still time for you to carve out five hours on Friday and Saturday evening for some rowdy and ear-splitting good times. (Richard Giraldi)

5:00 p.m. Friday, 5/18 & Saturday 5/19, 7:00 p.m. Sunday 5/20. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $20 Friday, $25 Saturday & Sunday.

SECRET COLOURS
Get ready to dust off the week with some lush garage rock courtesy of Chicago outfit Secret Colours. Within a few seconds of hearing the opening chords of “Faust,” the opening track off Secret Colours’ recent EP3, I was overcome by an overwhelming sense of serenity. With a clear mind, I was definitely ready to get lifted by the group’s dreamy psych-pop touches. Also on hand tonight to boost your morale are Los Angeles psychedelic rockers Spindrift and Strangers Family Band. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/18. Beat Kitchen. 17+ $10.

SATURDAY

DUMPSTER BABIES
Does it feel like late April to you? No? Well, it should. April 26, to be exact, because that date was the last time we saw the likes of Dumpster Babies play along with the likes of Absolutely Not and Hot Garbage. The trio of chicago garage punks like each other so much they thought they’d recreate the magic. So if you like rattling, 60s-eque rockers or frenetic dance punk or even screamy experimental rock duos, look no further than the Burlington tonight. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/19. Burlington. 21+ $5.

THE DAY LEWIS
If a few of the members of The Day Lewis look familiar, that’s because two of them (Rob Majchrowski and Eric Quinlan) also play in the noise-rock trio We Repel Each Other. But in The Day Lewis, along with others, they create something a tad more palatable – melodic and dark pop slash alt-rock that’s at times even reaches up-tempo feels. Also performing are lo-fi melancholy poppers Esoteric Tapioca and Snapper. (Richard Giraldi)

9:30 p.m. Saturday, 5/19. Cole’s. 21+. Free.

SUNDAY

RUNNING
Running can really wail. No, seriously. The group makes a meal out absolutely heavy (and I mean, fucking heavy), thudding drum beats, tortured vocals and shrieking guitars. Somehow noise rock enthusiasts doesn’t cut it as a description because noise in all its contorted, fuzzy forms is an art in which the band truly excels. If you know a better way to work out your frustrations, I don’t want to hear it. Also appearing tonight are New York synth-punks Pop.1280, melodic indie rockers Brain Idea, and post-punks Toupee. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Sunday, 5/20. Treasure Town. 21+ $5.
6:30 p.m. Sunday, 5/20. CROWN TAP ROOM. 21+ $5.

Weekend! Time to hit the clubs! This time around we’re talking Dead On TV at Ultra Lounge, the Velcro Lewis Group at Cole’s, Population at the Empty Bottle and more!

Let’s do this…

FRIDAY

DEAD ON TV
It’s always time to rage with Dead On TV. This Chicago outfits brandishes a particularly menacing electro-punk assault that blurs the lines between distorted guitars and grinding synths. It’s also quite nice to find the ground have a sense of humor as portrayed in their tongue in cheek song which bears their name, “Deaf On TV,” as Alice in Chains, MTV, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson are all name dropped with ease that leads to a heavy synth assault. Also rocking the stage tonight are metallic alt-punks Velocicopter, gritty heavy rockers Control and apocalyptic scuzzers DirtyBird. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/11. Ultra Lounge. 21+. $8.

JACK AND ACE
If you’re looking for a mellow affair this Friday, look no further than Jack and Ace, aka Chicago musicians Bob Nanna and Lauren LoPiccolo. The pair, who have previously worked together on Nanna’s project The City on Film, have teamed up to create dreamy pop tunes that are delicately strummed on acoustic guitars. Plus you really can’t beat a song title like “I’m Sorry That You Are The Black Death.” (Audrey Leon)

6:00 p.m. (EARLY SHOW) Friday, 5/11. Township. All Ages. $6.

SATURDAY

MUTTS
In the mood for some bluesy swamp-grooves? Look no further than Chicago’s Mutts whose sound is powered by a heavy, southern-gravy thick organ and Mike Maimone’s vocals that run the gamut from Texas drawl to metallic shrieks. There’s no guitar here, but plenty of soul satisfy. Plus, this is the vinyl release (oh, yeah!) for their latest LP, Pray For Rain. Mutts were also recently added to Do-Division festival, so you might just want to catch them in an air conditioned club before the weather takes a turn for the hot. Opening are rock n rollers Jet W. Lee and punkers GoodGrief. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/12. The Burlington. 21+. $5.

THE VELCRO LEWIS GROUP

Got soul? No? Then get some Saturday night when sweet R&B rockers The Velcro Lewis Group hit Cole’s stage. These LLP faves pack a whole lot of powerful, heart-wrenching blues vocals (spread out among singers Andy Slater, Hawk Coleman and Lawrence Peters) with equally groovy bits and pieces of 60s psych rock and soul. Joe Cocker eat your heart out because The Velcro Lewis Group will deliver a body-moving, soul-shaking sermon tonight. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/12. Cole’s. 21+ Free!

SUNDAY

POPULATION
Some bands sound better with age and some bands just sound aged. Chicago post-punk quintet Population fall into the latter category because of their late 70s punk and new wave sound. Population’s synths and bass lines throb and pulsate around Keelan McMorrow’s moody, Ian Curtis-inspired vocals in a way that inspires plenty of shimmying and shaking. Population wear Joy Division prominently on their sleeves, but in this case, they wear it very well. (Audrey Leon)

9:30 p.m. Sunday, 5/13. Empty Bottle. 21+ $3.

Squish

May the fourth be with you! Seriously though, it’s Friday and and Chicago’s finally getting warm. It’s pretty great.

That’s all the more reason to cool down inside a venue to check out one of the numerous rad local shows happening this weekend. Yep, we’re talking Squish’s opening slot at The Burlington tonight, Local H’s Cinco De Mayo celebration at the Double Door on Saturday and Videotape at Subterranean on Sunday.

Dig it…

FRIDAY

SQUISH
Chicago’s Squish manage to effortlessly combine bubbly and noise pop on their HoZac Records 7″ Shame Spiral. The band’s rambunctious fuzz guitars work hand in hand with the scratchy teenage rebel girl vocals that yip their way in and out of wobbly rhythms. But their songs are still movers and shakers in an endearing “Let’s get drunk and eat candy” sort of way. Also on tap are is Mac Blackout Band and their wild scuzz punk, while experimental electro-punk outfit E.T. Habit headlines. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/4. The Burlington. 21+. $5.

THE CELL PHONES
Come get your pre-Cinco De Mayo groove on with the Cell Phones. This dance punk trio packs a powerful wallop with its pulsating bass lines and tight, pounding drum beats. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention The Cell Phones’ vocalist Lindsey Charles, a powerful force with an equally intense range, which features beautiful harmonies and explosive wails. Do not miss your chance to find out we’re in love with The Cell Phones. Delightful retro-poppers Charming People headline. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/4. Township. 21+ $8.

SATURDAY

LOCAL H
2012 is gearing up to be an exciting year for Local H fans. The hard rocking duo of guitarist Scott Lucas and drummer Brian St. Clair have wrapped recording of their new album Hallelujah I’m a Bum with local metal guru Sanford Parker. Plus Local H is also promoting their 10th anniversary of Here Comes the Zoo, the band’s first album to feature St. Clair on drums. Expect fan favorites cut with new jams on Saturday night. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/5. Double Door. 21+ $15.

MERLIN WALL
As you might have recently seen, I was impressed with Merlin Wall’s latest, Party At The Docks. The band mature a bit on their youthful surf-punk vibes and spice things up by dipping into prog rock, doo-wop and power-pop that often results in the band shaking out some quirky grooves. Opening are indie poppers Panoramic & True and Linen. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/5. Cole’s Bar. 21+. Free.

SUNDAY

VIDEOTAPE
Indie poppers Videotape create a relaxing dreamscape that is signature shoegaze, although somewhat darker in tone. The Chicago group mixes sweeping electronic background noises with light-as-cotton-candy pop harmonies and solemnly strummed guitars. On its Videotape EP the group’s sound lands somewhere between 90s vets Sneaker Pimps and Mazzy Star with its ghostly, empty Cathedral-esque atmosphere. (Audrey Leon)

7:30 p.m. Sunday, 5/6. Subterranean. 21+ $8.

eleanor friedberger

1. Oak Park-native Eleanor Friedberger once again finds herself in Chicago to promote her excellent 2011 solo album Last Summer. Friedberger, one-half of the sibling art poppers Fiery Furnaces, chooses to indulge her nostalgic side on her first album away from brother and creative partner, Matthew. She crafts serious pop songs that are wistful and brooding lyrically, while sonically maintaining an outwardly sunny disposition. The collection serves as the perfect vehicle for Friedberger’s sensual smoke-tinged vocals. Getting lost in the past has never sounded so good.
LISTEN: “Inn of the Seventh Ray“

2. Opening tonight’s shindig are Brooklyn rockers Hospitality. The first thing that comes to mind while listening to the group is how well frontwoman Amber Papini’s angelic voice anchors the band’s silky smooth pop standards. The name really fits the trio to a tee, because Hospitality’s upbeat indie pop rhythms are so endearing that you feel as though you stopped by their house to borrow a cup of sugar and left with the whole sack.
LISTEN: “Friends of Friends“

3. Since there are only two musical acts tonight, here’s some more Eleanor Friedberger action to satisfy your senses.

8:00 p.m. Tuesday, 5/1. Schubas. 21+ $14.

rabble rabble

1. Any time Chicago psych-punks Rabble Rabble play the Empty Bottle is a time you want to be around. Within those special four walls the band truly comes alive, leaping off the record with explosive precision. The beats are bigger, the guitar solos border on out of control and the banter is pure gold. Come by and see why Rabble Rabble made our 11 Chicago Bands to Watch in 2011 list.
WATCH: “Doubt It“

2. I really can’t say enough wonderful things about garage punks Heavy Times. LLP head honcho Richard Giraldi called Jacker an “absolute banger.” And I couldn’t agree more. Heavy Times doesn’t always need you to hear what they’re doing, but bubbling below all that roaring fuzz are some blissful melodies that make you want to dance, sing and knock out a few concertgoers. (note: don’t actually knock anyone out).
LISTEN: “Skull Hair“

3. Opening tonight’s headbanger is Chicago’s own Lionlimb. Back in 2010 our old buddy Ross Meyerson was left impressed by the band’s four-song 7-inch Lacerations. Lionlimb craft some quirky laidback rockers that are lightly seasoned with Midwestern twangy and pop. Rock out with a stalk of wheat hanging out of your mouth. LISTEN: “Here He Come“

9:30 p.m. Monday, 4/30. Empty Bottle. 21+ FREE!!!

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.

absolutely not

1. Chicago’s glamtastic garage rockers Absolutely Not impress with their spastic punk rhythms, scratchy vocals and highly-charged new-wave synth play. The band’s 2012 album Extended pumps up the danceable grooves while breaking out plenty of tasty guitar riffs. Don’t be surprised if Absolutely Not causes everyone to break out into uncontrollable fits of dancing. LISTEN: “I Don’t Want To get Married on a JumboTron“

2. It feels like it was just yesterday we were talking about melodic rockers Swimsuit Addition. Well, we can’t rave enough about these lovely ladies who rattle off perky surf-inspired alt-rock with such ease. If you like the Pixies or the Breeders, chances are you’ll dig Swimsuit Addition as much as we do. LISTEN: “Cartoon Paper Cup.”

3. Also appearing tonight are garage rockers Dumpster Babies. The group sparkles with plenty of fuzzy guitars, howling vocals, and jangly beats. Opening the show tonight are Chicago experimental rock duo Hot Garbage. The bio section on their Facebook page may suggest they are in fact the some-how-still-alive Phil Anselmo of Pantera and Down fame, but in actuality, Hot Garbage are two dudes who play simple, but sinister drum and keyboard jams that burrows into your head like a gopher. Looks like it’s up to Bill Murray to stop them.
LISTEN: “Stepchild Lanterns“

8:00 p.m. Thursday, 4/26. Subterranean. 21+ $8.

The Limbos

1. Chicago quartet The Limbos clearly worship at the altar of alternative rock. The band takes heavily from groups like Weezer and Pavement, which in turn were heavily influenced by the Pixies. The Limbos fashion a jolly good time out from tracks that feature obscured sing-talking, quirky lyrics along with thick basslines, rumbling guitars and even a trumpet. Why? Because, why not? The Limbos are the love child ska should have had with indie rock. LISTEN: “South Dakota Drag Queen“

2. Hard rockers Sequoia have everything you need located right in one band. Sequoia’s music shimmers with delicate pop sensibility, but roars with plenty of heavy, rugged riffs and beats. The songs off 2011′s Couple Two Tree contain a bit of old Stone Temple Pilots and Foo Fighters flavor, emitting insanely catchy pop rhythms that are equally matched by fierce intensity. LISTEN: “Bitter“

3. Soulful math rockers Radiant Republic take one of tonight’s early spots. The band balances endearing vocals over simmering guitar flourishes. Opening the show are grungy alt-rockers Eraserhead. The band specializes in speedy guitar licks and plenty of ferocious grinding rhythms. LISTEN: “Drop in the Bucket“

8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 4/25. Beat Kitchen. 21+ $8.

Blonde Redhead at Millennium Park | Photo by Audrey Leon

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has now released the full lineup for the Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays summer concert series held annually inside Millennium Park. The department previously announced that the concert returns this May 28 through July 30.

Rounding out this year’s lineup are folk rockers Scott Lucas and the Married Men (May 28), Dub-punks The Eternals (June 11), experimental rockers Cloud Cult (June 18) and indie rockers Joan of Arc (July 2).

These new headliners will join other such previously announced headliners as alt-folk singer Kelly Hogan (May 28), quirky singer-songwriter Jonathan Richman (June 4), Chilean cumbia act Chico Trujillo (June 25), and soul singer Charles Bradley (July 16).

Get the complete line up after the jump.

Monday, May 28, 6:30 pm
Kelly Hogan + Scott Lucas and the Married Men

Monday, June 4, 6:30 pm
Jonathan Richman + Joel Paterson and the Modern Sounds

Monday, June 11, 6:30 pm
The Eternals + Wild Belle

Monday, June 18, 6:30 pm
Cloud Cult + Judson Claiborne

Monday, June 25, 6:30 pm
Occidental Brothers Dance Band International + Chico Trujillo

Monday, July 2, 6:30 pm
Joan of Arc + Daniel Knox

Monday, July 9, 6:30 pm
The Sadies + James Vincent McMorrow

Monday, July 16, 6:30 pm
Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires + Abigail Washburn

Monday, July 23, 6:30 pm
Ana Tijoux + Sidi Touré

Monday, July 30, 6:30 p.m.
SMOD + M.A.K.U. Soundsystem

We highlighted all the sick happenings in our Guide to Record Store Day yesterday, but this weekend still belongs to the night. We’re talking about The Cell Phones at The Burlington, Cool Devices at Township, The Luck of Eden Hall at Red Line Tap and more.

Can you dig it?

FRIDAY

BLOODIEST
Bloodiest might just be Chicago’s most interesting metal band. The eight-piece is comprised of a number of local scene veterans (including Bruce Lamont of Yakuza, Jered Gummere of FOOTBALL/Bare Mutants and ex-members of ATOMBOMBPOCKETKNIFE to name a few). Their 2011 Relapse debut, Descent, touches not just on heavy riffs but also ambience and orchestral rock. As our former scribe Ross Meyerson wrote in his review of the LP back a year ago (which is being released on vinyl tonight), Descent is “One of the most creative and diverse ones to come along in quite some time.” Opening are heavy riffers Planetsexploder and drone rockers Winters In Osaka. (Richard Girald)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 4/20. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $10.

THE CELL PHONES
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you may have heard that The Cell Phones are one of our 12 Bands to Watch this year. The dance punk trio will light a small fire inside your dance pants with hard and fast beats that pound like Peter Gabriel wielding a sledgehammer. It’s outta sight. Alt-rockers Sissy Mena and pop rock trio Safeword will open. Plus the whole she-bang tonight is presented by locals Grape Juice Records. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 4/20. The Burlington. 21+ $5.

SHORT WALK
To steal a line from Wayne’s World, Short Walk is not just a clever name. No, these Milwaukee thrash-punks keep everything concise, doling out “fuck yous” at a break-neck speed. Also appearing tonight are LLP House band and depraved sludge-poppers Rodeo and local death metal-ers Quingo. Mobile, Alabama’s Roman Gabriel Todd will headline. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 4/20. The Crown Tap Room. 21+ $5.co

SATURDAY

COOL DEVICES
Save the drama for yo mama. Chicago’s Cool Devices burn pure punk intensity while incorporating synths, jangly guitar and plenty of swirling reverb. Also appearing tonight are Philly’s Psychic Teens. Set your phasers to stun because the group, who will also appear at Permanent earlier in the day, specialize a mouthwatering mashup of Nine Inch Nails-inspired doom rock and dreamy shoegaze. The end result is a heavy, grunge-like concoction that is too good to pass up.

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 4/21. Township. 21+ $5.

SUNDAY

THE LUCK OF EDEN HALL
Catch Chicago rockers The Luck of Eden Hall jam some sweet jangly, 60s-inspired psychedelic grooves as a part of the 11th Annual International Pop Overthrow Festival. The band just released a limited edition vinyl through UK label Fruits De Mer. The fest begins early Sunday afternoon and even includes local power poppers The Artist Formerly Known as Vince in its multi-band lineup. Also be sure to catch Luck of Eden hall at noon on Saturday as a part of Vintage Vinyl‘s (Evanston) Record Store Day festivities. (Audrey Leon)

1:00 p.m. Sunday, 4/22. Red Line Tap. All Ages. $10.