Let’s call it even on Cave‘s latest EP, Pure Moods. They’ve smoothed out the rough edges of their earlier EP’s – a process started on their first full-length, Psychic Psummer – and calmed down the occasional hysterical vocals. For fans, this will probably seem like a mixed bag. But Pure Moods still delivers three exceptional tunes built around a new, calmer, and cleaner sound that screams “maturity”, although might be more rooted in comfort. We can debate the merits of this, but once the shock of a possibly mature Cave has settled, there’s no doubt listeners can learn to enjoy what the band is doing in the present and not dwell too much on the past.

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Chicago experimental, rhythmic powerhouse A Lull have just released “Weapons For War”, the first single from their upcoming full-length album titled Confetti, which is set to drop later this year.

“Weapons For War” is a tribal drum stomper that features some twistedly melodic breaks. Listen and/or download here: “Weapons For War”.

Additionally, the single is also available in a vinyl 7″ format, which, according to A Lull’s Facebook page, can be found at both Permanent Records and Reckless Records’ Broadway and Milwaukee locations. The 7″ edition also features the B-side, “Spread It All Around”.

Finally, A Lull will play local dates this summer with some national tour dates planned for August.

Permanent Records first Record Store Day exclusive features a song by two side projects: Chicago’s Bitchin Bajas, a Cave side project, and San Francisco’s Moon Duo, spawned from Wooden Shjips. Both bands specialize in three things: repetition, repetition, and repetition. But On this seven inch split, they take very different approaches.

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that this Saturday, April 17, is the third annual Record Store Day. Like the past two years, record stores around the country are offering exclusive releases, great deals, free goodies and even in-store performances for Saturday’s celebration of independently owned record stores. The event is even better if you live in Chicago because there are many great record stores strewn across the city, but it’s hard to keep count of which one is doing what. Therefore, we’ve done the dirty work for you in this handy guide to record store day in Chicago in which we break down which stores have what releases and even which bands you might find playing.

One thing to keep in mind: If you’re on the hunt for the Record Store Day Exclusives, GET THERE EARLY. All of the exclusive releases are being released in limited quantities. Plus, some stores are even offering free goodies, but only to the first few who show up. Finally, we’ll be updating our guide up until Saturday morning with more information as to who will have what and maybe even add some additional locations that we’ve found will be participating as well. But enough small talk. On with the Loud Loop Press Guide to Record Store Day in Chicago:

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OK Go

Don’t have much time for chit-chat today, folks. I have a Cubbies game to catch!

Anyway, this weekend we’ll spotlight OK Go at the Metro, Disappears at the Empty Bottle and Lazer Crystal at the Hideout.

But DON’T FORGET! Tomorrow is Record Store Day and there are countless in-store performances going on at record stores all around our fair city. Get all the info in our extensive Guide to Record Store Day in Chicago .

Lets get to it, shall we?

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Chicago’s Mako Sica are in no hurry. They aren’t terribly interested in giant crescendos or massive riffs. This (mostly) instrumental band, consisting of Michael Kendrick on percussion, Przemyslaw Drazek on guitar and trumpet and Brent Fuscaldo occasionally on vocals, utilize an array of instruments such as guitar, congas and something known as a thumb piano to instead explore the space between said crescendos and riffs.

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Yep, it’s Lolla weekend. So this edition of Weekend Diversions will be short and sweet. Here we go…

The Warlockss

San Francisco’s The Warlocks, inexplicably hated by Pitchfork (seriously, search for them and you’ll find all 2′s and 3′s), are playing 2 nights at the Empty Bottle, Thurs, Aug 6 and Fri, Aug 7. So someone must like them. If you haven’t heard their druggy, shaggy, mopey haze and like that kind of bending, sighing sort of thing, check them out. Don’t let those wannabee taste makers tell you what to think (not all of us need to know what Radiohead had for breakfast). – Ross Meyerson

9:00. Friday, 8/7. Empty Bottle. $10. 21+

Bird Talk

Chicago’s Bird Talk may blandly label themselves as indie and rock on their myspace page, but you’ll hear some new wave flourishes amongst their 90′s underground sound. Live, they bring a ton of energy and a pinch their cheeks charm and, if you’re lucky, Jumpy’s glasses might come flying off. Nervous Fingers, another local favorite, open, bringing their Feelies like jangle with them. – Ross Meyerson

9:00 PM. Friday, 8/7. Beat Kitchen. $8. 21+

Woods

Woods play their only Chicago show this Sunday, Aug 9th at my favorite local record store, Permanent Records. Yes, Woods only stop is an in-store but look at it as a win-win: not only do you get to see some fine lo-fi, charming, early Built To Spill-esque indie rock but you’ll probably also walk out with a ton of sweet vinyl. The show is at 6pm but maybe get there a bit early to browse.. – Ross Meyerson

6:00 PM. Sunday, 8/9. Permanent Records. FREE.

Finally, don’t forget all the Lollapalooza aftershows!

See you at Grant Park. Don’t forget to follow us on twitter: @loudlooppress!