1. Having a (slight) bit of down time can be a marvelous thing, especially when members of bands such as Disappears, Heavy Times and Verma decide to join forces. E+ specialize in doling out rhythms so fuzzy, creating atmosphere so dark and moody that they ultimately entrance the listener with swirling fits of minimalist psychedelics. LISTEN: “{Mithra} Sunn 88 (Live at Beat Kitchen)“

2. Tasked with whipping the audience into a small frenzy are local quartet Coffin Pricks. The decidedly “unchill wave” post-punks rumble with the same brewing intensity of bands like Mission of Burma and Husker Dü. LISTEN: “Group Home Haircut“

3. Getting the night off to the oh-so-right start are Chicago trio Wimps. The band waft by on a hazy cloud of bouncy, thick basslines and slick mellow grooves that transport us back to those sweet 60s surf rock days. LISTEN: “Every Night“

9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 2/1. Schubas. 21+ $8.

Surfer Blood

1. When Surfer Blood burst on to the scene with the sunny reverb rocker “Swim,” they were hailed as the next Weezer. A tag that, depending on your mindset, is either good or really, really bad. But the West Palm Beach (yeah, I had no idea bands come from there either) really aren’t even in the same category as Rivers and the Machine. Surfer Blood actually emit much more brit pop and Cars-like tightness than the teenage angst that powered Weezer’s acne-anthems. On their latest EP, Tarot Classics, the band spices up things with a hint of ’80s new wave on “Miranda” and the melodic licks of “I’m Not Ready” have a Vampire Weekend-like afro-pop tingle. Koenig-isms aside, Tarot Classics finds Surfer Blood delivering some of their freshest and most confident material yet. LISTEN: “Miranda”

2. When contributor Joseph Montes reviewed Cross Record’s debut, Magnetic Current, last April, he said this about singer-songwriter Emily Cross, “…I’ll conclude then by saying I look forward the next odyssey Emily Cross has planned for us. Whatever it is, it’s bound to be intrepid.” Quite the compliment, but a listen to Magnetic Current, and it’s why Joseph thinks that way. At times difficult and others damn near heavenly, a barrage of strange yet intoxicating melodies shift in and out underneath warm-but-haunting strong arrangements and minimal percussion. If this is just the starting point, it will be quite exciting to see where Miss Cross goes next. LISTEN: “Black Cat”

3. Only two bands tonight, so BONUS VIDEO TIME! Here’s a Ratso of the esteemed Chic-A-Go-Go interviewing of Surfer Blood at Pitchfork Festival 2011 about surfings, their band name orgin and more:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHQ7UlMg0Ys

10:30 p.m. Tuesday, 1/17. Schubas. 18+. $15.

Magic Milk

Up and Atom!

FRIDAY

MAGIC MILK
Fasten your dancing snow boots because when garage rockers Magic Milk hit the stage there’s going to be a whole lot of shaking going on. The group became a quick LLP favorite due to their wild and sweaty live show, and of course, their swinging retro surf sounds. We previewed Magic Milk’s newest jam “Demolition Blue,” this week. Also appearing are Nashville garage punks Bad Cop, who can really wail, and Chicago’s own heavy, prog-punks, Wishgift. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 1/13. Crown Tap Room. 21+ $5.

SAVE THE CLOCKTOWER
If looking to get your electro-groove on, then plan on hitting up Subterranean early tonight. Locals Save The Clocktower open the show with their moody dream-pop, which at times references Depeche Mode and spacier versions of shoe-gaze. Our own Audrey Leon wrote in her review of their debut Carousel that the band, “takes us on a very visual journey of swirling, electronica-filled dream destinations that feel comfortably familiar.” Also on tap tonight are synthy pop-rockers Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes and melodic roots rockers Filligar. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 1/13. Subterranean. 21+. $10.

SATURDAY

SWAN KING
Nothing gets the blood pumping on a cold night quite like a triple-header hard rock show, right? Regardless, Chicago trio Swan King shred some tasty, menacing, though also melodic at times, riffs. It’s worth listening to even when the hair starts flying around you. Also on tap are big, bad sludge rockers Bongripper, a favorite of our own resident Ross Meyerson who loved their Satan Worshipping Doom LP so much he included it in his Top 10 of 2010. Last, but not least, fuzzed up doom rockers Backs open. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/14. Burlington Bar. 21+ $5.

SUNDAY

THE MOSES GUN
Alternative rockers The Moses Gun are celebrating the release of their debut full-length album tonight. The self-titled affair contains the same chugging riffs, throbbing bass and drums in which the Chicago trio has specialized for the past two decades. It’s a little bit Pixies, a little bit booming stoner rock. Also appearing tonight is local quintet [.DESCARGA.], who blare catchy rock rhythms in both English and Spanish; you don’t really need to know the language to feel the underlying angst. Morrissey would be proud. Opening the show are soulful, jangly rockers Audio Content. (Audrey Leon)

7:30 p.m. Sunday, 1/15. Subterranean. 21+ $8.

MANNEQUIN MEN
Sunday night features a rather rocking conclusion to this year’s Tomorrow Never Knows festival with a bill featuring two great Chicago bands: Mannequin Men and White Mystery. I’m fairly certain I’ve run out of adjectives to describe the red-headed rocket bangers that are White Mystery, so lets talk Mannequin Men. Upon repeated listens to their latest self-titled debut, it’s sometimes hard to forget just when time period the record is from. Cuts like the punchy shaker, “Enough,” and the ramshackle boogie of “Wake Up Dead” are so damn anchored in ’70s-era Rolling Stones swagger. Cali indie rockers Mister Loveless and NY chillaxers City Center open. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Sunday, 1/15. Schubas. 18+. $15.

1. Chicago’s Clip Art begin a month long Monday evening residency at Schubas, and when our former contributor Ross Meyerson reviewed their debut EP, Broken By Design, he carefully compared the group to the Beatles by stating, “they’re well-schooled in the genre and write and play pop music from the heart.” And it’s really hard to argue that fact considering Clip Art, masterminded by Uptown Sound musician Andy Rosenstein, offer up sweet and sincere power-pop. It’s not only the melodies that get you, but Clip Art’s flirtation with R&B and ’70s area rock leanings that manage to still feel quaint and comforting. LISTEN: “Dead Letter”

2. Making their live debut tonight, Chicago’s Any Kind play indie-pop so smooth it can’t help but make you smile. There’s a bit of folky leanings, but most of it rides on punchy drums that give it a rockier edge. A times the music hits a summery feel, but a heavy rhythmic approach makes Any Kind the right kind for any time. LISTEN: “Sunny Daydreams”

3. It only takes a few seconds to find that it’s lead singer Thom Cathcart that separates Algebro from other local indie slash singer-songwritery outfits. His stuffy, nasally delivery beefs up their melody rich numbers, which the band describe themselves as “folk-noir” on their Facebook. And it totally fits. LISTEN: “strangest girl i’ve ever known”

8:00 p.m. Monday, 1/9. Schubas. $6. 18+

The first weekend of 2012 does not disappoint. There’s plenty of happenings to take in as you enjoy this RIDIC weather. We’re talking Secret Colours, Tiger Bones, The Gorilla Press and more!

Dig it…

FRIDAY

THE CELL PHONES
In case you hadn’t heard, late last month I named The Cell Phones’s Hospital Spaceship EP as one of my Top 10 albums of 2011. Whether you want to cause a riot or a dance-off, The Cell Phones’ brand of arty, dance punk is great for all occasions. Also appearing at this shindig are bouncy pop-punkers Bully in the Hallway, grimey, sludge poppers Rodeo (Have you checked out their single “Lana Deth Ray,” yet?) and bad ass speed punks Velocicopter open. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 1/6. Subterranean. 21+ $10.

TIGER BONES
Tiger Bones, we hardly knew ye. But what we did know is that we really dug your warped garage-surf slash post-punk leanings. As our sometimes-contributor Dick Jones said about your Go Over Here EP back in April, the record, “tightly written, gloomy-but-intriguing songs,” which was really showcased in the crooked opening track, “Kill Them”. It’s sad to see a band go after quite a good release, but wish them a fond farewell, Chicago. Opening are pop rockers Pet Lions (who recently dropped a new vid) and the always melodic Hudson Branch. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 1/6. The Metro. 18+. $9.

SATURDAY

SECRET COLOURS
Psych-poppers Secret Colours are dropping a new EP on Saturday night, and we’ve already heard the track “Faust” from the cleverly titled EP3 in the form of a pretty damn insane video that starts off slow but ends with a convenience store clerk going all Nosferatu on the band. Seriously. But the song itself is dynamic rocker we hope carries over to the rest of the EP’s tracks. Opening are dark riff groover Apteka whose recent release Gargoyle Days is also a very impressive release. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/7. The Empty Bottle. 21+. FREE with RSVP (email rsvp@emptybottle.com)

THE LAWRENCE ARMS
Revered Chicago pop-punks are doing a little Midwestern tour to make up for the sheer lack of shows last year. How lengthy a tour, you ask? Four shows deep, my friend. But the most important one is Saturday at the Metro, TLA’s venue of choice when they’re not singing on top of counters at the L&L or opening for Dead Milkmen at the Congress, where the band played its 2003 album The Greatest Story Ever Told in its entirety last year. There’s no telling what rare gems TLA will dust off, but rest assured there will be plenty of hilarity in between Brendan Kelly’s scratchy growls, Chris McCaughan’s thoughtful harmonies and Neil Hennessy’s pummeling blows behind the kit. (Audrey Leon)

6:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/7. The Metro. All Ages. $21.

SUNDAY

HOLYOKE
Upon first listen of Holyoke’s cassette single Rachel’s Song, the bitter hard luck brand of folk that Omaha native and Cursive frontman Tim Kasher peddles seemed to be the same path Holyoke mastermind Joshua Pederson followed. But, the songs feel like much lighter fare, the kind that don’t drown their sorrows in a case of light beer, but lets them soar up into the sky like a baby bird flying for the first time. Opening the show tonight are Chicago’s own cannot-miss, angelic pop songstress Arthi Meera (whose cover of Morrissey’s “Suedehead” is minimalist pop perfection) and local folk singer-songwriter Brendan Losch. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1/8. Schubas. 21+ $6. (EARLY SHOW)

THE GORILLA PRESS
What really struck me about The Gorilla Press’ latest, A Natural Thing (Unnatural To Me), was their ability to hone in their ’90s rock influences to craft a melodic but crunchy rock record that for the most part is a pretty lively affair. And be sure to get there for The Avantist who seemlessly meld Mars Volta dramatics with a more indie rock (Stroke-ish, even) approach. Also performing are alt-rockers The Flips and crazy progsters Snake Party. (Richard Giraldi)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1/8. Beat Kitchen. 17+. $10.

Alex White | Photo by Audrey Leon

The magazine listed White’s raw energy and “jangly punk-ass guitar playing” as reasons for inclusion.

If you have ever witnessed hard rocking duo White Mystery live – and the band has given us plenty of chances, logging over 100 shows in 2011 alone – Alex White puts on an electrifying show with her trusty Rickenbacker. No matter the playing position – either writhing on the floor or standing upright – the woman can wail.

Read the rest of the write-up by clicking here.

White Mystery’s next live show is Sunday, January 15, at Schubas as a part of Tomorrow Never Knows Fest along with Mannequin Men. Tickets are $15.

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!

Caw! Caw!

1. Break ups are always difficult, especially during the holidays. That’s why it’ll be both worth it and tough to see the end of spacey indie rockers Caw! Caw! (not to be confused with Cawcaw who also recently called it a day). Yes, it’s the Chicago troupe’s final show at Schubas tonight. But fear not, their zany vocalizations, lightsaber guitar leads and racing rhythms will live on via their demented three year-old Christmas special and their final release, which drops tonight in the form of an anthology featuring select cuts from the band’s short 2004 – 2011 history. Won’t you come give Caw! Caw! one final farewell? LISTEN: “Toothless”

2. If the holidays are a blurry mess pulling you every which way, then House Sounds are probably the perfect soundtrack. These locals go for the good ol’ fashion fuzz-filled aesthetic as they apply it to jangly, high-energy surf rock. It’s raucous, but they also deliver plenty of gritty grooves. LISTEN: The 1860′s

3. In my humble opinion, Chicago-via-Iowa City’s T’Bone released one of the best rock record of the year in Mt. Trashmore. The LP both rocked the mathiness and the raunchiess without ever taking it self too seriously. Don’t be shocked when you’re floored by Ed Bornstein’s diabolical beats, Pat McPartland’s twitchy riffs or Lee Meiners’ smooth, smooth low end. LISTEN: “Doored By A Cop”

8:00 p.m. Tuesday, 12/27. Schubas. 18+. $7.

• • Since today marks the start of Wilco week here in Chicago, it’s fitting that Daytrotter unveiled the much-anticipated Wilco session today.
• • The AV Club’s Kyle Ryan takes a look back at the year in…BAND NAMES!
• • BAwwwNNN EEEeveyughhh, I mean, Bon Iver played UIC Pavilion last week and WindyCityRock has a review.
• • Local pop act Clip Art, lead by Andy Rosenstein, will perform every Monday in January as part of a Schubas residency.