9:00 p.m. Tuesday, 5/15. Subterranean. 21+. $8.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMW65-YslJo

We’re mere hours away from starting the weekend, and with the season finale of football over, we’ll actually have to go outside. Luckily, there are tons of great shows, and many fundraising for a good cause, over the next few days.

Let’s get to it.

FRIDAY

SOFT SPEAKER
The Brit pop-inspired Chicago outfit come out swinging with plenty of lingering guitar licks, hazy psychedelic rhythms and even some sexy sax. It’s enough to get your blood pumping. Also on deck are hard charging, alt-rockers Sissy Mena. The Chicago group, who just released a full-length album entitled Record Machineback in November, are sure to bring plenty of roaring riffs and moody rhythms. Opening the show are Chicago shoegazers Soft Candy. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Beat Kitchen. 21+ $8.

THE RUNNIES
Rock for a good cause tonight at Cole’s. Money raised at tonight’s show will go toward Ag47, a creative arts mentorship collective in Logan Square for girls in grades 4th-12th. The group pairs mentees with women artists from disciplines such as creative writing, music, dance, and filmmaking. Appearing tonight are sultry jangle-rockers The Runnies (one of LLP’s 12 Bands to Watch), riot punkers The Cathy Santonies, aggressive garage poppers Squish, and surf punks Blizzard Babies will open. Admission is free so buy a beer or two to support young women’s artistic development. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Cole’s Bar. 21+ Free.

NETHERFRIENDS
He did it! Shawn Rosenblatt, brainchild behind local outfit Netherfriends, successfully travelled to and recorded a song in all 50 states over the past two years. Now, he’s officially releasing the first set of songs in the form of Middle America, which offers up 12 tracks featuring cleverly crafted psych-pop influenced by Amercia’s midsection that include names like “St. Louis, MO,” “Rapid City, SD” and, of course, “Chicago, IL.” So, it seems wholly appropriate that the record release show is in his home base of Chicago tonight. Supporting are throwback psychers Secret Colours and rambunctious rockers Vamos! (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Empty Bottle. 21+. $8.

T’BONE
The mighty T’Bone bring their capricious riffy and mathy antics to Treasure Town tonight. But they’ve got plenty of hard rocking back-up with them including prehistoric cave bangers White Mystery, Philadelphia garage poppers Univox and alt-rockers Lionlimb. Spend your Friday night in the underground with some of Chicago’s best. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 2/10. Treasure Town. $5.

SATURDAY

CHICAGO MIXTAPE ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Celebrate the majesty and variety of music jams that is Chicago Mixtape with this special shindig at Subterranean. Headliners The Shams Band will get everyone moving with its groovy take on blues rock. Also appearing at this eclectic smorgasbord are Americana psych rockers (yes, you heard that right) Elephant Gun, Lush folkers The Damn Choir, and dreamy electro poppers Architecture will open. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/11. Subterranean. 21+ $10.

SUNDAY

DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB II
Psych pop sextet A Lull had a pretty exciting 2011. The Chicago band released its long-awaited album Confetti, dropped a remix EP and even found time to put its own digital psychedelic spin on Bruce Springstein’s “I’m on Fire.” A Lull just finished up a winter tour with Deleted Scenes, so welcome them home in style at this show comprised entirely of bands with members who work at either Schubas or Lincoln Hall. Also appearing tonight are soothing Chicago post-rockers The Gorilla Press, bass-heavy funk rockers Laz, and local punks Panzer. If you need a bonus reason to go, proceeds from the show will go toward local charity Rock for Kids. (Audrey Leon)

7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2/12. Schubas. 21+ $5.

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.

Whales

Cheer up, Chicago! Cold weather may be officially here, but this weekend is lining up to be pretty spectacular (i.e. no rain and possibly some sun). But, we’re not here to do Tom Skilling’s job; No, we’re talking about some sweet shows at Ultra Lounge, The Whistler and Quenchers.

Vamos… a jugar por la playa.

FRIDAY

WHALES
Local quartet make some beautiful noise. The group’s 2011 self-titled album overflows with pulsing, sweaty beats and ambient noises. Singer Maigin Blank seems to float ever so gently over all the rhymthic chaos below. Logan Square post-punks Nonagon and Chicago pop-punks Blackout Dates open. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 12/9. Quenchers. 21+ $5 donation.

SEQUOIA
I was quite impressed with the raw, heavy and earnest guitar antics of Sequoia on their latest, Couple Two Tree. A little Queens Of the Stone Age-esque stoner rock and a little Screaming Trees-like grunge feel but with a staunchly Midwestern lean, Sequoia remind the listener that hard rock can rock hard without sounding or feeling cliche or dated. Couple Two Tree finds the band dabbling in the riffy familiarity we know so well, but with a nearly folky approach in Chicago-centric lyrics that are often comforting in their directness. Also performing at The Set, Persistence of Memory and Hot Hot Robot. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 12/9. Martyrs. 21+. $8.

SATURDAY

THE GORILLA PRESS
Chicago rockers The Gorilla Press are children of the 90s. And like any disciple of that era’s music, the quintet plays an amalgam of sick noise rock with hard and fast guitar riffs, deep explosive rhythms and plenty of dexterous keyboard action. Headlining this show are Chicago’s own alterna-folk rockers Channel Four. Lo-fi indie rockers Black Cat Heart Attack open. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/10. Ultra Lounge. 21+ $5 (or free w/ rsvp before 8:30 p.m., if you email “mp.general.office@gmail.com”).

HEAVY TIMES
Aint no party like a HoZac party cause a HoZac party don’t…something, something…right? Um, well, anyway, HoZac brings the Holiday cheer to the Volcano Room (upstairs in the Bottom Lounge, duh) this Saturday night. There will be festivities, oh yes indeedy, that will include free (!) pinball and more (probably). But I’m most excited for an appearance from HoZac Record’s and Chicago’s own Heavy Times. Their latest release, Jacker, is a gritty take on old school punk mixed with a dark garage rock attack. Yeah, it’s pretty awesome. Additionally, there will be “Seasonal” special guests. Any guesses? Santa? The Grinch? Herman Cain? Jesus? Who knows. All I know is that this party won’t…uh…um….oh yeah…STOP! (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/10. Volcano Room (1375 W Lake St). 21+. Free or money.

SUNDAY

LAKESIGNS
Sundays are for rest and relaxation. Kick back at the Whistler with the upbeat stylings of Lakesigns. The prog rockers include all the bells and whistles (yes, actual whistles) on its recent album Imboden Hoxie. The percussive-heavy material is balanced out by the addition of a saxophone, which gives the rock-leaning tracks a bit of sexy, jazz edge. Singer-songwriter Darrick Thompson headlines. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Sunday, 12/11. The Whistler. 21+ FREE!

While some bands mature in the lyrical sense or through the mood of their music, The Gorilla Press seem to have matured sonically on their sophomore effort, A Natural Thing (Unnatural To Me). That’s not to say the band has lost a sense of adventure, but rather the Chicago outfit have moved past the solid exercise in mid ’90s alt-rock that was their 2008 debut. A Natural Thing instead finds the band crafting a rich and layered melodic palette that aims equally for freshness and familiarity.

One thing for sure is that The Gorilla Press aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. A Natural Thing is riddled with references from grungers Pearl Jam and Silverchair to moody The Bends-era Radiohead to the tenderness of The Decemberists. But what The Gorilla Press do differently is take those bit and pieces from their influence pile and piece them in a way that’s hardly derivative.

“On Fire” opens with a frantic urgency before finding sturdy footing among a bubbling rhythm. Later the song opens up into a melodic starburst that begs for choral support. It’s that type of shaping – bringing an expansive Arcade Fire-like vocal cue and inserting it at the end of a ragged rocker – that The Gorilla Press do so well.

The band show off their ability to groove with the ghostly funk of “Kneejerk,” while “Possibilities” finds the band going for fuzzy garage rock but the riffs are clear and not jumbled.

They also aren’t afraid of dabbling in more epic-like territory with the two-parted “Whale In The Sea.” Beginning with some melancholy dream pop that rises among delay swells, “Part 1″ gives way to the more aggressive “Part 2,” which offers dark keyboard strikes, a gritty double guitar breakdown and vocalist Chris Kang’s scratchy snarl.

Not only has the band matured musically, but they have never sounded as confident as they do on A Natural Thing. The result is a record that finds The Gorilla Press at their most comfortable while still not afraid of coloring outside the lines.

____________________________________________________________________
THE GORILLA PRESS
9:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1 (Record Release)
Schubas, 3159 N. Southport
18+. $8.
Tickets available at Schubas.com.
____________________________________________________________________

The Gorilla Press

2. We Love You have also recently released a self-titled EP in April, which is chock full of bustling, guitar-heavy indie rock. And its obvious that these locals know how to craft a damn fine rock song in the style of their influences (seemingly early ’90s alt/indie rock). Songs drift with a Pavement-esque airy-ness (“Celebrated”) and chug along with a driving rhythms (“Preacher On Paper”). It’s a good thing the band loves us seeing how we just can’t help but love them.

3. Finally rounding out tonight’s line-up, and coming straight at you from Washing D.C., are Deleted Scenes. And while we’re on the topic of recent releases, they too have unleashed a new single, titled “Bedbedbedbedbed”, that will be on their upcoming full-length. The tune is extremely melodic, possibly hauntingly so, with echo-bathed vocals and a mechanical drum beat gives it a dream-pop quality.

8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 7/13. Panchos. 21+. $7.

Since the M in MTV stopped standing for Music ages ago, musicians have decidedly taken to the Internet when releasing music videos. Sites such as YouTube or Vimeo have opened the doors for bands who wouldn’t have even received airplay back during MTV’s heyday to create their own music videos, which can be seen by hundreds or thousands at the click of a button.

Chicago’s massive music scene features quite a few acts that still see the music video as a prominent art form. There were literally hundreds of music videos from local bands and artists released last year. Therefore, we decided to comb through the footage and choose 10 videos that struck us visually and sonically. This is Loud Loop Press’ Top 10 Local Music Videos Of 2010…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGlwopNvKg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipU9_hLNAec

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSlA7x98Yfw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgxnWHQAkYM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1LW1k7AIg0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE9gh4COMdI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtY5oi-K1Hs

The Gorilla Press

2. Also on tonight’s bill is Michael Runion, who calls Glendale, California, home. Runion plays a combination of revved up, garage pop and slow burning folk-indie tunes. Despite which style his songs take, his dusty vocals are the true star. Also, be sure to check out Runion’s Daytrotter session, which you can listen to in its entirety right now at Daytrotter.com.

3. Opening the show is Chicago’s Chaperone! They play jangly, soaring indie-folk dittys, the kind that are perfect for summer evenings such as this one. So, if you’re going through music withdrawl after Pitchfork Music Festival, there’s no better night than tonight to get back on the wagon!

8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21. Beat Kitchen. 21+. $8.