Friday 11
CENTRO-MATIC The last full-length from Austin roots rockers Centro-Matic came out in 2003, but front man Will Johnson has kept busy. He released his second solo album, Vultures Await, last fall, and his other band, South San Gabriel (Centro-Matic with four additional members), will release its new album, The Carlton Chronicles: Not Until the Operation’s Through (Misra), in April. It’s a concept album told from the point of view of a cat, and if that sounds a little precious to you already, the music and songwriting won’t change your mind. To my ears the clinking pianos, attention-seeking clatter, and slightly wailing harmonies come pretty close to achieving the band’s objectives–though a feline critic might argue differently. The Baptist Generals and Lovers on 3rd open. 10 PM, Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, 773-525-2508, $12. –Monica Kendrick
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HAIR POLICE A few years ago a set by noisemongers Hair Police felt like a single pinpoint of spastic angst focused right in your face, but since last year’s Obedience Cuts (Freedom From) they’ve more often evoked the dazed moments after a particularly intense burst of anger. They headline here; playing earlier, Wooden Wand & the Vanishing Voice features James Toth from psych-improv outfit the Golden Calves and Tovah O’Rourke, who recently married John Olson of Wolf Eyes. Dead Machines, O’Rourke and Olson’s side-project duo, performs as well. I haven’t heard these last two bands yet, but I can guarantee it’s gonna be a night of blood, sweat, and tears. Right Arm Severed, Panicsville, and Bloodyminded open. 9 PM, Orphanage, 643 W. 31st, geocities.com/bloodlustchicago, $8 donation. All ages. –Liz Armstrong
JUST A FIRE Bassist-singer Fred Erskine (June of 44) and guitarist Chris Daly (Sweep the Leg Johnny) joined forces with drummer Scott Adamson a couple years back to create this politically focused local band, which mixes up punk, ska, and reggae–in other words, stuff that’s provided the sound track for young protesters for a quarter century. Despite its third-generation sound, Light Up (Asian Man) is a strong debut, even though the players’ skills don’t always match their ambitions. Victory at Sea headlines; Archaeology opens. 9:30 PM, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, 773-276-3600 or 800-594-8499, $8. –Monica Kendrick
Wednesday 16
