The Vera Project kicks off their weekend of free shows with a hiphop showcase featuring Common Market and Grayskul.

Shorthand for Epic open for the Hot Toddies at the Comet.

Sound Tribe Sector Nine play the Showbox.

And here’s where I’ll be:

THE FALL OF TROY, PORTUGAL. THE MAN, KANE HODDER, TERA MELOS
(El Corazón) The secret’s been out a while: You don’t really have to learn how to play your instrument so long as you cover up your lack of talent with a gimmick. Case in point, this current screamo/prog rock/whatever-core trend of half-assers who rely on air kicks, spins, flips (and makeup and costumes and lights) to enhance lacking live shows. Naïve pubescent fans don’t care—or don’t notice—that the music isn’t in tune, in time, or interesting. But Tera Melos, a mostly instrumental act from Roseville, California, don’t take any shortcuts—they flaunt jaw-dropping acrobatics and musical talent. For proof, search Tera Melos on YouTube and watch how fucking nuts these dudes go onstage. Then play the video again with your eyes closed. Even without the extreme body thrashing, their experimental, free-jazz-meets-hardcore noise is well played and blisteringly dynamic. MEGAN SELING

And here’s one of those Tera Melos videos I was talkin’ about. Sounds kinda muddy, but you’ll get the idea.