United State of Electronica

(Music)

No band makes audiences happy like U.S.E does. The seven-member army of joy has more positive vibes than the Polyphonic Spree on Ecstasy. They take the stage in a flurry of lights, confetti, and giant flashing letters; the dizzying visuals perfectly frame the band’s synth-heavy, harmonized, and infectious electronica. This is the first all-ages show they’ve played in years; they won’t skimp on the awesome. (Vera Project, Seattle Center, 956-8372. 7:30 pm, $10 with club card/$11 without, all ages.) MEGAN SELING

(And be sure to show up early for Truckasauras)

The Cops’ Holiday Circus

(Music)

The Cops are thoughtful punk rockers and they know that nothing says Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Solstice all at once like two nights of rad local rock ‘n’ roll. On this, the first night, the Cops are joined by pantsless provocateurs Partman Parthorse, pop weirdos Katharine Hepburn’s Voice, and the Pranks. Tomorrow night features Hart and the Hurricane, Motorik, and I’m a Gun. It will be a circus. (Sunset, 5433 Ballard Ave NW, 784-4880. 9 pm, $8, 21+.) ERIC GRANDY

Daguerrotypes, Strong Killings

(Rendezvous) Strong Killings sound like McClusky, and there’s no getting around it. But since that band is dead, we might as well rejoice in their approximation. Frontman Nate Mooter is a Renaissance musician—you may remember him from such other bands as the Lashes, Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground, or independently as Accordion Boy. Here, his guttural snarl lends intensity to a group that barely needs it because they are playing so loud, fast, and hard. So who cares if they sound like McClusky? Right now is a perfect time to dance really hard and get busy, and any band that gives you those opportunities is a perfect band. ARI SPOOL

Lund Bros, Guards of Metropolis, the Small Change

(Skylark) Guards of Metropolis might be the Northwest’s best-kept secret—a crack quartet of two strong Norwegian gals and two California rock guys who use Oregon as a base for creating catchy pop-rock with balls and fangs. Singer Kristin Blix is the kind of girl you don’t want to cross: She could break you in half with her bare hands, cut you to the quick with her razor-sharp mind, or force you into submission with the slightest purr or snarl, all while tossing off tunes that have garnered comparisons to Garbage and the Pretenders. While drummer Jason Carter and guitarist Charles Normal can frequently be found backing Frank Black, this is the combo you should catch. BARBARA MITCHELL