Fair, The Pale Pacific, Ruth
(Chop Suey) Fair’s Aaron Sprinkle is an in-demand producer and engineer, helping add a bright spark to records by the likes of Mae, Anberlin and Acceptance. While that’s great for them (and the ol’ résumé) it means that his own music takes a backseat—which is unfortunate because it’s heads above the stuff he’s working with. Tonight is Fair’s first show in a year, so don’t miss the chance to catch the impish Sprinkle and his bandmates deliver perfectly crafted, anthemic emo pop that’s tender but never trite. While you’re at it, give a nudge to the Pale Pacific, who are also reemerging after a year’s hiatus. The music world needs both of them. BARBARA MITCHELL

Rad Touch, Titus Andronicus, Strong Killings
(Funhouse) One of the more underappreciated rock bands in this city, Strong Killings deliver driving punk rhythms, rollicking start-stop time signatures, and redlining vocals. They’ve been playing out a hell of a lot these days, and their debut album seems to have been in the works for quite a while. Frontman Nate Mooter screams his terse lyrics into the mic like a soon-to-be great, and drummer Mike Loggins seems to break some part of his drum kit at almost every show. Why this band hasn’t blown up by now is really pretty baffling, and if they don’t do so soon, there’s something seriously wrong with the equation around here. GRANT BRISSEY

Boris, Torche, Lair of the Minotaur
(Neumo’s) Torche’s Meanderthal is hands down one of the best rock records released in 2008. Effortlessly mixing huge and intricate riffs, memorable vocal melodies, and just the right amount of “‘90s” rock, Torche have amalgamated a sound that is at once strangely familiar yet totally unique. They are the proprietors of “the bomb note,” in which the E string of a guitar is detuned to a floppy, thunderous explosion. One minute, Torche are ripping through a high-energy, chant-along anthem like “Healer,” the next they are making your fillings shake with the heaviest, sludgiest guitar tone imaginable. With Japanese noise aficionados Boris and Chicago metal barbarians Lair of the Minotaur rounding out the bill, attendance to this show is mandatory for anyone who cares about quality rock and roll. JEFF KIRBY

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