Generally, I like to have a good grasp on the bands I write about. Whether I've heard their album, seen them live, or interviewed them, I like to be fairly familiar with the things I recommend. After all, my reputation depends on it, right? But I'm going to make an exception this week, because while I've never seen or heard the act I'm about to recommend, the biography alone makes it sound like the show will be totally wicked-rad robo-insanity (or if you prefer, "really cool").

Of course I'm talking about Captured! By Robots, a "band" that's been plotting world domination since 1996 via robots and rock music. C!BR, as the bio states, is "four robots, a horn section, and one enslaved human." (The robots captured the human, you see, hence the name Captured! By Robots.) "We play," the bio continues, "superior rock music and torture and kill humans in between songs. We will rock your world, then we will humiliate you, make you eat boogers, force you to say insulting, self-deprecating things about yourself and finally KILL ALL HUMANS!"

So, if you're brave, and willing to risk your life to witness C!BR, show up at the Old Fire House Friday night around 8 pm. The show's only $5 if you come dressed as a robot (and you probably better your chances of survival that way), and $6 if you're dressed as a boring ol' human.

Another little something you should know about is the Vera Project's month-long Fall Survival Series, which starts this week. It's already been a year since the Vera Project christened its new home with a packed, amazing night featuring the Catheters, and to celebrate its 365 days of success, the VP has organized something different from the standard rock 'n' roll show.

The Fall Survival Series, which will last through the end of October, features cool how-to workshops on topics like zine publication, booking and promotion, home recording, and bike maintenance. There will also be political and community discussions, vegan dinners, and ROCKRGRL jam sessions, along with the regular schedule of concerts. (A complete schedule and more information about the workshops can be found at the Vera Project's website, www.theveraproject.org.)

The series kicks off Sunday night with a Q&A session with Lookout! Records founder and Punk Planet columnist Larry Livermore. The session starts at 7 pm, will last until 9, and costs $3 for those with a club card ($4 if you're cardless). That is, of course, if you aren't taken hostage by the robots on Friday night. MEGAN SELING

megan@thestranger.com

Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 5:30 pm during DJ No Name's Afternoon Experiment.