FRIDAY 4/18

BALLARD JAZZ WALK: KING TEARS BAT TRIP

Local experimental label Table & Chairs will be bringing the avant-weird to Ballard Jazz Walk all weekend, but be sure not to miss this excellently billed all-ages show. Racer Sessions–related supergroup King Tears Bat Trip's post-music-school vibes are heavy, with four drummers, tenor sax, noise guitar, and the Chango—a computer-generated sound interface Bat Tripper Brandon Lucia created himself. Their debut recording is a parallel post-jazz universe of anthemic, disjointed melodies muddled in a dizzying drum blitz, and was one of the best local releases of 2012. Similarly out-there, Japanese Guy is guitarist Skyler Skjelset (Fleet Foxes), keyboardist/saxophonist Andrew J.S., and drummer Chris Icasiano. The follow-up to their self-titled full-length released last year, Tat, was recently recorded at the Unknown in Anacortes. While the release date is currently TBD, there will be digital copies exclusively available at the festival. Abandoning typical pop-song structures, and bearing little resemblance to Skjelset's indie-famous baroque-folk-rock band, this minimalist, free-form trio is "an exploration in improvisation as writing and recording." It's worth exploring. With Netcat and Cavity Fang. Salmon Bay Eagles Club, 5216 20th Ave NW, 8 pm, $30.

SPECIAL EXPLOSION GET "EMO," STAY PHENOMENAL

The Eastside's youngest indie-rock phenoms—Special Explosion—are growing up. Those familiar with their irresistibly catchy crunch-guitar breakthrough single "Lifeguard," or with the following Doug Martsch–infused gaze worship on Past/Future, might be surprised to hear of their signing to foremost Boston-based emo label Topshelf Records. Tonight is the release show for The Art of Mothering EP, which expands on their Northwest indie-rock crunch-gaze to something more subdued, even coddling. Andy and Lizzy Costello's vocals perfectly balance each other with noncloying sincerity, while guitar obsessives also have much to relish here, as this record will merit multiple listens for its meticulous and gorgeously toned guitar lines. Tonight also marks the final show for Us on Roofs, with support from Kelso exports Seacats and new band Mallows, which features members of Nude Pop. Vera Project, 7:30 pm, $10. recommended