TRICK DECK, DAHLIA
Seattle's Trick Deck celebrates the release of its Comin' Up (Like the Sun) mini-album with two shows. The duo (instrumentalist Mark Wand and vocalist Nichole Halleen, along with guests like singer Mr. E of the High Children and drummers DJ Diskyze and Kevin Sawka) sashays among upscale genres like triphop, house, and jungle with shrewd elasticity. Halleen's green-eyed soul vocals add a languid, sophisticated sheen to the classy productions. EMP Liquid Lounge, 325 Fifth Ave N, 770-2777, 10 pm-2 am, 21+, free; and Sat Feb 7 at Mantra Lounge, 210 S Washington St, 652-0981, 10 pm-2 am, 21+, $5.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7
JEFF SAMUEL
No Seattle techno producer gets more global love than Jeff Samuel: Elite jocks like Richie Hawtin, Sven Vath, Steve Bug, Timo Maas, and Josh Wink consistently chart his platters. Samuel's been on a helluva roll over the last year, busting out several excellent 12-inches for German labels like Trapez and Poker Flat. But the tracks on his recent Throatwobbler Mangrove EP (Karloff Rekordings) may be his best yet. As usual, Samuel maximizes a few quirky elements to create mesmerizing, minimal tech-house anthems you wish would never end. Samuel's quality output will likely continue with 2004 releases tentatively scheduled to come out on Emoticon and Ghostly International. Tonight's Shameless gig is your last chance to catch Samuel's phenomenal, pounding DJ set before he embarks on North American and European tours. Alibi Room, 85 Pike St, 623-3180, 9 pm-2 am, 21+, free.
OLIVER LIEB
This Frankfurt, Germany producer--who's recorded as Spicelab and LSG for the renowned Harthouse and Superstition labels--is one of the architects of trance. Which may make him a pariah to some, but to others, he's practically the Robert Johnson of the arpeggiated synth riff and the führer of grandiose, melancholy tunes. If we have to hear trance in 2004, let it be from an old Teutonic master like Lieb. Premier, 1700 First Ave S, 9 pm-2 am, 18+, $12.
