There's no band I'm more excited to see at this year's Block Party than Smell mainstays and Chino, California, prodigal sons Abe Vigoda. They've been to Seattle several times over the years, playing great little house shows in Madrona and the Central District, but something inexplicable happened to the band in the past year. Abe Vigoda stopped playing straightforward thrashy chant-along songs, and started making some of the most creative music to come out of their young punk community in a while. Their newest album, Skeleton, with its high-pitched tropical guitars, upbeat drumming, and singers Juan Velazquez and Michael Vidal trading vocals so laid-back they sound like they were recorded sitting down, may as well be their debut. It sounds like the true arrival of a band that are ready to make some big noise. Rumor is the band will be going on tour with Block Party headliners Vampire Weekend later this year. Looking into the old crystal ball, I predict that, by the end of that tour, the boys in Abe Vigoda will dethrone the headliners as America's most hyped band.
Also sure to kick your ass and get you restoked on life, are the five awesome young ladies of L.A.'s Mika Miko. Last summer, the girls came to Seattle and absolutely demolished the SS Marie Antoinette with a set of punk-rock Riot Grrrl fury so powerful it transformed an otherwise meek Seattle crowd into an unruly mob. Few bands are as inspiring, party starting, and good time vibing as these five gals, who list Reagan Youth, Black Flag, and Bad Brains as some of their main influences. Their sound may lack some of the anger of those pioneers, but the energy and attitude are definitely there.
Capitol Hill Block Party is a time to celebrate some amazing music, party hard, and enjoy a crazy hot weekend in the city. The Vera Project has done a great job booking a solid all-ages lineup of local acts for both days of the festival, but Friday afternoon is especially stacked, and Abe Vigoda and Mika Miko are definite highlights of the madness. 
Abe Vigoda play at 5:15 pm; Mika Miko play at 6:30 pm. Fri July 25, Capitol Hill Block Party, Vera Stage, $18, all-ages.
