SXSW has kicked off and runs through March 20. With all eyes on Austin, things are pretty mellow on the local front (as you read this, I'll be stuffing myself with barbecue and catching up with underage faves Hausu, Beat Connection, and Ghost Animal). Nevertheless, this week is not totally without some all-ages action.

Thursday 3/17

FUR HOOD, NORTH AMERICAN WAR, WOLS, NEUTRAL CURRENTS

Glasgow has produced some quality bands over the years, such as Belle & Sebastian, Orange Juice, Mogwai, and the Fauves (look up their "Tortured Soul" on YouTube). Fur Hood don't exactly belong in the same pantheon as those four, but they've got some solid guitar-driven tracks and revel in the same kind of aqua-tinted ecstasy as Ponytail or Norse Horse. Co-performers North American War are also Scotsmen. The Ballard Mine, 7 pm, $5.

Saturday 3/19

SHIPS, KIDS AND ANIMALS, THE MISSION ORANGE, CANDYSOUND

EMP's annual Sound Off! competition recently concluded, with airy folkies Tomten crowned winners. Catch up with 2010 competitors Candysound (the Bellingham group with a gift for sugary indie riffage) tonight. Healthy Times Fun Club, 8:30 pm, $5.