ZEDS DEAD'S WTF DUBSTEP COVER OF THE MOODY BLUES
Toronto duo Zeds Dead had the gumption to do a dubstep version of the Moody Blues' 1967 prog-pop hit "Nights in White Satin." It's not as good as versions by Deodato, Giorgio Moroder, or the Dickies, but give the Canucks credit for doing something unexpected and—let's be blunt—foolhardy in a business lousy with people taking the safe option. Zeds Dead's brand of dubstep is relatively down-tempo and methodical, revealing its debt to hiphop production and tempos. (They've also remixed artists ranging from the Prodigy to Bon Iver.) Zeds Dead's music may be slightly sluggish, but it slugs hard. With Sir Kutz, Just One, and Keano. Showbox at the Market, 8 pm, $26.50 adv/$31.50 DOS, 16+.
GO DEEP WITH ANALOG-SYNTH MASTER GAVIN RUSSOM
If you drop the needle or laser on any record/CD that bears Gavin Russom's name, you can quickly tell that he's a true head. His duo with Delia Gonzalez on DFA Records reveled in Tangerine Dream–y realms of analog-synth pulsation and levitation while his Black Meteoric Star project engineered a rough-hewn strain of John-Carpenter-on-meth techno that makes you see stars as it launches you toward them. The Crystal Ark (with singer Viva Ruiz) make sleek, vocal-centric synth jams that balance Latin-inflected pop melodies with trippy textures. Russom's also the guy who built analog synthesizers for DFA groups LCD Soundsystem and Black Dice. All of this may prepare you for Russom's DJ set—or maybe not. He started one mix with a song by free-jazz saint Albert Ayler, so all bets could be off. With Naughty Wood, Bankie Phones, and Made Like a Tree. Electric Tea Garden, 9:30 pm, free before 11 pm/$10 after, 21+.
A BREEZY BACCHANAL WITH CLASSIXX AND THE MIRACLES CLUB
Young LA dudes Classixx have nailed that breezy, glossy, carefree, electro-pop sound that makes you feel tipsy and yacht-bound, no matter the weather. It's all too well-scrubbed and frictionless for your columnist, but there's no denying that Classixx excel at what they do. Portland's the Miracles Club add a much more bacchanalian swing to dance music. Inspired by New York's late-'80s/early-'90s voguing scene and hedonistic house music from several eras, they conjure some of the most perma-grin-inducing grooves in the underground. Honey Owens's dulcet diva coos are the frosting on this flamboyant, body-moving cake. The Miracles Club's mood-elevating capabilities are instant and thorough. With the Tempers. Neumos, 8 pm, $12 adv, 21+.
