THEE SAMEDI, VEX, ORANGE KING, DRUG PROBLEM, BAD NOIDS
Orange King might not have taken their name from the U-District burger/teriyaki joint, but damn if they don't both overpower your senses with their heavy amalgamations. With the band, you get a potent serving of noise rock that's brought to life with droning guitars, walloping drums, and sprightly experimental flourishes. The vocals often emerge as withdrawn, but can quickly take you by the ears with some emotive, high-pitched screams. Whereas Orange King the restaurant has been ubiquitous for generations of Ave denizens, Orange King the band is only just now drawing attention. They'll be celebrating the release of their new EP tonight. Elsewhere on this bill you will find Thee Samedi, young masters of rickety bayou freak jams, alongside the caterwauling Oly punks Vex, and two mind-altering bands from Cleveland: Drug Problem and Bad Noids. Hollow Earth Radio, 9 pm, $5–$7.
KEVIN DEVINE AND THE GODDAMN BAND, NOW, NOW, HARRISON HUDSON
On the night of November 6, 2012, election results gave way to partying in the streets of Seattle, as President Obama won a second term, and both marijuana and same-sex marriage became legal in Washington State. Almost a year later, you will be hard-pressed to find anything in politics worth celebrating, but a punk troubadour like Kevin Devine is well-suited for this moment. With two new Kickstarter-backed albums out this month, Bulldozer and Bubblegum, Devine can sound sweet even as he sings turbulent songs of strife. Wounded and barbed lyrics often give way to emphatic choruses that are made for singing along to, with rollicking and zigzagging guitars that never let up. It's ideal music for digging in, honing your anger, and finding resolve in the most perilous times. Joining Devine and his Goddamn Band at the Vera Project tonight are Now, Now, a doleful pop band that sounds right at home on Chris Walla's Trans- label, and the slick Nashville alterna-crooner Harrison Hudson. Vera Project, 7:30 pm, $13/$12 with club card.