>>> Saturday, April 13

WILD MOTH

The formula of "loud-quiet-loud," as formalized by the Pixies and popularized by bands like Nirvana, is a deceptively simple, yet frequently engrossing, way of assembling songs. These frantic bursts of noise that encapsulate stretches of gentle reflection - it's a hell of a way to demand attention from a listener. While Wild Moth don't strictly keep to this format, their music similarly has a way of sneaking up on you, of faking you out. The title track of their Mourning Glow EP lulls you in with its sludgy, slash-and-burn guitar heroics before suddenly, at mid-point, shifting to a kind of anthemic, post-punk racer. It's a warning shot, a signal to those listening that they shouldn't get too comfortable. While a general gloominess hangs over Wild Moth, the insistent melodicism of the guitars never lets the songs fall too deeply into melancholy. - Rev. Adam McKinney

NORTHERN, W/ THE EXQUISITES, NAOMI PUNK, CLAYFACE, 8:30 P.M., $5, 414 ½ LEGION WAY, OLYMPIA

>>> Saturday, April 13

ANUHEA

Have you ever listened to the radio while visiting Hawaii? There's usually one classic rock station and the other dozen or so stations are "Island" music. Soulful, groovy and lyrically lovely, with songs of sunsets and lovers, Hawaiian radio stations compliment and create the vibe of the tropics.

You can bet those stations are playing the Hawaiian-born Anuhea, who's sweet voice and reggae rap background have brought her to the no. 1 spot for Hawaiian female artist. 

With the simplicity of song, Anuhea can transport the magic of the islands to your desk, car, or as in Saturday's case, at Jazzbones in Tacoma.

After selling out her last three shows in the area, Anuhea is coming back to Tacoma, this time on her first headline tour. As an up and coming artist, she has managed to sell more than 500,000 digital downloads and more than 100,000 physical albums without major label sponsorship. 

From hype about the show, "Fluent in Hawaiian and skilled on the ukulele, Anuhea is proud of her island roots and plans to honoring her heritage by utilizing her growing fame for the good of her land and people. Anuhea also enjoys the distinction of being specifically requested to perform for His Holiness, the Dalai Lama."

Damn girl, you know how to get the South Sound interested. - Nikki McCoy

JAZZBONES, W/JUSTIN YOUNG, 8 P.M., $16, 2803 SIXTH AVE., TACOMA, 253.396.9169

>>> Sunday, April 14

SADIE AND THE BLUE-EYED DEVILS

With all of these new bands turning their eyes backward in time, it becomes something of a wash to find unique voices amongst the nostalgia. For Sadie and the Blue-Eyed Devils - an act that specializes in reviving the sounds of Dust Bowl-era music - the charm comes from the playfulness with which they approach their music (as displayed by their frequent utilizing of a kazoo), and the elasticity in the voice of frontwoman Sarah Coultas. Her effortless vocals lighten up the already sprightly proceedings of the Blue-Eyed Devils. In addition to the folk, bluegrass, and country trappings that come with this musical era, Sadie and the gang incorporate elements of less-frequent touchstones like ragtime and bossa nova. All of this, and the utter professionalism and musicality of the band, adds up for an experience that transcends revivalism. - Rev. AM

LE VOYEUR, 10 P.M., NO COVER, 404 E. FOURTH AVE, OLYMPIA, 360.943.5710

>>> Tuesday, April 16

CUSSES

Receiving a lot of hype and mostly deserving it, Savannah's Cusses dual-twist punk angst/frenzy and down and dirty southern rock like rosy, freshly-pierce nipples. Born star Angel Bond belts it and struts like product of a Siouxsie Sioux/Karen O/Mick Jagger three-way. This is a festival band, folks. Their explosive, crushing riffs and powerful, fiery vocals will knock the New Frontier sign off the wall Tuesday. The real stunner will be when Bond kicks the sign hitting the kid with tight pants in the front row ... and he won't take his eyes off her for a second. - Ron Swarner

THE NEW FRONTIER LOUNGE, 9 P.M., 301 E. 25TH ST., TACOMA, 253.572.4020