[ELECTRO-ROCK] + FRI, NOV. 22

Mirrorgloss is a very new band, having only played a handful of shows thus far. Even still, their sound is so clearly drawn out and natural, so well-defined and - the best part - relatively novel for Tacoma. With the exception of a couple bands, like Death by Stars, there isn't much in the way of electro-rock to be found in these parts. Made up of singers Del Brown and Najamoniq Todd, guitarist Danny Kenny and drummer Bryan Robertson, Mirrorgloss is a dance-rock band in the vein of LCD Soundsystem. They find solid grooves and have the good sense to sit in them and let them stretch out until they settle nice and deep into your bones. Their secret weapon is their guitarist, who nimbly does yeoman's work of filling in the gaps between preprogrammed beats and the live drumming, stealthily sewing everything neatly together. {REV. ADAM MCKINNEY}

MIRRORGLOSS, w/ the Pecos, I Like Science and the Spins, 8 p.m., Medi's Pizza, 2710 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, no cover, 253.272.2531

[ACOUSTIC BALLADS] + FRI, NOV. 22

To stand out as a man with an acoustic guitar takes some doing, as anyone who's been to a coffeehouse open mic can attest. Gabriel Wolfchild makes unapologetically somber music that somehow avoids the pitfall of maudlin naval-gazing. Gabriel Wolfchild's voice is clear and steady, devoid both of showboating and of ponderous whisper-singing. His collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Maesyn only enriched the quality of his songwriting. Maesyn's contribution of violin and harmony on their album, A Cry to the Moon, expands and enlivens the proceedings, freeing it from the solo singer-songwriter palate and transporting it into a world of folk that extends to world music, blues and Tom Waits-indebted balladeering. What mostly stands out about Gabriel Wolfchild is his storytelling. Each of his songs unfolds in ways that validate their sparse surroundings. {REV AM}

GABRIEL WOLFCHILD, w/ Bitches in the Beehive, Noodlebird and the Celestials, 7 p.m., Northern, 414 ½ Legion Way, Olympia, $5, olympiaallages.org

[ROCK] + SAT, NOV. 23

This is going to be one hell of a party. First, the stars of the night, we have buttrockers Hellbelly (think a more melodic Helmet) with their much-awaited CD release. After just one year together, local rock veterans Eric Breding, Brian Sparhawk, Tommy Byrnes and Ryan Mungia have pulled a solid set for Life of the Party, released on Vital Records. Which leads us to the second reason to celebrate Saturday: Vital Records, Olympia's new record label - community supported and artist run. "I'm hoping people who attend the show realize the Olympia music scene is alive and kicking and brimming with talent," says Vital Records founder Jim Porter. "All three bands at the release party are top notch." Which brings us to the third reason you need to attend this party: The rest of the bill. The Hardway and Full Moon Radio have received tons of love from the Volcano. And we would never steer you wrong. {NIKKI MCCOY}

HELLBELLY CD RELEASE PARTY w/The Hardway and Full Moon Radio, 9 p.m. McCoy's Tavern, 418 Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.352.0696

[RAP] + SAT, NOV. 23

"His life plays out like an episode of VH1's Behind The Music," states the promo flier describing punk-rock/rap underground icon Mickey Avalon. Avalon, who will be in Tac-town Saturday to rock for the party people at Jazzbones, is a true rock star.  Admittedly dabbling in the galaxies of drugs, sexual experimentation, prostitution and other counterculture elements, Avalon possesses a unique attraction that has kept his fans and supporters clamoring for more, especially since his career has been a one-off show due to his past wranglings. He was released from an undesirable record deal with Interscope, which prevented the release of music the way he wanted it released. Avalon is making a return to the Northwest, having once lived in Portland where he survived the plague of heroin addiction and his foray into prostitution to feed his habit. Today, he's a self-proclaimed changed man, an adored Sagittarius (Dec. 3) rhymespitter who has seen much and is not hesitant to share his experience - candidly, courageously and creatively - with the world. If you need a little sweat, sex and sintertainment in your life, catch Avalon in Tacoma Saturday. {JOSE S. GUTIERREZ JR.}

MICKEY AVALON, w/The Fame Riot, Dan Valdes and DeeJay Pedro, 8p.m., Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, $19.99, 253.396.9169