THE FUN POLICE

>>> Thursday, Sept. 2

The Fun Police, it must be said, are one of those workhorse local bands that absolutely fucking bring it. They treat each venue the same, making sure the crowd leaves dazed, a ringing in their ears and smiles on their faces - because they've just seen a show. Through a dizzying mesh of styles including Celtic rock, punk, and reggae, the Fun Police have created a sound all their own. Thursday, the band joins a bill including James Hunnicutt and I Defy at Hell's Kitchen. It's a benefit, which makes it all the more worthy; plus Thursday is the new Friday anyway. Benefit or not (and it is) bands like the Fun Police and I Defy will always welcome you with open arms - as long as you've still got a free hand to hold your beer. Expect and eclectic, memorable night. - Weekly Volcano

[Hell's Kitchen, with I Defy, James Hunnicutt, 9 p.m., $5 suggested donations, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

SOFISTOKITS

>>> Saturday, Sept. 4

What do we know about South Sound band the Sofistokits? No more than is necessary. The Sofistokits trudge in marshy, blues-laden hard rock bogs and rarely take their rock shoes off upon coming inside. Comprised of Dennis Byers, Justin McIntyre, Andrew Hilton and Dick Midnyte, the Sofistokits are a band well suited for the cheap beer fueled stage of O'Malley's in Tacoma - which is a good thing, considering that's exactly where the band will be plugging in Saturday night. They're not royalty. They're not the punch line to a raunchy Gilbert Gottfried or Bob Saget joke. And they're not much for spelling. They're the Sofistokits! If you like an unpretentious good time, this band's for you. - Bobble Tiki

[O'Malley's Irish Pub, with Hi-Fi Reset, 9 p.m., no cover, 2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253. 383.3144]

RHOMBUS

>>> Monday, Sept. 6

Rhombus is a punk band with absurdist tendencies. They have a hard-bitten sound that mixes with silliness in a way that reminds me of early Ween, when every heavy metal anthem was tempered with some under-the-counter chemical to form a queasy mélange. I watched a video of Rhombus live performing the State Farm Insurance jingle, and the perversity of the sing-along it inspired and the death metal it morphs into reminded me - once again - of Ween's ill-fated Pizza Hut jingle. It seems to me that Rhombus, an all-girl band, strives to really deliver an experience at their performances. Also featured in the video was some sort of flashing Minotaur with a pair of crash cymbals walking around the crowd. You know you want to see this. - Rev. Adam McKinney

[The Den @ urbanXchange, 8 p.m., Cover TBA, 1932 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.722.9987]

WOOLLY BANDITS

>>> Thursday, Sept. 9

If you like a show - and I mean a real, live, going to leave you talking about it for days show - you're going to dig the Woolly Bandits. Sure, the Bandits have the '60s inspired, go-go boot clad, garage rock ethos down pat - but there's more to this band than just sound. The Woolly Bandits are a full package - sonic vibrations and coolly crafted image, shaggy haircuts and style to spare. Led by bass player Rik Collins - whose amazingly talented and captivating wife, Christa, takes the roll of Nancy Sinatra eat your heart out, vocal dynamo for the band - the Woolly Bandits are Tiki lounge cool mixed with rock ‘n' roll punch. Originally a backing band for underground rock legend Sky Saxon of "the Seeds" fame, the Woolly Bandits have been shaped by the style of rock 'n' roll past, but are very much a creature of rock 'n' roll present. - Matt Driscoll

[The New Frontier Lounge, with the Dignitaries, Laundronauts, 9 p.m., cover TBA, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]