It's a new week, which means it's time for a new installment of Bobble Tiki's South Sound music news and notes column. Without further ado, let's get rolling ...

Well, hot damn! It's good to be back.

Actually, that's not technically true. Bobble Tiki just kind of feels like that's something you're supposed to say - like he should express to coworkers or readers or the barista at Forza who always makes his coffee that he missed them while he was on va-cay, as though to suggest he actually has a heart of some sort, or perhaps simply had a really boring vacation.

Truth be told, if the powers that be at the Weekly Volcano would let Bobble Tiki go on permanent vacation, and still draw a paycheck big enough to support the lifestyle he's grown accustomed to and a moderate boxed wine addiction, he would take that deal in a heartbeat. Every day could start with a bloody Mary (that doesn't need to be hidden) for the rest of Bobble Tiki's life ... Ah, that's nice to think about.

*Cartoon crash noise signifying Bobble Tiki snapping back to reality

Alas, that aint going to happen - and Bobble Tiki is back from vacation this week whether you, he, or anyone else likes it.

In that spirit, let's move on to the kind of thing the Volcano - at least in theory - actually pays Bobble Tiki for: words about music.

Tuesday night shows in a town far from home are the kind of thing that can forever bond a band or tear the heart out of it. With the Bay Area's Tigon, set to embark on a tour of the Northwest today, and hit the New Frontier in Tacoma by next Tuesday, Dec. 7, there's no fear of the latter. Question this band's heart, and Bobble Tiki assumes you'll get your teeth knocked in - at least sonically. Bobble Tiki has read a lot of things from a lot of people on Tigon, taking in a lot of nerdy, over-zealous, rock-journalist descriptions of the band in the process - usually centering around some sort of Botch reference, some use of the word "chaotic," some use of the word "intricate," and a near certain reference to "emo," sometimes even with a D.C. thrown in front to show off.

To Bobble Tiki, quite simply, Tigon sounds like a fucking warzone of screams and pent up fury - like you're hunching behind cover in the midst of some real explosive Steven Spielberg shit with things coming at you from all directions. Instruments join and separate at a moment's notice, working together to set you up only to combust in 87 directions and pick you apart with an assassin's precision. In your bunker, pale but well nourished, is some kid constantly yelling at you, and there's a lot of pain in that voice. The tempo is exhausting. You emerge jolted - whether Tigon and the band's jarring sound is your bag or not.

As Bobble Tiki said, Tigon will be at the New Frontier in Tacoma next Tuesday. Show a band from out of town some love if you get a chance. By the sounds of it, these guys work hard for their money.

Check it ...

BOBBLE TIKI'S NOT-SO-UNDER-THE-RADAR SHOW OF THE WEEK >>>

OK, OK, so what if the Rev. Adam McKinney already offered a few kind words about the Riffbrokers, part of Saturday's Christmas themed throwdown at the New Frontier? What if we've already written about the Dignitaries until our fingers got tired, and spilled enough ink about Tacoma's iconic Girl Trouble to fill Kahuna's bathtub? Bobble Tiki cares not. When Christmas is in the air, and Girl Trouble is on the bill, the recipe is right for partying - exactly the reason Bobble Tiki wholeheartedly endorses Saturday's show at the New Frontier as this week's Not-So-Under-The-Radar Show of the Week.